News

'A Simple Act of Violence' wins Theakstons Crime Novel Award!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to R.J. Ellory who has received one of the most prestigious awards in crime writing. His novel A Simple Act of Violence scooped this year’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award, announced 22 July at the opening night party of the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

Beating off stiff competition from a shortlist that included genre giants Ian Rankin, Peter James and Mark Billingham, R.J. Ellory also beat a number of longlisted heavy-weights from the cream of Britain’s crime writers including Val McDermid, Martina Cole and Peter Robinson.

Now in its sixth year, the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award was created to celebrate the very best in crime writing, and is open to British and Irish authors whose novels were published in paperback in 2009.

Ellory, who was presented the prize by broadcaster Mark Lawson, was completely stunned upon hearing the news: “I don’t think anyone not in my shoes can understand the definition of speechless. I am utterly speechless. This has really taken me aback. I feel acknowledged for doing something different. Thank you, I’m grateful beyond words.”

The judging panel, which included Jenni Murray, BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and author; John Dugdale, Guardian Associate Media Editor; Natalie Haynes, comedian and journalist; Simon Theakston, Executive Director of T&R Theakston Ltd; and a public online vote that represented a 20% share of the all-new judging process, was very impressed by Ellory’s novel. Simon Theakston, said:

“The standard of the shortlist was particularly high this year and our decision was a tough one. However, R.J. Ellory’s A Simple Act of Violence is a most impressive, fascinating and surprising book and a worthy winner of this year’s Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. A fast-paced thriller, each page seems to bring about a new twist and take you deeper into a world that could only have come from a true master of crime fiction. ”

'A Simple Act of Violence' reaches Shortlist!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First and foremost, I want to say a huge 'Thank you!' for voting for 'A Simple Act of Violence' for the Theakston's Award 2010. Well, the good news is that the book has been shortlisted. The second stage of voting is now open. The final decision will be determined twenty percent by public vote (again - sorry!), and the other eighty percent of the vote will be cast by the Theakston's Judging Panel. You can vote for the winning title on the following link:

http://www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/award/vote/

"A Simple Act of Violence" Longlisted for Major Accolade

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Simple Act of Violence has been longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. The award, now in its 6th year is largely voted for by the public and is now considered a major accolade in the crime-writing field

As of Friday 21st May, the public will have three weeks to vote for their favourite title at www.theakstons.co.uk, and the result of this vote will determine the eight titles that make it onto the shortlist.

"The Anniversary Man" Trailer

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT