Former Express man in the running for crime award

Aug 23 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

A FORMER Paisley Daily Express journalist is among those shortlisted for the first-ever Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Book of the Year title.

Peter May, who worked the Paisley beat in the 1970s, has been recognised for The Lewis Man, part of a trilogy of smash hits penned by the writer who now lives in France.

The shortlist for the competition, which is being run in association with Waterstones, includes another five Scottish crime writers.

They are: Charles Cumming (A Foreign Country); Craig Russell (Dead Men & Broken Hearts); Denise Mina (Gods & Beasts); Philip Kerr (Prague Fatale) and Will Jordan (Redemption).

Journalist and former STV news presenter Sheena McDonald chairs the judging panel, alongside Waterstones’ crime fiction expert Ewan Wilson and Len Wanner, author of The Crime Interviews Vol 1, 2, 3.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, September 16, at Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s first International Crime Writing Festival, where the winner will be presented with a trophy and a cheque for £3,000.

Peter, 60, told the Express: “It’s flattering to be nominated for such a coveted award.”

Sheena McDonald added: “What we read encompassed a broad span of achievement, in terms of scope, character and plot.

“So I’m delighted to be able to say that crime writing in, about and from Scotland is in rude health – bloody rude health!

“The shortlist demonstrates that the respect and honour the crime genre has earned is entirely justified.”

This is the first award to recognise high standards in Scottish crime writing, the most popular genre amongst Scottish book buyers and library users.

The Bloody Scotland Festival – sponsored by leading international accountancy firm, Mazars – will feature 31 events and will take place between Friday, September 14, and Sunday, September 16.

With almost 50 bestselling authors participating, including Barrhead’s Christopher Brookmyre, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and William McIlvanney, the festival promises to be a bloody good affair.

A mix of workshops, meet the author sessions, seminars, debates and readings make up the three-day programme.

Bloody Scotland will take place in the Stirling Highland Hotel with headline events in the Albert Halls and masterclasses at the University of Stirling Campus.

Prices start at £7, with concessions available.

Visit www.BloodyScotland.com for more information or to book tickets.