The longlist for the prestigious Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award has been revealed, showcasing a dynamic mix of established bestsellers and exciting new voices in crime fiction.
Now in its twenty-first year, the award is recognized as one of the UK’s most distinguished accolades for crime writing. The 2025 longlist, selected by an esteemed academy of journalists, critics, booksellers, bloggers, and industry insiders, features 18 titles that highlight a wide range of crime fiction subgenres, from psychological thrillers to courtroom dramas and historical mysteries.
Among the longlisted authors are three former winners: 2023 champion M.W. Craven, along with Chris Whitaker and Chris Brookmyre. Elly Griffiths, a fan favourite, appears for the tenth time, further solidifying her presence in the genre. This year’s list also sees six debutants, including Marie Tierney, whose debut novel Deadly Animals won the inaugural McDermid Debut Award in 2024.
The longlist represents the best of contemporary crime fiction, with stories that promise to engage readers through innovative storytelling and compelling narratives. From gritty, suspense-filled thrillers to imaginative dystopian mysteries, the titles on this year’s list ensure a thrilling ride for fans of the genre.
As the selection process moves forward, readers are encouraged to cast their votes for their favourite novels to secure a place on the shortlist. The winner will be announced at the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, held in Harrogate on Thursday, July 17.
Full Longlist for Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2025 (in alphabetical order):
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The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre (Little, Brown Book Group, Sphere)
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Our Holiday by Louise Candlish (HarperCollins, HQ Fiction)
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A Stranger in the Family by Jane Casey (HarperFiction, Hemlock Press)
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The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven (Little, Brown Book Group, Constable)
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The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas (Penguin Michael Joseph)
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The Last Word by Elly Griffiths (Quercus Books, Quercus Fiction)
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Estella’s Revenge by Barbara Havelocke (Hera Books)
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Redemption by Jack Jordan (Simon & Schuster UK)
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The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd (Pan Macmillan, Pan Fiction)
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Finding Sophie by Imran Mahmood (Bloomsbury Publishing, Raven Books)
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The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini (Cornerstone, Century)
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The Kill List by Nadine Matheson (HarperCollins, HQ Fiction)
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Hunted by Abir Mukherjee (Vintage; Harvill Secker)
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Blood Like Mine by Stuart Neville (Simon & Schuster UK)
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To Die in June by Alan Parks (Canongate)
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Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (Bonnier Books, Zaffre)
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The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton (Bloomsbury Publishing, Raven Books)
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All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (Orion, Orion Fiction)
The 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year promises to be a fierce competition, with thrilling narratives that are sure to captivate both dedicated crime fiction fans and new readers alike.
