Killer Women Crime Writing Festival 2016
Saturday 15th October 2016 • Shoreditch Town Hall, London EC1
Headliners: Mark Billingham · Ann Cleeves · Martina Cole · Val McDermid
Event Summary
On a crisp autumn Saturday in October 2016, over 300 crime fiction fans and aspiring writers descended on the atmospheric Shoreditch Town Hall in east London for the inaugural Killer Women Crime Writing Festival. The sold-out event brought together some of the biggest names in British crime writing for a day of panels, masterclasses, debates, and a healthy dose of fictional murder.
The festival was headlined by four titans of the genre: Mark Billingham, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, and Val McDermid — collectively responsible for tens of millions of books sold worldwide and some of the most acclaimed crime series in the English language.
Tickets were priced at £75 and the event sold out well in advance, testament to the growing appetite for live crime writing events and the strength of the Killer Women community.
Programme Highlights
Victorian Crime to Modern Forensics
A sweeping panel that traced the evolution of crime fiction from the gaslit streets of Victorian London to the DNA labs of the 21st century. Panellists explored how advances in forensic science have reshaped the way crime writers plot their novels, and asked whether modern technology has made it harder—or easier—to write a convincing whodunit.
Modern Forensic Psychology
A deep dive into the criminal mind led by authors and practising psychologists. The panel examined how crime writers research and portray psychopathy, trauma, and motive, and the ethical responsibilities that come with fictional depictions of real psychological conditions.
How to Solve a Murder
One of the festival’s most popular sessions featured real-life detectives sharing case insights and investigative procedures. Attendees gained first-hand knowledge of crime scene protocols, evidence handling, and the painstaking work that goes into solving serious crimes—invaluable material for anyone writing in the genre.
Masterclasses
Intimate workshops led by Killer Women authors, editors, and literary agents gave aspiring writers the chance to hone their craft. Sessions covered plotting, creating compelling characters, writing dialogue that crackles, and the realities of getting published in an increasingly competitive market.
The Murder Mystery
No crime festival would be complete without a body. An exclusive interactive murder mystery ran throughout the day, challenging attendees to piece together clues hidden across the venue. Prizes were awarded to the sharpest amateur sleuths.
Headline Conversations
The festival’s centrepiece was a series of in-conversation sessions with the four headliners. Mark Billingham had the audience in stitches with behind-the-scenes stories from his Tom Thorne series. Ann Cleeves revealed how the Northumberland landscape shapes her Vera Stanhope novels. Martina Cole spoke frankly about writing working-class crime and the realities behind her fiction. Val McDermid delivered a masterclass in Nordic and Scottish noir, drawing on decades at the top of the genre.
Killer Women Cocktails
The festival bar served specially created Killer Women cocktails throughout the day. Each drink was inspired by a classic crime novel, with names like “The Arsenic Sour” and “Alibi on the Rocks.” The bar became a buzzing social hub between sessions, where readers, writers, agents, and editors mingled freely.
Debut Spotlight
A dedicated session shone a light on debut crime authors, giving emerging talent the chance to read from their work and discuss the journey from first draft to publication. Several of the 2016 debuts went on to become bestsellers, making this panel a prescient glimpse at the future of the genre.
Community Spirit
Beyond the programme, the festival was defined by the warmth and generosity of the crime writing community. Established authors made time for aspiring writers. Readers queued for signings that ran well over schedule. The day proved that crime fiction fans are among the most engaged and enthusiastic in publishing.
Looking Back
The Killer Women Crime Writing Festival 2016 was a landmark moment for the collective. It demonstrated that there was a real hunger for a crime writing festival that put women crime writers centre stage, while welcoming allies and champions of the genre regardless of gender.
The festival attracted coverage from national press and crime fiction media, and the social media buzz on the day trended in London. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as the best crime event they had ever attended.
The 2016 festival set the template for how Killer Women approaches live events: expert panels, intimate masterclasses, a dash of theatrical fun, and above all, a genuine love of crime fiction that connects readers and writers in meaningful ways.
Event Details
| Date | Saturday 15th October 2016 |
| Venue | Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT |
| Headliners | Mark Billingham, Ann Cleeves, Martina Cole, Val McDermid |
| Ticket Price | £75 |
| Status | Sold Out |