The longlist for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award has been announced, featuring 18 titles. Five of the nominated authors are former winners, while six receive their first-ever longlist nomination. The award, now in its 22nd year, is sponsored by T&R Theakston and supported by the Daily Express.
The longlist includes works from bestselling authors such as Mark Billingham, a two-time champion, and Alice Feeney, who earns her first nomination. Other notable names include Mick Herron, Denise Mina, Belinda Bauer, and Jo Callaghan, all previous winners. First-time nominees include A.A. Dhand and Feeney, both of whom have successful TV adaptations.
The selection spans diverse crime fiction subgenres, from gangland Yorkshire to a haunted Dartmoor country house, wartime Glasgow to a remote Scottish island. Investigators range from the world's first AI detective to a time-travelling cold case sleuth. The winner will be announced on 23 July at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.
Public voting opens today, with a shortlist of six titles to be revealed on 18 June. The winning author will receive £3,000 and a handcrafted beer barrel. Simon Theakston, Chairman of T&R Theakston, praised the longlist for championing both established and emerging talent.
