Local Libraries Set to Get the Nation Reading Crime in June 2024

To mark National Crime Reading Month in June, Ballyhackamore, Ballyclare, Chichester, Donaghadee, and Larne libraries will host free events featuring local authors. "The New Wave - Crime Writing in Northern Ireland" will celebrate, discuss, and delve into the world's most popular and bestselling genre.

The first event takes place in Ballyhackamore Library on Monday 10 June at 6:30pm, with local crime writers James Murphy and Linda Hagan discussing the new wave of crime fiction set in Northern Ireland. They will also appear at Ballyclare Library on Tuesday 18 June at 6:30pm.

James Murphy will join fellow local writer Phillip Jordan at Chichester Library on Thursday 20 June at 6:30 pm, Donaghadee Library on Thursday 27 June from 11:00am to 12 noon, and Larne Library on Thursday 27 June at 4:45pm.

"National Crime Reading Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the vibrant diversity of crime fiction in Northern Ireland. Our events, featuring local authors, will not only highlight their incredible talent but also engage the community in the thrilling world of crime literature," said Jillian McFrederick, Libraries NI Services Manager. "We are excited to bring together readers and writers to explore this dynamic genre."

About the Authors

James Murphy

James Murphy, a crime writer from Belfast, debuted with the first novel in his Terror Trilogy, The Rise of Terror, published in 2016, followed by Dark Light in November 2020. He has achieved Professional Membership Status with the Irish Writers Centre and teaches Crime Fiction Writing classes.

Linda Hagan

After a 30-year career in education and academia, Linda Hagan retired to pursue her passion for crime fiction, resulting in her DCI Gawn Girvin series set in Belfast and County Antrim. Her writing emphasizes a strong sense of place, inspired by her home in Carrickfergus, where she lives with her husband, Trevor, and rescue dog, Hope. A proud grandmother, Linda enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, watching rugby union and Formula One, and researching her family tree, which inspired the name for her central character.

Phillip Jordan

Born and raised in Belfast, Phillip Jordan drew inspiration from his city's tumultuous history and resilient spirit for his debut crime thriller, CODE OF SILENCE, and the subsequent BELFAST CRIME SERIES. After a successful 20-year career in the Security Industry and a transition to the Telecommunications Sector, Phillip completed his first novel during a period of furlough. An accomplished triathlete, he has competed in Olympic and Ironman events nationally and internationally. Phillip now lives on the County Down coast and is working on two new novel series.

National Crime Reading Month is an initiative developed and run by the Crime Writers' Association.
All library author events are free to attend, but booking is essential. Please contact the relevant participating library for full details and to book your place.