Local libraries set to get the nation reading crime this June 2023

Libraries NI has announced a series of events to mark National Crime Reading Month which takes place in June.

Bangor Carnegie, Lisburn Road, Antrim and Carrickfergus libraries will be hosting renowned local authors during Crime Conversation events to celebrate, talk and delve into the popular and bestselling genre.

On Monday 5 June from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Bangor Carnegie Library, local author Simon Maltman will interview The Godfather of NI crime fiction, Colin Bateman.

On Wednesday 7 June from 6:45pm to 7.45pm in Lisburn Road Library, local crime writer James Murphy will be discussing gender representations in crime fiction with author and researcher Sharon Dempsey.

On Thursday 8 June from 6:45pm to 7.45pm in Carrickfergus Library James Murphy chats to local writers Linda Hagan and Philip Jordan as they talk about the new wave of crime fiction set in Northern Ireland.

James will also make an appearance at Antrim Library on Tuesday 13 June from 6.45pm to 7:45pm when he will talk about ‘All Things Crime’, including readings from his yet to be released psychological thriller set in and around Antrim’s Castle Gardens.

Simon Maltman will then be back in Bangor Carnegie Library on Thursday 15 June from 7:00pm to 8:30pm where he will have a writing discussion with fellow author Gerard Brennan. Simon and Gerard will then delight the audience with live music from their band The Fuzz Tones

National Crime Reading Month is an initiative developed and run by the Crime Writers' Association. Go to www.crimereading.com for more information.

All events are free to attend and booking is essential by contacting the relevant participating library.


Author Bios:

Simon Maltman, a crime fiction novelist and short story writer is author of acclaimed debut 'A Chaser on the Rocks.' He is also a T.V. writer, reviewer, musician and the lead guide for the crime tour, Belfast Noir. An established ‘Ulster Noir’ author, he also writes American-set high concept thrillers and is a member of the International Thriller Writers.

Colin Bateman is an acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, his many credits include, Divorcing Jack, Mystery Man, Murphy’s Law and The Journey. Colin’s films have been shown at festivals in Venice and Toronto and he is a recipient of a Doctor of Letters from The University of Ulster for services to literature.

James Murphy is a crime writing author from Belfast whose debut novel, the first in the Terror Trilogy, The Rise of Terror, was published in 2016 with the final book, Dark Light, being published in November 2020. James has since achieved Professional Membership Status with the Irish Writers Centre and teaches Crime Fiction Writing classes and is currently The Crime Writers Association Library Champion for Northern Ireland.

Sharon Dempsey is a crime writer, academic researcher and creative writing tutor based in Belfast. She has published five novels and three non-fiction books. The first in the series, Who took Eden Mulligan? was published in 2021. Sharon is currently undertaking a creative-critical PhD at Queen’s University, exploring the body as crime scene with reference to class and gender in crime fiction.

Gerard Brennan is the author of novels, novellas and short stories. A Spinetingler Award winner, he has released through a variety of publishers, including being the first author published by No Alibis Press. Gerard is also a musician, received an MA and PhD in creative writing from Queens University, and is a crime fiction focussed creative writing tutor.

The Fuzz Tones are a rock cover band including crime writers Gerard Brennan and Simon Maltman. They are also two of the contributors to the Alternative Ulster Noir local music inspired crime collection.

Linda Hagan lives in Carrickfergus and after a career of over 30 years in education and academia, retirement enabled her to pursue her love of crime fiction and her dream to write. One on-line course funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland later and she was ready to bring her characters to life. 

Philip Jordan had a successful career in the Security Industry for twenty years before transitioning into the Telecommunications Sector. During a period of furlough Phillip completed his debut crime thriller, CODE OF SILENCE, finding inspiration in the dark and tragic history of Northern Ireland but also in the black humor, relentless tenacity and the unbowed spirit of the people who call the flawed but fabulous city of his birth home.