CrimeFest to link with the Times
27.10.09 Katie Allen reporting in The Bookseller

The Times is to become the media partner for Crimefest in 2010, and will again provide press coverage for the Crime Writers Association (CWA) Dagger awards.Crimefest is to take place from 20th—23rd May 2010, and the newspaper will carry a feature on the Bristol-based event in March. Following CrimeFest, the Times will also review the winners of its Sounds of Crime Awards for best abridged and unabridged crime audiobooks, sponsored by Audible.

The convention will also host the announcement of the CWA Dagger shortlists, and on 22nd May, the Times will again cover the shortlists, with reviewer Marcel Berlins supplying a a round-up of his favourites from the CWA Dagger in the Library, International, Non-Fiction, Short Story, and Debut Daggers.

Margaret Murphy, chair of the CWA said, "Good writing isn't limited to those fortunate few who win awards: the CWA judges are known for discovering exceptional writers who might otherwise have been overlooked. It is with particular pleasure therefore, that we have accepted CrimeFest's generous offer to celebrate the work of the shortlisted authors.

Blackwell will be the CrimeFest bookseller. Gyles Brandreth is to take the role of Toastmaster at next year's Gala Dinner, with authors Colin Dexter, Ann Cleeves, John Curran and Laura Wilson lined up to take part.