Debut novels knock heavyweights from crime shortlist
01.07.10 | Katie Allen in The Bookseller

Debut novels by Elly Griffiths and Tom Rob Smith have knocked off heavyweights including Martina Cole and Val McDermid from the shortlist for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Griffiths and Smith will have to battle against seasoned writers such as Peter James, Ian Rankin and Mark Billingham for the prize; the shortlist was the result of a public vote, with the winner decided by the public plus a judging panel.

Reginald Hill, whose novels were made into the 'Dalziel and Pascoe' TV series, has been awarded the inaugural Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution to Crime Fiction Award. Hill will receive his accolade alongside the winner of the £3,000 prize on 22nd July at the annual crime-writing festival, with radio presenter Mark Lawson hosting.

The shortlist in full:

In the Dark by Mark Billingham (Little, Brown)

The Surrogate by Tania Carver (Little, Brown)

A Simple Act of Violence by R J Ellory (Orion)

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (Quercus)

Dead Tomorrow by Peter James (Pan Books)

Gallows Lane by Brian McGilloway (Pan Macmillan)

Doors Open by Ian Rankin (Orion)

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Simon & Schuster)