MURDER, mystery and mayhem is under the microscope and the challenge has been thrown down to the public to help decide the winners of one of the worlds best known crime writing competitions run by North Yorkshire brewers Theakstons.

Over the past 17 years the globes most famous writers from J K Rowling to Steve Cavanagh and Ian Rankin have battled for the coveted title of winner of the Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Now readers are being asked to help come up with a shortlist of six from 18 writers competing for the prestigious award.

Executive director of Masham based brewers T&R Theakston, Simon Theakston, said: "The way the global obsession with the crime genre continues to grow year on year is simply astonishing and this year’s longlist proves the remarkable talent on offer from legends of the craft to eager-eyed newcomers.

"The shortlist is already too close to call so we encourage all to get voting. We are always so proud to support the biggest and best crime writing festival in the world. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the best of the best in crime to hear from world-renowned storytellers."

The competition is only open to full length crime novels published in paperback in the last year so the competition has gone through the whole of the pandemic. It's estimated despite the lockdown's and restrictions book sales have been stronger than since 2012, with over 200 million sold.

Harrogate International Festivals stage the event, chief executive Sharon Canavar said they are working overtime to ensure it can be held at the Old Swan Hotel from July 22 to 25.

She added: "Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has meant rules and regulations changing constantly we want to ensure the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival retains the iconic feel that has ensured its place as the most successful crime writing festival in the world." In the meantime they want members of the public to vote through www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com They will also be able to vote for the winner when the shortlist is announced in June.

Author Ian Rankin said: "After a year of once-in-a-lifetime challenges, I couldn’t be more excited to stage this celebration of all things crime."