Authors sign up for Crime in the City

A HOST of well-known Scottish crime fiction authors are lining up to meet their fans at a series of free events across Edinburgh libraries next month.

Crime novels are the most borrowed books in Edinburgh City Libraries, with figures showing it accounted for 31 per cent of fiction books issued in Edinburgh City Libraries between April and September 2009.

The free Crime in the City events are open to all, with plenty of time for discussion and questions in a relaxed and informal setting.

Writers already signed up to take part for the March event include Karen Campbell, Aline Templeton and Caro Ramsay, whose novel Absolution was shortlisted for the 2008 CWA New Blood Dagger award.

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture leader, said:

"I know from my own experience that when you read a gripping crime novel, you often wonder how someone could have come up with such a complex – and sometimes grisly – plot, so this presents a great opportunity for crime fiction fans to meet and question some of their favourite authors in person."

Crime in the City events are jointly funded by the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature programme and Edinburgh City Libraries.