Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Article Part 1:The Readers What is it about Crime fiction as a genre that turns us on?

Yesterday many of our most beloved crime writers spilled the beans on what they love about the crime fiction genre.  today it's the turn of you the reader to tell the world what turns you on about crime fiction... and we got some brilliant responses. Thank you to all who took the time to join in.

Why crime fiction turns me on as a reader.

My favourite response was this one from Kath Belton: 'Good Plot, complex characters, unexpected events all contribute to a good crime read.  Psychopaths are "fun" - aren't the Donald?'



Heather Malcolm: 'It's a safe dip into the deep end.'

Joanne & Heather Malcolm

Joanne 'Because the genre is anchored by a plot that provides a problem to solve, usually challenged by multiple twists.  it keeps you engaged and entertained until the end. You can't leave it for weeks and come back - you have to finish it.'

Cheryl Shorter: 'The twists and turns, light and dark, being shown small pieces that form the solution without you realising'

Carole Gourlay & Liz Mistry

Carole Gourley (Handbaglover) 'The grimmer the better!'

Joanne Craven& Sheila Quigley & me

Joanne Craven: 'Suspense, a great a great lead with a great team, likable characters, someone to root for, a bloody murder!'





Mia - 'I have read hundreds of crime novels and somehow they still manage to surprise me!!!'






Liz Kershaw: 'The puzzle, the settings, the total absorption in the plot.'

Catherine Xavier & Liz Kershaw

Catherine Xavier: 'It allows the writer/reader to explore human weakness and frailty and our dark side which we all have and may reveal itself in certain circumstances. 
Interest in crime = Interest in people