The full line-up of one of the biggest celebrations of crime writing was unveiled at an exclusive London launch party.

The event was hosted by Lee Child, the programming chair of the 2018 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and author of the global bestselling Jack Reacher series.

Among the authors appearing at this year’s festival are Linwood Barclay, Denise Mina, Sophie Hannah, Nicci French, and festival co-founder Val McDermid, who will be in conversation with Professor Dame Sue Black, director of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at Dundee University.

McDermid’s annual New Blood panel, one of the most anticipated events in publishing, will showcase four hand-picked debut authors: Stuart Turton, Dervla McTiernan, CJ Tudor and Will Dean.

Lee Child said: ‘I’ve been to all the festivals in the world and Harrogate is by far my favourite, so it’s a joy to be 2018’s chair.

‘For authors, it’s a chance to hang out and socialise in beautiful Harrogate, and more crucially we get to meet the most important people – our readers.

‘This festival also has such warmth and camaraderie – it’s the most fun book event out there.’

Harrogate International Festivals delivers the crime writing festival held each year at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.

The festival takes place July 19th-22nd at The Old Swan Hotel. Tickets for all events are available from the box office on 01423 562303 and online at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com