It’s one of the most keenly anticipated literary contests in Scotland.
And now, the four finalists have been revealed for the McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year award in 2019.
The panel of judges, including Alison Flood, James Crawford and Stuart Cosgrove, have unveiled the finalists with the winner to be announced at the opening reception of Bloody Scotland in Stirling on September 20.
The contenders include Doug Johnstone who has a PhD in nuclear physics and moonlights as the manager and drummer for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, Manda Scott, who studied veterinary surgery before turning to crime writing, a former McIlvanney winner Denise Mina and half a former winner in the form of Ambrose Parry – aka husband and wife writing team Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman.
The winner will be awarded The McIlvanney Prize in memory of William McIlvanney at the opening reception and will lead a torchlight procession – open to the public – with David Baldacci on their way down to his event.
The award recognises excellence in Scottish crime writing, includes a prize of £1,000 and nationwide promotion in Waterstones.
The judges explained why every book made the final four:
Breakers – Doug Johnstone (Orenda)
“A tightly written and compelling exploration of two sides of Edinburgh, touching on social topics rarely examined in crime fiction. A brilliant and moving portrait of family dynamics and loyalty as a young boy struggles to break out of his powerlessness.”
A Treachery of Spies – Manda Scott (Bantam Press)
“A powerful, complex and remarkable espionage thriller: a present-day murder links back to Resistance France. An intricately plotted novel which keeps the reader guessing right to the end.”
Conviction – Denise Mina (Harvill Secker)
“A highly original and timely rollercoaster of a read, a caper which takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from central Glasgow to the Highlands, France and Italy. The novel fizzes with energy and brims over with a love of storytelling.”
The Way of All Flesh – Ambrose Parry (Canongate)
“Intensely and brilliantly researched piece of writing, casting back to 19th century Edinburgh when the art of surgery was just emerging at the same time as body snatchers were at large on the streets. Vivid, original, compelling, playful.”
This year’s judges are Alison Flood, books reporter for The Guardian and a former news reporter for The Bookseller; James Crawford, chair of Publishing Scotland and presenter of BBC series, Scotland from the Sky and Stuart Cosgrove, writer and broadcaster who was formerly a senior executive at Channel 4.
Previous winners are Liam McIlvanney with The Quaker in 2018, Denise Mina (The Long Drop, 2017), Chris Brookmyre (Black Widow, 2016), Craig Russell (The Ghosts of Altona, 2015), Peter May (Entry Island, 2014), Malcolm Mackay (How A Gunman Says Goodbye, 2013) and Charles Cumming (A Foreign Country, 2012).
