DCI Banks author Peter Robinson books in to launch Hull Noir festival
PROLIFIC: Peter Robinson
Crime-writing giant Peter Robinson will open this year’s Hull Noir festival, organisers have announced.
The prolific novelist will launch the festival on March 19 in conversation with Hull’s Nick Quantrill, festival co-founder and author of the Joe Geraghty series.
Best known for his novels featuring Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks, Mr Robinson has established a reputation as one of the foremost crime writers of his generation. Set in the fictional North Yorkshire town of Eastvale, DCI Banks has made the transition to TV with Steven Tomkinson in the title role.
To celebrate the launch of his 27th Banks novel, Not Dark Yet, in which a murder uncovers links with the Albanian mafia, Mr Robinson will be talking to Mr Quantrill about the book, his approach to Banks, and how he manages to maintain the series’ uncompromising perspective on wider societal issues.
Mr Quantrill said: “We’re delighted to welcome Peter, one of the most celebrated crime authors of his generation, to Hull Noir.
“We can’t think of a better way to kick off the festival; expect lots of chat about ideas, process, and execution, and not necessarily the fictional kind.
“Our huge thanks also go to 360 Chartered Accountants for sponsoring the event.”
Other authors appearing across the festival on March 20 include Laura Shepherd Robinson, whose debut Blood & Sugar won the Debut Crown at the Historical Writers’ Awards; New York Times-bestselling author of The Whisper Man, Alex North; and Hull-born Ian McGuire, whose novel The North Water was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Nikki East, festival co-organiser and publisher, said: “This year will be different, but isn’t everything? We hope people will join us for a day of crime discussion and debate from the comfort of their homes around the world.”
Mr Robinson will be in conversation from 7pm on Friday, March 19, with tickets available from Sunday, February 21 along with the full festival line-up.
This year’s festival will be held online and is free, although donations are invited to support future events. Follow the Hull Noir Facebook and Twitter accounts (@HullNoir) for the latest information.