Welcome to the Main Hall
The Main Hall programme brings together some of the most exciting voices in contemporary crime, and thriller writing. Across the day, audiences will enjoy lively panel discussions, deep dives into craft, and a special headline In Conversation event.
Main Hall Programme
09:00 – 10:00 Whodunnit for a New Era
A discussion on how classic puzzle mysteries are being reinvented for modern readers, blending traditional sleuthing with bold narrative experimentation.
10:15 – 11:15 From Page to Screen: Bringing Crime Fiction to Life
Exploring adaptation, collaboration, and what happens when crime stories move from the page to television and film.
11:30 – 12:30 Crimes of the Past: Writing Historical Mystery
How writers bring past worlds to life while crafting compelling mysteries rooted in real history.
13:15 – 14:15 Murder by the Sea: Crime With a Coastal Setting
A celebration of seaside settings, coastal noir, and why the edge of land and sea makes such fertile ground for crime fiction.
14:30 – 15:30 Inside the Mind: Psychology in Crime and Thrillers
A deep dive into motivation, manipulation, and the darker corners of the human psyche.
15:45 – 16:45 Killer Instincts: The Art of the Thriller
Fast-paced plotting, high stakes, and what keeps readers turning pages long into the night.
17:00 – 18:00 In Conversation with Lucy Clarke
A headline, in-depth conversation with a major figure in crime fiction, followed by audience Q&A.
Tickets & Access
Your Main Hall access is included with a valid Coastal Crime ticket.
We recommend booking early to secure your place and keep up with updates on sessions as they’re confirmed.
