* SWANSEA UNIVERSITY DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE 2026 *

American Poet Sasha Debevec-Mckenney Wins World’s Largest Prize For Young Writers With
Joy Is My Middle Name

Swansea, 19:30 on Thursday 14 May 2026: Today, American poet
Sasha Debevec-McKenney has been announced as the winner of the world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize for young writers – the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize – for her debut collection
Joy Is My Middle Name. 

Chosen in a unanimous decision by this year’s judging panel,
Joy Is My Middle Name documents the journey of crawling through your twenties and emerging into your thirties, navigating sex, race, womanhood, addiction, sobriety, consumerism and pop culture. The judging panel praised Sasha for her energising, exuberant and robust collection, condensing huge ideas into something that is truly a joy to read. 

Irenosen Okojie, Chair of Judges, said on behalf of the panel: “Incredible. An exuberant, blistering collection full of life, humour and ideas. Debevec-McKenney is a ferociously gifted talent. The book is remarkable in the way it galvanises the reader with a sense of intimacy that is authentic and a voice that feels like an antidote to our tricky times.” 

Sasha Debevec-McKenney said: “I really love writing poems, it makes life worth living. Every emotion I’ve ever had, there’s a poem for it. To get this prize feels completely unbelievable. I’m really honoured.” 

Sasha Debevec-McKenney was awarded the £20,000 prize – which celebrates exceptional literary talent aged 39 or under – at a ceremony held in Swansea tonight, marking International Dylan Thomas Day. Joy Is My Middle Name, which was released in paperback on 3 July 2025, is published by Fitzcarraldo Editions. 

The prize is named after the Swansea-born writer Dylan Thomas and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity. The prize invokes Thomas’ memory to support the writers of today, nurture the talents of tomorrow, and celebrate international literary excellence in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama. 

The other titles shortlisted for the 2026 Prize were: To Rest Our Minds and Bodies by Harriet Armstrong (Les Fugitives); We Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill Brown (Chatto & Windus, Vintage); Under the Blue by Suzannah V. Evans (Bloomsbury Poetry); Open, Heaven by Seán Hewitt (Jonathan Cape, Vintage); and Borderline Fiction by Derek Owusu (Canongate). 

The 2026 Prize was judged by Irenosen Okojie, the award-winning Nigerian British author of Curandera, Butterfly Fish, Speak Gigantular and Nudibranch, along with: Joe Dunthorne, poet and novelist, whose debut Submarine, was translated into fifteen languages and made into an award-winning film; Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, poet, pacifist and fabulist; Prajwal Parajuly, author of The Gurkha’s Daughter: Stories and Land Where I Flee, a novel, whose work has been nominated for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize; and Eley Williams, acclaimed author of Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, whose work has been nominated for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize. 

Sasha Debevec-McKenney joins an astonishing list of writers to have been awarded this prestigious prize, including Yasmin Zaher, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Arinze Ifeakandu, Patricia Lockwood, Max Porter, Raven Leilani, Bryan Washington, Maggie Shipstead, Guy Gunaratne, and Kayo Chingonyi.

‘Villainous Saltpetre’ by Clifford Witting

Published by Galileo Publishers,
14 May 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-9175432-5 (PB)
Originally published 1962. 

Having had a diet of contemporary crime novels recently (all of which I have enjoyed, I may say), I confess it was a particular pleasure when our esteemed editor sent me this book. Given that it was first published in 1962 I suppose one is stretching a point to claim that it is a Golden Age story, but Witting’s first novel was published in 1937 so I have no hesitation in claiming ‘Villainous Saltpetre’ under this classification, particularly as it conforms to type. I have relished all Wittings that I have read. 

The novel’s prologue gets matters off to a good start by leading the reader up the garden path initially before arriving at an unexpected ending. Where does it fit into the story was my first reaction. Part I starts in 1930 when a struggling playwright, Guy Brangley, successfully and deliberately gains publicity after staging his own disappearance. He is soon tracked down to a privately-owned island off the coast of north Cornwall, some of whose small and close-knit population have French ancestry. In due course Brangley manages to buy the island and its singular clifftop castle. Time and World War II go by. Brangley’s career as a playwright declines. Twenty five years later his body is found in the sea with injuries consistent with falling from the castle. Part One finishes with a coroner’s court coming to a verdict and the memorable statement: ‘Eight good men and wrong.’ 

In Part II a film company comes to the island. Relationships between members of the cast and crew come under scrutiny, particularly after someone calling himself Brian Easter parachutes in. He claims to be working on a series for the BBC, but there are sufficient grounds to suspect that he may not be all that he seems. The original verdict on Brangley’s death looks increasingly unsound as a person who worked for the previous owner of the island, but who was sacked and replaced by Brangley, visits the island and further information comes to light. Boat trips and radio equipment feature. Part III, appropriately subtitled ‘The Third Act’ given that a playwright is involved, solves the various mysteries of identity, death and a missing, allegedly unfinished, play. 

This is a very enjoyable novel, even if not perhaps Witting’s best. Part II gets a little bogged down with the film and its cast and is perhaps overwritten, although it could just be my impatience. But Witting not at his absolute best is still better than many other writers. I enjoy his asides: ‘[Brangley] made it a provision in his will that Pengawnen Castle should remain in perpetuity as a monument to his genius (he did not put it like that, but it was what he meant)’ is typical. A few charming line drawings (one assumes from the original publication) by John Armstrong do much to enhance the appearance of this edition. I am delighted that Galileo is reissuing Witting’s 16 novels and look forward keenly to further releases.
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Reviewer: David Whittle

Clifford Witting (1907-1968) was born in Lewisham, England. He was educated at Eltham College, London, between 1916 and 1924. During World War II he served as a bombardier in the Royal Artillery, 1942-44, and as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1944-46. He married Ellen Marjorie Steward in 1934 and they had one daughter. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a clerk in Lloyds bank from 1924 to 1942. He was Honorary Editor of The Old Elthamian magazine, London. from 1947 up to his death. His first novel Murder in Blue was published in 1937 and his series characters were Sergeant (later Inspector) Peter Bradford and Inspector Harry Charlton. Unusually, he didn’t join The Detection Club until 1958 by which time he had written 12 detective novels. 

David Whittle is firstly a musician (he is an organist and was Director of Music at Leicester Grammar School for over 30 years) but has always enjoyed crime fiction. This led him to write a biography of the composer Bruce Montgomery who is better known to lovers of crime fiction as Edmund Crispin, about whom he gives talks now and then.

 

‘The Lottery Winner Widows Club’ by Elly Vine

Published by Wildfire,
26 March 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-0354-2850-2 (HB)

The main character in this funny and surreal novel is Paula who has just lost her husband in a car accident in Austria.  Two days after this tragic accident Paula discovers that she has won 21 million pounds on the Lottery (ticket bought by John her late husband).  Paula is struggling to come to terms with all that has happened to her when she is approached by a trio of women of various ages and types who are also Jackpot winners with dead husbands!  

They tell Paula that they understand what she is going through and clearly believe that Paula like them killed her husband.  Paula tries to convince them that she did not in fact kill her husband, but she finds it hard to resist their friendship and their lavish and thrilling worlds.  

Paula's jackpot win leads to difficulties with online trolls and loan sharks.  She also finds it difficult to relate to her two grown up children who can't really understand why Pauls does not appear unduly distraught by her husband's death.  

The novel leads us through some unbelievable but enticing events involving the group of unconventional friends who may or may not have murdered their husbands.  The friends help Paula come to terms with the emotional abuse she suffered for most of her marriage and allow her to reflect on how this has impacted on her life and her role as a mother.  

Although in many ways this appears to be a light-hearted novel there is in fact a really important message about the emotional and physical abuse many women experience in their marriages and how difficult is for them to acknowledge this abuse.  

I really enjoyed this book and was quite happy to suspend disbelief in much of the content simply because it is very well written and the author ensures the reader really cares about all the characters.  I'd love to hear more from this group of Lottery Widows!
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Reviewer: Toni Russell  

Elly Vine is the pseudonym of bestselling author Lucy Vine, who is a journalist and started working in magazines in 2005. Writing and editing for Cosmo, Stylist, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Look, The Mirror, The Sun, and The Telegraph. She also writes a weekly newsy column for Grazia Daily. Lucy lives in London. 

Toni Russell is a retired teacher who has lived in London all her life and loves the city.  She says, ‘I enjoy museums, galleries and the theatre but probably my favourite pastime is reading.  I found myself reading detective fiction almost for the first time during lockdown and have particularly enjoyed old fashioned detective fiction rather than the nordic noir variety.  She is a member of a book club at the local library and have previously attended literature classes at our local Adult Education Centre. 

Coming Soon: 'Murder at St Alfred's' by Julie Wassmer

 
Published by Constable

18 June 2026.

Book 11 in the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries.

For almost two centuries, St Alfred's Church in Whitstable, Kent, has held special significance in the lives of its parishioners - including for private detective, Pearl Nolan, owner of the Whitstable Pearl restaurant.

Pearl's son, Charlie, was christened in the church and her oyster fisherman father, Tommy Nolan, is buried in the old churchyard. Now, St Alfred's is about to play another part in Pearl's life as the setting for her wedding to Canterbury police detective, DCI Mike McGuire.

But two fateful events are about to threaten this happy occasion - the discovery of a body on hallowed ground and the return of a ghost from Pearl's own past.

Julie Wassmer is a television drama writer who contributed for almost twenty years to the popular BBC series EastEnders. She published her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence in 2010, in which she describes finding her long-lost daughter after an astonishing twist of fate. It was voted Mumsnet book of the year. The Whitstable Pearl Mystery was the first in her series of crime novels, involving multi-tasking private detective-come-restauranteur, Pearl Nolan. There are now eleven books in the series. Julie lives in Whitstable and is well known for her environmental campaigning. 

https://www.juliewassmer.com/ 

Caught Read Handed - Nation Invited to Take Part in National Crime Reading Month

June is the official month for (fictional)
murder and mayhem

Partners in crime, The Reading Agency and the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA), are plotting to get the nation reading.

Clues, crimes, and cliffhangers await this June as National Crime Reading Month (NCRM) ushers a month-long festival of reading, celebrating the UK’s obsession with crime fiction.

The month-long festival is hosted by the CWA in partnership with the national charity, The Reading Agency, with support from ambassadors, including bestselling authors Steve Cavanagh, Vaseem Khan, Robin Stevens, Victoria Selman and Penny Batchelor.

This June is set to be the biggest yet as it coincides with the Department of Education initiative, the National Year of Reading.

The CWA, founded in 1953, is one of the UK’s oldest associations designed to support, promote and celebrate the genre and its authors.

Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said:  "Crime fiction is the world's most popular and best-selling genre and for good reason. From police procedurals to psychological thrillers, historical mysteries to cosy crime, Nordic noir to the Deep South, small town to vast cities, there is truly something for everyone. These are the stories that have given us unforgettable characters, such as Jack Reacher and Vera Stanhope, and brought them to our screens. National Crime Reading Month celebrates the full, expansive world of crime fiction, welcoming readers of every age, lifelong crime readers and inviting new readers to discover why this genre endures. There has never been a better time to pick up a crime novel.”

Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Crime fiction is a powerful gateway into reading, bringing together compelling storytelling, rich characters and page-turning suspense. Its breadth and diversity mean there is something for everyone, helping more people discover the joy and benefits of reading. At The Reading Agency, we know that reading can change lives - supporting wellbeing, confidence and connection. Crime fiction has a unique ability to draw people in, and through NCRM we hope to inspire more readers across the UK to pick up a book and experience those benefits for themselves through events in libraries and communities nationwide.”

The Reading Agency’s research* shows just 53% of UK adults consider themselves to be regular readers. Almost half of adults (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, while one in three multitask while reading.

The charity’s State of the Nation’s Adult Reading report found reading had a profound impact on wellbeing:

Compared to non-readers, regular readers are 86% more likely to report feeling a sense of belonging to their community, 58% more likely to report feeling generally happy, 51% more likely to report finding it easy to relax and 45% more likely to report sleeping well.

They are also 35% more likely to say they don’t feel lonely and 32% more likely say they don’t feel anxious or depressed.

An official launch event for NCRM is hosted on 30 May in York with Noir at the Bar at All Saint’s Church, hosted by the independent bookshop, Criminally Good Books, and the CWA. Nine authors including will read extracts from their books, and the event will feature author signings and a book stand.

London-bound crime fiction fans can attend a panel at Capital Crime on 20 June: ‘If You Don’t Read, You Can’t Write’. It will be chaired by author and CWA co-ordinator, Heather Fitt, with last year’s winner of the CWA’s John Creasey First Novel Dagger, Katy Massey, and authors, Luca Veste and Erin Young.

There will also be an online launch at 7pm on 7 June, hosted by the writer Emma Christie in conversation with authors from across the crime fiction genre, supported by the CWA and the Reading Agency.

Up and down the country throughout June, readers can join author Q& sessions, book groups, and workshops in bookshops, local libraries, museums, theatres, as well as free, accessible online sessions.

For NCRM events, visit: Events - National Crime Reading Month  #pickupapageturner

For logos and images for press use: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jqn6r7h5swv7df96ktqo3/AOc5LilO4xxsNJ1q97RTLgU?rlkey=hrypcd98iax47fy4pt1302q6g&st=3td2ja3c&dl=0   

‘Agnes Sharp and the Wedding To Die For’ by Leonie Swann

Published by Allison & Busby,
7 April 2026.
ISBN: 978-0-74903398-9 (HB)

Agnes Sharp had decided that she didn’t want to live in a care home, So, she turned her home Sunset Hall into a house share for unruly geriatrics. 

The opening of our story finds Agnes with a cup of tea and a piece of cake contemplating the blank sheet of paper in front of her. During her life Agnes has dealt professionally with many murders, firstly with the police, and later privately in her spare time. But this the first time she has planned a murder. 

The sight of housemate Edwina lying lifeless on the floor with red fluid oozing out the corner of her mouth causes Charlie to drop the washing basket in fright at the horrific sight. Not to mention the sight of the blood-smeared garden shears. Charlie stuck her finger in the pool of blood on the floor, tomato ketchup she said. Edwina opened one eye, ‘It’s a surprise to cheer Agnes up. 

The other residents of Sunset Hall, Agnes, Winston, Marshall, the tortoise, Brexit the wolfhound, and Oberon, the house boa constrictor, were in the lounge trying to coax the smoky fire to be a fire. Charlie opened the door and dramatically announced Edwina’s dead. What again? Said Agnes. Stabbed in the utility room, said Charlie. Agnes struggled out of her chair. The house mates are aware that Agnes has not been herself since finding the verger hanging in the church bell tower a while back. But Agnes comes clean and says it’s not the verger, it’s this stupid wedding of their housemate, Bernadette

Bernadette was marrying her old flame, Jack. In Agnes’s opinion it was a holiday romance gone horribly wrong. But worse news was to come. The corner-shop owner’s daughter has done a runner with her riding instructor, which means that Foxhole Manor have a date free at short notice. The requirement is a minimum number of guests in order to use the champagne fountain. So, all they have to do is turn up in fourteen days with twenty guests. Twenty guests!! They don’t know twenty people to invite. The residents of Sunset House add up the list for the wedding, five house mates, one tortoise, a boa constrictor and Brexit the wolfhound.  Can they invite some distant acquaintances and even some strangers to attend?  As Jack’s previous career was as a hitman, he doesn’t have any former customers to invite. Then an anonymous letter arrives suggesting sabotage on their happy day.

There are plots and sub-plots. Even Charlie’s idea of online dating to find a beau for Agnes. Will the wedding go ahead or will disaster befall the happy couple?

A marvellous tale, with the most unexpected ending that was an incredible shock. I was not prepared for it. Don’t miss this one.
.------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett  

Leonie Swann is the nom de plume of a German crime writer. She was born in Germany in 1975. She studied philosophy, psychology and English literature in Munich, and now lives in Berlin.

‘Guilt’ by Kiego Higashino

Published by Abacus,
9 April 2026.
ISBN: 978-0-34914861-8 (PB)

Contemporary Japan, and Tokyo detective Tsutomu Godai and his sergeant Nakamatchi are investigating the murder of Kensuke Shiraishi, who was found dead in his car. Shirashi was a lawyer with his own firm, and no known grudges held against him. Soon, Godai has his suspect, and even a confession – but is his case too good to be true? 

This police procedural is written in the third person, and from multiple points of view, so that we come to sympathise with all the people affected by Shiraishi’s death. At first the novel focuses on Godai, and we follow his growing suspicions of Tatsuro Kuraki, who comes across as suspiciously confident, and who’s obviously telling lies about his connection with the place the lawyer was last seen. Then there’s the gradually uncovered link to an old murder case in 1984. Kuraki’s son Kazuma comes into prominence after the arrest, and we see both the reactions of others to him and his own feelings about his father. The victim’s daughter, Mirei, also finds it hard to believe Kuraki’s account of events.

The story moves quickly, and the ending is totally unexpected. One particularly interesting aspect of this novel was the “victim participation system” in Japanese courts, where the dead man’s family are allowed to be part of the trial, and to have an advocate to question witnesses on their behalf. 

A cleverly plotted Japanese police procedural which also looked at the effect on the families of both victim and killer.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor 

Keigo Higashino was born 4 February 1958 in Osaka. He started writing novels while still working as an engineer at Nippon Denso Co. He won the Edogawa Rampo prize for writing at 27, and subsequently quit his job to start a career as a writer in Tokyo. He served as the 13th President of Mystery Writers of Japan from 2009 to 2013. 

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  

Click on the title to read a review of her recent book
An Imposter in Shetland

www.marsalitaylor.co.uk 

'Coming Soon' : Mystery at the Wedding' by Clare Chase

 
Published by Bookouture
1st June 2026

Book 16 in the Eve Mallow series

The Dennings and the Cadys have been at war for years – ever since Russell Cady and Marcus Denning fell out and the business they built together fell apart. But now Russell’s daughter and Marcus’s son are tying the knot… and hopefully bringing peace.

Except that someone’s sent Eve Mallow a warning along with her wedding invitation: watch out for trouble. But even she didn’t expect to find the father of the bride dead in his bed before he can walk his daughter down the aisle. So who’s ruined the big day? Is it Marcus, his former enemy? His two older children, who fought with him before he died? Or the woman Eve saw weeping, who swears they never met?

Eve is left with a bouquet of mismatched clues to piece together: the umbrellas left out on a sunny day, Russell’s missing camera, and his threat to change his will. And when a second mysterious death puts the icing on the cake, Eve makes her own vow – death will not part the happy couple. But can she track down the killer, or will the wedding bells ring for her funeral instead?

Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations. Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium. As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

www.clarechase.com

‘No Women Were Harmed’ by Heather Mottershead

Published by Sphere,
18 September 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-40873093-5 (HB)

The 1880s, and Lily has been in an asylum for nearly eight years – the length of her sentence for murder. Now she has a chance to get out: a young woman doctor is keen to test her Freudian theories of key early life events on Lily’s story ... but what was the truth behind her killing, and can she convince the doctor of her sanity? 

I was gripped by this novel right from the start. It’s narrated by Lily, and she takes us straight into the world of a Victorian asylum: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the repressive regime and the effect it has on its inhabitants, like raving Maggie, and silent Elise. I am mad after all, Lily announces right at the start, but we don’t believe her; she’s far too rational in the way she describes how she’s living now. 

When she’s given a session each month with Dr Fairchild in a room outside the asylum’s wards, we revel in her enjoyment of polished furniture, curtains, a fire, tea and cakes, but we’re also shown how she manipulates her attendants and gives Dr Fairchild an edited version of her life story. She then recalls the truth of each episode, and we come to sympathise with her behaviour, given the way she has been treated by the men in her life, and the difficulty of making a living as a woman in that era. We’re shown other Victorian worlds; the farm she grew up in, the factory, the theatre she worked in, and the well-heeled family of the most important man in her life, Titus.

Her story twists and turns, with several excellent shocks along the way. Victorian society condemned her, but the male behaviour that drives her to crime could still happen today, and with as little protection for the woman. 

A superb historical crime novel, with a vividly created protagonist, and a Victorian world that felt like time-travel. Once I’d started reading, I didn’t want to put it down.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Heather Mottershead was born in Shropshire. She was the winner of the 2023 Daily Mail First Novel competition. She took a degree in English and History at the age of forty-five. Her debut novel, No Women Were Harmed, was published Autumn 2025.

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh and came to Shetland as a newly qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  

Click on the title to read a review of her recent book
An Imposter in Shetland 
www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Bloody Scotland 2026 Programme Launch with JD Kirk

 Excuse us for jumping into your inbox early this month, but we wanted to share some brilliant news... All tickets for Bloody Scotland 2026 will be on sale on the 4th of June and to celebrate, we've planned a fantastic 

Programme Launch Event with crime writing sensation JD Kirk.

JD Kirk will join broadcaster Nicola Meighan on stage at 1.30pm on Thursday 4th June in the Golden Lion Ballroom, Stirling. But what's even more thrilling is the news that the multi-award-winning novelist will be there to talk about his latest DCI Logan book, Better the Devil AND in a pre-release exclusive, there will be copies of the book available to buy at the event, even though the novel doesn't officially hit the shelves until the 30th of July! 

We've got such an exciting Bloody Scotland this year with Guest Programmer Denise Mina at the helm. We cannot wait to celebrate the launch of this stellar programme with you this June. Please do grab your tickets while you can. 

 

Buy Tickets to Bloody Scotland's Launch Event with JD Kirk