Having a Ball in Bristol

Rap Sheet correspondent Ali Karim--on the scene during this weekend’s CrimeFest in Bristol, England--has not only been keeping us apprised of the awards presented during that convention (see here and here), but he’s also shared a few of his thoughts on the three-day event. He says he’s enjoyed some “fantastic conversations” and “good-mannered interactions,” as well as the “superb hotel facilities providing a very relaxed time for those who read crime thrillers.”

In addition, of course, Ali has been uploading to Facebook a number of photographs. They capture panel discussions and crowds mingling in anticipation of announcements, as well as the many authors and critics attending CrimeFest. We’ve selected some of the best of his pics below, just enough to give you a sense of the convivial atmosphere that reigns at crime-fiction gatherings such as this one.

The Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, home to CrimeFest 2013



Left to right: Novelists Simon Kernick and Martin Walker


Felix Francis, author and son of the late Dick Francis


Poet and crime-fictionist Sophie Hannah


Author John Lawton with American blogger Peter Rozovsky


TV documentary producer Richard Burke, Shots e-zine editor Mike Stotter, and thriller writer Robert Wilson


Writers Stav Sherez and Chris Ewan


Bouchercon board members Marjory Mogg and Jeff Sieger


Glasgow wordsmiths William McIlvanney and Craig Robertson


Novelists Robert Goddard and Stanley Trollip


Barry Forshaw (far left) moderates the International Writers forum with guest authors Roberto Constantini, David Hewson, Derek Miller, and Thomas Enger.


During a panel discussion about the popular BBC-TV series Sherlock, writers/co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat--in the center two seats on stage--entertain the crowd. More on what they said during that session can be learned here.


Nordic novelists Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and K.O. Dahl attend a reception arranged by publisher Severn House.

(All photos © 2013 Ali Karim)

READ MORE: “CrimeFest 2013--Part One,” “Part Two,” and “Part Three,” by Martin Edwards (‘Do You Write Under Your Own Name?’); “CrimeFest 2013,” by Declan Burke (Crime Always Pays); “A Post Post-CrimeFest,” by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (Murder Is Everywhere).