The shortlist for a prestigious North East literary prize has been announced.
The Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction celebrates outstanding crime and thriller storytelling of those who are from or whose work celebrates the North East of England. Five authors have been nominated for this year's prize which was won in 2021 by Whitley Bay writer and former pizza deliverer Robert Scragg with his novel Helix .
He is returning as a judge this year alongside Northumberland author and founder of the prize LJ Ross, crime writer Nicky Black, and Newcastle Noir crime fiction festival founder Dr Jacky Collins. The winner will be announced on August 31 and will receive a cash prize to support the completion of their work, alongside funding for membership of the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
LJ Ross said: "It’s always a real privilege to read the Lindisfarne Prize shortlist, and each year to see how the North East of England continues to inspire such creativity. I admire anyone with the courage to write, so I applaud all this year’s entries, and congratulate those who’ve been shortlisted from amongst such an outstanding selection.
"I can hardly believe the Prize is now in its fourth year - I hope it can continue to inspire and support the arts in our region for many more years to come."
The shortlist
Can't Hide - Clare Sewell
Can't Hide by Washington's Clare Sewell follows the story of a woman who escapes from her cruel husband to Seaham, County Durham, until her past finds a way of catching up with her. Clare was inspired by a sunny walk with her parents through Easington Colliery and the Durham coastal path.
Sharp Focus - Duncan Robb
Duncan Robb of the Derbyshire Dales has been shortlisted for his submission Sharp Focus which follows the story of a journalist who investigates criminals behind a junk email scam and finds herself confronted by a rogue chemist, a corrupt politician, unlicensed medication and a terrorist plot to bring down a regulatory body. She discovers a connection closer to home and is faced with a desperate race to prevent tragedy.
Salted Earth - Katherine Graham
Ryton's Katherine Graham has been shortlisted for her novel Salted Earth . The mystery explores the tangled lives of a group of women, each with their own secrets, desires and suspicions.
The Children of Gaia - Jacqueline Auld
Bedlington author Jacqueline Auld's submission The Children of Gaia is about a dysfunctional group of adult survivors of childhood abuse. They want to 'out' their abusers on social media and save a young child in the process, without involving the police.
The Taste of Iron - Ramona Slusarczyk
The Taste of Iron by Ramona Slusarczyk from Newcastle follows the story of a female lawyer based in Dubai whose extramarital affair and secret work with a banned human rights NGO put her life in danger and pitches her against the merciless law of the desert. Ramona draws from her experience of working in the UAE and was inspired by the real life story of Princess Latifa, whose failed escape from Dubai is woven into the story.
What is your favourite book set in the North East? Let us know!
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