Elly Griffiths was named this year's winner of the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award, in recognition of her crime fiction writing career and "unwavering commitment to the genre." The award will be presented at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival on July 17, alongside the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and the McDermid Debut Award for new writers.
Griffiths is shortlisted for the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year for The Last Word (Quercus Books.)
Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston, said: "Elly Griffiths has been awarded the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to crime fiction, captivating readers with her distinctive characters, rich sense of place, and unwavering commitment to the genre over a remarkable career. Beloved by readers around the world, Elly Griffiths has an amazing ability to combine tough subjects with the greatest warmth. Her characters may have their eccentricities, but they are all believable and their dilemmas as easy to share."
Griffiths commented: "It means the world to me to receive this award. Sixteen years ago, when I wrote my first crime novel, I received such a warm welcome from the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and from other, more established, authors. Now, 32 books later, I'm thrilled to be honored in this way and humbled to join the ranks of previous winners. I hope to continue the tradition of welcoming new writers and giving back to the crime-writing community."