Newcastle will become the murder capital of the world this December (for four days only) when Newcastle Noir returns.

Newcastle Noir reaches its tenth anniversary in 2024, which is a whole lot of garrotting, stabbings, poisonings and other ghastly goings-on under its belt. And the literary festival is continuing to walk on the shadier side of the street this December with a line up of writers who are operating at the very top of their game. Names? I’m talking Mari Hannah (pictured) whose police procedural thrillers set in the north-east have won an enormous following. I’m also talking Trevor Wood, another locally based writer whose latest ‘The Silent Killer’ sees DCI Jack Parker battling crime while trying to come to terms with Early Onset Dementia. And then we have Ann Cleeves, who I’m guessing most of you will have heard of through her ‘Vera’ series. Also in attendance val will be the likes of Louise Candlish and Suk Pannu, who will be joined by over 40 other authors. There will also be some workshops (hone your sleuthing skills!) and the chance to join in the Real-Life Writer discussion sessions with author Kitty Murphy and friends.

Newcastle Noir, 4-7 December, Newcastle City Library, weekend passes £50 and panel tickets £5. More details: facebook.com/NewcastleNoir