Plot Twists and Deadly Tales as Granite Noir 2025 Unveiled

Granite Noir, Aberdeen’s celebrated crime writing festival, is gearing up for its thrilling ninth edition from February 20-23, promising an exhilarating lineup of literary luminaries and unique experiences. The 2025 event again underscores Aberdeen’s reputation as a haven for crime fiction enthusiasts, blending traditional Scottish storytelling with a modern twist.

Granite Noir is set to dazzle with headliners such as Paula Hawkins of The Girl on the Train fame and the acclaimed writing duo Nicci French, who have captivated millions worldwide. The festival lets you dive into the most jaw-dropping cases in true crime history.

Notably, the festival features live podcast sessions by Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, whose Murder They Wrote podcast will bring its blend of intrigue and wit directly to the audience, making for an engaging live experience.

Historical Echoes and Hands-On Investigation

Delve into the dark past of the Northeast with the Cold Blooded Killers: True Crime Cases from the North East, 1864 - 1963 exhibition. This eerie journey through time showcases significant criminal cases, brought to life through fascinating archival materials. For those intrigued by the science behind the stories, Behind the Crime Scene Tape offers an interactive forensic experience that bridges the gap between fictional tales and real-life criminal investigations.

The Scottish BPOC Writers Network is hosting an exciting Nighttime Noir event at the Lemon Tree Lounge, featuring fresh voices from up-and-coming writers and a vibrant DJ set by Arusa Qureshi. Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s Shane Strachan will lead Into the Dark, a unique spoken word evening, featuring performances by Loud Poets Grand Slam champion RJ Hunter, Lesley Benzie, Gen Carver, and local talent Mae Diansangu.

Granite Noir also dares to explore the bizarre and extraordinary in crime fiction. The Myth Murder and Monstrosity session promises to be a standout, featuring discussions on fantastical narratives that push the boundaries of the genre. You can expect to uncover tales of carnivorous plants and otherworldly horrors, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to showcasing the versatility and creativity of crime fiction.

Scotland’s Legacy of Storytelling

As Granite Noir continues to grow, it celebrates the genre’s established figures. Organisers embrace new voices and innovative formats, ensuring that Scotland’s legacy of storytelling is preserved and propelled into exciting new territories. With something for everyone, from die-hard crime fiction fans to those fascinated by the forensics of crime-solving, Granite Noir is a cultural highlight not to be missed.

Visit the festival’s website for more information on how to participate in these captivating events and to secure your spot at one of Scotland’s leading literary festivals. Join the celebration of crime writing in the atmospheric Granite City this February.

Granite Noir 2025 Programme

Author Conversations

• Literature at Lunchtime With CJ Cooke: 1pm Thu 20 Feb | Music Hall, Chaired by Bryan Burnett
• Secrets from the Past With Oskar Jensen, SJ Parris, Lucy Ribchester: 3pm Thu 20 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online, Chaired by Alex Clark
• Hidden in Plain Sight With Carole Hailey, Joseph Knox, Kim Sherwood: 5pm Thu 20 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online, Chaired by Fiona Stalker
• More Than One Way to Crack an Egg! With Belinda Bauer, Stuart Neville, James Yorkston: 7pm Thu 20 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online, Chaired by Bryan Burnett
• Literature at Lunchtime with Alan Warner 1pm Fri 21 Feb | Music Hall, Chaired by Alex Clark
• Gripping Thrillers With Sam Blake, Tony Kent, James Oswald: 3pm Fri 21 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Tim Baker
• Reclaiming the Narrative With Nilesha Chauvet, Harriet Tyce: 5pm Fri 21 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Fiona Stalker
• The Blue Hour - In Conversation with Paula Hawkins 8pm Fri 21 Feb | Music Hall BSL, Chaired by Alex Clark
• Dead Funny 11am Sat 22 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Peggy Hughes
• Bold New Voices With Nina Bhadreshwar, Lucy Rose, Trisha Sakhlecha: 1pm Sat 22 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Katalina Watt
• A Celebration of the Work of PD James 3pm Sat 22 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Harriet Tyce
• Myth, Murder and Monstrosity With Sarah Maria Griffin, Kirsty Logan, Elle Nash: 5pm Sat 22 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Eris Young
• Partners in Crime: Nicci French in conversation with Ambrose Parry: 7pm Sat 22 Feb | Music Hall BSL
• Nighttime Noir with the Scottish BPOC Writers Network With DJ Arusa Qureshi: 9pm Sat 22 Feb | Lemon Tree
• Rockin’ with the Writers With Mark Billingham, Doug Johnstone, Luca Veste: 11am Sun 23 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Peggy Hughes
• Lost in Translation? With Quentin Bates, Orjan Karlsson, Teresa Solana: 1pm Sun 23 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online, Chaired by Jacky Collins
• A Kind of Magic With T.L. Huchu, Courtney Smyth: 5pm Sun 23 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Eris Young
• The Moments That Define Us With Lucy Foley, Chris Whitaker: 7pm Sun 23 Feb | Lemon Tree + Online BSL, Chaired by Jacky Collins

Children’s Events

• The Leaf Thief and The Snow Thief - Alice Hemming 11am Sat 22 Feb | Central Library, For ages 4+
• The Forbidden Atlas - with Sam Sedgman 2.30pm Sat 22 Feb | Central Library, For ages 7+
• The Hidden Story of Estie Noor - with Nadine Aisha Jassat 4pm Sat 22 Feb | Central Library, For ages 7+
• Detective Masterclass with Alasdair Beckett King 2pm Sun 23 Feb | Aberdeen Arts Centre, For ages 8+

Exhibitions and Special Events

• Cold Blooded Killers True Crime Cases from the North East, 1864 - 1963: From Tue 18 Feb | Music Hall
• Cold Blooded Killers Talk 6.30pm Fri 21 Feb | Cowdray Hall
• Hexagone Audio Experience Thu 20 - Sun 23 Feb | Music Hall
• Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and lain Stirling 9pm Thu 20 Feb | Music Hall
• Into the Dark - with Shane Strachan 9pm Fri 21 Feb | Lemon Tree, Spoken word with RJ Hunter, Lesley Benzie, Gen Carver, Mae Diansangu
• Behind the Crime Scene Tape 11am Sat 22 & Sun 23 Feb | Anatomy Rooms
• Poisoned Afternoon Tea With Dr Kathryn Harkup: 3pm Sun 23 Feb | His Majesty’s Theatre
• Poisoned Cocktail Party (007) With Dr Kathryn Harkup: 8pm Sun 23 Feb | His Majesty’s Theatre
• A Kick Up the Arts - with Nicola Meighan. 3pm Sun 23 Feb | Music Hall
• The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers 9pm Sun 23 Feb | Lemon Tree

Stage & Screen

• Guilty by Rona Munro Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb | His Majesty's Theatre
• Birdsong Tue 18 - Sat 22 Feb | His Majesty's Theatre
• The Girl on the Train With introduction from Paula Hawkins: 4pm Sat 22 Feb | Cowdray Hall
• Horror Film with Anna Bogutskaya Chaired by Kirsty Logan: 4.30pm Sun 23 Feb | Cowdray Hall

Workshops

• Writers of Colour Workshop 6.30pm Thu 20 Feb | Online
• How to Get Published 1pm Fri 21 Feb | Central Library
• Creative Writing Workshop with Tendai Huchu 4pm Sat 22 Feb | Central Library, For ages 15+
• Creative Writing workshop with Nadine Aisha Jassat 11.30am Sun 23 Feb | Aberdeen Arts Centre, For ages 7-12