Named in recognition of world-famous crime writer, Val McDermid, who co-founded the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in 2003 and whose dedication to fostering new voices in crime fiction through the New Blood panel is legendary, this new Award seeks to continue her legacy, celebrating and platforming the best debut crime writers in the UK.

A shortlist of six titles, selected by an academy of established crime and thriller authors, will be announced on Thursday 5 June 2025, with the winner determined by a judging panel of industry experts, including literary, broadcasting and media figures.

All shortlisted authors will receive a full weekend pass to the Festival and the winner, announced on the opening night of the Festival, will receive a £500 cash prize as well as an engraved oak beer cask, hand-carved by one of Britain’s last coopers from Theakston’s Brewery in Masham.