SlaughterFest 2026

SlaughterFest is back for its seventh year and is set to be bigger than ever! The hottest names in crime fiction will gather once more for a night of fun at the top of the tower in the News Building, London Bridge.

Step into the dark and delicious world of crime fiction for an unmissable evening and enjoy spectacular views of the city, fascinating panel discussions, exclusive merchandise, signed copies and a complimentary drink.

Although Karin Slaughter won’t be with us in-person this year, she’ll be joining us from afar to welcome you on screen and you’ll be able to get your hands on early copies of her new novel, The Secrets We Hide, the second book in her gripping North Falls series.

Host Ryan Tubridy will kick off the evening and introduce our headliner for the evening, Clare Mackintosh, who he’ll be interviewing on stage. Expect sharp insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a deep dive into the mind of a master storyteller.

Next up, we will see our first panel ‘Lights, Camera, M**der’ with Jane Casey, Ruth Ware and Lucy Clarke, along with Charles Cumming who will be leading the conversation. Ever wondered what happens when gripping novels make the leap to the screen? This panel will explore the intricacies of adaptations and the fascinating journey that a novel undergoes when being transformed for our screens.

We’re delighted to be bringing back our Debut Spotlight, after introducing it for the first time last year. This year, our very own Jo Thomspon (Editorial Director at Hemlock Press & Borough Press) will be chatting to the bright new voices in the genre, Imani Thompson and M. K. Oliver.

Join Harriet Tyce, Abir Mukherjee, Erin Kelly and Sam Holland in our 'Cloaks and Daggers' panel as they discuss deception, betrayal and how the biggest TV show of the year has impacted the genre. You may even spot another familiar Faithful face who will be popping by on screen.

The evening will be rounded off by an opportunity to chat with our fantastic panellists, plus a chance to buy books from Waterstones.

Books will be available to purchase on the evening from our partnering bookstore, Waterstones.

Please bring a form of ID with you in order to enter the building.

This will be a cashless event, so please bring your card if you wish to purchase books.

Doors will open at 5.45pm for a 6.30pm start.

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