We are thrilled to announce that THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE by Ruth Mancini has been longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

The most prestigious award in crime fiction, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, marks its 21st year in 2025.

The Award celebrates excellence, originality and the very best in crime fiction from UK and Irish authors. A highlight in the literary calendar, past winners include Clare Mackintosh, Mick Herron, Val McDermid, Lee Child and the 2024’s winner Jo Callaghan.

Awarded annually as part of Harrogate International Festivals’ Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the winner of the most wanted accolade in crime fiction receives a cheque for £3,000 and an engraved oak beer cask, hand-carved by one of Britain’s last coopers from Theakston’s Brewery, nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire in the beautiful village of Masham.

The Awards Academy group is made up of over 20 passionate readers, including journalists, reviewers, booksellers, bloggers, podcasters, and industry representatives. Each member independently ranks their top 18 titles from the submissions, and the books with the highest combined scores form the final longlist.

Voting can be found here.