John Dean – Crime Writer

A new website is celebrating the links between crime writing and Kirkcudbright and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area by drawing attention to events and the publication of new books.

Kirkcudbright’s link with crime writing stretches back to the 1931 novel Five Red Herrings, written by best-selling crime writer Dorothy L Sayers, in which her legendary investigator Lord Peter Wimsey investigates the murder of a local artist.

The area in South West Scotland has a track record for promoting crime writing and the website will build into a guide to events including talks and book launches, give details of books published by authors who either live in the area or set their stories in it, as well as featuring articles of interest.

The site can be found at www.kirkcudbrightcrimewriting.com and has been created by Chris Walker, owner of the Selkirk Arms Hotel in the town, pictured here,and local crime novelists Ian Robinson and John Dean. They work with a range of local authors, organisations, bookshops and publishers.

Chris said: “The area has all sorts of literary offerings and crime fiction is part of it. More and more people are visiting to enjoy the events, which can only be good for the local economy. It’s very exciting.”

Ian said: “Dumfries and Galloway is rich in creative culture and home to a number of crime writers. I love the region so much that I set my latest series here. I see this website as a central hub, a place to connect with readers through local events and explore the wonderful world of crime fiction.”

John said: “Dumfries and  Galloway has a strong connection with crime writing and the website helps promote the work being done to promote the genre in the area.”

Chris, Ian and John have organised a weekend crime writing workshop at the Selkirk Arms. The authors and Dea Parkin, one of the genre’s most respected editors, will help authors develop their craft when the four-star hotel in High Street hosts a residential weekend of events between November 27-29, 2026.

Entitled Crime Fiction at the Selkirk Arms,  the event will begin on the Friday evening when those taking part will have an opportunity to talk to Dea, Ian and John, who will join them for dinner in an event called Supper and Sleuthing. The Friday night dinner will be followed by a short talk delivered by Dea, ending with a question and answer session with Dea, Ian and John.

This will be followed by a weekend crime writing workshop led by Dea, with sessions on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, covering topics as diverse as the craft of crime writing to how to impress agents and publishers.

The price for the weekend, which includes accommodation, meals and the workshops, is £315pp. Places are limited to 16 and can be booked at The Selkirk Arms Hotel High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JG Tel: 01557 330402 Website: http://www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk