On Tuesday, June 11, the literary world converged on The News Building in London for Slaughter Fest 2024, marking its fifth annual celebration. This highly anticipated event—which had nothing to do with slaughtering people and was actually named after writer and author Karin Slaughter—drew in some of the biggest names in the crime fiction genre for an evening of engaging discussions, exclusive merchandise, and panoramic views of the city.
The festival was sold out, with over 200 people in attendance and officially hosted by HarperCollins. The awesome London views came courtesy of the event being hosted on the 17th floor of the building. Waterstones partnered with the event, allowing fans to purchase signed copies of books from the authors. We attended the event alongside TBHonest, kicking off a series of exciting event meet-ups we have planned.
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A Stellar Line-Up
Kicking off the evening, acclaimed crime author Karin Slaughter introduced the festival via video, setting the stage for a night of thrilling conversations. The festivities were then handed over to host Simon Toyne, who welcomed the audience with charm and wit. Virgin Radio’s Ryan Tubridy moderated the first session, featuring bestselling authors Lucy Foley and Clare Mackintosh, who shared insights into their writing processes and inspirations.
Panel Discussions: A Deep Dive into Crime Fiction
The first panel, “Art of Detection”, brought together Elly Griffiths, Jane Casey, Stig Abell, and Vaseem Khan. This lively discussion delved into the complexities and challenges of creating compelling detective protagonists. Each author shared personal anecdotes and professional tips, offering the audience a behind-the-scenes look at their creative journeys.
Next, “True Detectives” featured Cara Hunter and two real-life crime experts. This panel provided an intriguing comparison between fictional crime-solving and real-world investigations. The experts highlighted common misconceptions portrayed in crime fiction and TV, offering a fascinating and educational perspective.
The final panel, “Murderous Motives”, explored the darker side of human nature with thriller writers Adele Parks, Lisa Jewell, Imran Mahmood, and Matthew Blake. The authors discussed the psychological intricacies of their characters and the intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Entertainment and Networking
Adding a unique touch to the evening, a talented saxophone player dubbed “Saxy Sam” by Simon Toyne performed during various transitions, providing a smooth and enjoyable backdrop to the event. His standout moment came during an interactive quiz that engaged the entire audience, adding a fun and competitive spirit to the night. Although he certainly made his mark at the start of the evening as we all arrived, playing sweet saxy vibes as we found our seats, bought signed books, and grabbed drinks from the bar.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
While Karin Slaughter couldn’t attend in person, her presence was felt throughout due to huge book signs of her forthcoming novel “This is Why We Lied”. Her opening video revealed that she’d actually been kidnapped by a super fan who is forcing her to use a typewriter to write her next book or else—effortlessly a perfect nod to “Misery” by Stephen King.
The evening concluded with a drinks reception, allowing guests to mingle with the authors and fellow crime fiction fans. This networking opportunity, which also allowed people to purchase signed novels from the authors, made Slaughter Fest 2024 a memorable experience for all who attended.
Vibes of the Night
Slaughter Fest 2024 proved to be a resounding success, offering a perfect blend of insightful discussions, entertainment, and exclusive opportunities. This event was a total highlight for crime fiction fans, showcasing the best of the genre in a spectacular setting.