We crime fiction lovers know that every day offers a reading opportunity, but June is National Crime Reading Month (NCRM) in Britain – a festival of reading hosted by the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) in partnership with The Reading Agency for 2024.

The aim is to encourage people to #PickUpAPageTurner. Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “Research shows that readers of crime fiction report strong narratives and structured plots are engaging and comforting, with the distance from events helping to give the reader a sense of refuge from the world. So, reading crime fiction can actually be good for your well-being.”

She added: “Through our adult reading work, we know how important crime writing is both for lifelong reading lovers and for those who are just starting out on their reading journey. We’re delighted to be taking part in NCRM once more this year and to help new readers discover great reads.”

National Crime Reading Month launches at Capital Crime in London on 1 June at 6.30pm with the NCRM Reading Ambassador, book blogger, Stu Cummins, who will interview authors CL Taylor and TM Logan. Throughout the month a host of author events will take place across the UK.

Jess Faraday, Communications Manager at the CWA, said: “There are author talks up and down the country in local libraries, or online. It’s a the most popular genre in the UK, and our ambition is to inspire everyone to pick up a page turner this June.”

Highlights include a new exhibition at Cambridge University Library, called Murder by the Book, celebrating 20th century British crime fiction, curated by the award-winning novelist, Nicola Upson and exploring the genre from its origins to contemporary bestsellers such as Val McDermid and Ian Rankin. There will also be a series of free online events and live author events in libraries across the country – check out www.crimereading.com for more details.