- Feel Good
- 21st Mar 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Cheese, wine and crime: The perfect combination at this year’s Little Felton Book Festival
There’s something irresistible about a good crime novel. Whether it’s a gritty psychological thriller, a classic whodunit, or a darkly atmospheric noir, crime fiction has long held readers in its grip. But what is it about murder and mystery that keeps us hooked? Why do we find such enjoyment in tales of deception, danger, and justice?
At this year’s Little Felton Book Festival, the Cheese, Wine & Crime event brings together three brilliant crime authors – Fiona Erskine, Bea Davenport, and Tony Glover – for an evening of literary intrigue, fine food, and fascinating conversation.
The thrill of the puzzle
At its core, crime fiction is a game between writer and reader – a puzzle waiting to be solved. The best crime novels challenge us to think, dropping clues and red herrings that keep us guessing until the very last page.
“There’s a deep satisfaction in piecing together a mystery,” says Tony Glover, author of the Kitty Lockwood Crime Mystery Series.
“Readers love the intellectual challenge, the feeling that they’re part of the investigation. It’s the same reason people love true crime—there’s that constant question of ‘whodunit?’ and ‘why?’”
Tony Glover.
Whether it’s a detective following the evidence or an amateur sleuth uncovering dark secrets, crime fiction allows us to step into the mind of an investigator—and there’s nothing more satisfying than outsmarting the villain before the final reveal.
A safe way to explore the darker side of human nature
While crime fiction is entertaining, it also taps into something more profound: our fascination with human psychology. Why do people commit crimes? What drives someone to murder? These are questions that have intrigued us for centuries.
“Crime novels allow us to explore the darkest corners of humanity from a safe distance,” explains Bea Davenport, journalist-turned-author of In Too Deep and This Little Piggy.
“We get to witness danger, deceit, and moral dilemmas—but from the comfort of our own homes. It’s a way to experience fear and tension without real-world consequences.”
Bea Davenport
It’s no coincidence that many crime novels focus on ordinary people pushed to their limits. From psychological thrillers to police procedurals, these stories examine what happens when good people make bad choices – or when bad people hide in plain sight.
Justice in a chaotic world
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons crime fiction is so popular is its promise of justice. In real life, the world is messy. Crimes go unsolved, and justice isn’t always served. But in crime novels, there’s a certain narrative satisfaction in seeing a case solved, a killer unmasked, and order restored.
“A good crime novel gives us closure,” says Fiona Erskine, author of Phosphate Rocks: A Death in Ten Objects and Losing Control.
“It takes us on a journey through chaos and uncertainty, but by the end, we have answers. There’s something incredibly satisfying about that resolution.”
Fiona Erskine
Even in crime fiction that leaves room for ambiguity, there’s still a sense of narrative control – a reassurance that, in some way, the truth will come out.
A genre that evolves with us
Crime fiction has changed dramatically over the years, adapting to reflect the fears and concerns of its time. From Agatha Christie’s genteel drawing-room murders to the dark, psychological thrillers of today, the genre continues to evolve.
“We’re always drawn to crime fiction, but what we fear changes,” says Glover. “Today’s crime novels often explore themes like corruption, surveillance, and digital crime—things that feel very real to us.”
Erskine agrees: “Crime fiction is a mirror to society. Whether it’s historical crime or something set in the present day, these stories reveal what we value, what we fear, and how we seek justice.”
Cheese, wine and crime
With its irresistible mix of mystery, tension, and resolution, crime fiction is a genre that continues to captivate. And what better way to celebrate it than an evening of good food, fine wine, and like-minded conversation?
The Cheese, Wine & Crime event at Little Felton Book Festival promises a fascinating exploration of the genre, with Fiona Erskine, Bea Davenport, and Tony Glover offering insights into their writing, inspirations, and the enduring power of crime fiction.
So, whether you’re a lifelong crime fan or just dipping your toe into the mystery genre, prepare for an unforgettable night of suspense, storytelling, and a little indulgence on the side.
All three of the above authors will be appearing at this year’s Little Felton Book Festival on Saturday 29th March 2025. Doors open at 7.00pm.
Comments