Join us at Capital Crime 2026

More bestsellers than your bookshelves! Join us on Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June for London’s biggest celebration of crime and thriller. Meet over 80 renowned authors and field experts for a spectacular two day festival with 30+ events.  

Located at the stunning Leonardo Hotel, right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, your favourite crime and thriller writers will reveal all, giving you unprecedented access to delve into the secrets behind your favourite crime fiction stories.

BOOK TICKETS
A group of people socializing at a gathering, drinking and conversing in a modern venue. Some hold wine and beer bottles, and the atmosphere appears lively and informal.
Panel discussion at the Capital Crime festival featuring authors, with a large screen in the background displaying names and images of the speakers. A banner with "Step into the Crime Scene" is visible.
People browsing books at a literature festival or book fair, with tables displaying various books, and attendees carrying tote bags and wearing badges.
Three men standing against a height chart backdrop at an event, with name badges labeled 'Capital Crime Author.' One man holds a drink.
A display of mystery and thriller books with titles including 'The Silent Man,' 'The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers,' 'Bad Cop,' and 'Seven Days.' The books are arranged vertically on a table with colorful covers visible.
A man and woman sitting on stage, each holding a microphone. Between them are two books titled "Close to Death" by Anthony Horowitz and "The Last Word" by Elly Griffiths, displayed on a table. The man is gesturing with his arm.
Group of five people at a Capital Crime event posing with a large Instagram frame prop in front of a height chart backdrop.
Four authors sitting on stage at a panel discussion during Capital Crime 2025, with a large screen behind them showing the event name and year.
A woman with long dark hair, glasses, and a black shirt is smiling and signing a book at a table. A man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue shirt, is leaning on the table and smiling, watching her sign. There is a book on the table and a blue backdrop with yellow letters.
Group of five smiling people posing inside a crime scene investigation backdrop, holding a large Instagram photo frame prop with the logo of Capital Crime in London, with a yellow 'crime scene' tape poster above.

Why Join Us?

Experience exclusive crime and thriller talks & engaging panel events

With gameshows, headline events where industry giants reveal all & entertaining panel discussions that cover the versatility of your favourite genre!

Meet your favourite crime & thriller writers

Over 100 authors & industry leaders under one roof, 3 days of more than 30 events where you can see your favourite authors on stage before meeting them afterwards at their book signing!

Join a community of crime & thriller authors, readers & fans

Mingle with your favourite authors and fellow crime & thriller enthusiasts. Coming along? Chat to one of our friendly volunteers who will introduce you to anyone you’d like to meet!

Plus get access to exclusive discounts in the Goldsboro Books on-site festival bookshop, goody bags, proof giveaways, launch parties & much more!

  • "Loved the event, the audience, the ambience - such a top-notch festival - kudos to you and all the staff!"

    Ian Rankin

  • "Last year I said Capital Crime was the best festival I'd ever been to, apologies I was wrong, this year's has been the best festival I've ever been to @CapitalCrime1 #CapitalCrime2024

    Andy Wormald

  • "What a fantastic weekend. Everyone who make this happen..you are all legends. Thank you 🙏🥰👍📚"

    TM Payne

  • "Thank you @DavidHHeadley, @LizzeiCurle and all of the fantastic team. Had a fabulous time at #CapitalCrime24! Looking forward to next year already! 😁😁😁👍"

    Amer Anwar

  • "What a great weekend at Capital Crime. So many lovely people, so many lovely books. Thank you @DavidHHeadley @CapitalCrime1

    Cailey Barker

  • "My day at @CapitalCrime1 was a good one. Made the most of it by catching as many brilliant panels as we could, and they were all superb. Looking forward to next year where we really do need to make it a full weekender. #books #booktwitter #capitalcrime2024 #booklove"

    Jen Lucas

Make sure you keep up to date by following us on our social media handles

Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or 2025 was your first year (and what a year to start!), we’d love to hear your favourite moments from Capital Crime Festival. Your feedback helps us make each year even better, and we&
We asked our festival-goers what makes Capital Crime, the world’s largest celebration of crime and thriller fiction, such an unmissable experience. Here’s what they had to say (and why early bird tickets are already 70% sold out for June
After the incredible success of this year’s festival we’ve been blown away by the support you’ve shown us! So many of you have already secured your early bird tickets for 2026, with 30% already snapped up! If you haven’t alre
Huge names. Bold stories. Every year Capital Crime brings the world’s top crime and thriller writers together for unforgettable conversations and panels. From shocking plot twists to the craft of suspense… But tell us, who’s on yo
✨ Tonight we’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Kathy Reichs to Capital Crime! 📍 Set against the incredible backdrop of the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret—the oldest surviving operating theatre in London—we&rsquo
We’re still not over this year’s brilliant festival! Such an incredible weekend packed with unforgettable events, the best authors, and of course our attendees who brought so much energy and love for the genre. Here’s a look back a
NEW SPECIAL EVENT: Kathy Reichs: Celebrating 25+ Years of Temperance Brennan 📍 11th September | The Old Operating Theatre Museum, Southwark Capital Crime Festival proudly presents a one-night-only career retrospective with crime-writing icon and