A writer from Bradford has secured a place on the longlist for Britain’s top crime fiction prize.
A.A. Dhand, recognised for his gritty stories set in Yorkshire, is one of eighteen novelists competing for the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.
His nomination comes for The Chemist, a tale of organised crime in which a village pharmacist becomes embroiled in a conflict between rival drug operations in Yorkshire.
Simon Theakston, who chairs T&R Theakston, expressed his pleasure at announcing the 2026 longlist. He noted the company’s satisfaction in supporting the award and celebrating the diverse range of crime authors represented, from internationally acclaimed bestsellers to emerging talents positioned to become the genre’s next major stars.
The winning entry will be announced during the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate on Thursday, July 23.
Dhand is among six writers who have earned their first longlist position this year.
Readers can cast their votes to determine the six titles that will make the shortlist, with the voting window closing at 23:59 on Thursday, May 28.
The victorious author will be awarded £3,000 alongside a handcrafted engraved beer barrel.