Kirkcudbright Crime Writing

Annan author Nick Guthrie was thrilled to find out earlier this year that his short story, “Old Friends”, had been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association anthology Guilty Secrets, now published by Flame Tree Press.

The Crime Writers’ Association was founded in 1953 by the prolific author John Creasey, who recognised the need for a UK equivalent the Mystery Writers of America to support and promote the work of British crime fiction authors. The Association’s membership now includes most, if not all, of the big names in UK crime fiction. The CWA published its first anthology to showcase the talents of its members in 1956, and this has become one of the most prestigious – and competitive – places for British authors to have their short fiction published.

Nick’s story is about an encounter between two elderly veterans of the Cold War, and a secret long buried in their previous lives in West Berlin. Publication in Guilty Secrets is a highlight in a successful year for the author. Earlier this year, his stories have appeared in the two top American mystery magazines, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, along with other magazines and anthologies. His eighth short story publication of the year will be in the Christmas anthology Merry Murders on Bedford Square, edited by crime fiction legend Maxim Jakobowski, a former Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association.

Nick says: “2026 has been a phenomenal year for me, with short stories in some of the mystery world’s most prestigious publications, and a new novel due in November. I still have to pinch myself when I see my name listed alongside those of my writing heroes.”

The first novel in Nick’s new mystery series, The Custodian, will be published on 6th November, and it’s already been praised by top crime authors:

“A tightly woven plot line that really delivers that page-turning crucial punch. A great start to a new series.” — Michelle Kidd, author of the DI Jack MacIntosh and DI Nicki Hardcastle books.

“The Custodian by Nick Guthrie has everything: engaging characters, an intriguing mystery, vivid action sequences and a page-turning plot. You’ll have gathered I enjoyed every page.” — Heather Peck, winner of the Page Turner Award and author of the DCI Greg Geldard series.

Under other writing names, Nick is the author of more than twenty books. His work has been shortlisted for various awards, and optioned for the movies, and for his young adult work he’s been described by the Sunday Express as “The king of children’s horror”.

• More about The Custodian: https://nickguthrie.co.uk/books/