When I got the news I almost did a backflip.

And now I’m so happy to be able to announce my second novel PAPERBOY has been longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award 2026!

The list is stacked, with multiple previous winners (and double winners – Mark Billingham) and bestselling crime authors up for the award. Mad to see me on there too among names like Janice Hallett, Elly Griffiths, and Mick Herron (Mick Herron ffs!) Huge congrats to everyone!

Stoked to see fellow Scots on the list – Tariq Ashkanani, Denise Mina, and Alan Parks. Yas!

Voting is now open till the end of the month for readers to chose their favourite to be on the shortlist, which will be revealed on 18th June. Click here to cast your vote – and I’d be very grateful if it’s for me!

Just want to add a huge thanks to my agent Emily MacDonald and everyone at my publisher Pushkin Press for all they’ve done for me and Ally McCoist.