The McDermid Debut Award has unveiled its shortlist for this year, featuring six debut novels from emerging authors in the crime and thriller genres. This prestigious award, named after bestselling author Val McDermid, recognizes original voices in literature and is open to new writers from the UK and Ireland. The shortlisted titles include A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford, a poignant thriller set in 1970s Glasgow, and The Exes by Leonora Darlington, a gripping serial killer narrative. Other notable entries are Innocent Guilt by Remi Kone, a suspenseful tale involving a blood-covered woman at a police station, and The Quiet by Barnaby Martin, a dystopian thriller about survival in a harsh future. Additionally, A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant introduces a retired nurse turned detective, while How to Get Away With Murder by Rebecca Philipson connects a teenage murder to a chilling manual. The winner will be announced during the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival on July 23, where all shortlisted authors will receive festival passes and the winner will be awarded a cash prize and a unique trophy.