Ours is a weekend with a difference. Launched at St Hilda's College in 1994, it offers the crime fiction fans the unique experience of hearing their favourite authors exploring the genre, their own work and the writers who inspired them. 

This is year our theme is 'Gamechangers: writers who have transformed the genre'  and our speakers and their subjects include: 

Lin Anderson (Forensic science)
Graeme Macrae Burnet (Georges Simenon)
Prof Niamh Nic Daeid (Forensics expert)
Will Dean (Scandi Noir)
Mary Paulson-Ellis (Kate Atkinson)
Nicci French (suspense thrillers)
Mick Herron (Reginald Hill)
Sarah Hilary (Patricia Highsmith)
Val McDermid (After Dinner Speaker)
Andrew Taylor (Josephine Tey)
Nicholas Utechin (Sherlock Holmes)

With Chair,  Natasha Cooper, and Guest of Honour, Denise Mina.

Taking place in the heart of Oxford in a glorious riverside location the weekend includes not only the speaker sessions, but a massive Blackwell's shop open on site every day, author signings, prizes and a brimming goodie bag all enjoyed in a relaxed, intimate College atmosphere. Beginning on Friday evening with a dinner and drinks reception, the packed weekend finishes with a traditional lunch on Sunday.

For further details of the programme please click on the green link on the right side of the page.

STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS     It's become traditional to celebrate the PD James Dinner* with a specially written celebrity "whodunnit" featuring a cast of your favourite authors. This year not only will Natasha Cooper pen the mystery, but Blackwell's will award the winner a year's subscription to their Crime Fiction Club, sending the super sleuth a new crime fiction title every month!

Booking deadline: Monday 5 August

Get the latest news @hildascrime

Please note we are unable to issue refunds after the booking deadline (Monday 5 August) has passed. To register for the mailing list and receive more information, please email Triona Adams

For information on requesting accommodation in College, please visit our Alumnae Accommodation page. Rooms are limited, so early booking is recommended. 

We regret that parking in College is currently limited to Blue Badge holders only.

*The PD James Conference Dinner is held on Saturday night – proceeds go to the PD James Fund which supports the work of the English School and students at St Hilda’s College, kindly endowed by Honorary Fellow P. D. JamesWhen booking, the opportunity is available to make an additional voluntary donation to the P.D. James Memorial Fund.