If you’re in the crime-thriller world, Chiltern Kills is a name that needs no introduction. It’s the one-day intensively brilliant crime writing festival in Gerrards Cross – authors, panels, book signings, unexpected twists, and an atmosphere dense with suspense.
This year, I dove headfirst into the madness – and came away buzzing, inspired, and already plotting what I’ll share next.
A Festival of Ink and Intrigue
From dawn till after dark, Chiltern Kills delivers: sixteen panels across two stages, celebrity moderators, law & crime professionals, signing zones, the WhoDunHim Inn, and a ruthless karaoke after-party (How to Murder a Song) that’s legendary among crime authors.
Every penny of ticket proceeds goes to Centrepoint, supporting young people facing homelessness.
The crowd is eclectic: readers who thrill in twisty narratives, authors who thrive in darkness, and those curious about the machinery behind a crime novel. Panels ranged from Queens of the Bestseller to The Dark Side: Where Crime & Horror Collide – meaning there’s something for every kind of thriller appetite.
My Highlights: Reunions & Conversations
One of my favourite parts of any festival is the people. This time, I was thrilled to see again Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell – two powerhouses in the thriller world whose work I respect deeply. (Yes, I may have fangirled just a little.)
We chatted about craft, upcoming ideas, the state of the genre. And I had my camera ready. Some of that footage is already live on TikTok and Instagram – and even more is coming your way in the days ahead.
In conversation with Lisa — Daily writing routine
The Magic of Meeting Fellow Writers
There’s something quietly electric about meeting fellow crime writers – people who live and breathe twists, alibis, and emotional deceit. Between sessions, the festival buzzed with that particular kind of energy you only find when creative minds collide. Everyone was chatting about works-in-progress, upcoming releases, and the challenges of balancing pace with psychology.
I caught up with several familiar faces and met some new ones – all equally passionate about the art of the thriller. That’s what I love most about Chiltern Kills: it feels like a collective conspiracy to tell better stories.
These clips represent only a sliver of what went down. Keep your notifications on – there’s more coming, from backstage glimpses to author off-the-cuff reflections.
The Panels That Stole the Show
Panels at Chiltern Kills have a spark — part humour, part insight, part mischief. This year’s schedule was bursting with brilliant topics: from exploring the psychology of female villains to dissecting how setting can become a character in itself. I found myself scribbling down thoughts about tension, pacing, and the fine line between fear and fascination.
There’s something about hearing your peers unpack the craft that reignites your own creative fire. Every conversation left me thinking about how readers crave both suspense and humanity – the heart behind the horror.
What It Felt Like
The vibe at Chiltern Kills is special. It’s not stiff, not distant. It’s intimate. Authors and attendees intermingle. Panels don’t feel like lectures — they feel like studying with conspirators. As Big Issue put it, it’s where crime authors “blow off steam, dish the dirt and are deliciously indiscreet.”
I left with pages of notes, dozens of ideas bumping around my head, and the firm resolve: next year, I’m back – and better prepared. Because festivals like this feed the soul of a thriller writer.
Why Festivals Like This Matter
Crime festivals are where the genre truly breathes. They remind us that behind every dark plot there’s a community of bright, curious minds who love nothing more than to exchange stories. Between signings, laughter, and coffee cups, you overhear fragments of future novels being born.
For me, Chiltern Kills wasn’t just a festival – it was a day of creative renewal. The kind of experience that makes you rush home, open your laptop, and start typing before the inspiration fades.
What’s Next
I’m still editing and sharing the footage – some moments are already up on my socials, others are yet to come. So if you enjoyed these highlights, stay tuned. There’s more behind-the-scenes content, author snippets, and a few candid surprises on the way.
- Watch out for my upcoming TikTok / Instagram Reel drops – especially the conversations with Claire and Lisa.
- If you were at Chiltern Kills (or wish you’d been), leave me a comment – what session would you have loved to see?
If you’re a thriller author, reader, or lover of all things dark and twisty – Chiltern Kills is a must on your calendar. And if you missed this one, I hope my lens and words bring a little of its magic to you.
Until next time,
Mona W. Gloss
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