I’m in full countdown mode, because next week I’ll be at Bloody Barnes – and if you love crime fiction, psychological thrillers, twisty mysteries, and talking about books with people who get it, this is the kind of weekend that feels like Christmas for thriller readers.
Bloody Barnes is a brand-new crime writing festival in London, bringing together brilliant authors, packed panels, lively talks, and that delicious, spine-tingly energy you only get when a room is full of people who happily discuss fictional murder over coffee. The festival runs from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th February 2026, and it’s all happening at the OSO Theatre on the Green (OSO Arts Centre) in Barnes, London.
If you’re into psychological thriller books, crime novels, detective fiction, locked-room mysteries, or you’re simply on the hunt for your next “best psychological thriller” obsession, keep reading – because I’m sharing what the festival is, where it is, a few programme highlights, and what I’ll be doing while I’m there.
And yes: I’ll be the one looking ridiculously happy to be surrounded by crime writers and thriller readers.
What is Bloody Barnes?
Bloody Barnes is an exciting new annual crime writing festival hosted at the OSO Theatre on the Green in Barnes, London – a weekend designed to celebrate the crime genre in all its glorious forms: mysteries, thrillers, noir, detective fiction, and everything in between.
The festival’s vibe is exactly what you want from a crime book event:
- murder, mystery and mayhem (their words, and honestly … perfect)
- a line-up of writers and conversations about detectives, deadly plots, and criminal minds
- a proper programme of talks across three days
If you’re a thriller reader, a crime fiction fan, or a thriller writer who loves soaking up the craft talk, Bloody Barnes is absolutely one to watch.
Where is Bloody Barnes held?
Bloody Barnes takes place at the OSO Theatre on the Green / OSO Arts Centre in Barnes, London.
Dates, tickets, and what’s on
Festival dates
Bloody Barnes: 6–8 February 2026 at the OSO Theatre on the Green in Barnes, London.
A Thursday night extra
There’s also the Bloody Barnes: Murder Mystery Dinner on Thursday 5 February 2026 at 19:30 at the OSO Arts Centre. This is the one I'm super excited about!
The Cob & Pen Award (also on 5 February)
Bloody Barnes has announced a new prize, The Cob and Pen Award, with the award presented at a gala dinner at the OSO on 5 February 2026.
Programme highlights (a few panels I’m excited about)
If you’re planning your weekend, here are a handful of events from the official programme that jumped out at me – a lovely mix of crime-writing craft, big names, fun concepts, and different corners of the genre:
Friday 6 February 2026
- ‘Death is Scent’ (Amanda Carr with Sarah McCartney) – 18:00–19:00 (crime + fragrance + lethal vibes? yes please)
- Mark Billingham with Graham Bartlett – ‘The Talk is all of Murder!’ – 20:00–21:00
Saturday 7 February 2026
- ‘Criminal Minds’ (Martin Edwards and Antony Johnston with Victoria Dowd) – 12:00–13:00
- ‘Abracadabra – it’s Murder!’ (Tom Mead with Victoria Dowd) – 16:00–17:00 (locked-room wizardry)
- ‘Dying in Place’ (Mark Ellis, Barbara Nadel, Vaseem Khan with Anne Mullins) – 18:00–19:00
- Sophie Hannah with Victoria Dowd – ‘There is nothing like a dame!’ – 20:00–21:00
Sunday 8 February 2026
- ‘Right Royal Murder’ (S. J. Bennett and Sam Blake with Tom Mead) – 14:00–15:00
- ‘Murder Most Noir’ (Johana Gustawsson and Thomas Enger with Harriet Gilbert) – 18:00–19:00
- ‘I Spy’ (Frank Gardner with Vaseem Khan) – 20:00–21:00
If you’re the kind of reader who loves psychological suspense, crime fiction tropes, detective series lore, and those behind-the-scenes “how authors build tension” conversations, the programme has lots to choose from.
Why I love a crime writing festival (especially as a psychological thriller author)
Crime writing festivals are my favourite kind of bookish chaos – the good kind.
As a psychological thriller author and thriller writer, I also come home from events like this with a notebook full of ideas: overheard lines, fascinating research tangents, craft tips that make you itch to write, and a renewed love for the genre. It’s like a creative recharge – with extra plot twists.
And as a reader? It’s the best way to discover your next “best psychological thriller” read, find new crime authors to binge, and leave with that delicious feeling of being completely surrounded by stories.
Watch more on TikTok
I’ve filmed a quick TikTok talking about Bloody Barnes and the countdown excitement.
@monawgloss.author Come say hi at Bloody Barnes! 👋 #bloodybarnes #crimewritingfestival #thrillerbooks #barneslondon #thrillerauthor ♬ Manifestation - Perfect, so dystopian
I’ll be there with my books
I’ll have my books with me (obviously), and if you’ve seen them online, or you’ve been meaning to try one, or you’ve already read and want to tell me your thoughts in person – please do come over.
The Last Retreat
If you love that “perfect setting turning poisonous” feeling, The Last Retreat is all glossy surfaces and quietly escalating dread. It’s the kind of psychological thriller that starts with a dream scenario and then slips, scene by scene, into suspicion – the smiles get sharper, the secrets get heavier, and you start realising that everyone has an angle.
Perfect for readers who like:
psychological tension, claustrophobic suspect circles, luxury-gone-wrong settings, and that creeping something isn’t right here atmosphere.
Your Personal Therapist
Your Personal Therapist leans into modern psychological suspense – the kind where the “safe” thing (the help, the comfort, the reassurance) starts feeling slightly off… then properly wrong… then terrifying.
It’s polished, unsettling, and built for readers who like thrillers that play with trust, control, and the fear of being known a little too well.
Perfect for readers who like:
psychological thrillers with a modern edge, manipulative dynamics, escalating unease, and twisty reveals.
If you’re going, here’s what to do
1) Pick your must-see panels
Have a scroll through the programme and choose your non-negotiables – the sessions run across all three days, so it’s worth planning your top picks (and leaving space for spontaneous bookish wandering).
2) Pop into The Barnes Bookshop
The books by festival writers can be bought or ordered via The Barnes Bookshop, which is such a lovely local touch if you want to browse in person.
3) If you spot me, come and say hello
Please do. Even if it’s just a quick hello in passing. I’m genuinely so happy to meet fellow thriller readers, crime lovers, and bookish people who understand the joy of a properly twisty plot.
Your turn: who’s coming?
So – who’s coming to Bloody Barnes?
Have you looked at the programme yet? Which panel are you most excited for? And are you going on Friday, Saturday, Sunday … or doing the full crime-fuelled weekend?
Drop it in the comments – I want to know who I’m seeing there. Oh my God, I can’t wait.
Until next time,
Mona W. Gloss
Read more about my books!
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