Former pizza delivery man wins Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction

The prestigious Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction has been won by Tyneside-based Robert Scragg.
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The literary prize which celebrates the outstanding crime and thriller storytelling of those who are from, or whose work celebrates, the North East of England.

Robert’s submission Helix was selected by the prize’s esteemed panel of judges, comprising: crime writer Judith O’Reilly, founder of Newcastle Noir Dr Jacky Collins, arts and culture journalist David Whetstone, and best-selling author LJ Ross

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Robert became a crime writer having previously worked as a bookseller, pizza deliverer, Karate instructor and football coach, and is a founding member of the Northern Crime Syndicate Crime Writers Group.

Robert Scragg, winner of the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction.Robert Scragg, winner of the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction.
Robert Scragg, winner of the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction.

He said: “When I saw I’d won, I was literally speechless, and may have done a little dance in the kitchen, that I’ll spare the world a repeat of. Looking forward now to polishing up my story and getting it out there for readers to see.”

Award founder LJ Ross said: “Since its inception three years ago, the Lindisfarne Prize for Crime Fiction has gone from strength to strength, which is reflected not only in the growing number of submissions from extremely gifted writers but also in the quality of the writing.

"This year’s crop of talent, in particular, really gave the judging panel plenty to think about, but I’d like to congratulate Robert for winning the prize with his highly compelling submission. I am really looking forward to reading more of his work and following his promising writing career in the future.”

Robert will receive a £2,500 cash prize.

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