"Unsettled States" - Tom Casey with PJ Coogan

5pm-8pm

The 2025 Spike Island Literary Festival opens with a gripping conversation between acclaimed author Tom Casey and Cork’s own PJ Coogan of 96FM.

Travelling from New York especially for the festival, Casey delves into the dark heart of international crime fiction with Unsettled States—his bold third novel exploring voyeurism, infidelity, murder, and moral decay. With a sharp eye for social commentary and unexpected flashes of humour, Casey draws on a lifetime of global experience as a former airline pilot and documentary co-producer to craft stories that are as thrilling as they are thought-provoking.

Described by Kurt Andersen as “as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is fun,” Unsettled States promises to be the centre of a compelling discussion to open this year’s festival.

"In Cold Blood" - Nadine Matheson, Amy Jordan & Stuart Neville with Edel Coffey

Join three masters of crime fiction — Nadine Matheson, Amy Jordan, and Stuart Neville — for a gripping exploration of murder, morality, and the minds behind the mayhem. In conversation with journalist and author Edel Coffey, this panel delves into the dark heart of crime writing: what draws us to the genre, how real-world violence influences fiction, and why we can’t look away. Expect insight, intrigue, and a few chills as these acclaimed writers discuss the art of crafting compelling thrillers that hold up a mirror to society’s most unsettling truths.

"Close to Home" - Andrea Mara, Michelle Dunne & C.L. Taylor with Sam Blake
Join bestselling crime writers Andrea Mara, Michelle Dunne, and C.L. Taylor for an unmissable conversation exploring the darkness that lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life. From domestic suspense to psychological thrillers, these acclaimed authors delve into the secrets, fears, and tensions that unfold close to home. Chaired by fellow author Sam Blake, this gripping panel will uncover how ordinary settings can become the backdrop for extraordinary crimes—and why the most chilling stories are often the ones that hit closest to home.

Expect thrilling insights and a behind the scenes look at building suspense.

Meet the Detectives - Patricia Gibney & Gill Perdue with Michelle Dunne

Join two of Ireland’s bestselling crime fiction authors, Patricia Gibney and Gill Perdue, in conversation with fellow author and festival curator Michelle Dunne for an unmissable discussion on mystery, suspense, and intrigue. As part of the Spike Island Literary Festival, this gripping event delves into the minds behind some of the country’s most compelling crime fiction. Expect lively discussion, behind-the-scenes insights into crafting crime fiction, and a chance to ask your own burning questions. Perfect for fans of twisty plots, gritty characters, and page-turning drama.

Secrets and Lies - Amanda Cassidy, Michelle McDonagh with Catherine Kirwan

Dive into the dark, twisting worlds of contemporary crime fiction with three gripping voices at Spike Island Literary Festival. Amanda Cassidy, Michelle McDonagh, and Catherine Kirwan explore the hidden truths, tangled secrets, and the lies that define their characters. Join this compelling conversation to uncover how deception drives narrative tension and reveals the human condition in thrilling, unforgettable ways.