Panel
10.00 AM – 11.00 AM
would still be as violent. Murder doesn’t follow just one rulebook and neither do these authors. Join host Amy McCaw as she leads a thrilling discussion with a powerhouse panel of genre-bending storytellers who each bring a unique twist to the classic murder mystery. From eerie gothic chills to sun-drenched thrillers, contemporary suspense to fantasy whodunits, these authors explore how mystery thrives across five different genres.
Ava Eldred delves into atmospheric, emotionally layered storytelling, weaving mystery into dark romantic tales. E. Lockhart, author of the bestselling We Were Liars, brings her signature style of psychological suspense and unreliable narration to the forefront. Felicity Epps blends cosy charm with sharp plotting, proving that murder can strike even in the quaintest corners. Scarlett Dunmore conjures haunting, gothic narratives steeped in obsession and secrets, where every shadow hides a deeper truth.
Together, they’ll uncover what draws readers to murder mysteries, how to keep the suspense fresh across genres, and the creative choices that set their stories apart. Whether you like your mysteries laced with magic, soaked in sun, or simmering with secrets, this panel promises twists, turns, and a few killer revelations.
About Amy McCaw
Amy McCaw is a YA author and YouTuber. She's the author of the award-winning Mina and the Undead series, YA murder mysteries set in 1995 New Orleans. She also co-curated the A Taste of Darkness horror anthology with Maria Kuzniar, which has been named as one of Waterstones' best paperbacks of 2023. Amy is a passionate advocate for YA books and runs a popular online YA book club. They Own The Night is Amy's latest novel, out on 11th September 2025 (published by Ink Road).
About Ava Eldred
Ava Eldred was born in London, and has spent much of the last decade writing and developing stage musicals, as well as producing large scale theatrical concerts. Her work has been performed both in London and internationally. She is a recent alumnus of Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course.
About E. Lockhart
E. Lockhart is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers We Were Liars and Family of Liars. We Were Liars is also an original series on Prime Video. Her other books include Again Again, Genuine Fraud, and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. She has been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the National Book Award and an honoree for the Printz Award. She has a PhD in English literature from Columbia University. Visit her online at: emilylockhart.com or on Twitter: @elockhart.
About Felicity Epps
Felicity Epps studied a degree in English Literature before completing a Masters in Eighteenth-Century Studies, where her research focused on female murderers in true crime writing! Felicity finds inspiration in history; researching strange and spooky subjects. She enjoys exploring cemeteries, collecting old books and hunting for ghostly Victorian photographs in antique shops. Felicity currently lives in Broadstairs, Kent, UK, with her partner, Josh, and their baby daughter, Madeline. When she isn’t writing, Felicity loves going to the beach, knitting colourful jumpers and drinking far too many cups of hot chocolate.
About Scarlett Dunmore
Scarlett studied English and Creative Writing, eventually finding a love for YA literature. When she's not writing, she can often be found watching scary films or exploring abandoned abbeys, old cemeteries and ruined castles in Scotland for inspiration.
