Detective and Crime Fiction

This course aims to be an enjoyable exploration of detective and crime fiction. Each year, we pick a different theme and gather together experts from across the University to explore a range of novels and short stories with you. 

Detective & Crime Fiction: Spring 2026
Cold Cases

Details Description
When Wednesday evenings, 6 pm to 8 pm
Dates

4 February to 1 April 2026 (no class for half-term 18 February)
Where

University of Bristol, Arts Complex, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TB
Description

This course aims to be an enjoyable exploration of detective and crime fiction. This year we will focus on novels featuring cold cases. In these novels, old ghosts of past crimes haunt the pages, threatening the peace or putting fears to rest. We will explore a range of approaches to the ‘cold case’ from classics by Agatha Christie and Wilkie Collins to new interpretations by Sarah Perry and Kate Atkinson.   
Reading List
  • Wilkie Collins, The Law and the Lady (1875) 
  • Agatha Christie, Five Little Pigs (1942) 
  • Sarah Perry, Enlightenment (2024) 
  • Chester Himes, Cotton Comes to Harlem (1965)
  • Hannah Kent, Burial Rites (2013) 
  • Louise Penny, A World of Curiosities: an Inspector Gamache book (2022) 
  • Kate Atkinson, Case Histories (2004)
  • Elly Griffiths, The Crossing Places (2009) 
Course fee

£190
Previous qualifications/experience No qualifications needed. Open to the public.

Book for this course has now closed.

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