CARLISLE'S renowned best-selling author has been shortlisted for the prestigious Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year award for the first time. 

M.W Craven's latest DS Washington Poe thriller, The Botanist, will be up against five other literary 'giants' for the acclaimed award that is approaching its 20th year. 

"It's very exciting, it's the first time I've made the shortlist.

"It's a huge honour, some of the people who have won it are giants of the genre and some of those who haven't made the list are giants of the genre, it's a huge privilege. 

"I'm looking forward to the Theakston awards that I win but if I don't, I'll not be disgraced because it's a really strong shortlist," he said. 

The Botanist follows the disgraced detective who is tasked with tracking down a poisoner who sends poems and pressed flowers to the nation's most reviled individuals.

News and Star: The Botanist nominated for Theakston crime novel of the year awardThe Botanist nominated for Theakston crime novel of the year award (Image: Supplied)

M.W Craven made the longlist for the Theakston award last year for Dead Ground. 

Earlier this week, Craven also recently launched his new book Fearless to great acclaim, with a sold-out event at the Old Fire Station in Carlisle.

Fearless starts the story of the Ben Koenig series, a former US Marshal. 

"I was a bit nervous about hosting it in such a big venue, this is the first book set in America, not Cumbria, but the appetite is there. We had a lot of fun, lot of laughs and a lot of great questions. 

"People came from all over, my publicist stayed at the Premier Inn and she said over breakfast lots of people were reading their copy of Fearless," he said. 

The author's popularity is evident, with the book quickly prompting a reprint. 

Craven's success extends beyond the UK, with his works translated into 27 languages with Bulgarian being the most recent addition to the list.  

His captivating beloved detective storytelling has even inspired a tour operator in London to offer Washington Poe tours, attracting visitors from the capital to the sites of John Watts, Bookends and the King's Head in Carlisle. 

Readers now have the opportunity to cast their votes for the winner of this highly coveted award by visiting harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com

The festival will run from July 20 - 23. 

If you would like to purchase a signed copy of his latest book, Fearless, visit Carlisle's Bookends.