It's Friday morning, the other residents of Transworld Towers
have still to show their faces in the light of day and, by now, the
world will know that Lee Child was the very worthy (and extremely
popular) winner of the Theakston's Old Peculier Prize for his
fabulous novel, 61 Hours. What can I tell you that the world's
media may not have done? Well, the first words of his very gracious
acceptance speech were: "Well, bloody 'ell" and he celebrated his
win with a roast beef sandwich and a glass of champagne as the
clock struck midnight.
It was the culmination of a brilliant evening, far more
enjoyable than I expected, if a little nerve wracking at times.
Great to meet Stuart MacBride and Mark Billingham in the green room
beforehand, even if I did occasionally have the feeling I'd been
teleported to an old episode of Men Behaving Badly. (They were last
seen heading for a karaoke bar in town) Nice also to catch up with
Andrew Taylor, who'll be chairing my panel tomorrow and to meet
William Ryan, a softly spoken and very charming Irishman who was
shortlisted for his debut novel, The Holy Thief.
I met my Dutch editor for the first time, and had chance to
catch up with my US publisher, Andrew Martin, who introduced me to
the exceptionally nice Lisa Gardner.
The star of the evening though, without doubt, was Baroness (PD)
James who in her 91st year was presented with a lifetime
achievement award. Val MacDermid's very moving tribute speech
brought tears to my eyes, but Lady James' acceptance practically
had me sobbing. 'You won't win the Booker Prize,' she told us all,
'But you will bring joy to millions of people.' She also declared
that from now on, Adam Dalgleish will drink no other beer but
Theakston's Old Peculier.
I think Mark Joesbury and Harry Laycock might just enjoy a pint
or two as well.
Off now to catch the first event of the day, Martina Cole.