A declaration of interest: I’m on the board of International Thrillerwriters Inc, who organise Thrillerfest, so I’m biased. I just think this is one of the world’s great popular book events, and in the most perfect of locations too: slap bang in the middle of Manhattan, next to Grand Central Station. How can anyone say no?

This year’s programme is more varied than ever. I will be taking part in Thrillerfest directly, and talking at the Craftfest even for budding writers. My planned subject there is a look at the tools of the trade - a practical run through the software and research routines I employ in writing the Costa books. This doesn’t get talked about a lot but it’s important, I think.

But that’s not why most people come, of course. They’re there to see some of the most stellar names in the business, and the up and coming stars of tomorrow. Unmissable…