Mick Herron, the acclaimed author behind the popular Slow Horses series, has recently been awarded the prestigious Diamond Dagger by the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA). This accolade acknowledges his remarkable contributions to the world of crime fiction, particularly through his works centered around unusual spies.
Herron, who is 61 years old and hails from Newcastle, has long been influential within the genre. According to the CWA chair, Vaseem Khan: “Few could be more deserving. Mick is the quintessential writers’ writer and his Slough House novels have, by general consensus, reinvented the spy thriller.” Herron expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m touched and thrilled beyond measure and will try to live up to the honour.” His first novel, Slow Horses, was released back in 2010, and it has since been adapted for Apple TV+, starring notable actors such as Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, and Kristin Scott Thomas.
The honor of the Diamond Dagger particularly stands out among other accolades Herron has received, including the Gold Dagger award for his second book, Dead Lions, which won the prestigious honor for best crime novel of the year. His works have gained popularity not just as novels but also as engaging series on television. The Slow Horses series has earned strong audience appreciation, and Oldman’s portrayal of Jackson Lamb has been particularly well-received.
Meanwhile, filming for the next series of Slow Horses has been taking place on the lively Camden High Street. Just this past week, on January 23, traffic was temporarily halted to allow the crew to shoot scenes for the upcoming episodes. A local passerby shared details about the shooting, noting, “Mo Apy of the American Sweet Shop said the large vehicles with lights had ‘been here since yesterday.’” Oldman was spotted on set, and reports highlighted his relaxed demeanor as he took breaks between scenes, even enjoying time at the Shake Shack restaurant.
The activity around Camden has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans of the series. Local businesses cooperated with the film crew by temporarily closing their doors. Black Sheep Coffee and the French bakery Pannus Café were both part of the closed venues during shooting. This not only showcases the production's ambition but also highlights the integration of local communities with the filming process.
Now, Herron’s narratives continue to attract and enrapture audiences both on the page and the screen. The upcoming series, which plans to dig even more deeply than previous iterations, is sure to build on the foundation of the characters and settings Herron has created. His latest addition to the Slough House series, Clown Town, is expected to be published later this year.
Herron is also working on another adaptation with the Zoe Boehm series being transformed for Apple TV+, highlighting the demand for his engaging storytelling. With established actors like Dame Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson joining the cast, expectations for this new project are high.
The Diamond Dagger will officially be presented to Herron on July 3 at the annual CWA Dagger Awards, continuing the tradition established by the organization since its inception in 1953. Past laureates include some of the finest names in crime fiction, such as John le Carré and Lee Child. The award serves as both recognition of past successes and as motivation for Herron to continue captivating audiences with his literary prowess.
Fans will be eagerly following both the developments surrounding Herron’s awards and the filming of the new season of Slow Horses. The blending of literature with television remains fruitful as Herron’s visions transform to match the desires of modern viewers, making his work relevant and enhanced by current cultural shifts.
With his rightful accolades now drawing attention, and the filming for Slow Horses demonstrating the vibrant interplay between storytelling and production, Herron’s contributions to crime fiction and the entertainment industry are sure to continue flourishing. His stories remain relevant today, and his unique spin on the spy thriller genre not only entertains but also enriches the art of storytelling as it adapts to contemporary formats.