Meet the Authors: Our 2026 Conversations on the Coast Lineup

We’re delighted to reveal the 2026 lineup for Conversations on the Coast: four evenings of fascinating authors, compelling stories and lively conversation, right here in the East Neuk.

This November, we’ll be travelling from the streets of historic Edinburgh to the harbours of St Andrews, from the turbulent past of 17th-century Scotland to the remote landscapes of the Hebrides. Along the way, we’ll meet four very different authors, each with a story to tell and plenty to talk about.

First up is Sara Sheridan, award-winning author and creator of richly atmospheric historical adventures. On Thursday 5th November, Sara joins us to talk about her latest novel, The Jewel Keepers, which delves into the mystery surrounding Scotland’s lost Crown Jewels. Expect secrets, intrigue and a journey into Edinburgh’s past, with plenty of insight into the real history behind the story.

The following week, on Thursday 12th November, we stay closer to home with one of Fife’s own literary talents, Marion Todd. The author of the popular Detective Clare Mackay series brings her latest Tartan Noir mystery, Watch Them Fall, to the festival. A body in St Andrews harbour, a familiar local setting and a case full of twists and turns… This promises to be an evening for crime fiction fans, as well as anyone curious about what makes Scottish crime writing so compelling.

On Thursday 19th November, bestselling author Philip Paris takes us much further back in Scotland’s history with A Fire in Their Hearts. Set against the upheaval of the 17th-century Covenanter period, the novel brings a turbulent and often overlooked chapter of Scottish history vividly to life. Philip will explore the people, events and historical details behind the story and the extraordinary journey that takes his characters from Scotland to Barbados.

We’ll round off our November programme on Thursday 26th November with award-winning author Graeme Macrae Burnet, whose latest novel Benbecula takes inspiration from a real-life triple murder on the Scottish island. Dark, atmospheric and psychologically intense, the book explores the ways violence, isolation and the past can continue to haunt us. Graeme will tell us what drew him to this extraordinary story and landscape, and how he transformed a disturbing piece of history into gripping fiction.

From historical intrigue and Tartan Noir to forgotten chapters of Scotland’s past and the darker corners of the human mind, our 2026 programme has something for every kind of reader.

And, as always, Conversations on the Coast is about more than books. It’s about bringing authors and readers together in the East Neuk for an evening of conversation, curiosity and community. Doors open at 6.30pm for each event, with a welcome whisky, gin or soft drink included with your ticket.

We can’t wait to welcome you and these brilliant authors to the coast this November!

Tickets for all four events are on sale now.