Jonathan Whitelaw, a Canada-based author originally from Glasgow, has received international recognition for his crime novel The Concert Hall Killer, which has been shortlisted for the prestigious Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery at the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence 2025.
The Concert Hall Killer, set in Penrith and its surrounding areas, is the third installment in Whitelaw’s popular Bingo Hall Detectives series. The series, rooted in Cumbria, reflects the author’s deep affection for the county, inspired by his frequent visits to the Lake District and its surrounding landscapes with his family.
Released in April 2024, The Concert Hall Killer follows The Bingo Hall Detectives (2022), which earned Whitelaw the Gilpin Hotel Prize for Fiction in 2023, and The Village Hall Vendetta (2023). The latest addition to the series, The Garden Club Murders, was published in February 2025.
Following the announcement of his nomination, Whitelaw expressed his delight, noting, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have The Concert Hall Killer nominated for a Canadian crime writing award. It’s a wonderful recognition in my adopted home.” He added, “More importantly, I’m proud to represent Cumbria, a place that holds a special place in my heart, on an international stage.”
Whitelaw emphasized the deep cultural connection between his novels and Cumbria, stating, “The Bingo Hall Detectives series is firmly grounded in the people, culture, and history of Penrith and the wider Lake District. Though I live 5,000 miles away, these influences are never far from my thoughts.”
In addition to his literary achievements, Whitelaw has actively supported the local community, having spoken about his work at events in Carlisle and participated in charity initiatives, such as supporting Penrith AFC’s fundraising efforts for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in 2023.
As his work continues to gain recognition on the global stage, Jonathan Whitelaw’s contributions to the crime genre highlight the enduring appeal of Cumbria’s unique landscape and cultural heritage.
