Singapore Writers Festival

The 2026 festival explores the enduring popularity of crime and mystery genres, investigating how these narratives address social ruptures and the restoration of order. This thematic focus follows the festival's previous spotlight on science fiction, with sessions exploring everything from classic locked-room mysteries and serial killer psychology to the legacy of Agatha Christie. Programs are hosted at iconic Singaporean landmarks, including the Victoria Theatre and The Arts House.

Notable international and regional participants include Amitav Ghosh, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Tan Twan Eng. The lineup also features specialized genre writers such as Korean crime author Seo Mi-ae, Irish mystery novelist Louise Hegarty, and Chinese writer Shuang Xuetao. Local perspectives are represented by authors like Ovidia Yu and Jean Tay, who explore crime through historical and contemporary Singaporean lenses.

Public activities range from academic discussions on moral ambiguity to practical sessions, such as workshops identifying fictional poisons and investigations into the evolution of the 'cosy mystery.' The festival aims to demonstrate the versatility of crime fiction in addressing themes of grief, memory, and social fault lines while maintaining its mass appeal across books, film, and digital media.