A CITY writer is hoping to become the first author to win the UK’s most prestigious crime novel award for the third time.

Denise Mina’s unsettling book Conviction is in the running for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2020, alongside works by fellow Glasgow-based writers Chris Brookmyre and Helen Fitzgerald.

Mina has won previously with The End of the Wasp Season and Gods and Beasts.

Chris Brookmyre, who won with Black Widow in 2017, is in contention for his psychological suspense Fallen Angel.

Helen Fitzgerald, author of The Cry, which became a hit Sunday night television drama, is longlisted for her latest novel, Worst Case Scenario.

The shortlist will be announced on June 8, when the public are invited to take part in an online vote to help determine the overall winner.