A NEW crime wave is set to hit the North-west -- when some of the country's best-known authors visit.

The event, Dead on Deansgate, is Waterstone's annual crime-writing festival. It returns to Manchester for its fifth year from October 1 to 6.

Guests will include Ian Rankin, Martina Cole, Stella Duffy, Denise Mina, Mo Hayder, Lindsey Davis and Mark Billingham.

More than 40 best-selling authors, publishers and agents will feature and events will suit all ages and interests.

There will be advice on how to get published, and specialist advice on criminal investigations, constructing plots and writing for television and radio.

A gala dinner takes place on Saturday, October 5, with the presentation of the John Creasey Memorial Dagger -- the UK's leading literary award for first time crime novelists -- and of the Debut Dagger, awarded each year to the best chapter and synopsis by an unpublished writer.

All events take place in the Manchester Waterstone's reading room. Each lasts for one hour and is followed by author signings in the store's crime section.

Tickets available are: the multi pass -- £55 for seven events and the gala dinner; £5 for a single event; and £30 for the gala dinner.

Registration forms from Waterstone's, Deansgate, Manchester. Tel: 0161 837 3030.

or e-mail: enquires@manchester-deansgate.waterstones.co.uk