Aberdeen's first book festival dedicated to crime fiction will launch on Friday.

The three-day event, Granite Noir, will explore the enduring appeal of stories that plunge us into the heart of darkness.

Top authors are lined up to headline the festival, such as Val McDermid, Hugh Fraser, Robert Daws, Chris Brookmyre and Ann Cleeves.

This year's event follows the success of the first Granite Noir in 2017.

Organised by Aberdeen Performing Arts, there will author panels, film screenings, family events and a variety of workshops on writing and SFX makeup.

There will also be exhibitions of old police "wanted" posters and real-life crime scene photographs.

During the day there will be themed high teas and in the evening there will be cocktail parties.

Granite Noir will run from Friday until Sunday.