She's well red: Former EastEnders actress Kara Tointon stuns at Crime Thriller Awards 2013
British actress Kara Tointon joined some of the UK's most prolific crime writers at an awards ceremony for the entertainment genre on Thursday.
The 30 year-old looked effortlessly stylish at the Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel in central London.
The former EastEnders actress sported a knee-length, red silk gown with a cross-over design for the ceremony. She teamed the look with nude heels while wearing her hair in a classy bun.
Looking good: Kara Tointon attends the Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel
Blood red: Kara appeared demure at the ceremony, which celebrated crime authors from across the UK
She also sported a very healthy tan given that it's October, but still managed to appear natural and understated.
At one point the star, who has made a successful transition from screen to stage, posed with a canine companion - who appeared to be a crime-solving dog in the same vain as Lassie.
The event capped a new television series about crime writing on ITV3 called the Crime Thriller Club, which was sponsored by Specsavers.
Is that a relation of Lassie? Kara poses with her fury friend - who was perhaps distracted by a crime in the vicinity
In each episode a specially-selected thriller title was critiqued by fans in a book club setting, while a bestselling author – a living legend – was interviewed about their workmanship.
The event was attended by the likes of Rupert Penry-Jones and Dervla Kirwan, Emilia Fox, Nat Parker and Amanda Abbington - the long-term partner of actor Martin Freeman.
Parker is perhaps best known for playing Detective Inspector Thomas 'Tommy' Lynley in the BBC crime drama series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
Young author Hanna Jameson was also present - having made a special trip down from her native Brighton.
Actress Dervla Kerwin and partner Rupert Penry Jones were perfectly attired for the literary party
Foxy! Emilia Fox wore a very theatrical gown - which, for many, could've been a crime in itself
Brunette book-lovers: Young author Hanna Jameson and actress Amanda Abbington also attended the bash
Success stories: Martina Cole and actor Nat Parker were two special guests. Martina has sold 10 million books
Author Martina Cole - who has sold more than ten million books - also made an appearance. The British wordsmith has released seventeen crime novels. Four of them, Dangerous Lady, The Jump, The Take and The Runaway, have been adapted into high-rating television dramas.
Her tenth novel, The Know, spent seven weeks on The Sunday Times best-sellers list.
SPECSAVERS CRIME THRILLER AWARDS 2013 WINNERS
CWA Goldsboro Gold Dagger for the Best Crime Novel of the Year: Mick Herron, Dead Lions (Soho Press)
CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger for the Best New Crime Writer of the Year: Derek B. Miller, Norwegian by Night (Faber and Faber)
CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for the Best Thriller of the Year: Roger Hobbs, Ghostman (Transworld)
The Crime Thriller Book Club Best Read : Malcolm MacKay, The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter (Pan)
The Film Dagger: Skyfall
The TV Dagger: Broadchurch
The International TV Dagger: The Killing III
The Best Supporting Actor Dagger: Andrew Buchan for Broadchurch
The Best Supporting Actress Dagger: Amelia Bullmore for Scott & Bailey
The Best Actor Dagger: David Tennant for Broadchurch
The Best Actress Dagger: Olivia Colman for Broadchurch
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