BOOKS IN THE CASTLE - WITH PETER ROBINSON

In August, Nottinghamshire hosts a new literary event when the first Newark Book Festival is held. It boasts a fantastic venue in the grounds of the historic Newark Castle (hence the festival's tagline 'Books in the Castle'). 

The castle's long history includes its important role in the English Civil War and its fame as the place where King John died after issuing Magna Carta and suffering a disaster crossing The Wash. The castle stands right alongside the River Trent, and Newark has many other attractions to make it well worth a visit if you've never been before.

This festival came about following an event I did at the Storytellers Bookshop in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, earlier this year. During a chat with the owner, Paul Trickett, he mentioned that he lived in Newark and that he'd always thought the town should have its own book festival. I thought so too, and added "someone ought to organise one". And Paul went off and did it! 

He's done an amazing job putting it all together and getting some fantastic authors to take part over the two days (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August). Please come along and support it if you're in the area. 

Full details of the festival are on the 'Books in the Castle' website here:

http://www.booksinthecastle.co.uk/

And I'll be there, of course. On the Saturday I'm doing a special event with one of our top crime novelists - the wonderful Peter Robinson (pictured left), author of the Inspector Banks series (now DCI Banks on TV). I've been reading Peter's books for years, and I'm thrilled to be sharing the stage with him (or a marquee, at least). 

Our crime fiction event will be on Saturday 8th August at 4pm, when we'll be chaired by Hull crime writer Nick Quantrill. 

Though admission to the castle grounds is free for the festival, places for our event are limited and tickets are £8 each. Tickets are available from WH Smith 38 Market Place, Newark (phone 01636 677518), or from the Secret Garden Cafe, 6 Stodman Street, Newark (phone 01636 676999) or can be booked online here:

http://www.etickets.to/buy/?e=12869

Don't forget - the capacity of the marquee is limited, so don't delay in reserving your places! 

Books will also be available to buy and get signed on the day, of course.   

COULD YOU MURDER A GOOD BOOK?

Murder is on the menu this Saturday (17th January) at Storytellers Bookshop in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.

This is a recently opened independent bookshop, and I'm delighted to be supporting their 'Murder a Good Book' promotion.

I'll be at Storytellers from 3pm for a public signing, followed by a talk at 4pm, when I'll be chatting about crime fiction and the Cooper & Fry series. If you're in the North Notts area, come along and spend an hour or two with fellow book lovers and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time!

Tickets for the talk are £5 including a glass of wine. To book a place, phone Paul Trickett on 01636 684672 or 07517 386350, email: paultrickett@hotmail.com or call in at the shop in Eldon Street, Tuxford. 

More confirmed dates for 2015 are on my website:

http://www.stephen-booth.com/events.htm