Jim Keeble available for author events

Jim Keeble is an acclaimed novelist and scriptwriter. He is currently working on the BBC series Silent Witness. His new novel The Happy Numbers of Julius Miles is about the impossibility of being a modern dad and the pressure of the 'have-it-all' society.
For more information about this book, you can click on:
http://www.almabooks.com/the-happy-numbers-of-julius-miles-p-387-book.html
To set up an event with Jim please contact eminervini@almabooks.com

Continue reading Jim Keeble available for author events

The Scent of Lemon Leaves give-away for reading groups

We have 20 reading group sets of The Scent of Lemon Leaves by Clara Sanchez to give away to reading groups and book clubs.

Winner of Premio Nadal 2010, The Scent of Lemon Leaves has been in the top-selling charts in Spain and Italy. As well as being a powerful account of self-discovery and an exploration of history and redemption, it is a sophisticated and nail-biting page-turner by one of Spain's most accomplished authors.
For more information, please click here:
http://www.almabooks.com/the-scent-of-lemon-leaves-p-388-book.html

Continue reading The Scent of Lemon Leaves give-away for reading groups

Danny Miller available for events

The second book in the Vince Treadwell series, The Gilded Edge follows the straight-laced yet ambitious and handsome Detective Vince Treadwell. He is sent to investigate the seemingly unrelated murders of a playboy aristocrat from Belgravia and a young black nurse from the wrong side of town. We follow Treadwell to the illegal drinking dens of Notting Hill run by self-styled Black Power leader, Michael X; the nightclubs of Soho owned by the legendary gangster, Billy Hill; and the exclusive gaming tables of the Montcler Club in Berkeley Square, where the blue-bloods and power players of England gamble thousands on their turn of a card. But as Vince Treadwell digs deeper he finds himself not only embroiled with a beautiful society girl, Isabel Saxmore-Blaine, but a world of espionage and corruption where the underworld mixes easily with the aristocracy, and no one is innocent.

jamie@constablerobinson.com

Continue reading Danny Miller available for events

James Craig available for events

Jake Haggar, barely six years old has been kidnapped by his father who is threatening to sell the boy to a child trafficking ring. Carlyle has to get him back. It's not his case but it is his problem- it was his fault Jake was taken in the first place.
Meanwhile, Carlyle has his own caseload to deal with including the murder of Agatha Mills. Her husband, Henry has been arrested for her murder but his explanation is so outlandish that Carlyle wonders if it may just be true. Agatha is the sister of William Pettigrew, a priest killed in Chile during the fascist coup in 1973 and after 30 years of campaigning, and was about to see his killer brought to justice.

Carlyle is also asked to help television reporter Rosanna Snowdon, who fears she is being stalked by a demented fan.

Contact: jamie@constablerobinson.com

Continue reading James Craig available for events

Celebrate LGBT History Month in Havering

Havering Libraries celebrate LGB History Month 2012

Catherine Hall - Author Talk
Catherine Hall's first novel was Days of Grace, Catherine was selected by Waterstone's as one of their 10 'New Voices' and by Amazon as one of their 'Rising Stars'.
'The Proof of Love', published in 2011, won The Green Carnation Prize for LGBT writing,
Come along and contribute ideas for more library events for the LGB community.

Monday 13th February at Romford Library
7pm -8pm, Meeting Room,
Romford Library, St Edwards Way, Romford RM1 3AR
FREE EVENT, Everybody welcome.
For more information, please email: jacky.logan@havering.gov.uk or call the library on 01708 432389

Continue reading Celebrate LGBT History Month in Havering

DJ Connell visits Margate Library, Sat 11 Feb 2012, 11-12 noon

February is national LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual) History Month and to help us celebrate, DJ Connell has agreed to join us. Come along to a relaxed talk which promises to be lively, witty and interesting. DJ Connell, author of Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar, will talk about her writing and her recently published novel, Sherry Cracker Gets Normal.

Tickets are free from Margate Library, 08458 247200, but booking is recommended.

Continue reading DJ Connell visits Margate Library, Sat 11 Feb 2012, 11-12 noon

Lesley Pearse visits Sevenoaks Library

Lesley Pearse, bestselling author, visits Sevenoaks Library to talk about her latest novel,The Promise. For details see
http://www.whatsoninkentlocal.com/all/details/27988/ or ring Sevenoaks Library 08458 247200.

Continue reading Lesley Pearse visits Sevenoaks Library

Lesley Pearse visits Dartford

Lesley Pearse, bestselling author, visits The Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford. Lesley will discuss her latest novel, The Promise. Tickets £3 please contact http://www.themickjaggercentre.com/home.aspx
01322 291100 or Dartford Library 08458 247200.

Continue reading Lesley Pearse visits Dartford

An evening with Heather Peace

Heather Peace talks about her novel All To Play For. It's time to tell our story, starting when my new friends and colleagues-to-be were all as fresh, young and wet behind the ears as I was myself. When our hearts were open, and our integrity was still intact.
Rhiannon dreams of joining the largest broadcaster in the world: the BBC. And so begins a life of highs, lows, and absurd experiences for five ambitious young people, all keen to make it in the increasingly commercial world of television.
http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Leisure_and_Culture/Libraries/Library_facilities_incl_location_opening_hours/118251_Author_and_literary_events.asp

Continue reading An evening with Heather Peace

Hallie Rubenhold -The art of writing and researching historical fiction.

Hallie Rubenhold -The art of writing and researching historical fiction.

Chipping Barnet Library
Wednesday 25th January 2012
6:30pm-7:30pm

Hallie Rubenhold is a historian and broadcaster and an authority on British 18th-century social history.  She has written two works of non-fiction to critical acclaim: 'The Covent Garden Ladies' and 'Lady Worsley's Whim'.

Hallie will be talking about her new book 'Mistress of my Fate', the first book in her new fictional series, and the art of writing and researching historical fiction.

This is a free event - please contact Chipping Barnet Library to reserve your seat on 020 8359 4040 or email chipping.barnet.library@barnet.gov.uk.

Transport details

Bus: 234, 326, 384

Tube: High Barnet (Northern line)

Map:http://g.co/maps/t9wpm

Continue reading Hallie Rubenhold -The art of writing and researching historical fiction.

The Legacy of Eden

"To understand what it meant to be a Hathaway you'd first have to see Aurelia."

For generations, a grand estate house was the crowning glory of over three thousand acres of Iowa farm land and golden corn fields. Named Aurelia, it was a monument to matriarch Lavinia Hathaway's dream to elevate the family name--no matter what relative or stranger she had to destroy in the process. It was a desperation that wrought the downfall of the Hathaways- and the once prosperous farm.

Now the last inhabitant of the decaying old home has died--alone. None of the surviving members of the Hathaway dynasty want anything to do with the house, the land or the memories. Especially Meredith Pincetti. Now living in New York City, for seventeen years Lavinia's youngest grandchild has tried to forget everything about her family and her past. But with the receipt of a pleading letter, Meredith is again thrust into conflict with the legacy which destroyed her family's once-great name.

Back at Aurelia, Meredith must confront the rise and fall of the Hathaway family...and her own part in their mottled history.

One of the most eagerly anticipated debuts of the year.

Contact Claudia Symons
(Claudia.Symons@hqnuk.co.uk) if interested in copies for your reading group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wyumk9O4nG4

Continue reading The Legacy of Eden

Tony Hawks Talks Books

Meet Tony Hawks

Meet comedian, quixotic quester and star of TV and radio, Tony Hawks,
best known for fridges, pianos and Moldovans! Tony will talk about his
writing and his life. Ten years ago, a foolhardy attempt to win a drunken
bet resulted in Tony embarking on an unforgettable journey. Joined by his
trusty travelling companion-cum-domestic appliance, his fridge, he found
himself in the midst of a remarkable and, at times, downright silly
adventure around the coast of the Emerald Isle. His journey was
chronicled in a book that became an international bestseller - 'Round
Ireland with a Fridge'.

On Thursday 9th February 6.00pm at Leicester Central Library
Tickets: £3.00 for library members, £5.00 for non- members. Not a member? You can join for free at your local library or online. Tickets available at Leicester Central Library, Bishop Street or:

T: 0116 299 5401
E: central-library@leicester.gov.uk

Event organised by Leicester Libraries & Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival

Continue reading Tony Hawks Talks Books

Event with Lesley Pearse

Came along to Blackheath Library to meet the bestselling author Lesley Pearse, who will be talking about her latest novel'the promise'. There will be light refreshments and book signing. Free please ring 0208-858-1131

Monday 23rd January 2012 7-8 pm

Continue reading Event with Lesley Pearse

Josephine Hart - Damage & Sin

I have 80 finished copies of Sin and 90 copies of Damage to give away

Before Josephine died her editor asked her to write new introductions for two of her most celebrated books. After she passed away her husband found these and they have been included in the new editions.

'Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.'

Josephine Hart's debut novel, an international bestseller, filmed with Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche, is one of the most chilling explorations of physical passion and dark, obsessive love ever written.

'A remarkable first novel of awesome accomplishment and quite startling psychological insight' Ruth Rendell

'Though she wounded me beyond pain, I too inflicted deep hurt. Not born to murder her, still I sought to break her . . . Her name was Elizabeth Ashbridge. And I even envied her that.'

Sin is about a woman possessed by an obsessive envy, a woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

'As in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, innocence and virtue are cruelly and deliberately betrayed, as the reader looks on with mingled shock and fascination . . . a tour de force' New York Times

Josephine Hart (1942-2011) was the bestselling author of Damage, Sin, Oblivion and The Reconstructionist. She was a Director of Haymarket Publishing and founded Gallery Poets before going on to produce a number of West End plays. As well writing novels, she was a `poetry evangelist' and her Josephine Hart Poetry Hour at the British Library inspired two edited poetry books: Catching Life by the Throat and Words that Burn. She was married to Maurice Saatchi and had two sons.

Continue reading Josephine Hart - Damage & Sin

Brilliance by Anthony McCarten

Brilliance deals with the life of the inventor Thomas Alva Edison, who - short of money - is captivated by the charismatic figure of J.P. Morgan, the 'world's banker'. He accepts Morgan's offer of almost unlimited cash in return for helping him change the way the world does business. In the process, Edison sees himself descend from being a godlike inventor of electric light to being complicit in the invention of the electric chair. This book is very topical and chimes in with the Wall Street and St Paul's anti-capitalist 'occupy movement'.

Email Elisabetta Minervini (eminervini@almabooks.com) if you are interested in proofs for your reading group (Only 8 sets of 5 available) or if you would like Anthony to visit your library.

Continue reading here - http://www.almabooks.com/brilliance-p-385-book.html

Continue reading Brilliance by Anthony McCarten

An evening with Heather Peace

Heather peace reads from her novel All to Play For: It's time to tell our story, starting when my new friends and colleagues-to-be were all as fresh, young and wet behind the ears as I was myself. When our hearts were open, and our integrity was still intact.
A story of artistic expression vs corporate gain, of how some people make a drama out of a crisis, and others a crisis out of a drama.

http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Leisure_and_Culture/Libraries/Library_facilities_incl_location_opening_hours/118251_Author_and_literary_events.asp

Continue reading An evening with Heather Peace

Bournemouth Festival of Words

We are looking for authors to complement our Festival's philosophy of ensuring that everyone who loves words can attend the Festival particularly those who face physical or financial barriers to doing so. Authors who have triumphed over adversity would be of particular interest as well as children's authors or those writing humour.

Continue reading Bournemouth Festival of Words

Joseph Heller's Catch 22

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Catch 22 with our open reading group. Reading Joseph Heller's classic satire is nothing less than a rite of passage. Set in the closing months of World War II in an American bomber squadron off the coast of Italy, Catch-22 is the story of a bombardier named Yossarian who is frantic and furious because thousands of people he has never even met keep trying to kill him. Joseph Heller's bestselling novel is a hilarious and tragic satire on military madness, and the tale of one mans efforts to survive it. Come and share your views and favourite passages in this informal group. Copies of the book are available for loan.

Places are limited so booking is essential. Contact Shepherds Bush library Customer Services Desk, phone 020 8753 3842 or email Library_Events@lbhf.gov.uk. www.lbhf.gov.uk/libraries

Continue reading Joseph Heller's Catch 22

Touch of Power- Maria Snyder

Touch of Power is the brand new book from bestselling author Maria Snyder.

What's the cost of a deal with the devil when you have the powers of a god? When Avry was growing up, Kazan was a prosperous land, rich in resources and served by a respected tribe of healers. Until the plague came. Developed by the poor territories to the north and west, the terrifying disease ravaged the people of Kazan and drove Avry's family away. Four years later, imprisoned for using her powers, Avry's beginning to lose hope, when a band of strange men break into her cell and steal her away. They need her special magic to save their prince. The Prince who ordered the plague s first release. Avry's freedom now rests on using her healing touch to save the very man who took away everything she loved...

We've got 50 proof copies available for reading groups.If you would like copies for your reading groups email Elise.Windmill@hqnuk.co.uk with your details and how many copies you'd like.

Continue reading Touch of Power- Maria Snyder

Authors wanted for Cultural Olympiad

As part of the cultural Olympiad we are looking for authors willing to come along to give a talk. As we are an olympic borough this will be an exciting opportunity to promote reading for pleasure. We do have a budget available

Continue reading Authors wanted for Cultural Olympiad

Craig Taylor available for events

Londoners is an extraordinary group portrait of London today. This is no guide book to the sights of London. This is about the people, not the places and these are their stories, as witnessed by Canadian Craig Taylor, an acclaimed journalist, playwright and writer who became fascinated by the question 'what kind of person ended up in London'.

Craig is available for features and interviews and can talk about the importance of oral history, London's markets and riots

Continue reading Craig Taylor available for events

Sarah Moss available for events in South West England

The critically accalimed novelist sarah Moss will be available for lilbrary events in the south west of England to coincide with paperback publication of Night Waking in April 2012.

'Tartly humorous, sad and clever ... a passionately written meditation on motherhood, with all the monotony, desperation and visceral feelings faithfully recorded' Elizabeth Buchan, Sunday Times

'Highly enjoyable... The upbeat conclusion to this blend of middle-class satire, historical fiction and campus novel does not soften Moss's withering take on sexism and her stark view of motherhood' Daily Telegraph

'Moss writes marvellously (and often hilariously) about the clash between career and motherhood. Allison Pearson for intellectuals' Times

kpike@granta.com

Continue reading Sarah Moss available for events in South West England

Night Waking

As the nights draw in curl up with Sarah Moss's critically acclaimed, darkly funny portrait of life with small children.

'Tartly humorous, sad and clever ... a passionately written meditation on motherhood, with all the monotony, desperation and visceral feelings faithfully recorded' Elizabeth Buchan, Sunday Times

'Highly enjoyable... The upbeat conclusion to this blend of middle-class satire, historical fiction and campus novel does not soften Moss's withering take on sexism and her stark view of motherhood' Daily Telegraph

'Moss writes marvellously (and often hilariously) about the clash between career and motherhood. Allison Pearson for intellectuals' Times

Continue reading Night Waking

Authors Wanted!!

Cambridgeshire Libraries is busy planning our author events for 2012 and we are now looking for available authors for events from February to April 2012.

Events to be held in the following libraries:

Cambridge Central
Chatteris
Yaxley
Whittlesey
Ramsey
St. Neots
St. Ives
Wisbech
Ely
Huntingdon
March

If you are interested in any of these locations - or other library venues in Cambridgeshire for author events please contact James Nicol - Adult Stock & promotrions Manager - in the first instance.

Continue reading Authors Wanted!!

The Shakespeare Thefts

Who stole Shakespeare?

Join a determined literary sleuth and his team of folio hunters in their quest to uncover the amazing stories behind the stolen First Folios in The Shakespeare Thefts.

To celebrate the publication of this extraordinary true literary detective story, Palgrave Macmillan have A3 posters and bookmarks to give away to any library or reading group that will find them useful.

Continue reading The Shakespeare Thefts

Missing Julia by Catherine Dunne

A powerful and compelling story which explores one of the most difficult decisions we might ever have to make.

One morning in October, William Harris is confronted by the shocking disappearance of the woman he loves.

Julia Seymour has vanished without trace - from his life, from her daughter's and from her own. Her sudden departure seems to be both deliberate and final.

But William is determined to find her. In the days that follow, he tries to piece together what might have driven her away. His search takes him to London, to India - and to Julia's life before he met her.

In the process, William discovers secrets about Julia's past that challenge and disturb his view of all they shared together. Secrets that illuminate the present in ways he could never have expected.

Contact Fergus Edmondson (f.edmondson@macmillan.co.uk) if interested in copies for your reading group.

Continue reading here http://catherinedunneauthor.com/

Continue reading Missing Julia by Catherine Dunne

One Summer by David Baldacci

When thirty-four-year-old ex-war veteran Jack Armstrong is told he has only weeks to live, his first concern is for his beloved wife Lizzie, and their children: baby Jackie, twelve-year-old would-be actor Cory and rebellious teenage daughter Mikki. It seems so cruel that an apparently fatal illness should claim him, a survivor of Afghanistan and Iraq, when he still has so much left to live for.

A moving story of love, second chances and the importance of family from the Number One International Bestseller.

Email Fergus Edmondson (f.edmondson@macmillan.co.uk) if you are interested in copies for your reading group.

Continue reading at http://davidbaldacci.com/

Continue reading One Summer by David Baldacci

Matthew Sweet

22 November

Matthew Sweet, author, journalist and BBC broadcaster will be talking about 'The West End Front: The wartime secrets of London's grand hotels' at Mayfair Library, 6pm. A revealing, witty and scandalous snapshot of how the other half lived. Free but please book by contacting Katrina Blench.
kblench@westminster.gov.uk

Continue reading Matthew Sweet

The Bloody Meadow by William Ryan

Free proofs available of the second novel in the Captain Korolev series set in Stalinist Russia.

William Ryan was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger 2010, Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award 2011 and the Irish Fiction Award 2010 and 2011.

Continue reading here - http://www.william-ryan.com/books/the-bloody-meadow/

Continue reading The Bloody Meadow by William Ryan

Gwas y Neidr

Cardiff Central Library presents
FREE LIVE MUSIC with
Gwas y Neidr

Continue reading Gwas y Neidr

Coventry Book Festival ( title tbc)

11-16 June 2012

Coventry's first book festival will inspire reading and creative writing in the whole community. Events for adults, teenagers and children will be held in schools and community venues throughout the week culminating in large celebration event on Saturday 16th June. The Inspiration Book Awards ceremony will be on June 13th so there is an opportunity for winning authors (winners announced on Feb 15th) attending that to do other events while in Coventry. Please note that the date coincides with Birmingham Young Reader's festival schools week and so there is the opportunity for authors to do both festivals in one trip to the West Midlands! Please contact me as soon as possible with your suggestions to ensure you do not miss this cost effective opportunity

Continue reading Coventry Book Festival ( title tbc)

Craig Taylor - The Londoners

Craig Taylor will be talking about his new book The Londoners - the days and nights of London now. Perspectives from the people of London. From the woman who is the voice of London Underground to the director of a Bethnal Green funeral parlour, and many inbetween. Craig has painted a vivid, epic and wholly fresh portrait of 21st century London.

Join us at Chipping Barnet Library on Saturday 19th November at 2.30pm
Please phone 020 8359 4040 or email ruth.newman@barnet.gov.uk to book your free place.

Continue reading Craig Taylor - The Londoners

Get Active

Race down to your library.
Get Active at Cardiff Central Library.

Get into Libraries. Get into Sport. Get into Play. Get inspired!

Join sports stars Jamie Baulch, Nathan Stephens, The Blues and The Devils.

Get free Sports Tasters and follow the Active Fit Squad. Freestyle Football, Karate, Street Dance, Table Tennis and much more.

Wednesday 2nd November
10am to 4pm

For more details contact 029 2038 2116 or email centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk

Libraries Fortnight 1-14 November 2011

Continue reading Get Active

Lynn Shepherd author of Tom-All-Alone's

Lynn Shepherd is the author of the captivating Tom-All-Alone's, a reimagining of Dickens masterpiece and first English detective story- Bleak House. With the bicentenary of Dickens birth on the 7 February, Lynn is available for talks, workshops, reading group sessions and readers' days.

Tom-All-Alone's aims to craft something that would not only be a compelling 'literary murder mystery' in its own right, but also a creative response to the events and themes of Dickens' text. Tom-All-Alone's was actually the original title of Dickens Bleak House.

The story of Tom-All-Alone's runs parallel to Dickens, and his characters populate her own literary landscape, whether as principal protagonists, like the lawyer Tulkinghorn and Inspector Bucket, or mere bystanders seen or overheard in London's crowded dining-houses, pubs, and omnibuses. Through the eyes of her young detective, Charles Maddox, we see these familiar episodes and characters from a new angle, and find answers to questions that Bleak House left unanswered.

if you would like Lynn to visit your library please contact Emily Burns: emily@constablerobinson.com.

Continue reading Lynn Shepherd author of Tom-All-Alone's

Free Samplers - The Language of Flowers

Free samplers of the global bestseller that everyone is talking about.

Now published in 33 countries, The Language of Flowers is a Top Ten bestseller in the UK. It's a heartbreaking but uplifting novel about the meaning of flowers, the meaning of family and the meaning of love.

For full synopsis, extract and book trailer visit www.whatsyourmessage.co.uk

Continue reading Free Samplers - The Language of Flowers

Capital Reads: A Festival of Words

Capital Reads: A Festival of Words
Saturday 22nd October, 9.45am - 5.00pm
Cardiff Central Library, The Hayes, 029 2038 2116

Drop by and join in our events including:

• Meet the author: award-winning adult, children, and teenage authors throughout the day, including Kristina Taylor, Shelagh Weeks, Maggie Harris, Richard Gwyn, Clare Potter, Damian Harvey, and Lucy Christopher
• Reading Groups - be a fly on the wall!
• Creative writing
• Poetry and prose performances in English, Welsh, Arabic, Urdu and Punjabi
• Activities for children including stories and a make your own comic workshop
• eBook demonstrations

For more information including a detailed timetable of activities, please visit
www.cardiff.gov.uk/libraryevents

In partnership with: Cardiff Libraries, Welsh Government, St. David's Hall, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Short Books, Macmillan Children's Books, Bookgroup.info, and BVSNW (Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales).

Continue reading Capital Reads: A Festival of Words

The Report

It is a spring evening in 1943 when the air-raid sirens wail out over the East End of London. From every corner of Bethnal Green, people emerge and set off for the shelter of the tube station. But at the entrance steps, something goes badly wrong, the crowd panics, and 173 people are crushed to death. When an enquiry is called for, it falls to the local magistrate to find out what happened during those few, fatally confused minutes. But as testimony is gathered the picture grows ever murkier. The more questions asked, the more difficult it becomes to disentangle truth from rumour. It is only decades later, when the case is reopened by one of the children who survived, that the facts can finally be brought to light ... This is a book which will have you in passionate conversation for hours!

http://www.portobellobooks.com/page/3012/The-Report/7017

Are you part of a reading group which would like to get their hands on free copies of The Report? Email kpike@granta.com and say something about your reading group and include contact details.

Continue reading The Report

The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball

Portobello are offering a limited number of copies for reading groups of The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball, a true story of following your dreams, getting covered in mud, and learning to grow your own happiness.

http://www.portobellobooks.com/page/3012/The-Dirty-Life/7037

Continue reading The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball

Crime author Kate Ellis

1st October

Bestselling crime writer, Kate Ellis, is coming to Blackburn library on Saturday, October 1, at 2pm to talk about her latest novel, The Jackal Man, and sign books. Kate Ellis has written 19 crime novels, including 15 in the 'Wesley Peterson' series. She blends a historical thriller with a modern day murder in this series. They are a great way to try something different.

Tickets are £1 and are available from Blackburn library.

For more information www.blackburn.gov.uk/libraries

Continue reading Crime author Kate Ellis

History Day, Cardiff Central Library

Celebrating our local history at Cardiff Central Library.

A programme of free local history talks and information stands.

Enter our history competition - full information can be found on the Library blog - page 35 at http://cardifflibraries.blogspot.com to win a great prize.

For more information, contact: centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk or call 029 2038 2116.

Continue reading History Day, Cardiff Central Library

Misha Glenny

3rd October 2011

Misha Glenny
Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Rd, W6 7AT
Monday- Oct 3rd
7 - 8 pm (doors open 6.30pm)

Misha Glenny talks about his new book Dark Market - Cyber Thieves, CyberCops and You (published 15th September, Bodley Head). Misha Glenny is a journalist and historian, and the author of the Sunday Times bestseller McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime. He is regularly consulted by the US and European governments on major policy issues.

In his talk, Misha investigates the dangers of living online and explores the question 'have we become complacent about our personal security?'
Foyles at Westfield are pleased to be the bookseller for this event and will be offering £3 off the RRP of the book on the evening.

Free admission/refreshments

For more information and to book tickets contact elin.jones@lbhf.gov.uk telephone 0208 753 3812/3823

Continue reading Misha Glenny

Off the Page Stirling Book Festival

10t - 17 September 2011

Sixth off the page Stirling Book Festival with a range of authors and events.Christopher Brookmyre, Mark Billingham, Nicola Morgan, stuart MacBride and some of the adult authors with Barry Hutchison, Cathy Cassidy and Catherine Forde for the Young People.

Continue reading Off the Page Stirling Book Festival

Daniel Polansky, proofs available

August 2011

Welcome to Low Town.

Here, the criminal is king. The streets are filled with the screeching of fish hags, the cries of swindled merchants, the inviting murmurs of working girls. Here, people can disappear, and the lacklustre efforts of the guard ensure they are never found.

Warden is an ex-soldier who has seen the worst men have to offer; now a narcotics dealer with a rich, bloody past and a way of inviting danger. You'd struggle to find someone with a soul as dark and troubled as his.

But then a missing child, murdered and horribly mutilated, is discovered in an alley.

And then another.

With a mind as sharp as a blade and an old but powerful friend in the city, he's the only man with a hope of finding the killer.

If the killer doesn't find him first.

To get a free copy of this title email:

Continue reading Daniel Polansky, proofs available

Derbyshire Literature Festival 2012

May 2012

Derbyshire Libraries will be hosting their 7th biennial Literature Festival from 11th to 20th May 2012 and are looking for well known authors to add to our diverse programme. We have a fantastic track record for live literature, a network of nearly 200 reading groups and around 30 writing groups.

The festival takes place across the county in libraries and community venues. Previously featured writers include Maggie Gee, Kate Adie, Stephen Booth, George Alagiah, Kate Mosse,Louise Doughty, Edward Hogan and Michael Morley. We will be programming over the next couple of months and would love to hear from you.

Continue reading Derbyshire Literature Festival 2012

Reader Development Day for all the family, Cardiff

22 October

We will be holding a Reader's Development day for adults and children alike in October. At the daytime event we will be offering advice on reading groups, Dads and lads (reading with your children), Ethnic and Welsh language titles, creative writing, author talks, reading group meetings, children's groups and many extra opportunities. In the evening event we will have quizzes and fun events plus a headliner author will talk. If you are interested in being involved, have any freebies to give away, books to promote or your talents to offer, please contact Susanna.

Continue reading Reader Development Day for all the family, Cardiff

Starcrossed

26 July 2011

Macmillan have a limited number of super proofs available for Josephine Angelini's teen paranormal romance debut Starcrossed.

Contact Amy Lines to request yours.

find out more here

Continue reading Starcrossed

Alyson Noel

To mark the final book in Alyson Noel's Immortals Series we have created an all in one chapter sampler/poster/Q&A /50% off voucher for Everlasting. Contact Amy Lines to request a quanitity.

Find out more about the series here: www.alysonnoel.co.uk

Continue reading Alyson Noel

Sleuths! IV Crime & Thriller Festival

Torbay Libraries and our commercial partners The Torbay Bookshop are currently fielding writers who would be interested in being guests at the 4th Sleuths! Crime and Thriller Writing Festival here in Torbay in 2012. The festival is scheduled to take place Wednesday 18 - Saturday 21 April.

At this stage we remain largely unfunded so we would ideally seek to coincide with planned promotional tours for any crime and thriller releases. Guest authors in past years have included Robert Goddard, Belinda Bauer, Jane Casey, MC Beaton, Ann Cleeves, Graham Hurley, Simon Brett and Anne Perry.

Contact paul.trainer@torbay.gov.uk for further details.

Continue reading Sleuths! IV Crime & Thriller Festival

Win a copy of Blood Red Road

The Telegraph called it "a splendid, stylish debut"

The Times said it was a "shot of pure adrenalin"

The Herald thinks it "grabs you in its claw on the first page and refuses to release you until the last"

Now it's your chance to read the book everyone is talking about - Blood Red Road. Scholastic Children's Books are giving you the chance to win a copy of this critically acclaimed debut novel from Moira Young. Saba lives in a broken world - her only joy comes from spending her days with her twin brother, Lugh. But when he's kidnapped, Saba sets out on a perilous rescue mission where death waits at every turn...

The first 20 people to email publicity@scholastic.co.uk will get their hands on a copy.

Continue reading Win a copy of Blood Red Road

Andy Seed - Yorkshire author of All Teachers Great and Small - available for events

Andy Seed has crystallised his experiences as a primary school teacher in the Yorkshire Dales into the memoir All Teachers Great and Small.

Andy is an experienced public speaker and would like to visit libraries in the Yorkshire region (and beyond) to tell readers about his brilliant memoir.

Andy's entertaining talks encompass many facets:
• the nostalgic real life events which feature in his book
• the challenges of writing memoirs
• How he got published and top tips for aspiring authors

Please contact maura.brickell@headline.co.uk for details.

Continue reading Andy Seed - Yorkshire author of All Teachers Great and Small - available for events

Author wanted for Black history month october 2011

The brand new Woolwich Centre Library in the London borough of Greenwich will be dedicating the languages section to the late Cllr Kanta Patel during Black history month. We are looking for a gujerati author to give a talk.

Please contact sarah.davis@greenwich.gov.uk for details.

Continue reading Author wanted for Black history month october 2011

Authors wanted for World Book Day week

We're looking for authors to come to Leicester on World Book Day week. We can afford to contribute to their fees and travelling.

We run very sucessful author programmes which have been nationally recognised. Take a look at our website www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries

Email chris.hodgson@leicester.gov.uk for details.

Continue reading Authors wanted for World Book Day week

Launch of Acorn Grow!

Acorn Grow is now LIVE!!!!! Our first digital product is alive and kicking. For further information please visit the Raintree website, or go directly to Acorn Grow and see what you think.

Continue reading Launch of Acorn Grow!

HCIndyThinking

News, updates and free proofs from HarperCollins

HarperCollins has launched a new monthly 'Independent Thinking' email newsletter offering news, updates and special offers to independent booksellers in the UK and Ireland. The newsletter also offers a selection of advance proofs available to request and read each month. Much of the information is equally relevant to librarians and offers a quick and easy way to stay in touch with HarperCollins' new and forthcoming releases. If you would like to join the Independent Thinking list, email 'JOIN' to independentthinking@harpercollins.co.uk. You can also keep in touch at the accompanying site www.hcindythinking.co.uk or on Twitter @HCindythinking.

Continue reading HCIndyThinking

Devil's Consort by Anne O'Brien

Anne O'Brien's first book 'Virgin Widow' was described by The Bookseller as 'Better than Philippa Gregory' and she returns with 'Devil's Consort' - a wonderfully gripping depiction of Eleanor of Aquitaine's early life.

We have 5 x 10 proofs to give away on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Bethan Ferguson if interested.

Continue reading Devil's Consort by Anne O'Brien

Live chat with Sarra Manning, author of You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

24 February 2011

Join Sarra Manning live in our next next online chat to discuss her book YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME:
http://www.sarramanning.co.uk

Register at following URL to take part and share your views with other reading groups:
http://www.rchatrandom.co.uk/

Continue reading Live chat with Sarra Manning, author of You Don't Have to Say You Love Me

Louise Welsh

18 January

Louise Welsh is the award-winning author of The Bullet Trick and The Cutting Room.

Her new novel, Naming the Bones, sees academic Murray Watson on a quest to find the truth behind long-dead writer Archie Lunan. Loaded with Welsh's trademark wit, insight and gothic charisma, this adventure novel weaves the lives of Murray and Archie together in a tale of literature, obsession and dark magic.

For more information, please contact Anna Frame

Continue reading Louise Welsh

Meet Ally Kennen at the launch of her new book, Quarry!

5 February

Drop in to Waterstone's in Taunton and meet local author Ally Kennen, and hear her talk about her brand new Teen Chiller, QUARRY!

Saturday 5th February
2pm to 4pm

Waterstone's Taunton
The County Hotel, East Street
Taunton TA1 3LU

For more information, please contact Catherine Alport

Continue reading Meet Ally Kennen at the launch of her new book, Quarry!

Matt Lynn

Thursday 24 March 2011

Matt Lynn, whose new book "Shadow Force" has just been published, will be giving at talk at Bishopbriggs Library, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs G64 2LX
on
Thursday 24th March
2.30pm.
The event is free but ticketed.

For more information, contact David Kenvyn

Continue reading Matt Lynn

Glitter

January 2011

Glitter

Discover the latest fashion trends.
Be pampered - enjoy massage, facials, hair styling, make up, and nail art.
Indulge yourself with our chocolate fountain, bubbly and tasty treats.
Relax with live music from Jazz trio 'Reflections'.

Featuring a Fashion Show from the Cardiff School of Creative and Cultural Industries.

Cardiff Central Library
Friday 28th January, 7pm

Tickets £6 available from Cardiff Central Library.

Contact Laura Wood

Cardiff Central Library
The Hayes
029 2038 2116
centrallibrary@cardiff.gov.uk
www.cardiff.gov.uk/centrallibrary
www.facebook.com/cardiff.central.library

Continue reading Glitter

Chichester Festivities and Chi Fest 17th June - 10th July 2011

June - July 2011

Chichester Library is looking for enthusiastic authors to speak at events for the Chichester Festivities and Chi Fest, which is for a week before the Festivities start. The festivities are a very popular literary and arts festival, drawing many big acts and many people to the city and Chichester library would like to celebrate the festivities by holding a few authors events with stand alone authors or panels of authors.

For more information about the festivities please see the website below or contact me if you have any queries.

http://www.chifest.org.uk/

Continue reading Chichester Festivities and Chi Fest 17th June - 10th July 2011

The Memory Cage

Alex's beloved grandfather is sick. His memory is failing, and Alex's parents want to put him in a home. Alex has promised Grandad that he won't let that happen. But Alex has broken promises before. When he was growing up in the Bosnian War, he swore that he would protect his brother. It was a promise that he couldn't keep. Alex can't fail again. But the only way to save Grandad could shatter the family ... and it may also tear Alex apart.

This is a brilliant debut from Ruth Eastham and perfect for reading and discussion groups of 10+.

Continue reading The Memory Cage

Author available: Trilby Kent, "Smoke Portrait"

Trilby Kent, author of Smoke Portrait is available for events. Smoke Portrait is a universal story of love, loss and appearances.

A young woman writes letters to a prison inmate abroad as a charitable task - these letters, however, get misdirected to a teenager who pretends to be the prisoner and who has a very troubled situation at home. This is the start of a romantic friendship between the correspondents where each one wants the other one to believe they are someone else - a correspondence which will help them through some of the most challenging years of the past century.

To set up an event with Trilby please contact eminervini@almabooks.com and for more info on Trilby and her new book, please visit
http://www.almabooks.com/smoke-portrait-p-359-book.html

Continue reading Author available: Trilby Kent, "Smoke Portrait"

New library opening in North Yorkshire - authors, illustrators etc wanted

From January 2011 onwards

North Yorkshire County Council is opening a new library in the small community of Starbeck in partnership with day services to adults with learning disabilities. We will be celebrating the new library from January 2011 onwards and are looking for authors, illustrators or publishers who will support us with events, goody bags, or anything else! For more information about the development, please visit our website (www.northyorks.gov.uk/starbeck), our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/starbeckhub), or contact Karen Thornton (karen.thornton@northyorks.gov.uk)

Continue reading New library opening in North Yorkshire - authors, illustrators etc wanted

Author available: Danny Danziger, "We Are Soldiers"

September and October 2010

Danny Danziger is a celebrated interviewer and the author of 11 non-fiction titles. His previous Little, Brown book, The Year 1000, sold almost 130,000 copies. His long-running Sunday Times column 'Best of Times, Worst of Times' is the recipient of many award and accolades. When writing We Are Soldiers Danziger interviewed hundreds of soldiers in the British Army of all ranks, divisions and seniority, to uncover the reasons why men and women choose to be soldiers in the 21st century, giving a unique insight into the reality of modern warfare and what it means to fight for your country.

Contact: kirsteen.astor@littlebrown.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Danny Danziger, "We Are Soldiers"

Authors wanted: Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Readers' Day

27 November 2010

Nottingham City Council is looking for authors to take part in the 7th annual Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Readers' Day. The day will take place on Saturday 27th November and is a unique joint venture between the Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County Councils.

Last year's Readers' Day added Hardeep Singh-Kohli and Helen Dunmore to the list of literary luminaries who have taken part in this high-profile event. In previous years speakers have included Wendy Cope, Sadie Jones and Jon McGregor.

Each year, the Readers' Day attracts a sunstantial audience (averaging 150) from the diverse and dynamic areas of Nottingham City and its surrounding county. This time, the event will be held in Nottingham City's Council House. It's a great opportunity for authors to meet their readers and publicise their latest book releases to a significant number of interested individuals. There will also be the opportunity for books to be sold at the event.

If you know of an author who may be interested please get in touch with Kate Wilkinson kate.wilkinson@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Continue reading Authors wanted: Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Readers' Day

Author available: Lindsay Clarke, The Water Theatre

September and October 2010

Lindsay Clarke is available to talk about his new book, The Water Theatre, "a powerful story of loyalty and loss, of betrayal and reconciliation." This is his first literary novel after the Chymical Wedding, winner of the Whitbread Award for Fiction in 1989.

Continue reading Author available: Lindsay Clarke, The Water Theatre

Author available: Stephen Moss, The Bumper Book of Nature

15th May - 15th October

Stephen Moss is available to talk about his Bumper Book of Nature.

'This book deserves to be a bestseller' - BBC Wildlife

'Terrific, beautifully designed, inventive, creative and various. Bravo.' - Michael Morpurgo

Contact fmurphy@randomhouse.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Stephen Moss, The Bumper Book of Nature

Author available: Annelise Freisenbruch, The First Lady Of Rome

August to December 2010

Annelise Freisenbruch is available to talk about her new book, The First Lady of Rome.

The first group biography in English of the imperial women of Rome - from an exciting young historian.

Contact fmurphy@randomhouse.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Annelise Freisenbruch, The First Lady Of Rome

Author available: Stuart Neville, Collusion

June - December 2010

Stuart Neville is available to talk about his new book, Collusion.

The brilliant follow-up to the debut thriller of 2009, The Twelve.

'This is some guy to watch out for in a dark alley.' - James Ellroy

Contact fmurphy@randomhouse.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Stuart Neville, Collusion

Author available: Adam O'Riordan, 'In The Flesh' (London)

20/05/10 - 31/12/10

Poet Adam O'Riordan is available to talk about his new collection (London only).

Confident, seductive and assured, this collection is an enthralling introduction to one of our most exciting new poets.

Adam O'Riordan was born in Manchester in 1982, and educated at Oxford and London University, where he was awarded the inaugural Peters, Fraser and Dunlop poetry prize. In 2008 he was awarded an Eric Gregory Award and was Poet-in-Residence at the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere. He lives in London.

Contact fmurphy@randomhouse.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Adam O'Riordan, 'In The Flesh' (London)

Author available: Allison Pearson, I Think I Love You

1st June - 31st December

Allison Pearson is available to talk about her new book, I Think I Love You.

From the No. 1 bestselling author of I Don't Know How She Does It: a hilarious and poignant story about a young girl who falls hopelessly in love with her teenage pin-up and some twenty years later, with her life in pieces around her, finally gets to meet him.

Contact fmurphy@randomhouse.co.uk

Continue reading Author available: Allison Pearson, I Think I Love You

M J Hyland available for events in Manchester

April onwards

This Is How was selected for the 2010 Orange longlist, and MJ Hyland was Booker-shortlisted in 2006 for Carry Me Down. This Is How takes you inside the claustrophobic mind of accidental murderer Patrick Oxtoby. As with all Hyland's books, the writing is sharp and incredibly tight, and the book will throw up a lot of questions.

'When you've been reading Hyland, other writers seem to lack integrity; they seem wedded to weak confabulations, whereas she aims straight for the truth and the heart.' - Hilary Mantel

Continue reading M J Hyland available for events in Manchester

Author available: The Twisted Heart by Rebecca Gowers

March 2010 onwards

Rebecca Gowers is availble to talk about her new book.

The Twisted Heart made the longlist for this year's Orange Prize. It was not Rebecca's first time there: she was Orange-longlisted in 2007 for her debut novel, When to Walk, and was also shortlisted for the 2004 CWA non-fiction Golden Dagger Award for The Swamp of Death. The Twisted Heart hit the press on publication last year for revelations contained in the plot about the real-life links between Charles Dickens and the death of a London prostitute. However, the book also received praise in the broadsheets for its deft and realistic handling of a very modern love affair between the two Oxford academics at the heart of the novel. She lives in Oxford.

'A literary jeu d'esprit in the style of Scarlett Thomas's The End of Mr Y...skittish, stream-of-consciousness prose, ultra-realistic dialogue and a genuinely puzzling historical murder mystery. Fresh and clever and very funny.' - Guardian

Continue reading Author available: The Twisted Heart by Rebecca Gowers

Author availble: Mari Strachan, The Earth Hums in B Flat

May 2010 onwards

Mari Strachan is available to talk about her new book.

The Earth Hums in B Flat caused a media storm when it was released last year. Narrated by 12 year old Gwenni, living in a small Welsh village in the 1950s, it is a story of family secrets best left buried and the power of the imagination. Mari was the top Waterstone's New Voice, an Amazon Rising Star and one of the Independent's Rising Stars. The book was picked as a R4 Book at Bedtime, as one of Amazon's Top 10 Fiction titles of 2009, and shortlisted for both the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award and the USA's Indies Choice Book Awards 2010 Adult Debut Book of the Year (results for both next month). She has been immersed in books all her life, working as a librarian in academic, school, public, private and prison libraries. She has also been a book reviewer, researcher, translator, copy writer and web editor.

'The Earth Hums in B Flat is a richly evocative, warm but unsentimental tale of a child detective struggling to piece together clues about the lives around her. These lives, and the characters who live them, are so vividly drawn and Mari Strachan's careful unraveling of the secrets they hide is extremely compelling. I loved this novel.' - CATHERINE O'FLYNN

Continue reading Author availble: Mari Strachan, The Earth Hums in B Flat

Author available: Penny Rudge, Foolish Lessons in Life and Love

All 2010

Penny Rudge is available for small and medium-sized readings.

A synopsis of Foolish Lessons in life and Love

23 year-old Taras Krohe is wedged between the two women in his life: his Russian girlfriend, Katya, who is struggling to fund her way through college; and his overbearing Bukovinian mother. He is devoted to both women in different ways but then Katya leaves him for a ponytailed aesthete - and his mother, he realises, he will never be able to escape.

Ten years after an ominous scholarship took him to a top-ranking public school, the big-boned and loveable Taras and his mother now live in a small South London flat. Taras's father died, shortly before he was born, and Mrs. Krohe went on to inherit a curious benefactress in the form of Mrs. Bartlett.

But then Mrs. Bartlett passed away and her unnerving relatives arrived at the door. With eviction looming, the terminally easy-going Taras is forced to show his mother that he is a man, and uncover the secret behind his family's descent into disaster. But she has other ideas for her little pourchi: she is determined to wrestle him away from the dangerous influences his search reveals. And it is by no means certain who will come out on top . . .

Continue reading Author available: Penny Rudge, Foolish Lessons in Life and Love

Author Available: Karen Campbell

All 2010

Karen Campbell is a police officer turned crime writer and is available for library events, reading group sessions and readers' days. She is happy to give solo talks, or take part in a panel event.

Karen lives in Glasgow and joined the Strathclyde Police in 1987, but after a career break to have her family, she applied to Glasgow University's Creative Writing programme. In 2003, Karen was awarded a Scottish Arts Council New Writer's Bursary. Her debut novel, The Twilight Time, was published in 2008 to great acclaim and was followed last year by After the Fire. Her third novel, Shadowplay, will be published in May 2010.

Visit Karen's website www.karencampbell.co.uk

Continue reading Author Available: Karen Campbell

D.J. Taylor on At the Chime of a City Clock

March - December 2010

D.J. Taylor is available for library events and to speak to reading groups.

Set against a backdrop of the 1931 financial crisis and acted out in shabby bed-sitters and Lyons tea shops, At the Chime of a City Clock is a brilliantly evoked slice of Thirties' noir.

D.J. Taylor is married to the novelist Rachel Hore and lives in Norwich. He is the author of two acclaimed biographies, Thackerary, and Orwell: The Life, which won the Whitbread Biography Prize in 2003. He has written six novels, the most recent being Kept: A Victorian Mystery. He is also well known as a critic and reviewer, and his other books include A Vain Conceit: British Fiction in the 1980s and After the War: the Novel and England since 1945.

For more information click here

Continue reading D.J. Taylor on At the Chime of a City Clock

Author Available: Cath Staincliffe, The Kindest Thing

July - December 2010

Cath Staincliffe is available for library events and to speak to reading groups.

A fictional account looking at the fiercely contested topic of assisted suicide, The Kindest Thing is a love story, a modern nightmare and an honest and incisive portrayal of a woman who honours her husband's wish to die and finds herself in the dock for murder.

A finely written page-turner that charts the life of a marriage and all the joys and stresses of bringing up a family and contrasts this with the terrifying experience of being imprisoned and at the mercy of the full weight of the criminal justice system. The Kindest Thing tackles a controversial topic with skill and sensitivity. A book that begs the question: what would you do?

Cath Staincliffe is part of Murder Squad, a collective of seven crime writers from the North of England. She is the author of the acclaimed Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the creator of ITV's hit police series, Blue Murder, which recently returned to TV with three new episodes featuring DCI Janine Lewis, played by Caroline Quentin. Cath's first novel, Looking for Trouble, shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association's best first novel award, was serialized on Woman's Hour.

For more information click here

Continue reading Author Available: Cath Staincliffe, The Kindest Thing

Celebrity Shopper by Carmen Reid

March 2010 onwards

Carmen Reid is a wonderful author of the Personal Shopper series starring the incorrigible Annie Valentine. The fifth book in the series - Celebrity Shopper - is published on 4th March.

In 2009 we undertook some fantastic events with Carmen in various libraries across Scotland and the North. These events were incredibly popular with mothers and daughters as Carmen is also the author of a young adult series of books about a boarding school called St Jude's.

More of the same event style would be fantastic but it would also be fabulous to get Carmen doing some solo events or joint events with other adult authors, possibly with input from local businesses such as boutiques and salons to make it a true Girls Night In.

For further information about Carmen please visit her website - www.carmenreid.com

Continue reading Celebrity Shopper by Carmen Reid