- 28 May -30 June 2025
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- POSTPONED
My Europe: A Patrician Press Anthology
RESCHEDULED FOR 16 MARCH. In their latest anthology, Patrician Press brings together poems, short stories and essays on the theme of Europe, advantages and disadvantages of the European Union. Writers share personal histories and discuss the consequences of leaving the EU. Read more
- Fiction
Marc Chagall and The White Crucifixion: Michael Dean
A fictionalised account of the rollercoaster life of Marc Chagall, one of the most enigmatic artists of the twentieth century. A fascinating story of displacement, creativity and inspiration, by Essex based author Michael Dean. Read more
- Fiction
- Poetry
The Language-Land: Anita Debska
In 2018 Poland celebrates the centenary of its reunification as an independent state. The Language-Land is a bilingual selection of Polish poetry and prose written between 1795 and 1918, when Poland was absorbed into the empires of Russia, Prussia and Austria. Read more
- Fiction
The Silent Companions: Laura Purcell
Inspired by the work of Shirley Jackson and Susan Hill, and set in a crumbling country mansion, The Silent Companions is an unsettling gothic ghost story to send a shiver down the spine... A fantastic debut novel from Colchester based author Laura Purcell. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
- POSTPONED
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Gail Honeyman
*** POSTPONED DUE TO ILL HEALTH - NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED *** The life of an outsider is vividly captured in this debut and Sunday Times bestseller, soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon. Read more
- Fiction
Essex Book Club Symposium
Join members of book groups from across Essex and hear from Imogen Hermes Gowar, who shares snippets of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, her spell-bounding debut novel about love and obsession in Georgian London, and Liz Trenow, who presents about her latest novel In Love and War, published to mark WW1’s centenary. Read more
- Fiction
Man with a Seagull on his Head: Harriet Paige
A debut novel that is taking Essex (and the UK) by storm. Man with a Seagull on his Head is an insightful exploration of art, love and creativity. We follow Ray Eccles and his unlikely muse, their lives becoming intertwined with others as they advance on a bizarre journey from Essex coast to the London art scene. Read more
- Fiction
The Pictures – Guy Bolton
Set in Hollywood 1939, the year of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, this murder mystery uncovers the crimes and misdemeanours of studio players and stars. Inspired by classic Hollywood noir, this acclaimed debut from an exciting new British talent has been shortlisted for the CWA’s New Blood Dagger 2017. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
Sugar Money: Jane Harris
*** THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ILL HEATLH *** Award-winning author Jane Harris’ new novel is based on a true 18th century Caribbean story. Brothers Emile and Lucien must return to Grenada and smuggle back 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. Read more
- Fiction
Sunday Morning Coming Down: Nicci French
In the chilling seventh instalment of the bestselling, critically acclaimed Frieda Klein series, evil looms but this time it's far too close to home. Come and hear about the latest psychological thriller by partners in crime, husband and wife writing duo Nicci Gerard and Sean French. Read more
- Fiction
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
A Criminally Good Afternoon Tea: Nine Lessons with Nicola Upson
At the turn of the century, M R James told ghost stories by candlelight to a handful of scholars over supper after Christmas Eve’s carol service. Twenty-five years later, they are being killed off one by one... Nicola Upson tells you about the seventh novel in her highly praised Josephine They series. Read more
- Fiction
Book Launch: A Perfect Marriage by Alison Booth
All are welcome to this book launch, hosted by Professor Pamela Cox at the University of Essex. A story of love and loss, of enduring friendship and unreliable memory, A Perfect Marriage is an enthralling new book from the bestselling author of Stillwater Creek. The novel is also a tale of redemption, of new hopes and fresh beginnings. Read more
- Fiction
The Greedy Queen: Eating with Victoria – Dr Annie Gray
What does it mean to eat like a Queen? Elizabeth gorged on sugar; Mary on chocolate, and Ann was known as Brandy Nan. Victoria ate all of this and more. Annie Gray, historian, cook, broadcaster and writer, gives a new perspective on one of Britain's most iconic monarchs, celebrating her appetite for food and for life. Read more
- Fiction
Two O’Clock Boy: Mark Hill
Mark Hill's debut The Two O’Clock Boy is the gripping, twist-filled start to a new London-set crime thriller series, starring morally corrupt DI Ray Drake - a new spin on the modern police novel, with a focus on psychological suspence and a heady sense of the macabre. Read more
- Fiction
Dead Men Whistling: Graham Masterton
Graham Masterton, author of bestselling horror novel The Manitou, brings us a gripping new thriller about police corruption, whistleblowing and murder. DCI Katie Maguire investigates a string of police fatalities, discovering that when murder is the best way to stop people talking, only silence is the safe option. Read more
- Fiction
The Cross and the Curse: Matthew Harffy
AD 634: In Anglo-Saxon Britain, confusion and conflict continue as warlords battle across Britain to become the first King of the English. In the second gripping, action-packed instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles, Matthew Harffy weaves an enthralling tale of murder, betrayal and vengeance. Read more
- Fiction
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
The Special Girls: Isabelle Grey
DI Grace Fisher investigates a cold case and the murder of a young doctor, all connected to a summer camp for young patients with eating disorders located deep in the Essex countryside. The Special Girls is a nailbiting psychological thriller with a main character you will love and a final twist that will break your heart. Read more
- Fiction
- For Writers
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Workshop
Essex Authors Day
This exciting day of seminars and workshops brings together Essex-based authors, writers and aspiring writers. Listen to author readings at the Pop Up Podium, pick up top tips, meet other writers, and find out more about getting published and publicising your book. Read more
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
Pop-up Podium: Meet the Authors
A fascinating and enlightening day for all book-lovers. Visit our Pop-up Podium and meet a whole host of Essex based writers and published authors. Talk to them about their work and inspirations, and listen to pop-up readings through the day. Read more
- Fiction
- SOLD OUT!
Strange Sight: Syd Moore
The second in the Essex Witch Museum Mysteries follows the La Fleur restaurant, which has a slew of unusual phenomena. Bonnet-clad apparitions pass through walls, blood leaks from ceilings and rats besiege the dining room. Will Rosie Strange be able to solve the mystery? Read more