- 28 May -30 June 2025
- 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
- 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
