Denbighshire Libraries have the perfect winter warmer for you this month with an exciting line up of bestselling authors visiting libraries to talk with readers about their books as part of Fictionfest.
If you are a fan of crime writing in particular, or just enjoy meeting up to chat about books, there’s something for you at the events across the county. All the events are free, but please contact the relevant library to book your place.
The events are part of the Living Well in Wales, Places to Connect campaign funded by Welsh Government. Libraries in Wales are delivering a wide range of events and activities where you can connect with friends or meet new people, try something different or learn a new skill, and find out what else is available within your community. There is a warm welcome for everyone of every age in your local library.
Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for the Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said, “I am delighted that our libraries are putting on this wonderful programme of visits by such popular authors. It will be a great chance for readers and library members to meet and chat with the writers and each other. Libraries provide so many opportunities for people to connect with each other and their community through a common love of books and reading and this Fictionfest is a great example of this.”
The Fictionfest Programme
Tuesday 22nd November 2pm John Alwyn Griffiths at Ruthin Library Tel: 01824 705274 (Welsh language event)
Born in Bangor, John Alwyn Griffiths was a police officer who spent his career working throughout North Wales before retiring in 1998. He has since gone on to write nine novels featuring Detective Jeff Evans, and an autobiography.
Tuesday 22nd November 6.30pm Alis Hawkins at St Asaph Library Tel: 01745 582253
Alis Hawkins is a Crime Writers Association shortlisted author of historical crime fiction and mysteries, including the Teifi Valley Coroner series featuring Coroner Harry Probert-Lloyd and his assistant, John Davies in 1850s West Wales.
Monday 28th November 2pm Kate Ellis at Rhuddlan Library Tel: 01745 590719
Kate Ellis is the Cheshire based author of two exciting series of crime novels, two historical novels and many short stories. She has written over 20 novels featuring archaeology graduate Detective Sergeant Wesley Peterson who fights crime in the "mean streets" (or should it be "mean lanes"?) of South Devon.
Wednesday 30th November 11am Elen Wyn at Denbigh Library Tel: 01745 816313 (Welsh language event)
Elen Wyn is based in Denbigh and is a Senior News Reporter at BBC Wales. She has just published her 3rd novel.
Wednesday 30th November 2pm Simon McCleave at Prestatyn Library Tel: 01745 854841
Simon McCleave is a million selling British crime novelist. His first book, ‘The Snowdonia Killings’, was released in January 2020 and reached No 1 in the Amazon UK Chart and selling over 200,000 copies. He has just signed a deal with publishing giants Harper Collins to write a new crime series based on the Isle of Anglesey.
Thursday 1st December 2pm Martin Edwards at Rhyl Library Tel: 01745 353814
Along with Kate Ellis, Martin Edwards is a member of the Murder Squad collective of crime writers and he is a winner of the CWA Diamond Dagger – the highest honour in UK crime writing. As well as writing crime fiction he has recently published a book on the history of crime fiction.