Best-selling author Ann Cleeves is making a return visit to Darlington next month (September) when she will be joined by ‘partner in crime’ and fellow crime writer Catriona McPherson.
Perhaps best known for the brilliant but unconventional DCI Vera Stanhope, immortalised by Brenda Blethyn in the TV series Vera, Ann will be talking about her newly completed novel.
The new book, Cold Earth, is the latest in her ‘Shetland’ series featuring detective Jimmy Perez, which has a new television series on the way with Douglas Henshall in the title role. It is due to be released in October.
Last year Ann was shortlisted for The Crime Writers’ Association’s Dagger in the Library Award, which is awarded not for an individual book but for an author’s entire body of work. Her books have been translated into 20 languages and she is a best-seller in Scandinavia and Germany.
Ann first began writing while living on the tiny tidal island nature reserve of Hilbre, where her husband Tim was warden. The couple and their two daughters moved to Northumberland in 1987 and the North East provides the inspiration for many of her later books.
Joining Ann in Darlington will be her good friend Catriona McPherson, who will be talking about her new novel, The Child Garden, which is out on 8 September.
Catriona was born in Scotland, where she lived until 2010 when she emigrated to California. A former academic linguist, she now writes full time and is the multi-award-winning author of the Dandy Gilver detective stories, set in Scotland in the 1920s. She has also written several award-winning contemporary stand alone novels.
Ann Cleeves and Catriona McPherson will be at Darlington’s Crown Street Library on Wednesday 7 September, from 7pm. Tickets cost £5, which includes wine and nibbles.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Local Environment said: “We’re thrilled to be able to welcome two leading crime writers to share some of the secrets of their success.
“I’m sure it will be a fascinating evening for those who have enjoyed reading their books, or watching the characters brought to life on TV, and offers a chance to find out what inspires the authors to write.”
For more information or to book your place call into the Library or call 01325 462034.