This has rather crept up on me, as I prepare to move house, but the second Newcastle Winter Book Festival takes place between 24th and 27th November 2011 here in the middle of Newcastle. The programme looks great this year, featuring a whole day dedicated to crime fiction which make yours truly rather happy. What makes it even better is that one of my favourite crime authors, Ann Cleeves, is doing two sessions in addition to Elizabeth Carling doing a performance of one of Ann’s short stories. Also doing talks are M.C. Beaton, of Agatha Raisin and Hamish McBeth fame, and Martin Edwardss, who is presenting a discussion on Agatha Christie’s life and work (and the ticket price includes tea and scones-hurrah!).

See the website for programme details- it does look as if there’s something for everyone including talks at Seven Stories, the amazing children’s book centre, live forensic demonstrations and an evening with Simon Donald, the co-founder of Viz. I’m off to book tickets for Ann Cleeves and Martin Edwards!