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June marks National Crime Reading Month.  This year, Gloucestershire Libraries has partnered with Welsh writing collective Crime Cyrmu to join in with a series of author events, and what better setting than the mysterious Forest of Dean?

 What is Crime Reading Month? 


Crime Reading Month is an annual celebration brought to you by the Crime Writers’ Association in partnership with The Reading Agency, promoting crime fiction and true crime stories across all its fascinating forms — from cozy mysteries to psychological thrillers, hardboiled noir to supernatural crime.  It’s a chance to discover new books, connect with beloved characters, and explore crime stories that have inspired TV, film, gaming, and theatre worldwide. The month concludes with the prestigious CWA Daggers awards, celebrating the best crime writing in the UK. 

 

There's something for everyone in the crime genre: solving puzzles, relishing in suspense, exploring the darker side of human nature, the satisfaction of seeing justice done, or just pure escape from the every day.  Even if you don't normally read crime, you'll enjoy spending the evening with these authors, learning about their approach to the writing craft, and you might even be enticed to try something new! 

 

Join Us for These Exciting Author Events with Alis Hawkins 

Throughout June, meet award-winning authors in conversation with Alis Hawkins — founder of Crime Cymru and a prominent figure in Welsh crime fiction. Topics cover a wide range of crime stories, from historical mysteries to supernatural twists: 

 

Is There Really So Much Crime in Lovely West Wales? 

Lydney Library — Thursday, 5 June – 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Sarah Ward & Alis Hawkins discuss her rural West Wales crime series set in the 19th century and today. 

Book now! 

 

True Crime: A Sting in the Tale 

Coleford Library — Tuesday, 10 June – 6:00 – 7:00 pm  

Matt Johnson shares insights on the Libyan People’s Bureau siege and the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher. 

Book now! 

 

Otherworldly Crime 

Coleford Library — Tuesday, 17 June – 6:00 – 7:00 pm 

GB Williams talks about blending genres in her supernatural crime trilogy. 

Book now! 

 

The Sins of the Past 

Coleford Library — Tuesday, 24 June – 6:00 – 7:00 pm 

Chris Lloyd and Alis Hawkins explore historical crime fiction set in WWII Paris and 1880s Oxford. 

Book now! 

 

On the Page or On the Screen? 

Lydney Library — Thursday, 26 June – 6:00 – 7:00 pm 

Phil Rowlands discusses his career spanning screenwriting, publishing, and crime novels. 

Book now! 

 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the genre, come along to celebrate the many faces of crime writing!

 

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