It’s beginning to look a lot like…

The TV ads are beginning to roll out, the street lights are being hung up and we’ve started our shopping. Whether you like it or not, Christmas is fast approaching! But there is still plenty of time to discover some fantastic new reads for that hard-to-buy-for uncle, the friend who has everything, or even a treat for yourself. We’ve rounded up the best pre-Christmas events, so consider this our bookish gift guide!

Christmas Girls Night Out | 21^st November 7:00pm, Waterstones Leeds

Not one, not two… not even three, but FIVE fantastic romance authors will convene with mince pies and prosecco to discuss their latest books. Milly Johnson, Karen Swan and Heidi Swain all have cosy festive releases while Cathy Bramley and Lucy Dillon have both published heartwarming books this year. Join them for an evening of giggles!

Gothic Fiction: Laura Purcell and Stuart Turton | 26^th November 6:00pm, Waterstones Manchester 

There’s just SOMETHING about misty landscapes and big empty houses that is horrifically intriguing, isn’t there? Laura Purcell’s The Corset is a chilling tale of murder and madness set against a backdrop of a Victorian prison, while Stuart Turton’s mind-boggling debut The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a labyrinth you’ll struggle to escape from. Take a look at where else they'll be visiting near you!

In Conversation with the Birmingham women who ‘dared to dream’ | 22^nd November 6:00pm, Foyles Grand Central Birmingham 

For an evening of inspiration from real-life Birmingham women with incredible stories to tell, head to Foyles in Grand Central. Journalist and activist Salma Zulfiqar, top mathematician Dr Sara Jabbari and domestic abuse campaigner Raj Holness will all be celebrating the release of Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared to Dream.

Christina Gabbitas signing Save Us | 24^th November 11:00am, WHSmith Doncaster 

Highlighting the importance of limiting our plastic use, the beautiful new picture book from Christina Gabbitas, Save Us, is the rescue story of a seal, a whale and a turtle. Featuring stunning illustrations from Julie Omond, this is the perfect gift for little ones this Christmas. And you can get it signed at WHSmith Doncaster!

2018 Christmas Book Festival | 25^th November 11:00am, Waterstones London Finchley Road 

An incredible 13 authors and illustrators will assemble to sign copies of their much-loved children’s and YA books. Names such as M. G. Leonard, David Solomons and Anna James will be dropping in throughout the day so make sure you pick up a few special gifts!

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Story Hour: Michelle Obama Special | 17^th November 11:00am, Waterstones Piccadilly London 

Michelle Obama’s Becoming is finally here and feminist theatre company Fat Rascal Theatre are celebrating with one of their hugely popular story hours! Children aged 5-10 can discover the inspiring life story of the former FLOTUS through this funny, interactive storytelling event. 

Autumn Treasures

Fallen orange leaves, crisp cool air and cosy woolly scarves: autumn is definitely here! Why not take a flask, head to your local park (which is looking beautiful right now, by the way) and enjoy a brand new book? Or simply turn the heating on and curl up on the sofa with one, of course. Better yet, get your coat on and head out to meet some fantastic authors – you won’t want to miss this exciting line-up of events!

An Evening with Laini Taylor | 29th October 6:30pm, Waterstones Liverpool 

The highly-anticipated sequel to Strange the Dreamer is finally here. Muse of Nightmares takes us back to the ancient city of Weep with all its heartache, drama and it picks up from THAT dramatic ending. Known for her lyrical, whimsical writing style, Laini Taylor is an author you won’t want to miss out on.

An Evening with Mari Hannah | 2nd November 6:30pm, Waterstones Newcastle

Acclaimed crime writer Mari Hannah is back with another gripping instalment of her Stone and Oliver series, which began earlier this year with The Lost. Better known for her DCI Kate Daniels books, Mari is a much-loved author in the police procedure genre and The Insider is bound to keep you up at night.  

An Evening with Markus Zusak | 29th October 6:30pm, Waterstones Manchester Deansgate 

It has been 13 years since The Book Thief was first published and to date, it’s still Markus Zusak’s most recent novel. However, Bridge of Clay is on the horizon. A hard-hitting, emotional family story delivered in Zusak’s unique poetic prose, this event is a must-attend for all Book Thief fans.

Mini Rabbit Not Lost: Story Time and Live Illustration with John Bond | 25th October 11:00am, Foyles London Charing Cross Road, London

Only the very best berries will do for Mini Rabbit’s cake, so off he goes on an epic journey across oceans, forests and mountains to find them! He’s not lost… is he? Join award-winning illustrator John Bond as he reads from his brand new autumnal picture book and draws live!

A Telling of Stories with David Almond | 28th October 1:00pm, St Katherine’s Hall, St Andrews 

This very special event sees much-loved children’s author David Almond reading from four of his novels, including his latest The Colour of the Sun. Harnessing warmth, light and hope, David’s stories have a wide appeal and the whole family is sure to fall in love with them.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Launch Party | 16th November 9:00am,Waterstones Redhill 

The second chapter of the Fantastic Beasts saga is almost upon us. Dive back into the world of Newt as he helps Dumbledore defeat the evil Grindelwald. To celebrate the launch of the screenplay’s publication, many branches of Waterstones are holding magical events such as quizzes, crafts, competitions and more. Check out what’s happening near you!

A Trail of Mysterious Events

The darkness is closing in earlier and earlier and spooky season is edging nearer. It’s time to stay safely inside with a nice cup of tea and a huge page-turner of a thriller that will see you well into a sleepless night. The upcoming months are packed with nail-biting, addictive book releases and we’ve picked the best events that will be launching them.

An Evening with Elly Griffiths and ‘The Stranger Diaries’ | 27th October 6:30pm, Heffers Bookshop Cambridge 

Award-winning crime writer Elly Griffiths is back with gripping Gothic-tinged standalone The Stranger Diaries. When a literature teacher’s colleague is found dead in suspicious circumstances, she confides in her journal. However, it appears that someone else is also using it… Elly will be introducing and signing her intriguing new read and you won’t want to miss out!

Crime & Wine Panel Event with Rachel Abbott, Mary Torjussen and Jenny Blackhurst | 14th November 6:30pm, Waterstones Liverpool

Three fantastic crime authors at once and a glass or two of wine? We’re there! Join Rachel Abbott, Jenny Blackhurst and Mary Torjussen for a discussion on their latest thrillers, female characters, plot twists and how to pull off the perfect crime. 

An Evening with Jenny Quintana | 10th October 6:30pm, Waterstones Winchester

Get acquainted with one of the most heartbreaking thrillers of the year. A woman returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death to sort through possessions and finally confront the mystery of what happened to the sister that went missing 30 years before. Jenny Quintana talks about and signs The Missing Girl at Waterstones Winchester.

Robin Stevens signing Death in the Spotlight | 28^th October 11:30am, Waterstones London Finchley Road

The seventh Wells and Wong mystery, Death in the Spotlight, is released in early October and we can’t wait to see what unladylike adventure the girls get into this time. Don’t miss this chance to get all your Robin Stevens books signed.

Super Sleuths | 7^th October 12:00pm, Town Hall Cheltenham

This very special Cheltenham Literature Festival sees three children’s mystery authors come together to talk about how they drop hints, write their twists and keep the reader guessing. Join David O’Connell, Lauren St John and Lisa Thompson in conversation with Andrew Clover.

Meet Katherine Woodfine | 27^th October 11:00am, Waterstones Durham

If you loved The Sinclair’s Mysteries, you’ll be happy to know that Sophie and Lil, two young female detectives, are returning in a new spin-off series, tackling espionage and murder in 1911 Paris. Catch the brilliant Katherine Woodfine as she signs copies of her books at Waterstones Durham.

‘A little magic can take you a long way’

It’s looking oh-so-gloomy out there and you may be wishing you were somewhere else entirely. Wouldn’t it be great to open a very ordinary-looking door and find a strange intriguing forest or rolling picturesque landscape lurking behind it? You could just step right through and finish off the summer with an amazing adventure. Sadly, we don’t know of any doors that lead to magical lands … but we do know of quite a few exciting events that feature princesses, fairies, dragons and many more whimsical happenings!

‘The Fall of Gondolin’ – An evening with legendary J. R. R. Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee | 1^st September 6:30pm, Waterstones Exeter 

Tolkien considered the destruction of the elf city Gondolin to be the ‘first real story of Middle-Earth’. Now his son Christopher and illustrator Alan Lee have brought this Lost Tale to life in a stunning edition that is a must for Tolkies. Alan will be talking about his work and signing copies. Find out where else he’ll be visiting!

Anna Stephens, Stephan Aryan and G. X. Todd | 5^th September 5pm, Forbidden Planet Birmingham 

Discover the follow-ups to some of the most bloodthirsty and gripping fantasies of last year. Anna Stephens picks up from the bloodshed of Godblind with Darksoul, G. X. Todd continues to hear voices in Hunted and Stephan Aryan returns to a broken kingdom in Magefall. Meet them all and get your books signed at Forbidden Planet in Birmingham.  

An Evening with Connie Glynn | 20^th September 6:30pm, Waterstones Piccadilly London 

If you loved Undercover Princess, the first instalment of the adorable Rosewood Chronicles, you won’t want to miss the launch of the sequel, Princess in Practice. Author Connie Glynn will be on hand to sign copies and chat about her work and her favourite fairytales. There will be some tasty magical treats, too! She’ll also be visiting Glasgow on 22^nd September.

Come and meet Chris Riddell | 28^th August 4:30pm, Waterstones Glasgow 

Meet Rapunzel, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and the seven dwarves as you’ve never met them before in Chris Riddell’s latest book Once Upon a Wild Wood. There may even be some new faces too! The man himself will be signing copies of this exciting new story complete with his signature magical illustrations.

Meet Cressida Cowell | 22^nd September 10:30am, Waterstones York 

There are dangerous witches lurking in the Wildwoods and it’s up to the Wizards of Once to stop them! Twice Magic is the second instalment to the new series from How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell. Come and meet her to get your copy signed and pick up a bookmark and a badge!

The Restless Girls: Jessie Burton and Angela Barrett in conversation | 26^th September 6:30pm, Waterstones Piccadilly London 

Over 200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm wrote ‘Twelve Dancing Princesses’, a story of twelve sisters who secretly dance all night with twelve princes. Now bestselling author Jessie Burton has teamed up with talented illustrator Angela Barrett to create a modern, feminist re-imagining of the classic tale. Both author and illustrator will introduce The Restless Girls to debut children’s author Anna James.

Summer round up

Name a better way of spending a long summer evening than outside with a cold drink and an unputdownable read. How about basking in the buzz of hot new book releases from your favourite authors? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most exciting events around the UK throughout the rest of the summer, so dive in and see what’s happening near you!

An Evening with Giovanna Fletcher, Paige Toon and Lindsey Kelk | 31^st July 7:00pm, Oh Me Oh My, Liverpool 

Join three of our favourite contemporary authors as they introduce us to their latest books. Giovanna Fletcher, Paige Toon and Lindsey Kelk always bring us love, laughs and fun, so this promises to be a fantastic night! Make sure to stock up on their novels for some essential summer reading. See where else they’ll be stopping too!

An Evening with Jasper Fforde | 10^th August 7:00pm, Waterstones Newcastle

If you’re a fan of Fforde’s Thursday Next series, you’ll be delighted to discover that he is back with dark desolate dystopian, Early Riser, this summer. Strange and unique, Jasper will be discussing his latest novel which is guaranteed to cool you down! He’ll be signing copies too. Check out where else you can catch him near you.

Claire Askew discusses All The Hidden Truths | 23^rd August 6:30pm, Waterstones Glasgow Argyle Street 

Better known for her poetry, Claire Askew’s writing has recently taken a darker turn. Her latest book, All The Hidden Truths, is a tale of secrets, lies and murder. She’ll be discussing her new genre and signing copies of her beach-worthy debut thriller.

An Evening with Tomi Adeyemi, Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene | 7^th August 6:00 pm, Waterstones Birmingham 

Drawing together two of the most exciting releases of the year, this is an event that is designed to inspire and empower. Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone is a YA fantasy set in West Africa that made big waves back in the spring, while Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene’s Slay in Your Lane is already becoming must-read material for young black women up and down the country. Hear them in conversation at Waterstones Birmingham on 7^th August.

Storytime and Drawing Fun with Sarah McIntyre | 7^th August 2:00 pm, Waterstones Covent Garden 

Children aged four and over will love this funny, creative afternoon with author and illustrator Sarah McIntyre. After story time, she’ll teach kids (and adults!) to draw their own animal characters. Sarah will sign and doodle copies of her books too!

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party | 11^th August 10:00 am, Waterstones Oban 

Who doesn’t love a spot of tea and cake served with a dash of madness? Head to Waterstones Oban for a tea party inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Feel free to dress up in your best Wonderland attire!

Bursting with Pride

June is officially Pride Month, which is the perfect excuse to celebrate and embrace our true selves. We’ve selected the very best literary events of the summer to help you discover stories that will entertain, excite and inspire you to revel in your own beautiful uniqueness. 

Penguin Pride London | 5th July 7:30pm, Cargo Hoxton 

Championing local LGBT+ creative talent, Penguin Pride is set to be a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites across the arts including literature, music and visual art. The evening will consist of talks, performances, exhibitions and there will even be a pop-up bookshop! Hosted by award-winning poet and playwright Toby Campion, Penguin Pride will also stop off in Brighton and Manchester this summer.

Becky Chambers in conversation | 24th July 7:00pm, Waterstones Glasgow

Get ready for a very special launch! Sci-fi author Becky Chambers is embarking on a UK tour to bring us Record of a Spaceborn Few, the third adventure of her diverse, loveable Wayfarer crew. Find out all about it at Waterstones on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street. Discover where else she’ll be landing here!

An Evening with Matt Cain | 13^th July 6:30pm, Waterstones Manchester Deansgate

Former Attitude editor Matt Cain’s brand new novel The Madonna of Bolton tells the heart-warming story of how one boy’s love of a certain pop star propels him to follow his dreams and stay true to himself. Matt will be discussing the book that was rejected by over 30 publishers but received overwhelming crowdfunded support. Join him at Manchester Deansgate.

Walliams Week Celebrations | 25^th June – 1^st July 9:00am, Waterstones Gateshead 

It has been ten years since David Walliams published his first book The Boy in The Dress and many branches of Waterstones are celebrating with a week full of activities! At Waterstones Gateshead there will be quizzes, treasure hunts, a costume competition and a giant World’s Worst Children photo frame. 

Rainbow Storytime: ‘Julian is a Mermaid’| 14^th July 12:00pm, Waterstones Islington

Waterstones Islington are hosting a series of storytimes featuring picture books that celebrate self-love and acceptance. Join them on 14^th July to listen to Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and do some mermaid colouring! 

Unicorn Party! | 27^th July 2:00pm, Waterstones Chesham 

There is no better way to embrace individuality than by throwing a unicorn party. That’s exactly what Waterstones Chesham are doing! With magic, glitter and plenty of sparkly fun, this is an event that all ages will enjoy.