The Big Read returns to Hartlepool

Supported by the Arts Council and now in its tenth anniversary, the Big Read encourages crime fiction fans and reluctant readers to read and discuss the same book.

It aims to be the North’s biggest book club and offers opportunities for social meet-ups, making new friends and meeting like-minds.

Acclaimed author and Reader in Residence at the Festival, Mari Hannah, will be discussing one of the genre’s most prolific writers, James Patterson, and his most successful book, Along Came A Spider. Everyone who attends the event will be able to claim a free copy of the book, thanks to Patterson’s publisher Penguin Random House UK.

Mari Hannah is the author of the Kate Daniels series, the Ryan & O’Neil thrillers, and the Stone & Oliver series of police procedurals. She has been a popular author in Hartlepool since her first visit as a Read Regional author back in 2012 and this will be her third visit as the Theakston’s Big Read Reader in Residence.

James Patterson’s books have sold in excess of 325 million copies and he holds the Guinness World Record for the most number one New York Times bestsellers. For the past eleven years in a row, he has been the most borrowed author in UK libraries.

Mari Hannah said: “What people may not know about philanthropist James Patterson is how much he cares about reading, how much he gives back, donating books and offering financial support to independent bookshops, ensuring that his reading legacy lives on.

“I can’t stress enough that the Big Read campaign is for everyone, a chance to explore the world through crime fiction in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.”

Along Came A Spider was adapted to the big screen, starring Morgan Freeman as forensic psychologist Alex Cross.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Big Read and Mari Hannah back to Hartlepool for what I’m sure will be another really popular event.

“Whether you are an avid or reluctant reader, a library member or not, you are very welcome to join in the discussion, or just sit back and listen to one writer’s amazing journey and, of course, meet his fictional hero, Alex Cross.”

The Big Read event is at Community Hub Central in York Road from 3pm to 4pm. Entry is free but advanced booking is advised by calling Community Hub Central on 01429 272905.

People attending the event can request a free copy of Along Came A Spider by contacting crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk