Big Read | 26 – 30 June 2023

The North’s biggest book club returns as the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival hits the road with 2023’s Big Read. These free reading group events will be led by author Luca Veste and will be discussing Ann Cleeves’ The Long Call.

We’re encouraging as many people as possible to read this fantastic work of fiction.

The Festival’s Reader-In-Residence, crime author Luca Veste, will be touring libraries across the North of England and opening up the discussion via social media. Join us in our celebration of 20 years of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival by enjoying this work by our very first Reader-in-Residence Ann Cleeves, who served from 2003 – 2009.

How does it work?

Simply pick up a copy of Ann Cleeves’ The Long Call – you can pick up a free copy at your local participating library – and get reading! Then either pop into your local library to register your interest for the event (we recommend doing this to make sure you get a spot) or just show up on the day. Luca Veste will lead the discussion, but we can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

To join an event, visit or get in touch with your local participating library, or just read the book and show up! No pre-booking necessary (but strongly recommended)

And don’t forget to head to your local participating library to collect your free copy of The Long Call.

#BigRead2023

The Tour:

Sheffield Central Library | Monday 26 June | 11am

Dodworth Library | Monday 26 June | 3pm

Hemsworth Library | Tuesday 27 June | 11am

Ripon Library | Wednesday 28 June | 11am

City Library, Bradford | Wednesday 28 June | 7pm

Northallerton Library | Thursday 29 June | 3pm

Blaydon Library | Friday 30 June | 11am

Community Hub Central, Hartlepool | Friday 30 June | 3pm

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