Big Read 2024 | 23-25 September
The North’s biggest book club returns as the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival hits the road with the Big Read 2024. These free reading group events will be led by author Luca Veste and will be discussing Ajay Chowdhury‘s The Detective.

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.

How does it work?
Simply pick up a copy of Ajay Chowdhury’s The Detective – 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), you can sign up at your local library (details below).

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

The Tour:

Please note that the books will be available to be collected from Thursday 5 September.

Acomb Explore Library | Monday 23 September | 11.30am

The Harrogate Inn | Monday 23 September | 2.30pm

Bradford City Library | Monday 23 September | 6.30pm

Formby Library | Tuesday 24 September 2024 | 11.00am

Stockport Central Library | Tuesday 24 September 2024 | 6.00pm

Hexham Library | Wednesday 25 September 2024 | 12.00pm

Billingham Library | Wednesday 25 September 2024 | 3.30pm