The fabulous Forum Books have some very excellent author–led events taking place over the next month or so, in various locations across the north-east.

And let’s kick off with Sarah Maria Griffin. The latest from this Irish author is ‘Eat the Ones You Love’, a twisted tangled story about workplace love-affairs, and plants with a taste for human flesh. She’ll be in conversation with Laura Steven at Whitley Bay Library (4 September). Anthony Quinn is one of the UK’s most popular novelists, but he’s also a huge football fan and has already penned a very well received biography of

Jürgen Klopp. For his latest he’s turned his attentions to the Messiah himself, Kevin Keegan (you can read our review of this book on page 54). Quinn will be in conversation with Harry Pearson at Live Theatre (4 September). Advanced word on ‘The Two Roberts’ from Damien Barr has been nothing less than gushing. Set in Scotland in 1933, it’s a profoundly moving love story between two men (real life artists Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun) that promises to be both epic and touching. Barr will be at Forum Books in Corbridge (8 September). Local YA author Emma Whitehall scored a hit with her debut novel, a northern steampunk adventure called ‘Clockwork Magpies’, and she’s returning with the second in the series ‘Gilded Gear’ this September. She’s appearing at the bound in Whitley Bay (11 September). Also at the bound is Jonathan Whitelaw. He’ll be back in the region to discuss all things murder. And bingo. Why? Because the latest instalment in his brilliant Bingo Hall Detective series ‘The Garden Club Murder’ is nigh. He’ll be in conversation with Bay Tales organiser Vic Logan (15 September). Elle Hervin, author of the inspiring ‘The Home Bird’, is coming to The Garden Room at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle to chat about home interiors and how you can make your own pop (17 September). Following her highly successful ‘A Short History of Queer Women’ Kirsty Loehr (pictured) is back with her latest ‘A Short History of Queen Parenting’. She’ll be at the bound in Whitley Bay for an evening of conversation and discussion. Looking forward to October, don’t miss appearances from the likes of Johathan Freedland and Val McDermid.

Full details on all the above – and more – from forumbooksshop.com