Welcome to Portsmouth BookFest
About The Festival
Portsmouth has a strong literary heritage including Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and HG Wells and Portsmouth BookFest continues that tradition, attracting diverse audiences to exciting events featuring popular and accessible authors.
Portsmouth BookFest is jointly organised by Portsmouth City Library Service and The Hayling Island Bookshop. There is an associated schools programme organised by Portsmouth School Library Service.
Portsmouth BookFest 2013
We are pleased to announce that Portsmouth BookFest 2013 will run from Saturday 19th October to Sunday 3rd November.
As in previous years, the programme will include a variety of events for adult audiences as well as a programme featuring children’s authors visiting city schools run by Portsmouth School Library Service.
If you would like to be kept informed about the programme and about other events in the area, please join our mailing list by sending us your details from the Contact Us tab.
New Exciting Venue for CSI Portsmouth 2013
The National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is to be the new venue for the popular one day event, CSI Portsmouth 2013, part of Portsmouth BookFest to be held on Saturday 2 November.
CSI Portsmouth, where crime fiction meets crime fact, was launched in 2010, the brainchild of Hayling Island crime writer Pauline Rowson, author of the DI Andy Horton series of novels set in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
It brings together top crime authors from around the UK to face a panel of crime experts including members of Hampshire Police. Those having taken part include members of the Major Crime Team, Scene of Crime Officers, Hampshire’s Hi-Tech Unit, Fire Investigation Officers from Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue and forensic psychology, fraud and stalking experts from the Universities of Portsmouth and Surrey. Crime authors have included Pauline Rowson, Graham Hurley, Stephen Booth, Ann Cleeves, Matt Hilton, Mark Billingham and John Harvey.
CSI Portsmouth 2013 will be held in the Princess Royal Gallery in the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which is one of the settings for Pauline Rowson’s latest DI Horton novel, Undercurrent, published in January this year.
The Royal Naval Museum, in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, is one of Britain’s oldest maritime museums. Its aim is to preserve and present the history of the Fleet – the ships and the men and women who manned them and to make accessible to all the story of the Royal Navy and its people from earliest times to the present.
Pauline Rowson says, ‘I’m thrilled that the National Museum of the Royal Navy is hosting CSI Portsmouth 2013. It’s a superb location with lots of atmosphere and history. The tickets for CSI Portsmouth will also include the added bonus of free entry to the exhibitions in the museum. There promises again to be another great line up of crime authors and experts.’
CSI Portsmouth is part of Portsmouth BookFest a festival of popular literature organised by The Hayling Island Bookshop and Portsmouth City Council and runs from October 19 to 3 November. Its aim is to promote reading for pleasure and enthusiasm for literature in the city of Portsmouth.
You can follow CSI Portsmouth on Twitter and on Facebook.
CSI Portsmouth 2013 shaping up to be a great event
CSI Portsmouth where crime fiction meets crime fact this year will be held on Saturday 2 November 2013, Portsmouth, England
Part of Portsmouth BookFest it is fast becoming a major fixture in the crime fiction festival calendar.
Crime authors who have appeared at CSI Portsmouth include: Mark Billingham,Simon Brett, Stephen Booth, Ann Cleeves, Graham Hurley, John Harvey, Matt Hilton, June Hampson, Michael Ridpath, Peter Lovesey, and Pauline Rowson.
Crime experts have included members from Hampshire police major crime team, fire investigation officers, scene of crime officers, the hi-tech unit, fingerprint bureau, as well as experts from the Universities of Portsmouth and Surrey on fraud, stalking, forensic psychology.
CSI Portsmouth 2013 is already shaping up to be another exciting and entertaining event. Guest crime authors and experts will be announced over the coming months and we will be in an exciting new venue in Portsmouth for 2013.
Portsmouth is one of Britain’s favourite waterfront destination. Its irresistible mix of history and heritage, specialist shopping, lively arts, great restaurants and bars and a programme of year round events make it a popular destination, while the beautiful scenic coast of the Isle of Wight is just a short trip across the Solent.
Hope you can join us
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Gruesome murder scenes, cybercrime, fraud & stalking at CSI Portsmouth 2012
Crime authors Stephen Booth, Ann Cleeves, Matt Hilton and Pauline Rowson, and crime experts from Hampshire Police, the University of Portsmouth and the University of Surrey kept a packed audience enthralled when they were grilled by Cheryl Buggy, Station Director of Express FM radio, in two lively panel debates of crime fiction versus crime fact.
Over a hundred and sixty people attended the one day event held at the John Pounds Centre, Portsmouth hailing from as far afield as the north of England, the Midlands and Kent as well as joining local people to hear what police and crime experts had to say about their work and to listen to the crime authors talking about their novels.
The audience also had the chance to put their questions to the panel and to talk to the team from the fingerprint bureau and students from the Forensic Science course from South Downs College who provided a crime scene.
The Morning Panel
Carolyn Lovell, Crime Scene Manager/Coordinator for Hampshire Police, gave a fascinating insight into her role of managing crime scenes and spoke of how the advances in science were assisting with the conviction of criminals but in turn were adding to the amount of paperwork the police increasingly have to complete in order to bring a case to court.With an MSc in Forensic Archaeology she was asked about the biggest challenges facing her team. Lack of resources and cut backs in the police was the answer a view shared by DC Terry Fitzjohn, Fire Investigation Officer for Hampshire Police, who joined Carolyn on the morning panel.
Alongside Watch Manager Andy Earl from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, DC Terry Fitzjohn spoke of how Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services had combined to provide an Arson Task Force that had been so successful in not only reducing arson attacks but also in securing convictions that other police forces across the UK were now consulting them wishing to emulate their success. The Arson Task Force set up in April 2007 boasts a fifty three percent arrest rate with a conviction rate of seventy percent, which is 2 to 3 times the national average.
Asked about the challenges facing the authors, Matt Hilton, author of the Joe Hunter series of action packed thrillers, spoke of the pressure of writing two novels a year as well as promoting and marketing them. While Stephen Booth, author of DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry series set in the Peak District spoke of the challenges of writing a continuing series and at the same time keeping it fresh for readers, a sentiment that was echoed by Pauline Rowson author of the DI Andy Horton series set in the Solent area on the South Coast of England.
The panel sessions ended with a book signing by the authors and there was the chance for the audience to talk individually to the authors and experts.
The Afternoon Panel
In the afternoon the audience were whisked away from gruesome crime scenes to cybercrime, fraud and stalking.
Adrian Fretter, from the Hi-Tech Crime Unit of Hampshire Police, explained how ever changing technologies present major challenges for the police and how the public’s perception of crime solving has been raised to an unrealistic level in recent years because of the popularity of CSI programmes on television. Adrian also told the audience that sharing so much information across the web including personal details such as date of birth was potentially dangerous and could lead to identity theft and fraud.
Dr Mark Button, Director of the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies, and Associate Head Curriculum at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth relayed a harrowing tale of an individual whose bank account had been hacked into and using this and personal details stolen from the Internet the criminal had purchased and downloaded obscene images resulting in the innocent man’s arrest. Eventually the criminal was apprehended and the innocent man’s name cleared but his reputation and life had been left permanently scarred.
It was a case of fact and fiction merging as Pauline Rowson told the audience how this echoed the plot outline of one of her thrillers In For The Kill. In the novel Alex Albury is arrested and imprisoned for fraud and embezzlement after his identity has been stolen and his computer hacked into. On his release from prison Alex sets out to find the man who destroyed his reputation and his life.
When asked by Cheryl Buggy whether his research into Stalking had made him more cynical Professor Bran Nicol said that it had made him more aware of the fine line between what is perceived as normal banter and acceptable behaviour and what could potentially be construed as stalking and lead to more dangerous behaviour. Professor of English Literature at the University of Surrey, Professor Nicol is author of a book on Stalking and has appeared on many radio programmes and featured in the documentary Stalked – to Death, for the Irish channel, TV 3.
Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera series of crime novels adapted for ITV said that she kept the use of technology to a minimum in her books. She felt strongly that people of all ages still have a desire to hear and read a good story and stressed the importance of individuals of all ages having access to well-equipped libraries run by professional librarians, which could offer up a diverse range of literature across all genres.
Again the panel session ended with a book signing by the authors and there was the chance for the audience to talk individually to the authors and experts.
Pauline Rowson says, ‘The day was a great success. It was entertaining, intriguing and very informative. We’re now looking to build on this success for CSI Portsmouth 2013.’
CSI Portsmouth 2013 will take place on Saturday 2 November. More details to follow.
CSI Portsmouth is the brainchild of Pauline Rowson who organises it with Portsmouth City Council Library Service and the Hayling Island Bookshop. Part of Portsmouth BookFest it is fast becoming a major fixture in the crime fiction festival calendar.
Portsmouth is one of Britain’s favourite waterfront destination. Its irresistible mix of history and heritage, specialist shopping, lively arts, great restaurants and bars and a programme of year round events make it a popular destination, while the beautiful scenic coast of the Isle of Wight is just a short trip across the Solent.
Sign up for the newsletter to be kept informed of CSI Portsmouth 2013
BookFest 2012 Closes with Kate Mosse Talking About Citadel
Kate Mosse gave the final talk in the 2012 Portsmouth BookFest programme tonight at Southsea Library. A keen supporter of both Libraries and independent bookshops, Kate congratulated the joint organisers Portsmouth City Library Service and The Hayling Island Bookshop for such a strong and varied programme this year. Kate went on to speak about her latest book Citadel and then signed copies for audience members.
The organisers would like to thank all the authors and audiences who attended this year’s BookFest and our thanks also to the many Event Managers and Volunteers who worked so hard to make each event a success.
If you would like to join our Mailing List to hear about Literary Events in Portsmouth and the surrounding area then please use the Contact Us tab above.
Andy McNab Event To Feature Pre Publication Book
Our event with Andy McNab on Saturday 27th October will now also include a book that isn’t even published yet! The New Recruit title for young adults is published in January 2013 but we will be allowed to sell copies at our event and Andy will sign them. Be the first to own a copy even before they are on sale anywhere! He will also be talking about Red Notice his new thriller for adult readers only out a couple of days before the event and also on sale at the venue for signing by Andy.
Tickets from our Portsmouth BookFest Box office on 02392 688 037
2012′s most talked about authors appearing at Portsmouth’s Bookfest
Tickets go on sale on Monday 24th September to meet some of the years up and coming and debut novelists as well as best-selling authors who are heading to the city for Portsmouth’s annual book festival.
Britain’s number one chiller writer, author of The Rats and The Fog, James Herbert, is one of many appearing.
James said: “I’m looking forward to appearing at Portsmouth’s Bookfest, and meeting people passionate about reading. If you’ve never been to a book event before, give it a try – it should be an entertaining evening.”
Also on the billing are ex-SAS soldier and bestselling author of Bravo Two Zero Andy McNab, Deborah Moggach creator of These Foolish Things which was adapted into the hit film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, debut novelist Tanya Byrne, and reading group favourite Kate Mosse with her final book in the Languedoc trilogy.
Portsmouth library card holders are eligible for discounts on books and tickets.
Other highlights include:
- A night of girly banter, book talk and pampering with Adele Parks, Emily Barr, Emylia Hall and Morgan McCarthy
- Athletics-themed event, the day before the Great South Run, featuring Ironman to Common Man author Andy Holgate, Running with the Kenyans writer Adharanand Finn and debut novelist Helen Summer with Running Crazy
- Leading authors of the urban fantasy genre Jon Courtney Grimwood, Kate Griffin, Ben Aaronovitch and Benedict Jacka discuss their work
- Kids stand-up comedy workshop with Edinburgh Fringe favourite Catherine Wilkins
- Children’s author ‘Whizz Pop Granny Stop!’ Tracey Corderoy
- Sell-out sign language poet Donna Williams performs with Portsmouth’s poet laureate
- Dorothy Koomson author of Ice Cream Girls, and one of this year’s most talked about debut novelists Tanya Byrne author of Heart Shaped Bruise, will appear at Aspex Gallery with Scott Pack and Marie Phillips for a bookswap with cakes!
- Crime fact meets crime fiction when Ann Cleeves (ITV’s Vera), Matt Hilton, Stephen Booth and Pauline Rowson team up with real -life forensic police experts in CSI Portsmouth
- WI expert Jane Robinson recalls tales from ‘A Force to be Reckoned With – A history of the WI’
- The dark side of Dickens and Doyle, a Halloween special at the Square Tower – but not suitable for children, explores the spookier side of Portsmouth’s famous residents (includes Conan-Doyle’s collection of ‘supernatural’ photographs)
- A whole day with editors, authors and industry commentators from Vintage Books to discuss the future of publishing and current work. Joining Best Marigold author Deborah Moggach will be Bethan Roberts, Janette Jenkins, Anthony Quinn and Sara Wise.
- Founders of Buttonbag and favoured by Sunday supplements, Sara Duchars and Sarah Marks discuss their latest book ReCraft and offer advice at Aspex Gallery
Claire Forsyth Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council Bookfest organiser said: “We’re so pleased at the range and calibre of authors appearing at Bookfest.
“What better way to enthuse people about reading than meeting the people who create the stories. This annual event has grown since it started three years ago, and we’re delighted so many people enjoy it.
“We try to use unique locations to present authors and get a real interesting mix. Portsmouth is the birthplace for two of the country’s most famous literary giants, Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan-Doyle’s character Sherlock Holmes, so it seems fitting for Portsmouth to stage the future’s favourite writers.”
Click on the Programme tab for more details and Box Office information.
Four internationally acclaimed best selling crime authors are booked to appear at this year’s CSI Portsmouth
Four internationally acclaimed best selling crime authors are booked to appear at this year’s CSI Portsmouth in November as part of Portsmouth BookFest.
Taking part in the third CSI Portsmouth event are top crime authors Stephen Booth, Ann Cleeves, Matt Hilton and Pauline Rowson who will join experts from Hampshire Police and Portsmouth University to discuss crime fiction and fact in a lively panel debate at John Pounds Community Centre, Portsmouth on Saturday 3 November.
Stephen Booth is an award winning UK crime writer, the creator of DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry, who have appeared in twelve novels set in the Peak District. He has been twice winner of a Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel. The Cooper & Fry series is published all around the world, and has been translated into fifteen languages. The latest Cooper & Fry novel, Dead and Buried, was published in June 2012.
Ann Cleeves is the author of the Vera series of crime novels which have been adapted into the popular ITV series starring Brenda Blethyn and David Leon. Raven Black, the first volume of her Shetland Quartet has been adapted for radio in Germany and in the UK and an adaptation of Red Bones is currently in preparation for television. Her books have been translated into twenty languages.
Matt Hilton secured a record-breaking five book deal for his Joe Hunter series. in 2008. Since then he has had a five book deal in the USA, a further four book deal in the UK, as well as being translated into several languages. A high ranking Martial Artist he worked in the private security industry for eighteen years, followed by four as a police officer with Cumbria Constabulary. His latest Joe Hunter thriller, No Going Back, has just been published.
Pauline Rowson is the author of the marine mystery crime novels featuring DI Andy Horton set in the Solent area, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Her crime novels have been highly acclaimed both in the UK and the USA and have been translated into several languages with translation rights in the DI Horton series having recently been sold to China where her novels will be published in 2012 and 2013. The latest in the DI Horton series, Death Lies Beneath, is published in July 2012.
They will join crime experts from Hampshire Constabulary including Crime Scene Manager Co-ordinator Carolyn Lovell, DC Terry Fitzjohn of Hampshire Police Arson Task Force and Andy Earl of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, Dr Bran Nicol of Portsmouth University and other police and forensic experts.
There will be a chance for delegates to see how the fingerprinting bureau works and have their fingerprints taken, as well as talk to the crime authors to find out how they come up with their intricate plots and research their novels.
A mobile bookshop, provided by the Hayling Island Bookshop will be selling signed copies of the authors’ books.
Portsmouth BookFest is a festival of popular literature organised by The Hayling Island Bookshop and Portsmouth City Council and runs from October 22 2012 to 3 November. Its aim is to promote reading for pleasure and enthusiasm for literature in the city of Portsmouth. There will be opportunities to hear and meet popular authors at events across the city and in schools with ticket offers to attract new members to city libraries and stimulate book ownership.
CSI Portsmouth 2012 is being held on Saturday 3 November at John Pounds Community Centre. Tickets go on sale on 24 September from the Box Office at 023 9268 8037 and cost £10 for the day with £3.00 redeemable against the purchase of a book bought at the event, and £1.00 discount for Portsmouth City Library members.
For more details on CSI Portsmouth 2012 visit the CSI Portsmouth page
Sponsors include:
CSI Portsmouth pleased to announce sponsorship
CSI Portsmouth are pleased to announce the sponsorship of Dummies a branded imprint of Wiley. With more than 200 million books in print and more than 1,600 titles, Dummies is the world’s bestselling reference brand, helping readers turn “I can’t” into “I can.” Visit Dummies.com
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CSI Portsmouth 2013
Authors who have appeared at Portsmouth BookFest
Further Information
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