Do you have time for crime?

The inaugural St Albans Literary Festival is offering the chance to get up close and personal with some of the nation’s leading crime writers at two special events.

First up is the Murder Mystery Dinner at The Abbotts Kitchen, St Albans Cathedral, on Thursday November 6.

A murder mystery dinner with a difference, The Abbotts Kitchen will host a very special three course meal, with three top authors speaking in between courses.

Before the starter festival ambassador Kate Griffin will talk about her book Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders, which was nominated for this year’s Crime Writers Association Dagger Award.

Before the main course MJ Arlidge, author of this summer’s Richard and Judy Book Club read Eeny Meany will discuss his work, and then James Carol, author of the acclaimed Broken Dolls will be speaking before dessert.

This should be a fun, lively night and guests will have the chance to ask questions and speak with all the authors.

Tickets cost £35 and include the meal. Extra refreshments will be available to purchase on the night.

Then on Friday November 7 at Dagnall Street Baptist Church TV presenter Martine Croxall will host A Collection of Crime Authors.

These are Ben Aaronovitch, author of the best selling Rivers of London series, James Runcie, whose hugely successful Grantchester Mysteries are soon to be a major TV series, and Leigh Russell, author of the Geraldine Steel series, and finalist for the People’s Book Award.

They will each give a short presentation, followed by discussion with Martine, and followed by live music courtesy of a local jazz band.

The evening promises to to answer all your questions on crime, wizardry, female sleuths, the 1950s, clergymen, and much much more, and tickets cost just £12.50.

See here for more information and to book tickets