The Banks 30th Anniversary Tour is about halfway through. The first three weeks have been a wonderful mix of libraries and bookshops, and I have had the opportunity to answer a lot of interesting questions and meet so many enthusiastic Banks fans. Sleeping in the Ground continues to do well since it entered the Sunday Times bestseller list at Number 2 a couple of weeks ago.
Waterstones hosted many of the events, as well as supplying books for library signings, and I would like to thank the staff and all the people who made the effort to attend in Southampton (especially the work experience crew!), Northallerton, Manchester, Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, sometimes in less than perfect weather conditions! It was also a special treat to do events with fellow crime writers William Shaw in Brighton and Mari Hannah in Newcastle. I would also like to thank the librarians in Rothwell, Leeds, Rochester, Darlington, York and Peterborough. Speaking in the beautiful Chichester Cathedral was a great thrill, though I was much distracted by the stained glass windows!
Taking a break from signing books; thinking about a nice pint of Timothy Taylor’s…
It is always a pleasure to appear at events organised by independent bookshops, and this time was no exception. David’s Bookshop in Letchworth is a treasure trove of books and music, and Topping & Co provided a venerable venue in St Peter’s church, Ely. White Rose Books in Thirsk remains a must for any book tour I’m likely to do, providing a comfortable, intimate space and that all important glass of wine! Castle Hill Books in Richmond might not be large in terms of space, but it was great to sit in warmth and comfort there with a nice cup of tea and chat with people while the rain poured down outside.
This week is dominated by independents in the Northwest and South Wales, much of it uncharted territory for me. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Simply Books in Bramhall, Booka Bookshop in Oswestry, Book-ish in Crickhowell and, finally, Waterstones in Cardiff. There’s much more to come, including an appearance at the Edinburgh Festival on 15th August, which is always and honour and a thrill. Hope to see you all somewhere over the coming weeks!
Peter Robinson 