Peter Robinson in conversation - Event Report

The best-selling, award-winning novelist visited us from his home in Canada for this special lunchtime event introducing his latest masterpiece in mystery and suspense. ‘Careless Love’ is the 25th novel in Peter’s popular DCI Banks crime series, set in Yorkshire. These books have been translated into 19 languages and adapted for television, featuring actor Stephen Tompkinson in the title role.

It was another hot day and although guests arrived very early to get the best seats for this much-anticipated event, we suggested that they continue to wander to make the most of the breeze before joining us in the library's meeting room.

Peter had travelled from Nottingham to join us, and was going on to Ruislip so it was a busy day made worse by the fact that heavy traffic had interrupted his schedule and he had to eat lunch after talking to us, rather than en route.

He told us, too, that in his hotel this morning the lift had stuck and he had been 20 minutes with four other people waiting for rescue. He admitted that his mindset means that he always thinks the worst so imagined the newspaper headlines for the next day if the situation hadn't been remedied.

Peter was a very honest and open guest, quite softly spoken and with a Yorkshire accent. We had a wide-ranging conversation, and the audience was keen to ask their own questions too. He answered everything thoughtfully and with courtesy.

Tickets were £20 and included a copy of 'Careless Love' (RRP £20).