Crime fiction author Ann Cleeves is set to visit Wrexham later this month.

The author will be discussing her latest addition to the Vera detective series, The Dark Wives.

This is part of a special event organised by Linghams Booksellers and Booka Bookshop which will take place on Thursday, September 26, at the William Aston Hall.

Cleeves will be joined on stage by forensic pathologist Professor James Grieve and TV presenter Steph McGovern.

Professor James Grieve, one of Scotland’s most respected pathologists, was the forensic pathologist for Shetland and one of the few real-life characters to appear in Ms Cleeves’ Shetland book series.

Steph McGovern is a journalist and TV presenter.

She was the business presenter on BBC Breakfast and hosted Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4 from 2020 to 2023.

Cleeves said: "I’m so looking forward to chatting to my friends James and Steph in Wrexham.

"Two hugely talented people who wear their knowledge lightly.

"They can make us laugh and think at the same time. You’re in for a treat."

The ticket price of £30 includes a signed copy of The Dark Wives and an exclusive unpublished short story, Stranded.

The short story is based on Hilbre Island, where Ms Cleeves lived for four years as a young woman.

The Dark Wives begins with a body being found outside a care home for troubled teens.

The victim is a staff member who failed to show up for work.

Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate and her only clue is the disappearance of a 14-year-old resident.

Carrie Morris of Booka Bookshop added: "Fans of mystery and detective fiction won’t want to miss the chance to hear directly from one of the true stars of the genre.

"I’m also really pleased we’re being joined in Wrexham by Professor James Grieve, whose work proved so inspirational to Ann that she featured him in her Shetland series, and by Steph McGovern whom I know will guide the conversation with the energy and natural warmth that have made her a television favourite."

Ms Cleeves has written more than 40 books, including 37 novels.

She started writing while living on Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary.

Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

She is also the creator of detectives Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who feature in BBC One’s Shetland and ITV’s The Long Call respectively.

In 2017, she received the CWA Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in crime writing and was appointed an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for services to reading and libraries.

Sue Porter of Linghams Booksellers said: "Ann Cleeves is one of Britain’s most prolific and talented authors and in DI Vera Stanhope, she has created one of literature’s most compelling characters.

"It’s a real treat to be able to welcome her to this very special event at the William Aston Hall.

"I can guarantee it’s going to be a fascinating evening."

Tickets for the event can be bought via linghams.co.uk.