Forum Books – the award-winning independent bookshop – has been responsible for bringing swathes of top authors and big names to the north-east, and they’ve got some real doozies coming up over the next couple of months.

Forum Books is based in Corbridge (they also have the bound in Whitley Bay and The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick), but they don’t just limit their special author evenings to their own premises. Indeed, The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle has become a favourite venue of theirs, and they’ve got several events coming up there in the near future, along with others at Newton & Bywell Community Hall in Stocksfield. First up at The Biscuit Factory is Janette Manrara (12 September, 7pm). The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star will be launching her first book ‘Tiny Dancer, Big World’. Alongside her own personal stories, the book also details a blend of advice, inspiration and life lessons. Next up is Annie Garthwaite (16 September, 7pm) who will be celebrating the publication of her new novel ‘The King’s Mother’, which takes us from the War of the Roses era to the dawn of the Tudor age. A real big hitter arrives next in the shape of Jo Nesbo (pictured - 24 September, 7pm). The Norwegian author is one of the world’s best-selling crime writers and his latest ‘Blood Ties’ is an explosive suspense novel about family, loyalty and the lengths someone is willing to go to for both. Then it’s over to Newton & Bywell Community Hall in Stocksfield and Guy Shrubsole (17 October, 7pm). The best-selling author will be on hand to discuss his latest book ‘The Lie of The Land: Who Really Cares for the Countryside?’. Also in Stocksfield will be Prue Leith (11 November, 7pm), the celebrated cook and presenter who will be launching her latest ‘Life’s Too Short to Stuff Mushrooms’. Stop press: Just heard that the actor turned author Richard Armitage will be at The Exchange in North Shields to talk about his new crime fiction book (9 September, 7pm) and the brilliant Eliza Clark will be doing her stuff on 7 November (venue tbc – keep checking the website below).

Full ticket details and more info: ticketsource.co.uk/forumbooks