Kenilworth Books

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author James Carrac
2026-03-28 10:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author James Carrac, who is showcasing his new book The Kingaconda.
James, a former lecturer, lives in Warwickshire with his family. In his new book, The Kingaconda, a monster snake (a crossbreed of the largest venomous snake, the King Cobra, with the largest constricting snake, the Anaconda) escapes from the facility where it was bred and embarks on a vicious killing spree against anything and everything that crosses its path. Detective Inspectors Brett Webb and Brandon Walker are deployed to track down and kill the monster before the death count continues to rise.

March Book Club Q&A with Kit de Waal
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our March Book Club with author Kit de Waal where we will be discussing her new novel ‘The Best of Everything.’ We can’t wait to discuss this uplifting novel which celebrates kindness, forgiveness and it’s power to change lives!
Reserve your space for £5 on our website here or pop in to see us at the shop.
Order your copy of The Best of Everything here and receive 15% discount using the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ at checkout!

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Sara Fox
2026-03-21 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Sara Fox, who is showcasing her new book A Legacy Forged: Seller & Son. Sara’s writing career began with a promise to her late parents to write the story of their 200-year-old Birmingham based family business. In 1822, ten-year-old Matthew Seller bravely escapes an abusive father and a punishingly hard life, trusting fate as he embarks on a journey across a dramatically changing landscape to make his way to Birmingham. Gripped by the Industrial Revolution, it is in this great city that Matthew sparks a legacy that will burn through the next five generations.

'Delves Into Mystic Warwickshire' Treasure Quest Book Launch with John Watson
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local poet, sculptor and organic allotmenteer John Watson at Kenilworth Books.
John has sculpted and cast a series of seven mystical garden delves into existence! He has written a seven-chapter book of prose, poetry and artwork relevant to each bronze Delve. In each chapter is a riddle in rhyme, a clue to the whereabouts of a bronze token. The seven tokens are hidden within the ancient county of Warwickshire.
They have a priceless intrinsic value and can be sought for and gained, only by romantic quest! Tickets for the Launch are free but must be booked here or by popping into the bookshop in Talisman Square or phoning 01926 855784
Buy the book here!
‘Delves Into Mystic Warwickshire’ Treasure Quest Book Launch with John Watson

CANCELLED - Nature Writing Workshop
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
SORRY – WE HAVE HAD TO CANCEL THIS EVENT AS JOE HAS SADLY BROKEN HIS LEG – WE ARE TO KEEN TO REARRANGE ONCE HE IS RECOEVERED AND WILL UP-DATE ONCE WE KNOW THE NEW DATE
Come and meet journalist and author Joe Minihane, who will be leading a writing workshop and showcasing his book Floating.
Floating is the story of one man’s search for himself across the breadth of Britain’s wild waters.
In this workshop, Joe will take us through different examples of nature/outdoor writing, how they work, why they work and what we can learn from them. He will then provide a prompt and lead a writing task, after which there will be the chance for people to share and discuss their work if they want to.
https://www.kenilworthbooks.co.uk/product/nature-writing-workshop/

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author and Artist Aidan McRae Thomson
2026-03-07 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Aidan McRae Thomson, who is showcasing his new book Churches of Warwickshire.
Aidan is an independent artist and restorer who has worked in stained glass for over twenty years. Having spent time as part of a conservation studio he has created windows for a variety of churches across the Midlands. In Churches of Warwickshire, Aidan explores a selection of the most interesting churches across the whole of the county.

World Book Day - Thursday 5th March 2026
2026-03-06 09:00 - 17:30
Come and celebrate World Book Day with us here at Kenilworth Books. A day full of fun and bookish joy.

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Pauline Crame
2026-02-28 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Pauline Crame, who will be signing copies of her new book, Love In The Time of Covid.
‘May you live in interesting times.’
Pauline Crame was born in Wiltshire, but now lives in Leamington Spa. She has a degree in Applied Social Science and for many years worked with learning disabled children and adults. She currently works as a counsellor with refugees and asylum seekers. Pauline has completed three novels, two of which have been short listed for national prizes.
Love In The Time of Covid is a moving and sharply observed portrait of a nation in crisis, told through intersecting lives shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and quiet acts of hope.

February Book Club Discussion
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our February Book Club where we will be discussing Nussaibah Younis’ Fundamentally which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2025. We think this is going to be a fab one for debates and discussions within the group!
Reserve your space for our Book Club on Wednesday 25th February, at the bookshop with a £5 Book Token in the shop or here on our website.
Pick up your copy of the book in the shop or through the website (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Laura Tan
2026-02-21 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Laura Tan, who is showcasing her new memoir Made in Hong Kong: Love, Loss and the Long Way Home. It is a memoir about transracial adoption, identity, and the search for belonging. Born in Hong Kong and adopted into an English family in the 1960s, Laura grew up between cultures, carrying questions that would lead her on a lifelong journey to find her roots.
Now based in St Ives, Cornwall, she combines her love of community, the sea, and storytelling. Her work is a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the power of connection across generations.

Supper Club with Libby Page - bestselling author of The Lido
2026-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Senior Citizens Club, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Join us in February for Kenilworth Books Supper Club with Sunday Times bestselling author Libby Page! Bookseller Charlotte & author Libby will be discussing her journey into writing and her new book ‘This Book Made Me Think Of You’ – a thought-provoking and feel good read! Supper and hearing from Libby Page (bestselling author of ‘The Lido’) – this is set to be the perfect bookish evening!
Ticket includes entry into the Supper Club event and a hot jacket potato with a choice of toppings! Book Your Space Here!

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Rebecca Kelly
2026-02-14 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet YA author Rebecca Kelly, who is showcasing her new book Heartbeats on Air. Rebecca Kelly is a writer from Stoke-On-Trent. She has been writing since she was twelve years old. Heartbeats on Air is her debut novel: a young adult contemporary romance novel that follows two teenagers who start a radio show for their A-Level music coursework. Can these two opposites learn to work together and let the sparks ignite or will the secret they’re hiding threaten to split them apart forever?

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Paul Taylor
2026-02-07 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet children’s author Paul Taylor, who is showcasing his new book Tales from the Dell.
Tales from The Dell is a wonderfully heart-warming and charming collection of children’s animal stories, beautifully written and well suited for children and adults alike.
The writing is complimented by beautiful original artwork of the characters.
Paul’s affinity for wildlife shines through, with the stories intended to educate youngsters about the behaviours and characteristics of some of our furry and feathered friends, as well as giving youngsters and adults alike great pleasure.

Kenilworth Fringe Festival 2026
2026-02-02 - 2026-02-08
Kenilworth Fringe, a new week-long arts and culture festival, will be happening for the first time in February.
Running February 2-8, Kenilworth Fringe will feature a wide variety of events focusing on books, music, art, culture and politics, at venues all over the town.
​The theme of the Fringe is place and place-making. Writers, musicians and artists will contribute to events throughout the week suitable for all ages, with two full days of activities on Saturday and Sunday February 7 and 8.
The activities fall into three categories: Words & Ideas, Experience, and Make & Do. Words & Ideas invites you to listen, learn & share with writers, speakers & specialists. Experience encourages you to sit ack and enjoy music, theatre, poetry & art. Make & Do encourages you to join in with a range of activities and classes aimed at beginners in dance, a range of crafts (for adults & children) and aerial hoop amongst other things.
Many events are free of charge, but some are paid, with tickets available here on the Kenilworth Chamber website OR pop into the bookshop to buy tickets over the counter.

January Book Club Q&A with Sasha Butler
2026-01-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our January Book Club with author Sasha Butler of ‘The Marriage Contract’. This book vividly portrays life in the unforgiving Elizabethan era and explores a woman’s fight to follow her desires and find her autonomy.
Reserve your space for £5 on our website here or pop in to see us at the shop.
Order your copy of The Marriage Contract here and receive 15% discount using the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ at checkout!

Unlocking the Joy: The Power of Reading for Pleasure Event
2026-01-16 09:15 - 15:30 | The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, Leek Wootton, Warwickshire, CV35 7QT, United Kingdom
Friday 16th January 2026, 9.15am – 3.30pm
The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, Leek Wootton
A day to inspire and delight Teachers, Reading Leads, English Leads, Head teachers and School Librarians from both Primary and Secondary Schools
BOOK YOUR SPACE HERE
Sessions from:
Authors: Louie Stowell, Vashti Hardy, Myles McLeod, Mel Taylor-Bessent, Jasbinder Bilan
Publishers: Guppy Books and Flying Eye Books Charity: BookTrust
School Library Services: Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council
Kenilworth Books Pop-Up Bookshop
Price per delegate £75 includes refreshments and lunch
Book two places for £130
OR if you require an invoice/ prefer to pay by BACS – please email us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk
Please note your booking will not be confirmed until payment has been received.
A full programe will be sent to your email nearer to the time of the event.
All places are non-refundable.

Meet, Greet & Make with Julia Rawlinson
2025-12-07 13:00 - 14:00
Come and meet author Julia Rawlinson, who will be spreading Christmas cheer, crafting and chatting, as well as signing copies of her lovely books.
Julia Rawlinson is a writer of children’s poetry and picture books which are sold internationally. Luckily for us she lives locally and loves nothing more than popping into the bookshop to chat about Fletcher’s adventures. If you would like a dedicated copy of any of her books pop down to meet her on Sunday or ask in the bookshop.

Saturday Signing - John Watson
2025-12-06 10:30 - 13:30
Come and meet local poet, sculptor and organic allotmenteer John Watson.
Delves into mystic Warwickshire
Jon was chatting with his allotment pal, Rodd, when he noticed the exotic glint of his friends bronze trowel. John felt the heft, and was beguiled by the unusual alloy from another age, as Rodd explained the many values of bronze, over steel. He drifted off to sleep that night, dreaming about this. He awoke with a mad idea.
John has sculpted and cast a series of seven mystical garden delves into existence! He has written a seven chapter book of prose, poetry and artwork relevant to each bronze Delve. In each chapter is a riddle in rhyme, a clue to the whereabouts of a bronze token. The seven tokens are hidden within the ancient county of Warwickshire. The Delves have been imbued with totemic energy, they are laden with lore and positive power.
They have a priceless intrinsic value. John has been offered £600 for one, yet insists that they are not for sale. They must be sought for and gained, only by romantic quest! John will be at Kenilworth books, Saturday 6th December, signing pre-advance tickets for his book and treasure hunt next spring.

November Book Club
2025-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for a book club discussion about the power of reading, chat about our favourite reads of the last year and give recommendations to the group! Alongside this discussion we will be reading Bibliotherapy – a unique and transformational guide to healing, bibliotherapist and counsellor Bijal Shah explores the restorative power of reading.
Reserve your space for our Book Club on Wednesday 3rd December, 6.30pm at the bookshop with a £5 Book Token in the shop or here on our website.
Pick up your copy of the book in the shop or online (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Meet and Greet with Alexander Armstrong!
2025-11-26 15:45 - 17:15 | Kenilworth Books
Come to the bookshop and meet Alexander Armstrong – actor, comedian, radio personality, television presenter, singer and author! Alexander will be joining us at the bookshop from 3.45pm to 5.15pm.
Pre-order a copy of his new book Evenfall here to secure your signed copy and avoid disappointment on the day!
An ancient magic. A deadly enemy. A reluctant hero.
12-year-old Sam’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the heart of a secret society that had long protected the world.
Now a powerful enemy is closing in, destroying all in its path to find the Order’s hidden palace of Bellasis and the source of its powerful magic. Only Sam can stop them. But first, he must bring the Order together again.
The clock is ticking. Dark forces are massing. Sam must undertake perilous journeys, determine friend and foe, and discover his true powers.
For this boy holds the future of the world in his hands …

Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts at Warwick Arts Centre
2025-11-20 19:15 - 20:30 | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Join BAFTA-winning actor, comedian, director and writer Richard Ayoade for an evening of reflections as he shares insights from his latest book, Afterthoughts, or Some Pistachios Won’t Open: Wisdom for the Unreflective.
Partially recognisable for being in The IT Crowd, his acclaimed films Submarine and The Double, he has also hosted TV landfill like Travel Man and The Crystal Maze, and lent his nasal voice to The Boxtrolls, Early Man, Soul and The Bad Guys.
But you may well know him best for his role as ‘photographer’ in The Life and Death of Peter Sellers in which he delivered the iconic line: ‘Please, Mer Sellers, can I get a shot of you and your mum?’
Now, in the midst of some self-inflicted financial difficulty, he turns to the stage, inviting you to explore over 500 of his colossal notions. Thoughts like…
Where’s the box to tick if you ARE a robot?
If, when one door shuts, another door opens, there’s something wrong with your doors. They shouldn’t be doing that.
TV detectives need a gimmick. Mine would be not caring who did it.
Afterthoughts goes beyond rumination, past pondering, probing further than ever before. Drawing from a deeply private pool of questions – a reservoir so refreshing you may never need to think again.
Book Tickets Here on Warwick Arts Website
*Kenilworth Books are Bookselling at this Event*

Sunday Opening and Late Night Shopping
2025-11-17 08:00 - 17:00
Join us on Sunday’s 11am – 4pm and Thursday Evenings until 7pm for Christmas Shopping!!
We have some exciting things going on so do take a look below and join us…

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Author Dr G
2025-11-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet Dr G, who will be signing copies of his new book Losing An Accent.
Dr G is a New York City–born, Coventry–based African-Caribbean, British-American historian and educator having taught students from 8 to 80-plus years old in America, Asia and the UK. Dr G turns to poetry in his debut collection, Losing an Accent, reflecting on society and culture through his multiple identities.

SHOP KENILWORTH - Sunday Opening & Late Night Shopping
2025-11-09 - 2025-12-21 | Kenilworth Books
Join us and SHOP KENILWORTH for a Merrier Christmas!
We will be open every Sunday 11am – 4pm from Sunday 9th November until Christmas!
AND
We will be open every Thursday evening until 7pm for Late Night Shopping from Thursday 19th November until Christmas!
Join us for:

Sunday 30th November, 1pm – 2pm – Meet and Greet Alex T Smith. Alex will be in the shop signing copies of all his Christmas books including Christmas Claude!
Thursday 4th December, 5 – 7pm – Signing and Recommendations with Lizzie Lee! Lizzie will be signing her latest novel ‘The Cotswolds Christmas Cafe’ – the perfect heartwarming, cosy, festive read for Christmas!
Sunday 7th December, 1pm – 2pm – Meet, Greet and Make with Julia Rawlinson author of the wonderful ‘Fletcher the Fox’ series, including Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas and Fletcher and the Stars!
Thursday 11th December, 5pm – 7pm – Signing and Recommendations with author Caroline Lea.
Sunday 14th December, 1pm – 3pm – Meet and Greet with author Serena Patel.
Thursday 18th December, 5pm – 7pm – Signing and Recommendations with author Dexter Hutt

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Phil Haycock
2025-11-08 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet Phil Haycock, who will be signing copies of his new book, Gentlemen! Gentlemen!
Phil set out to write a book about the development of the Racing Club Warwick Walking Football Club – capturing the stories, journeys, and friendships of many of the Walking Football Members. The result is a beautifully written and personal book: “Readers will find from the players accounts, that, within the club, there are players that have faced both physical and mental illness, have suffered the loss of loved ones and struggled with the myriad of everyday problems that arise as they get older. It is a testament to them that they have overcome or learnt how to deal with the struggles they have faced.”

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Poet Chris Burleigh
2025-11-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet poet Chris Burleigh, who will be signing copies of his new poetry book, Reflections.
‘Life is serious, but is not to be lived too seriously.’ Serious or humorous, Chris’ poems are always good-natured. Chris has been writing poetry all his adult life as a response to scenes, situations, people and emotions.
Chris has published three poetry collections – Particles of Light (2017), Intersecting Lines (2021) and Reflections (2025). In Reflections the more serious poems are liberally interspersed with light-hearted, even playful, poems and there is a final section of wry thoughts, wit, and wordplay.
Chris regulary reads at ‘open mics’, community groups, and local literary events.
A note from Chris:
“I have been writing poetry all my adult life as my response to scenes, situations, people and emotions. Over the years, as poetry took up more of my time, I joined writers’ groups, and started entering poetry competitions with some success. I have been published in anthologies by Fish Publishing and Indigo Dreams.
In 2017 I decided to gather together the best of my work and to self-publish a collection of poetry and wit as Particles of Light. The book has been well received and has sold well in my local bookshops.
Intersecting Lines, my second collection, was traditionally published by indie publisher Beercott Books in 2021. It continues to reflect my interest in people, love, the natural world, and the human condition, and is written very much with the reader in mind.
In 2025 Beercott Books published my third collections, titled Reflections.
I hope readers will enjoy reading my poems, and will feel I am putting their own experiences and emotions into words. It’s such a great feeling when you get good feedback and review comments, or when somebody chooses to take home a copy of your words from a bookshop or my stand. That’s communication!”
Follow Chris – @chrismlburleigh on X, Facebook, and Bluesky.

Kids Spooky Crafting & Books
2025-10-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Private: Fossato Lounge, 1 Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 3QH, United Kingdom
Come along for a mix of spooky stories and crafts with a pop-up bookshop, no need to book just drop in.

October Book Club Discussion - Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
2025-10-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for a spooky October Book Club on Wednesday 29th October at 6.30pm in the bookshop where we will be reading Hungerstone by Kat Dunn – A fierce, powerful sapphic reworking of Carmilla, the book that inspired Dracula!
Book your place here
Order your copy of Hungerstone by Kat Dunn here.

October Half Term Fun with author Polly Dhaliwal
2025-10-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join children’s author Polly Dhaliwal to celebrate the publication of her book The Girl and Her Globe.
Whilst Polly is signing her books, we will be doing activities inspired by the book and The Girls in Movement! The Girl and Her Globe is a heartfelt tale that inspires young minds to embrace global diversity and look after our precious planet.
Girls in Movement is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to educate young girls across the globe. They work with organisations and charities on the ground in regions across the world, to reach those who are hard to reach and provide them with access to education. All proceeds from the book are invested back into Girls in Movement to deliver on global efforts.
Check out The Girls in Movement Website here!

Sandi Toksvig: Friends of Dorothy at The Belgrade Theatre
2025-10-27 19:30 - 20:30 | The Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV1 1GS, United Kingdom
Come and join the comedian, broadcaster, campaigner (and tiny Danish beacon of hope) for an evening celebrating her love and passion for writers and books.

A sell-out in 2024, this show is packed with fascinating stories, a lively Q&A and the much-contested ‘Cleverest Person in the Room’ game. Dive into Sandi’s extraordinary collection as she explores outrageous and bizarre titles such as ‘The Beginners Guide to Sex in the Afterlife’ and ‘Cheese Problems Solved’.
Marking the paperback publication of her Sunday Times Bestselling novel, Sandi’s live shows are life-affirming, smart, and funny.
Book Here on the Belgrade Website
*Kenilworth Books will be bookselling at this event*
Order a signed copy of Friends of Dorothy here!
