An Evening with Michael Palin at Warwick Arts Centre
2024-09-28 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Best-selling author and comedy legend Michael Palin is going back on the road.
10 years since his last published diary, Michael unlocks volume four of his life and times, from 1999 to 2009. As the centuries change and Michael heads into middle age, he’s busier than ever.
In this new show, with the help of rarely seen photos and video, Michael brings these momentous times to life.
He talks through this latest Diary to take us backstage on this most productive decade of his life. Whilst always, in the background, showing us the wider world, one of infinite possibilities and new and unimagined dangers.
He takes on four new travel series and a wide variety of documentaries, from art and artists to the last day of the First World War.
He watches his family grow and expand at a time of ominous new threats and dangers. The Twin Towers fall, bombs blast London, banks collapse, whole economies teeter on the brink. Tony Blair offers hope with the Good Friday agreement, then embroils us in Iraq.
Michael enters his 60s, and finds grown-up responsibilities come his way. By the end of this diary, he’s in his first year as President of the Royal Geographical Society.
His diary reflects his constant struggle against routine and repetition, and his irresistible and often nerve-shredding attraction to new challenges.
Some work, some don’t, but by the end of this volume he’s reached the retirement age of 65. And he’s planning a new journey.
Tickets selling fast here!

Saturday Signing – Come and meet poet Frank McMahon
2024-10-05 10:00 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet poet Frank McMahon, who will be signing copies of his book, The Light Will Always Return.
This is Frank’s third poertry collection. His previous books, At the Storm’s Edge and A Different Land were published by Palewell Press. He has won prizes for his work and read at The Cheltenham Literary and Poetry Festivals in 2023. Last year, he worked with two schools on the national Poetry Together initiative and this year worked as a volunteer for Cheltenham Poetry Festival.
“The Light Will Always Return” is the title of Frank McMahon’s third book of poems, published in April.
“Things which stopped me in my tracks” inspired some of the poems in my book, alongside work which celebrates the work of other artists and craftswomen/ men.
“Other poems draw inspiration from the natural world, starting with winter light.
“There are shadows in the book: loss, environmental concerns, conflict but the abiding theme is hope and optimism.
“These essential qualities of living are there around us but also need to be enhanced by our resilience and our willingness to work towards protection and restoration.”
Frank McMahon lives in Cirencester. His professional career was in Social Work/ Welfare with three Local Authorities, Red Cross and Action for Children.

BookShop Day 2024
2024-10-12 09:00 - 17:30 | Kenilworth Books
Join us this Saturday to celebrate Bookshop Day!
There will be plenty of exciting things including:

Free Goodie Bags for anyone who spends over £30 in the shop* (Whilst stock lasts!)
Photo opportunties with Cardboard Cut out Rick Astley! – we have a wonderful Rick Astley standee to promote the publication of his new autobiogrpahy NEVER – available here
New Angela Harding #BooksAreMyBag 2024 Tote Bag – ready to pre-order here!
Signing with local author Rick Thompson – ‘A Year on the Fosse’
Launch of the Community Book Bench with The Kenilworth Centre

Saturday Signing – Come and meet author Rick Thompson
2024-10-12 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Rick Thompson, who will be signing copies of his book, A Year on the Fosse.
Rick Thompson, author of A Year on the River Avon, is back with his new book – A Year on the Fosse. The wildlife and History of the famous Roman Road. This book is a journey month-by-month from Lincolnshire through the Heart of England to Devon. The book tells of the historical ongoings of the road, the nature whilst also exploring the folklore and fable’s that were told about the road.
Signed copies of both Rick’s books – ‘A Year on the River Avon’ and ‘A Year on the Fosse’ will be available on the day.

Saturday Signing – Come and meet author Roger Whitmore
2024-10-19 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Roger Whitmore, who will be signing copies of his book, The Broken Rune Staff.
Now retired, Roger has dabbled in many trades but these days enjoys playing golf and gardening which has led to the opening of his small garden for the National Garden Scheme. The Broken Rune Staff is Roger’s first fantasy novel with lots of twists and turns to take the reader on an epic adventure!

Meet the Awesome Liz Pichon!
2024-10-21 15:45 - 17:30 | Kenilworth Books
Liz will be joining us at the bookshop from 3.45pm onwards. Come and meet Liz Pichon, join the party and pick up a signed copy of her new book Ha ! Ha! Hilarious from the Tom Gates series!

Pre-order here …
Five Star Stories
Ha! Ha! Hilarious!

Meet the Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - Warwick Book Corner Event
2024-10-25 15:00 - 17:00 | University of Warwick, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Meet the Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Date: Fri Oct 25 2024
Time: 3pm
Location: University of Warwick, Social Sciences Building, Room: S0.18
Hey guys! Join the Warwick Book Corner and Kenilworth Books for a special event celebrating Black History Month, featuring Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, acclaimed author of Ace of Spades. Engage in an inspiring conversation about her writing journey, the importance of Black narratives and representation in literature, and her work advocating for diversity in storytelling. And if you want to snatch up a copy of one of her latest books, or get yours signed, come along!
Book Your Ticket Here!

Saturday Signing – Come and meet local award-winning author Dave Musson
2024-10-26 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local author Dave Musson, who will be signing copies of his new, award-winning short story collection, Once More Round the Sun.
The Bookstagram Awards Author of the Year for 2024, Dave is a glasses-wearing, bearded human being from the middle of England who likes heavy music with loud guitars, watching movies, and reading and writing creepy stories.
He made his debut as a published fiction writer in 2021’s Welcome to the Funhouse, from Blood Rites. His first full collection of short stories, Once More Round the Sun, was published on his own Always Darkest imprint in August 2024, and won the Best Collection and Best Horror categories of the 2024 Bookstagram Awards!

Bloody Kenilworth: A Halloween Talk by Crime Historian Adam Wood
2024-10-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Copper House Club, 142-146 Albion St, Kenilworth, CV8 2FZ, United Kingdom
Real life Halloween horror! Join local crime historian Adam Wood for an illustrated talk on the seedier side of Kenilworth, as he reveals misdeeds committed between 1790 and 1928.
Learn how the former caretaker of the Kenilworth Baths on Abbey Fields, bristling with resentment over his dismissal, made sure his successor met a watery end; how a one-armed man became one of the earliest motor fatalities when he was struck by a speeding driver outside the Royal Oak; and how the thirteen year old Kenilworth girl employed as a nursemaid ended up at Warwick charged with murder.
And that’s not to mention the man who discovered Jack the RIpper’s hideout on Kenilworth Common…
The talk takes place at the Copper House Club in Kenilworth, formerly the town’s Police station.
Copies of Adam’s book Bloody Kenilworth will be available to purchase on the night.
Tickets £10: Online via Eventbrite or in person at the Copper House Club.

Graphic Novel Workshop with Phil Corbett
2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:30 | The Kenilworth Centre, Car Park, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Join us for our Graphic Novel Workshop with Kitty Quest author Phil Corbett at The Kenilworth Centre!
Reserve your space for our Graphic Novel Workshop with Kitty Quest Author Phil Corbett with a £5 Book Token* here.
*Redeemable on the day
If cost is a barrier, please contact us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk or pop into the shop

Storytime & Craft Workshop with Catherine Ward
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:30 | The Kenilworth Centre, Car Park, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Join us for our Storytime and Craft Workshop with children’s author Catherine Ward at The Kenilworth Centre!
Reserve your space for our Storytime and Craft Workshop with Author Catherine Ward with a £5 Book Token* here.
*Redeemable on the day
If cost is a barrier, please contact us at info@kenilworthbooks.co.uk or pop into the shop

October Book Club with Natasha Solomons
2024-10-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our October book club with best-selling author of Fair Rosaline, Natasha Solomons. A fierce, feminist and intensely gripping novel that takes everything you think you know about Romeo & Juliet and turns it on its head …
The first time Romeo Montague sees young Rosaline Capulet he falls instantly in love. Rosaline, headstrong and independent, is unsure of Romeo’s attentions but with her father determined that she join a convent, this handsome and charming stranger offers her the chance of a different life.
Soon though, Rosaline begins to doubt all that Romeo has told her. She breaks off the match, only for Romeo’s gaze to turn towards her cousin, thirteen-year-old Juliet. Gradually Rosaline realises that it is not only Juliet’s reputation at stake, but her life.
With only hours remaining before she will be banished behind the nunnery walls, will Rosaline save Juliet from her Romeo? Or can this story only ever end one way? A subversive, powerful untelling of Shakespeare’s best-known tale, narrated by a fierce, forgotten voice: this is Rosaline’s story.
Join us on Wednesday 30th October at 6.30pm at the bookshop for our Book Club Q&A with author Natasha Solomons. Reserve your space with a £5 Book Token on our website here!

Pokemon Trading Session
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Kenilworth Books
Bring your doubles and swap them for ones you are yet to collect. Talk Pokemon with new friends!

Saturday Signing – Come and meet author Johnny Salmons
2024-11-02 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Johnny Salmons, who will be signing copies of his book, Even the Sparrows.
Bremen, Germany, September 1943. A chance meeting sets into motion a chain of events that is destined to align the lives of four young Germans. On the run, they must face dangers far from the battlefield as they make their perilous journey across Germany and beyond. A coming-of-age tale of the forgotten, the blamed, the condemned, the brave.
Johnny Salmons, a teacher of English, History & Media Studies, who now teaches part-time whilst pursuing his love of travel, historical research, and writing.

Saturday Signing – Come and meet children's author Nicola Wood
2024-11-09 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Nicola Wood, who will be signing copies of her children’s book, Sophia the Swallow
Follow Sophia the Swallow as she leaves her nest to explore the island of her birth for the very first time! Share in her discoveries and adventures as she visits crystal clear seas, spots turtles and discovers beauty beyond her wildest dreams!
Born in Guernsey, Nicola’s first memories are of island life. As a child, she moved to Warwickshire where she developed a love of animals and Geography. Nicola trained as a Primary School teacher and after teaching in Coventry for a number of years, she taught in Cyprus.

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Local Author Julia Rawlinson
2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local children’s author Julia Rawlinson, who will be at the bookshop to celebrate the publication of Fletcher’s Numbers!
Join us for an afternoon of colouring with colouring sheets from lots of Julia’s books and snowflake making to celebrate the paperback release of Fletcher and the Christmas Snowflake.
Julia will be signing copies of all her books from the Fletcher series so please do pop in!

Saturday Signing – Come and meet poet Charlotte Faulconbridge
2024-11-16 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Charlotte Faulconbridge, who will be signing copies of her debut poetry collection, The Warring Twenties.
The 1920’s called… they want their depression back.
Charlotte has been an emerging voice on the poetry scene, having headlined numerous in person and online events. Her first book Too High to Function sold incredibly well after its release last year. Charlotte’s love of poetry and a passion to convey a strong message surrounding mental health and neurodivergence, creates a wonderful cocktail of witty, poignant, and thought-provoking verse.
What happens when you force a geek girl to choose between Nuclear Fission and the colour Pink? In this collection Charlotte lays her arsenal of weapons at the feet of her enemies and eggs them on. Brave or stupid? Let’s find out…. Come with us as we take a tour of her not-so-roaring ‘Warring Twenties’ – The Jawbone Collective.

November Book Club + Late Night Shopping
2024-11-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our November book club from 6.30pm – 7.30pm to chat about this fiery and dark debut – Remember, Remember and share your favourite reads of the year!
After 7.30pm we will open the shop up for late night shopping. We will have mulled wine, mince pies, freebies and 10% off everything on the night!
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here.
Everyone welcome to drop-in for our late night shopping after 7.30pm.

Christmas Opening Times
2024-12-23 - 2025-01-02 | Kenilworth Books
Christmas Opening Times at Kenilworth Books
Open Sundays up until Christmas 11am – 3pm
OPEN: Mon 23rd & Tues 24 Dec, 9am – 5.30pm
CLOSED: Wed 25th & Thurs 26th Dec
OPEN: Fri 27th & Sat 28th Dec 9am – 5.30pm
CLOSED: Sun 29th Dec
OPEN: Mon 30th & Tues 31st Dec, 9am – 5.30pm
Closed: Wed 1st Jan
OPEN: Thurs 2nd Jan, 9am – 5.30pm open as normal the rest of the week

January Book Club
2025-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our first book club of 2025 where we will be talking about James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store and discussing what we would like to read this year.
Our book club is super relaxed and open to everyone so if you have ever wanted to join or wondered what it was like to join a book club, please do reserve your spot!
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here or from the bookshop.
Pick up your copy in the shop or online – (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Poet Phil Hill
2025-02-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local poet Phil Hill, who will be showcasing his new book, The Heroine 1958 – 2011.
Phil Hill is a poet from Warwickshire. His work focuses on mental health and lifting the spirits of his readers. His book The Heroine 1958 – 2011 focuses on the life of his wife, Geraldine, and her bravery whilst struggling with mental illness.
Hill’s powerful new collection does not flinch from exploring some of the key dilemmas that ultimately confront us all. What might it mean to acknowledge and recognise our pasts and ourselves; to forgive and to seek forgiveness; and to discover – and speak boldly from – that place of integrity which is to be found in the deepest recesses of our being?

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Poet Vivien Nichols
2025-02-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Vivien Nichols, who will be signing copies of her poetry book, Meema’s All Age Poetry.
Vivien Nichols (Meema to the Grandchildren) has been married to her husband John – forever, and has lived in Kenilworth just as long! She has always enjoyed the written word and her poetry has been published in a variety of outlets over the years.
Meema’s All Age Poetry is her first stand-alone poetry collection filled with heart warming poems such as The Enchanted Lavender Farm, The Magic of Caring and Imagine! With fun, colourful illustrations throughout.

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Author Paul Taylor
2025-02-22 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Paul Taylor, who will be signing copies of his children’s book, The Adventures of Snuffle Truffle.
Paul’s love for educating people and his affinity with wildlife shine through in this collection of rhyming stories. Through them, he seeks to educate others as to the behaviours and characteristics of some of our furry/feathered friends.
Paul Taylor was born and raised a ‘Shropshire Lad’, although he has spent the last twenty-six years in and around Coventry and Rugby. Paul is passing on any proceeds for this book to the Brain Tumour Charity.

February Book Club Q & A with Lottie Hazell
2025-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our February Book Club with debut novelist Lottie Hazell. We will be chatting about her novel PIGLET – a deliciously dark and piercing novel of food and secrets!
Her life is so full, so why is she hungry? For Piglet – an unshakable childhood nickname – getting married is her opportunity to reinvent. Together, Kit and Piglet are the picture of domestic bliss – effortless hosts, planning a covetable wedding… But if a life looks too good to be true, it probably is. Thirteen days before they are due to be married, Kit reveals an awful truth, cracking the façade Piglet has created. It has the power to strip her of the life she has so carefully built, so smugly shared. To do something about it would be to self-destruct. But what will it cost her to do nothing? As the hours count down to their wedding, Piglet is torn between a growing appetite and the desire to follow the recipe, follow the rules. Surely, with her husband, she could be herself again. Wouldn’t it be a waste for everything to curdle now?
Reserve your space for book club with a £5 Book Token available on our website here or from the bookshop.
Pick up your copy in the shop or online – (use the code ‘BOOKCLUB’ to get 15% off!)

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Author Robert Messenger
2025-03-01 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Robert Messenger, who will be signing copies of his book, Ninety-Six.
Robert Messenger was born in County Durham and spent 6 years on active service in the British Army before joining the British Police for 28 years. His roles included tactical firearms, response policing, covert operations, and detective investigations.
Crime & Thriller novel Ninety-Six is inspired by the Roberts own experiences in the army and the police, and has been described by critics as a “cracking”, “outstanding”, and a “ground-breaking” story.

Philippa Gregory celebrating Normal Women
2025-03-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Private: Kenilworth School and Sixth Form, Glasshouse Ln, Kenilworth, CV8 2AL, United Kingdom
Join the international blockbuster author Philippa Gregory as she redefines the story of normal English women and asks why they are missing from 900 years of history. Hear the fascinating stories of highwaywomen, pirates, soldiers, inventors and rioters in this lively, interactive event based on her bestselling novel Normal Women, available in an adult and a teen edition.
Book your ticket here!
Kenilworth Books in Collaboration with Kenilworth School and Sixth Form and Harper Collins.

Join us for WBD with Jamie Hammond, author of Grumpfort!
2025-03-06 16:00 - 17:15 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet Author of Illustrator of Grumpfort, Jamie Hammond and join in with our World Book Day Celebrations on Thursday 6th March afterschool!
This event is free and there is no need to book so please do come along and pick up a signed copy of Jamie’s new book!
Grumpfort
(perfect for readers 7+)
Meet Mo, the worst monster hunter ever, in this hilarious and highly illustrated adventure. Mo never wanted to be a Warden – protecting the village of Bogfoss from the terrifying monsters in the woods is way too scary. But when he’s beaten up by a goblin on his first patrol, he knows he has to prove himself.
So he sets out into the forbidden woods to catch himself a monster and make himself a hero. Instead he stumbles into GRUMPFORT, a secret monster fortress with a very big problem. The fearsome Grumpsnatcher is kidnapping the other monsters – and suddenly Mo’s on a monster-hunt with a troll, a gnome and a fire-breathing snotwoggle to stop it!

Saturday Signing – Come and Meet Local Poet Frank McMahon
2025-03-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet author Frank McMahon, who will be signing copies of his new poetry book, The Canticles of Spring.
Frank was born and raised in Birkenhead, Merseyside. After graduating he began his career in Social Work/ Welfare as a practitioner and manager, working for three Local Authorities, British Red Cross and ActionforChildren. Since moving to Cirencester, writing poetry has become an important part of his life. Frank has won many awards for his books – At the Storm’s Edge, A Different Land and his third collection The Light will Always Return.
“These multi-layered poems are a deeply satisfying read – fusing musicality, lyricism with fascinating themes and motifs. McMahon’s poems have a rare and precious power, they inspire and inform in equal measure.” – Anna Saunders – Poet and Founding Director Cheltenham Poetry Festival

March Book Club with author Leo Vardiashvili
2025-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Kenilworth Books
Join us for our March Book Club with novelist Leo Vardiashvili. We will be chatting about his debut Hard by a Great Forest – a rare, searching tale of home, memory and sacrifice – of one family’s mission to rescue one another, and put the past to rest.
Reserve your space for £5 on our website here or pop in to see us at the shop.
Order the book here!

Saturday Signing - Come and Meet Local Author Anthony Etherington
2025-03-29 10:30 - 13:30 | Kenilworth Books
Come and meet local author Anthony Etherington, who will be signing copies of his new book, Some Other Eden.
Anthony has written several teleplays and screen dramas. One of these, Yellow Dragon and the Red Fox, won Best Screenplay awards at the European Independent Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Wales in 2014. His debut novel, Europia, was published in 2022 with great success.
After Geoff Ward is kidnapped in Cairo, the lives of three families change forever.
Cairo, 2010. As the vast city swelters in the summer heatwave, anti-government protesters take to the streets. When visiting businessman Geoff Ward is kidnapped, his client Khaled and Khaled’s sister, Layla, a prominent activist, set out to find the Englishman. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Geoff’s wife, Angie, frustrated by her feelings of helplessness and the government’s apparent ineffectiveness, contacts an old family friend, Shimon, to ask for help. Who has taken Geoff and why? Can his would-be rescuers work together to find him? And how will Angie and her two teenage children cope with his disappearance?
Told from multiple perspectives, Some Other Eden – part kidnap thriller, part family drama – is a gripping tale of resilience and courage in an increasingly turbulent and fragmented world.
Anthony explains: “Soon after leaving school, I worked on two farms in Israel and, ever since, have remained in touch with one of the families that employed me. More than three decades later I returned regularly to the Middle East, working as a self-employed contractor on various recruitment and people development projects in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Dubai. While abroad I observed that most of the people I met shared the same hopes and wants: good health for themselves and their families; a decent education and employment prospects for their children; and work that pays. Some Other Eden is, at heart, my attempt to give voice to the belief that we have far more in common than divides us.”
Pre-order a copy of Some Other Eden by Anthony Etherington here.
