Speaking

Visits that feel like your own book club, not a lecture

Book clubs, library evenings, and one very hands-on writing workshop. Tell me about your group and we’ll work out the shape of the visit together.

01

Book club visits

In person or by video call

I’ll turn up (virtually or otherwise), talk about the series, and answer the two questions everyone asks: is the cat real, and who really did it in book one.

02

Library evenings

Talk, reading & tea

A relaxed evening for library audiences — a short reading, a chat about writing cosy crime, and time for questions. Biscuits appreciated but not required.

03

Cosy crime writing workshop

Half-day workshop

For anyone plotting their own mystery: how to plant a fair clue, misdirect without cheating, and decide who really did it before you start writing.

04

Other visits

By arrangement

Festivals, community groups, book fairs — if it involves readers and a kettle, get in touch and we’ll work out the shape of it.

Claire Donnelly showing a small group around the shelves of her independent bookshop
Watch

A quick look behind the counter

A short video of a real bookshop evening — readers, questions, and the tea getting cold while everyone argues about the ending.

Book club

An hour or so

In person or by video call. I’ll bring questions if you’re stuck, and there’s always time to argue about the ending.

Library evening

About an hour

A short reading, a chat, and a proper Q&A. Best with a room that doesn’t mind a bit of a laugh.

Writing workshop

Half a day

Hands-on and practical: plotting, clues, and how to bump someone off without the reader seeing it coming.

Where I visit — fictional

Brightwater Readers’ FestivalPanel sessionHalvard Speakers ForumAuthor slotRegional library networkEvening talkCommunity book club circuitRegular visitsLocal writers’ groupWorkshopIndependent bookshopEvening event

What to expect

Every visit gets the same thing: an actual conversation about the books, not a rehearsed talk read off a card.

Bring your best theory about who did it. I will neither confirm nor deny anything before publication day.

Booking, briefly

Happy to travel for the right invitation — get in touch with your dates and I’ll let you know what’s possible.

Speaking enquiry

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