LAST Friday, Penarth’s independent bookshop, Griffin Books, hosted a collection of 13 best-selling crime-fiction writers during the Orenda Roadshow.

This was the first time in the four-year history of the tour that the roadshow visited Wales.

The event, held at the Glamorganshire Golf Club, brought with it writers from Finland, Norway, Germany, France, Australia, and the UK, who discussed the writing process and answered questions from the audience.

Writing in all genres, from contemporary literary novels and thrillers, to horror and historical fiction, the line-up included bestselling New Zealand author Vanda Symon; Will Carver, the internationally bestselling author of the January David series; and Helen FitzGerald, author of Worst Case Scenario, which was recently made into a BBC One drama.

Karen Sullivan, founder and publisher of Orenda Books, said:

“Putting authors in front of readers in an informal setting, to talk about and read from their books, answer audience questions from the audience, and often visit the pub together afterwards, has built an incredibly strong and engaged readership around the country. "

Griffin Books owner Mel Griffin said: “We were delighted to host The Orenda Roadshow’s first ever event in Wales.

"People braved the storms and travelled from as far as Ceredigion to hear thirteen fabulous authors pitch their novels - speed-dating style – to a packed room of crime-fiction enthusiasts."

As part of the tour, the Orenda Roadshow donated two copies of each author's book to Stanwell School, St Cyres School, Penarth Library, and Dinas Powys Library.

Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with an emphasis on crime thrillers.

In 2018, they were awarded a Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme.

This year, the roadshow also visited Glasgow, Stockton, Wirral, and Southwell.