Clare Mulley did a wonderful job of bringing to life the courage, in the face of immeasurable danger, and the doggedness of a true heroine of the Resistance in Poland, "Agent Zo". It was a real insight, too, to learn of the research process, collecting first-hand accounts of this remarkable woman. In this book, as in her other works, Clare highlights the under-representation of women in the historical canon - and goes some way to rebalance it.  

A full house "Upstairs at Barnett's" was educated and entertained by Adrian Phillips, discussing the outsiders and fellow risk-takers who helped steer Churchill through his often ill-starred political journey to cult leadership status. Adrian's detailed research and deep understanding really came to life in this fascinating discussion, with questions from an engaged audience.

We were very glad that Carole Hailey made the long trip from North Wales to talk to us about the "alternative reality" of her wonderful novel, The Silence Project, built on her PhD in Cult Studies. Carole gave thoughtful insights in response to the questions put to her, as well as amusing anecdotes. It is always interesting to learn more about the background that leads to such interesting novels.

We look forward to Carole's next novel and its non-criminal psychopath protagonist! 

We had been looking forward to an entertaining evening with comedy writer, performer, producer and director, Jon Harvey, and the audience was duly entertained! Jon discussed his latest book, A Fan for All Seasons, and the mixed emotions he faced in writing a book inspired by his brother's untimely death, but which gave rise to so many comic moments across the sporting world (in its widest definition - including Rubik's Cube Solving championships). We also heard about Jon's alter ego, Count Binface, and what the electorate can expect from him in future!​

An enthusiastic crowd filled our event room, Upstairs at Barnett's, to meet Sarah Jane Butler and hear more about her wonderful novel, Starling, which has captivated local readers as well as being widely acclaimed. The discussion ranged from the craft of fiction-writing to foraging, as well as recommended nature reads, both fiction and non-fiction.

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We're all looking forward to Sarah's next book - a work of non-fiction based on and around the life of the river Medway.  ​

We were delighted to be entertained by C.J. Schüler's erudite and witty presentation of his personal and historical travelogue - Along the Amber Route - which tracks the path, ancient and modern, for the amber trade from Scandinavia to Venice - an alternative Silk Road.

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The intimacy of the Barnett's event room allowed for a very wide-ranging discussion. We were also treated to insights on C.J. Schüler's latest book, The Wood that Built London  ​

A very entertaining discussion of the life and times of Eliza Action, the writer of the first "modern" cookbook - an immediate bestseller and the inspiration for the more famous Mrs Beeton!

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A knowledgeable audience put Annabel to the test on the influence of Eliza Action on more modern cookbooks, the cross-over from poetry to recipes, and the tools and methods used in 19th century kitchens.  ​

A broad and deeply researched presentation by Halik Kochanski, based on her latest book, Resistance, was well received by all, with a highly engaging Q&A.

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In another first for Barnett's, we were thrilled to see a full house for a "Literary Lounge" event for a "serious" academic history discussion.  ​

Our first Literary Lounge of 2023 was a great success, with a very eloquent and passionate presentation by Jasper Gibson of the story behind his wonderful novel, The Octopus Man.  ​

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Jasper brought his book to life with a couple of readings - it is always illuminating to hear the author's character come alive in his own voice - and ended with a very interesting Q&A discussion. 

Another new venture for Barnett's, with our first cookbook demonstration. After a taster of her dhokla and chai, Torie True nonchalantly chatted and answered questions while preparing recipes from her wonderful Indian cookbook, Chilli & Mint. The audience then got to taste the Sri Lankan dal, Keralan cabbage thoran and Bengali tomato chutney she had rustled up - and the consensus was that all were truly delicious!

We were excited to launch our newly refurbished event space - "Upstairs at Barnett's" - with a very interesting and wide-ranging conversation with Susan Furber, talking through some of the themes of her first novel, The Essence of an Hour in an open and interactive discussion with the audience. Susan also talked about the creative process and the way that she is hoping to take her characters forward in her next novel, to be published in 2023.

It is always a treat to have Amanda Craig give us her insights and opinions and this occasion was no different. Amanda entertained the audience with readings from her highly successful 2021 novel, The Golden Rule and, in conversation with Sue Gaisford, lifted the veil on the challenges (and joys) of the novel-writing process. A few teasers, too, about her next novel - The Three Graces - due out in 2023.

Award-winning author and acclaimed expert, Alan Judd, gave a rapt audience a fascinating insight into the life and times of Christopher Marlowe and the intrigue and uncertainty about his role as a spy and his murder, in the context of Alan's most recent novel, A Fine Madness. He also gave a glimpse of the process for creating such a well-researched and imaginative historical novel. 

Alan's next spy novel (set in the modern era) will be released in July 2022.

Frances Quinn gave an extremely entertaining and engaging presentation of her debut historical novel, The Smallest Man. As well as addressing the challenges of an imagined story in a strictly historical setting, Frances also discussed the issues around writing about a person with dwarfism - and the persistence, chance and satisfaction of becoming a published author. We very much look forward to her second novel later in 2022.

We were thrilled to welcome Guinevere Glasfurd back to Barnett's to discuss her latest novel, in discussion with Sue Gaisford. With a few pertinent slides, Guin discussed the historical and cultural context for her story and brought out the intricacies of using creative license to give her historical characters agency in developing their inter-related narratives.

In our first Literary Lounge since lockdowns, Ruth Thomas gave a very engaging reading of extracts from her latest novel and provided wonderful (and surprising) insights into the realities of the novel-writing process. Having enjoyed the sometimes dark humour of The Snow..., we all look forward to wherever Ruth takes her characters next.​