On Friday 28 February, Penarth's independent bookshop, Griffin Books, will play host to a collection of thirteen best-selling crime-fiction writers as The Orenda Roadshow rolls into town, bringing with it writers from Finland, Norway, Germany, France and the UK to discuss their novels, their writing heroes, inspiration, and the ever-increasing appeal of the crime-fiction genre.

This is the first time in the four-year history of the tour that The Orenda Roadshow will come to Wales and its first-ever stop is in Penarth.

Following the success of previous years, the 2020 tour has been extended to include five dates, covering Scotland, England and Wales.

Bookshops in Glasgow, Stockton, The Wirral, Lowdham/Southwell and Penarth will welcome this global gathering of authors all published by the award-winning independent publisher Orenda Books.

Writing in all genres, from contemporary literary novels and thrillers, to horror and historical fiction, the impressive line-up includes: Helen FitzGerald (Australia); Louise Beech (Hull); Thomas Enger (Norway); Johana Gustawsson (France); Simone Buchholz (Germany); Antti Tuomainen (Finland); Michael J. Malone (Scotland); Matt Wesolowski (Northumbria); Vanda Symon (New Zealand); Will Carver (Reading); Kjell Ola Dahl (Norway); Helga Flatland (Norway); West Camel (London); and Matt Johnson (Wales).

This event is an absolute must for any crime-fiction fan.

Karen Sullivan, founder and publisher of Orenda Books, says: 'This is the fifth year that we've taken a team of authors on the road, and it remains a highlight of our publishing programme. We welcome the opportunity to meet with readers around the country in an informal setting, with authors discussing and reading from their books, chatting to the audience and even visiting the pub together afterwards.

''It's not just a fabulous way to introduce and perhaps even demystify international authors and translated fiction, but also to build a truly engaged relationship with readers, librarians and booksellers.

''This year we've gone predominantly independent, taking the roadshow slightly off the beaten track, and we've extended the programme to five rather than the usual four days to hit Scotland, Wales and England.

''Every year the audiences are bigger and more diverse, and it's been thrilling to see students from secondary schools, colleges and universities engaging, too.'

Matt Wesolowski, the author of the newly published Beast, says: 'The Orenda Roadshow is one of my most anticipated events of the year. Not only is it a wonderful way to meet readers all over the country, but we also get to spend time in some wonderful bookshops we might never have had the opportunity to visit.

''I feel like the Roadshow is a great thing professionally as it's a special kind of magic for readers to be able to meet writers and subsequently try books they may not have thought about reading before. I'll always remember bookshop events where I've met writers whom I admire.

''On a personal level that also works the other way around; meeting the readers and bloggers, without whom we would be nothing is a huge privilege for a writer; signing and chatting is always such a pleasure.

''Writers are inherently solitary, introverted people and to spend time with our fellow solitary introverts is a great bonding experience for the whole team at Orenda as we traverse the cities.''

For more information and to book tickets contact Griffin Books on 029 2070 6455 or click the red button below to book online.

Griffin Books recently announced the stellar line-up of authors who will be visiting Penarth over the next few months. These include Joanna Trollope, Jon Gower, Joanne Harris and Alexander McCall Smith, to name only a few.