Best-selling crime writer Kia Abdullah charmed us all when she came to visit Stoneleigh Community Library. She, in turn, was delighted with the warm welcome and receptive audience that greeted her.
Kia Abdullah is a hugely popular author and travel writer. Her debut novel in 2019, Take It Back, became the Guardian and Telegraph thriller of the year. It was followed a year later by Truth Be Told (shortlisted for a Diverse Book Award), then Next of Kin in 2021 (longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger Award) and Those People Next Door in 2023 (a Times Bestseller and Waterstones Thriller of the Month). Her latest novel, What Happens in the Dark, is out now.
This author event was organised and hosted by volunteer Wendy Drewett. Her meticulous research and planning for the evening were much appreciated by our visitor. Wendy’s preparation extended to baking some delicious home-made biscuits for the interval refreshments – which were greatly appreciated by visitor and audience alike.
The evening started with a bibliography of the author, presented by Wendy. Then Kia continued with a personal history, how she came to her writing career, then a short discussion about each of her books: a synopsis of the stories, and the ideas and themes behind them. There was time afterwards for questions from the audience. A representative from Waterstones provided an opportunity to purchase Kia’s books, which she duly signed during the socialising at the end of the evening.
Wendy and Kia had established a mutual rapport that generated a very warm and convivial atmosphere. Kia is a fluent and engaging speaker with a lot to say – which the enthusiastic audience was keen to hear since her talk was as interesting and captivating as her books. It was a hugely successful evening and we look forward to our next author event.
