Author and former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, in conversation with Hull Noir co-founder Nick Triplow

Celebrated crime fiction festival Hull Noir is joining forces with the city’s Waterstones book shop in the first of the festival’s autumn events.

Writer and festival co-founder, Nick Triplow, will be in conversation with former Home Secretary and MP for Hull West and Hessle, Alan Johnson, whose debut crime thriller The Late Train to Gipsy Hill hits the shelves in September.

A ‘fast paced, elegant and warm hearted thriller,’ the novel tells the story of commuter Gary Nelson whose chance encounter with a young waitress, Arina, on his evening commute sparks a chain of events that lead to him finding himself on the run from the Russian mafia, the FSB, and even the Metropolitan Police.

Johnson is the award-winning author of a series of memoirs, but The Late Train to Gipsy Hill is the first time he’s turned his hand to fiction.

Nick Triplow said: “I’m looking forward to taking Hull Noir back into the real world and I can’t think of a better way to start our autumn events than talking to Alan about his debut crime novel. We took the festival online in March this year, which helped us keep a connection with crime fiction fans, but nothing beats the atmosphere that comes with a live audience.”

Hull Noir co-founder, Nick Quantrill, added: “We’re pleased to be teaming up with our friends at Waterstones Hull for an audience with Alan Johnson, especially considering his high-profile local links. This is the start of us getting back out there with events that celebrate great authors and crime writing. Keep your eyes peeled for more over the next few months.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £2, redeemable against purchase of the book, and available from Waterstones.

Please note that some anti-COVID measures will be in place at the event – these may include wearing masks and other PPE and social distancing. The event organiser asks that customers respect these measures wherever possible, for the safety and comfort of all.