THE Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will come to Bradford City Library next month with its annual Big Read.

The Big Read, supported by The Arts Council, aims to encourage crime fiction fans, and entice reluctant readers, to read and discuss the same book.

Mari Hannah (pictured), acclaimed author and Reader in Residence at the festival, will be discussing one of the genre’s most prolific writers, James Patterson, and his most successful book, Along Came a Spider.

"I can’t stress enough that the Big Read campaign is for everyone, a chance to explore the world through crime fiction in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere," said Mari, author of the Kate Daniels series, the Ryan & O’Neil thrillers, and the Stone & Oliver series of police procedurals.

Everyone who attends a Big Read event will receive a free copy of Along Came a Spider.

The event will hit Bradford City Library on Thursday, June 7, at 7pm.