Book Club with Author: Jess Kidd

Join our special Book Club author event during the festival, where you can ask the author directly your usual book club questions! The event price includes a hardback book of Jess Kidd's latest book Little Spark. Tickets for this event are limited and are likely to sell out, so don't miss your chance!

About the Author

Jess Kidd is an award-winning Irish author whose novels blend literary fiction with elements of mystery, folklore and the supernatural. Born in London to Irish parents and raised in Ireland, she draws deeply on Irish history, myth and storytelling traditions in her work. Her acclaimed novels include Himself, The Hoarder, Things in Jars, Mr Flood's Last Resort and The Night Ship, all praised for their richly imagined settings, memorable characters and distinctive, lyrical prose. In addition to her adult fiction, Kidd has written the children's series Every Time You Hear That Song. She is widely recognised as one of the most original contemporary voices in historical and gothic fiction.

How to collect your book

Tickets purchased for the event include a hardback book of Jess Kidd's latest book, Little Spark (launched in August 2026).

Collection of the book can be made in advance via: Stoke Library

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Where possible we would like to encourage you to collect your book in person, however we recognise that may not always be possible, therefore, if you would like your books to be posted, please email [email protected]

What to Expect

60-minute book club style conversation

Book signing will be available afterwards

Suitable for ages 14+

About the Venue

Stoke Minster is located on Glebe Street, ST4 1LP

Wheelchair Access: The main ground floor is fully accessible via ramps. Note that specific historical areas like the Peace Chapel and belfry require using stairs.

Toilets: An accessible toilet and general toilets are available onsite.

Parking: A car park is located directly opposite the building on Kingsway (ST4 1JB).

Additional Support: Assistance dogs are welcome.

Public transport links: The bus stop on Glebe Street is served by Routes 24 (D&G), 23 & 40A (First Potteries). The nearest Railway Station is Stoke-on-Trent Railway a 7 minute walk.

Arrival time: Doors open 30 minutes before the event

About Stoke Book Festival

Join us for a week of inspiring author talks, creative workshops, performances and community events, bringing readers and writers together from across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Stoke-on-Trent is a city built on creativity, craftsmanship and community. This October, we’re bringing those qualities together for the Stoke Book Festival.

We break down barriers to participation, champion books, inspire creativity and create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with literature, learning and culture.

By bringing together national and local talent, schools, libraries, businesses and communities, our goal is to improve engagement with reading and support youth literacy development in Stoke-on-Trent.

To discover more visit: www.StokeBookFestival.co.uk

Good to Know

Please arrive 15–20 minutes before the event

Late entry may not be possible once the event has started

Tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation by the festival

Photography may be taken during the festival

Books can be purchased on the day (subject to availability)