AJ West: The Deadly Inheritance of Everest Macdonald

Stoke Book Festival is excited to announce AJ West as the closing author of our festival. AJ will be in conversation, celebrating the latest launch of his novel, 'The Deadly Inheritance of Everest Macdonald', scheduled for release in October 2026 and promises a dark, atmospheric historical mystery.

About the Author

AJ West is a bestselling, multi-award-winning historical fiction novelist and historian. His novel, ‘The Betrayal of Thomas True’, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller, winning the coveted CWA Historical Dagger award, while his debut ‘The Spirit Engineer’ won the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown. AJ is a former BBC journalist and broadcaster.

What to Expect

60-minute author conversation

Audience Q&A

Book signing will be available afterwards

Books available to purchase

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)