About

Bath Preservation Trust welcomes bestselling author Harriet F Townson for an evening discussing her new crime novel, Murder on the Royal Crescent. Harriet will be joined in conversation by Bath Preservation Trust’s Senior Curator, Dr Amy Frost, for a fascinating discussion about the book, its setting and the inspiration behind its Golden Age crime story.

The talk will last approximately 45 minutes to one hour, followed by additional time for questions and discussion. A bar serving wine and soft drinks will be available during the event.

About the Author

Harriet F Townson is the pen name of bestselling novelist Harriet Evans. Her debut crime novel, D is for Death, was longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger Award. Harriet lives in Bath with her family and writes full time, when she is not distracted by her children, other books, gardening, her jumpsuit collection and star-gazing.

About Murder on the Royal Crescent

Set against the glittering backdrop of Bath at Christmas in 1936, Murder on the Royal Crescent is an atmospheric Golden Age crime novel combining the wit of Nancy Mitford with the classic mystery of Miss Marple.

On a frosty December day in 1936, librarian and part-time detective Dora Wildwood is summoned to Bath. Recent events have left her longing to disappear, but her arrival on the world-famous Royal Crescent soon draws her into a decades-old mystery.

Dora discovers that Daisy Palmer’s unsolved murder still casts a shadow over the city. Daisy’s fiancé, Lord Frank Meroe, has become an eccentric recluse, living among a maze of clutter and abandoned treasures in his magnificent home.

On the twentieth anniversary of Daisy’s death, another murder takes place. As Christmas trees are lit and carol singers gather, Dora finds herself investigating feuding families, suspicious antiquarian dealings and a conspicuous silence surrounding the case. In the city of Jane Austen, loyalties run deep - and dangerously so.

Accessibility

The entrance and event space offer level access, and assistance dogs are welcome. Further accessibility information is available from Bath Preservation Trust, and visitors with access queries are encouraged to contact the team in advance.

Please note that photographs will be taken during the event and may be used on social media and for promotional purposes. Anyone who does not wish to appear in photographs can inform the door staff and photographer on arrival.