Town library getting ready for CSI Oswestry

A crime novelist and West Mercia Police’s senior forensic investigator will be joining forces to provide fans of crime fiction with a unique treat when CSI Oswestry takes place at the town’s library on Thursday 16 June 2011 at 7pm.

Shropshire Council’s Oswestry Library and Booka Bookshop have teamed up to organise the special event to celebrate National Crime Writing Week, and are delighted to be welcoming author Elly Griffiths and Paul Beeton from the Forensic Services Department.

Elly Griffiths is the author of a series of acclaimed novels featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway.  Set in the beautiful and desolate landscape of north Norfolk, the novels take for their inspiration the work of Elly’s archaeologist husband and the myths and legends of the East Anglian coast. 

Paul Beeton has worked for West Mercia Police for almost 30 years and has been involved in the investigation of murders and suspicious deaths both as a crime scene investigator and as a senior crime scene manager.  He will be giving the audience a fascinating insight into the forensic investigation of crimes within Shropshire, and also talking about his responsibilities as a crime scene manager for major incidents throughout the West Mercia area.

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, said:

“This is a great example of how the council’s library service is working in partnership with others to bring exciting and unusual events to members of the public.  Thanks to the support of Booka Bookshop, CSI Oswestry promises to be a very popular attraction for readers of crime fiction.”

Martin Bennett, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry East and who also worked at Oswestry Library for many years, said:

“There has been a national fascination with crime fiction going back well over a century, and the scientific investigation of crime adds a whole new dimension to the stories – as well as complexity for the writers!  I am pleased that Oswestry Library is flying the flag for the simple pleasure of reading a book, and I hope that anyone who can will attend what I am sure will be a thrilling evening.”

For more information, or to book your ticket priced £6.50 (to include refreshments), please call Booka on 01691 662244 or email mail@bookabookshop.co.uk.  Alternatively, call Oswestry Library on 01691 677388.