A FAMILY-RUN independent bookshop in Carlisle has played host to two of the country's top crime writers.
The 'Crime and Wine' event with MW Craven and Mari Hannah took place in the city centre's Bookends on Saturday evening.
Cumbrian author MW Craven, writer of the popular Washington Poe series, said the sell-out event was "a lot of fun".
"To sell out-during January and Covid was a big deal for the bookshop, it was a great event and the audience asked a lot of great questions as well," he said.
The two top authors enjoyed a tipple as they discussed their protagonists, writing techniques and their upcoming novels. 
Lucy Matthews of Bookends said the duo had a "great rapport".
"I've heard Mike speak a few times now and it's impressive that he manages to keep it so fresh every time.
"I think the audience found it really interesting finding out about how the process book gets published; readers often don't usually think about the work that has to go into publishing side of things," she said.
The tickets included a free signed copy of Craven's Dead Ground or Hannah's Her Last Request, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer.
"Bookends is my local book shop, it's very supportive, I always pop in whenever I'm passing to see if they need any more books signed," MW Craven said. 
The Sunday Times bestseller said it's great when Bookends do an event because it's always well attended, which can't be said for all book events across the country.
Craven will be releasing two books later this year.
One of which is Cutting Season, part of the Quick Reads adult literacy book reading programme, a shorter style book which is designed to encourage adults who don't normally read to pick up a book.
Following that, the author will see the release of The Botanist, the latest tale of Washington Poe, which is set to be released on June 2.
Bookends continues to be a pillar within the Carlisle writing community, showcasing the voice of many Cumbrian authors within its shelves.
Bookends announced their top ten most purchased books of 2021 in January. Of the ten, eight were by local Cumbrian authors. 
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