Spring is in full bloom, and so is our events programme!

We love The National Year of Reading 2026 campaign with its emphasis on reading for pleasure! We could all do with a bit of escapism and pleasure when the world around us seems so uncertain, so we’re here to help you go all in with an absolutely STACKED programme of author events! We’ve got some old favourites returning, as well as authors who’ve never visited Linlithgow before, and we’ve made sure we’ve got something on offer for every age and stage.

*Please note that while our events for the Battle 500 project on 16th May and Scottish Witches with Mary Craig on 20th May are going ahead, they are completely sold out!

If you’d like to be added to the waiting list, then please contact: info@maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com

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IN CONVERSATION WITH CALLUM MCSORLEY, RAT RACE

THURSDAY 28TH MAY, 7.00PM

ST. PETER'S CHURCH, LINLITHGOW

When Callum McSorley burst onto the scene with the first DI Alison McCoist novel, Squeaky Clean, it was clear that we had a new voice in Scottish crime that was going to be around for along time! With instantly classic characters and jet black humour throughout, Callum McSorley's writing has propelled him into the best-sellers lists with every following book.

We can't wait to welcome him to Linlithgow for the first time to talk about his brand new novel, Rat Race!

Tickets £8, discount on book sales on the night and refreshments included

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IN CONVERSATION WITH KATE FOSTER, THE REPENTANTS

THURSDAY 4TH JUNE, 7.00PM

ST PETER’S CHURCH, LINLITHGOW

Kate Foster is the best-selling and award-winning author of Scottish historical novels such The Maiden, The Mourning Necklace and The King's Witches. Her latest novel, The Repentants, uncovers a dark tale of vengeance and treachery - all starting in St Monan's Fife, and finishing in Iceland. Based on a true story, as with all Kate's books she uncovers the female stories at the heart of every historical event.

Tickets £8, discount on book sales on the night and refreshments included

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MEET THE AUTHOR: LINDA RUSSELL, THE ADVENTURES OF THE WAGGY TAILS & WOOFS GANG!

SATURDAY 6TH JUNE, 11.00AM-12.00PM

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP

Come and celebrate a local author with us and meet The Waggy Tails & Woofs Gang! Linda Russell shares the fun and friendship she experiences every day with the dogs she walks, including Pablo, the playful Border Collie, who belongs to illustrator Emma Briggs. In this charming collection of stories, follow the Waggy Tails and Woofs Gang through four exciting adventures, one for each season. Guided by Maggie, the dog walker in the book, these lovable pups explore blooming spring meadows, splash in summer streams, leap through autumn leaves, and play in winter snow. Perfect for young readers, this heart-warming book is full of joy, friendship, and the magic of every season with Linda's adorable doggy gang.

FREE EVENT!

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AN EVENING WITH AMY RIGBY, GIRL TO COUNTRY: READING, SONGS, CONVERSATION AND BOOK SIGNING

FRIDAY 12TH JUNE, 7.00PM

QUEEN MARGARET HALL, LINLITHGOW

Amy Rigby has been a touring musician for many years after starting out in a country punk band in New York in the 1980s. She's written two memoirs to date, Girl to City and Girl to Country, both of which are as funny and frank as she is. Disarmingly honest, and a really quite excellent songwriter, we're thrilled that Amy is stopping off in Linlithgow as part of her latest UK tour.

Amy says, 'You're perfect, I love you. Don't ever change'. So don't miss the chance to spend the evening in her company

*This event is free, but please do book your space so we know how many people to expect.

**And please also note that while tea & coffee will be provided, if you'd like any other refreshments it's BYOB!

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MEET THE AUTHOR: D.V. BISHOP, SHADOW OF MADNESS

WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE, 6.00PM

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD BOOKSHOP

Come and celebrate Independent Bookshop Week with us in style and meet one of our favourite authors! D.V. Bishop is the creator of the Cesare Aldo series, set in Renaissance Italy.

Join us in the bookshop for this informal meet the author event, when David will be talking about the latest in the series, Shadow of Madness. This is a free event, but please book a spot so we know how many people to expect - and how much wine and nibbles we need!

FREE EVENT!

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And finally…

If all of that isn’t enough, Independent Bookshop Week is just around the corner, so look out for exclusive editions, bookish extras and of course some extra special guest visits during the week!

Look out for:

• National Book Tokens’ High Five for Bookshops promotion - £5 National Book Tokens voucher give away throughout the week, while stocks last!

• Our meet the author event with DV Bishop, right here in the bookshop on Wednesday 17th June from 6-8pm, wine and nibbles and books and humour = fun!

• A very special Friday story and craft session to celebrate those Bunnies in a Rocket! Book your FREE spot here and join us on Friday 19th June at 2.00pm for bunny related stories and craft, suitable for ages 3+!