Events

August 2, 2024 [6:00-8:00pm]

Grace & Favour Home, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Grace & Favour Home and First Draft Books invite you to join us for a summer party. Come enjoy some good company, nibbles & drinks and a laid-back browse around the shops. Summer fun for everyone. Just pop in.

August 20, 2024 [5:30-7:30pm]

TQ BeerWorks, 1A Abbey Crescent, Torquay TQ2 5HB

Calling all you readers in Torbay who are looking for dedicated time to read amongst friends. Grab whatever you’re reading, however you’re reading it and join us for some non-book club, pro-silent reading time.

How it works:

+ 5:30pm – arrive, get settled, chitchat
+ 6:00pm – the silent reading hour
+ 7:00pm – more chitchat about what we read
+ 7:30pm – wrap up

All readers welcome! The First Draft Books’ pop-up bookshop will be on hand in case you have any book emergencies and need to pick up something new. See you there & happy reading!

September 4, 2024 [7:00-8:30pm]

Riverside Community Center, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AW

Join the Friends of Bovey Tracey Library & First Draft Books on September 4 for an evening with international bestselling & South Devon-based author Sarah Pearse (The Sanatorium, The Retreat). Sarah will be reading from and discussing her new thriller The Wilds, the third instalment in Detective Elin Warner’s story that travels from the coasts of Devon to the woods of a Portuguese national park in search of a missing young woman, Kier Templer. 

Please note: The Wilds is a gripping, page-turning novel that delves into issues of coercive control, which will be discussed during the event. Sarah worked closely with Refuge, the UK’s largest charity that supports survivors of gender-based abuse, to develop an authentic story for Kier.

In addition to this engaging conversation, Sarah will answer your questions and will be happy to sign your books. Copies of her books will be available in advance and on the night for purchase from Bovey Tracey’s independent bookshop, First Draft Books. You’re also welcome to bring your copies from home. The book is also available to order from the library.

Tickets are £7.50 each, which includes a glass of wine or a soft drink, and will help raise essential funds to support Bovey Tracey Public Library. Space is limited, so please reserve your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. To save your seat, buy a ticket online here, email [email protected] or pop into First Draft Books (54 Fore Street). Cash or card accepted. 

September 25, 2024 [7:00-8:00pm]

First Draft Books, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Come celebrate the launch of Death on Dartmoor Edge, the eighth exciting mystery by Stephanie Austin. Juno Browne is back on the case after things once again get messy in Ashburton. We love Stephanie’s mysteries. And we’re especially excited about Death on Dartmoor Edge because Bovey Tracey makes an appearance!

On the night, Stephanie will read from the new book, talk about writing it, answer all the questions on your mind and stick around to sign your books. You may pre-order books through the registration process.

Special Bonus: the first 10 people to complete a pre-order purchase of the new book through First Draft Books will be invited, along with a Plus 1, to join us for a cosy pre-event reception at The Cheese Shed (which has a cameo in the new book). Mingle with Stephanie & fellow Juno Browne superfans over a glass of something nice and some nibbles. Only one pair of tickets per customer for the first 10 pre-order book customers. Follow the registration process for details.

This is a free but ticketed event. With limited space available, we recommend you save your seat early. Register here.

September 26, 2024 [4:00-5:00pm]

First Draft Books, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

The AdventureMice are back! Join us in the shop for an afternoon with authors Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre to celebrate the launch of their newest book, AdventureMice: The Ghostly Galleon. There will be fun drawing activities. There will be ghostly storytelling. There will be Pedro! Perfect for kids ages 4+. You’ll be able to pre-order the new book through the registration form. A few additional AdventureMice books will be available at the event and all can be signed by the authors. Space is limited so please book here to avoid disappointment. Free event.