Meet Our Authors
Projects
Claire Wilson
Claire Wilson is a crime writer from Central Scotland and the author of the gripping debut thriller Five by Five. Inspired by Claire’s more than 20 years working within the Scottish Prison Service, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the world behind prison walls. Five by Five won the inaugural Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers’ Prize and has since received multiple crime-fiction award nominations. We’re delighted to welcome Claire to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Stephanie Scott
Stephanie Scott is a Scottish author and the writer of the feel-good romantic novel Shoperapy. Based in Scotland, Stephanie has spent almost 30 years working in education and brings her love of writing, humour and uplifting stories to the page. Shoperapy follows Ellie Edwards as she creates a unique boutique where fashion meets friendship, confidence and second chances, celebrating the power of women supporting women. It’s the first in a planned four-book series, and we’re delighted to welcome Stephanie to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Scott Bissett
Scott Bissett is a Scottish romance and rom-com author from Lanarkshire whose stories explore love, friendship, second chances and wonderfully flawed characters. His books include Forever and Ever, Almost and I’ll See You in My Dreams, blending humour, heart and plenty of emotional moments. Music is a huge influence on Scott’s writing, with his stories often carrying a strong nostalgic feel alongside relatable relationships and modern romance. We’re delighted to welcome Scott to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Noelle Rayne
Noelle Rayne is a Scottish fantasy and romantasy author from Ayrshire, best known for her An Empress series, beginning with An Empress of Air & Chaos. Her stories are packed with magic, powerful heroines, romance, supernatural worlds and plenty of darkness and drama, making them perfect for readers who love escaping into immersive fantasy. Noelle is also an independent author with a passion for all things witchy, supernatural and magical, and we ’re delighted to welcome her to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Coral Cooper
Coral Cooper is a Scottish romance author who writes cosy, emotional and heart-healing love stories designed to make readers believe in love again. Her books include Love Hurts, Love Me Please, Let Me Love You and Love You Always, with stories full of romance, relatable characters, friendship and plenty of heart. We’re delighted to welcome Coral to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027 and can’t wait for romance readers to meet her.
Jade Jack
Jade Jack is a Scottish romance author and the writer of Kiss Me Down Under, a fun, escapist romance packed with chemistry, adventure and plenty of heart. Her stories are perfect for readers who love swoony relationships, memorable characters and getting completely swept up in a love story. We’re delighted to welcome Jade to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027 and can’t wait for readers to discover her work.
Alison Aitchison is a Scottish crime writer and author of the DS McGregor series, bringing gripping crime fiction and a distinctly Scottish voice to Lanarkshire Book Festival. With compelling investigations, intriguing characters and plenty to keep crime lovers turning the pages, Alison is a fantastic addition to our Crime line-up. We’re delighted to welcome her to the festival and give readers the chance to discover her books and meet the author behind DS McGregor.
Alison Aitchison
Laura Courtie
Laura Courtie is a Scottish author from Lanarkshire and the writer of the psychological thriller The Life She Stole. Known for twisty, character-driven stories filled with secrets, obsession and suspense, Laura’s writing is perfect for readers who love dark domestic thrillers and plenty of unexpected turns. The Life She Stole was also selected for the Bloody Scotland Spotlight 2025, and we’re delighted to have Laura joining us at Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Alison Aitcheson
Alison Aitchison is a Scottish crime writer and the author of the gripping DS McGregor Mysteries. Beginning with The Sculptor, the series follows determined detective DS Tracy McGregor as she investigates chilling cases against the atmospheric backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Packed with suspense, dark secrets and compelling investigations, Alison’s books are perfect for fans of Scottish crime fiction, and we’re delighted to welcome her to Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027.
Becca Storm
Becca Storm is a Scottish author whose captivating stories blend fantasy, history, folklore and romance, drawing inspiration from Scotland’s rich mythology and darker past. From the persecution of women during the Scottish witch trials in The Last Coven to magical worlds inspired by Celtic mythology in her Blood and Power series, Becca’s writing is filled with powerful women, ancient magic, resilience and unforgettable Scottish storytelling. Born and based on Scotland’s west coast, Becca brings the landscapes, legends and history of Scotland to life through her growing collection of historical, supernatural and myth-inspired fantasy novels.
Martin Mckee
Martin McKee is a Scottish author and the writer of The Peeler, a
gripping crime novel that takes readers into the darker side of
Scotland. With a strong sense of place, compelling characters and
a story steeped in Scottish atmosphere, Martin’s writing is perfect for readers who love crime fiction with a distinctly local edge. Bringing together mystery, tension and Scottish storytelling, The Peeler is an exciting addition to Scotland’s contemporary crime scene, and we’re delighted to welcome Martin to Lanarkshire Book Festival.
Lisa J Hobman
Lisa J. Hobman is a bestselling Scottish-based author known for heartwarming romantic fiction filled with love, friendship, fresh starts
and beautiful Scottish settings. Originally from Yorkshire, Lisa made Scotland her home and has drawn inspiration from its breathtaking landscapes and communities for many of her much-loved stories.
With an impressive collection of uplifting, emotional and wonderfully escapist novels, including her popular Scottish-set romances, Lisa's books are perfect for readers who love stories with plenty of heart, humour and a little romance. We're delighted to welcome Lisa J.
Hobman to Lanarkshire Book Festival.
Robert Rooney
Robert Rooney is a Scottish horror author and the writer of The End, bringing a darker edge to the line-up at Lanarkshire Book Festival. Perfect for readers who like their fiction unsettling, atmospheric and firmly on the darker side, Robert's work adds a welcome dose of horror to our growing mix of genres. We're delighted to welcome Robert to the festival and introduce his work to readers looking for their next chilling read.
Geezah Gobble
Geezah Gobble is a Scottish drag queen, author, comedian and viral social media personality, bringing plenty of humour, heart and fabulousness to the literary world. Geezah is the author of The Department for Lost Souls, a wonderfully eclectic journey through the afterlife packed with colourful characters, LGBTQIA+ representation, diversity and quintessential Scottish humour. The story is led by Gladys — Geezah's much-loved viral TikTok character — as readers journey through Purgatory, Paradise and the Inferno. Bold, funny and completely original, Geezah is certainly not your traditional author, and we can't wait to welcome them to Lanarkshire Book Festival!
R.L Glover
R. L. Glover is the author of When a Robin Appears, a moving novel published by Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers. With an emotional
and heartfelt approach to storytelling, R. L. Glover brings another wonderful voice to our growing line-up of authors. We’re delighted to welcome R. L. Glover to Lanarkshire Book Festival and give readers the chance to discover their work and meet the person behind the story.
Skye MacKinnon
Skye MacKinnon is a Scottish author bringing a brilliantly wild mix of romance, fantasy and science fiction to the festival. Her Starlight Monsters series combines spicy alien romance with high-stakes, action-packed adventures, featuring everything from alien orcs and satyrs to nagas and dragons — with strong heroines, fated mates and a happily-ever-after in every book. Skye has created an entire Starlight universe of wonderfully imaginative romances, making her a must-meet author for readers who like their love stories a little more out of this world! We’re delighted to welcome Skye to Lanarkshire Book Festival.
Bethany Barr
Bethany Barr is a UK author of crime, mystery and thriller fiction with a love of stories inspired by mythology and darker themes. Her books include the Crimes of Gods series, beginning with Persephone, the
Fates series and The Darkened Omen. Blending suspense with mythological influences and intriguing characters, Bethany's work is perfect for readers who enjoy something a little darker. We're
delighted to welcome Bethany to Lanarkshire Book Festival and introduce festival-goers to her growing collection of stories.