Bridport Arts Newsletter
Books, Writing and Literature Monday 13 July, 2026 7:30pm

The Parkwood Murders – Book Launch with Chris Chibnall

Booking is currently open exclusively to BAC supporters.
General sale for non-BAC supporters will open at 10am on Friday 29 May 2026.

Acclaimed Bridport-based writer Chris Chibnall, creator of Broadchurch and Doctor Who, returns to Bridport Arts Centre to launch his eagerly anticipated second novel, The Parkwood Murders.

Join Chris for what promises to be a fascinating and entertaining evening as he discusses his gripping new book.

Audience members will also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a copy of The Parkwood Murders in advance when booking tickets through our website, securing their copy ahead of the official publication date on 16 July. Pre-ordered books will be available to collect at the event.

We’re delighted to offer the book at a special launch event price of £14.99 (RRP £16.99). Copies will also be available to purchase on the night from the team at Waterstones Bridport, who will be hosting a bookstall at the event.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s most exciting storytellers and be among the very first readers of The Parkwood Murders.

 

Book Synopsis

For its many repeat customers, Parkwood Holiday Village in west Dorset is a haven – an idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake, customer service around the clock.

Until, just before dawn the day after midsummer, a body is found in the resort’s swimming pool .

Detective Nicola Bridge, exhausted from late nights worrying about her increasingly errant teenage son, faces an endless stream of potential witnesses. But as she speaks to the guests and staff, she soon uncovers an interconnected web of secrets and lies.

Was the killer the guest who lied to his wife about where he was that night?

Was it the arrogant high ropes instructor who’s unable to explain his recent scars?

Or might it be the new resort manager, an impeccably put-together woman with a very big secret?

With hundreds of restless guests and staff on site, Nicola knows the clock is ticking to find the killer before they disappear for good.

Or before they strike again…

 

About Chris Chibnall

Chris Chibnall is a #2 Sunday Times bestselling author. His acclaimed debut novel ‘Death at the White Hart’ was an instant bestseller, receiving a 2026 British Book Award nomination in the Crime Thriller category, alongside Richard Osman, Frieda McFadden, Dan Brown, Liz Moore and Sally Smith. It was also nominated for Best Debut Novel at the 2026 International Thriller Writers’ Awards.

The Parkwood Murders’, the second in the series featuring DS Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward, is due to be published on 16 July in the UK.

Chris is also a BAFTA, Royal Television Society, Broadcasting Press Guild and Peabody award-winning screenwriter and producer. His television work includes ‘’Broadchurch’ – remade as ‘Gracepoint’ in the US and ‘Malaterra’ in France, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ for Netflix, ‘Doctor Who’ (as both showrunner and writer), ‘The Great Train Robbery’, ‘United’, ‘Law & Order:UK’, ‘Torchwood’, ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Born and Bred’.

His plays include ‘One Last Push’, ‘Worst Wedding Ever’, ‘Kiss Me Like You Mean It’ (Soho Theatre and Theatre de l’Oeuvre in Paris) and ‘Gaffer!’

 

 

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Dates & Tickets

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Monday 13 July, 2026 7:30pm Buy Tickets
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