The Parkwood Murders – Book Launch with Chris Chibnall

We’re delighted to welcome back acclaimed Bridport-based author and screenwriter Chris Chibnall for an exclusive launch of his eagerly awaited second novel, The Parkwood Murders. 

Chris will be joined in conversation by BBC Radio Dorset Breakfast presenter Steve Harris, who will explore the inspirations behind this eagerly awaited second novel.

To complete the evening, Dark Bear will be serving a selection of delicious murder mystery-inspired cocktails, specially created for the occasion. Join us for an entertaining and insightful night of crime fiction, conversation, and cocktails.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase a signed 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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