CHILDREN'S author Abie Longstaff will be bringing a sense of mystery when she visits Waterstone's next month.

Guests are invited to meet the mind behind The Fairytale Hairdresser series, as she reads her new book 'The Trapdoor Mysteries: A Sticky Situation' on March 3.

Growing up as the oldest of six children in Australia, Hong Kong and France, Longstaff knows all-to-well about squabbling with younger sisters.

After starting a career as a barrister, she started writing when her children were born, using her lifelong passion for fairy tales to inspire her work.

A Sticky Situation focusses on the crime-solving adventures of 10-year-old Tally and a magical library that comes to life.

Fans have the chance to meet her at the Broad Street store between 11am and 3pm and readers of the Chronicle are invited to win a signed copy of her latest book.

Cheryl Dibden, events coordinator at Waterstones, said: "Carry on World Book Day celebrations and join us for storytime in our children's section, with wonderful children's author Abie Longstaff, as she reads from her Fairytale Hairdresser series and her new book 'The Trapdoor Mysteries: A Sticky Situation'.

"If you want the chance to win a signed copy, enter our competition with the Reading Chronicle as two lucky readers will win a signed copy and the opportunity to meet Abie at either event, where you will be able to have your book signed and dedicated, subject to the event running to schedule."

Reading Chronicle:

If you would like to win a signed copy of the new book, simply answer the following question: 'What is the title of Abie's new book'?

Please send the answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email address to: events.reading@waterstones.com or post your entry to 'Abie Longstaff Competition, Waterstones Reading, 89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP.

The competition closes at midnight on February 21 and winners will be notified the following day.

Full terms and conditions:

  • This competition is open to all readers of Reading Chronicle
  • Entry to the competition is free, no purchase is necessary
  • Simply send in your answer to the competition question to Waterstones Reading Broad Street (events.reading@waterstones.com)
  • All entries must include the entrant's name, address, email address and contact telephone number
  • Neither the Promoter nor Waterstones Booksellers will be liable for any entry which is lost, damaged or delayed
  • The closing date for the competition is midnight Wednesday 21 February 2018
  • The winners will each receive 1 x signed copy of 'The Trapdoor Mysteries: A Sticky Situation'
  • In the event of a tie, all tied correct entries will be entered into a draw which will be independently supervised
  • The winners will be the first names drawn out of the hat
  • There is no cash alternative
  • The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
  • The winners will be notified by telephone or email on Thursday 22 February 2018
  • If Waterstones is unable to make contact with the winners by 12 pm on Friday 23 February 2018 a further draw will be made and different winners selected
  • The winners agree to the use of their name and photograph for publicity purposes. The promoters will publish first name, surname, age and town of residence of the winners in their publicity material
  • The competition is not open to employees of the Promoter or Waterstones Booksellers not their respective families or anyone directly connected to the competition
  • In the event of unforeseen circumstances, Waterstones reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value