Authors to talk on books about Queens, spies and criminals

Queens, spies and detectives are all on the agenda when seven authors visit Windsor this weekend.

This Friday in the Guildhall at 3pm, authors MC Scott, Stella Duffy and Theresa Breslin will talk about their books on Celtic warrior queen Boudica, Byzantine Roman heroine Theadora and Mary Queen of Scots.

Boudicca is still the only woman to have led her warriors into battle, as well as being the only British warrior to have triumped over Rome.

Theadora became the most powerful woman in Rome after marrying Justinian, while Mary Queen of Scots' story has held people in thrall ever since her execution at the hands of her cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Friday evening in the Guildhall at 7.30pm there will be a chance to learn about spying down the ages with authors MC Scott, Robert Wilton, Elizabeth Wein and Andrew Swanston.

The four are each fascinated by espionage and have written about how it was practised over different periods of history.

How about afternoon tea at Windsor Library on Saturday at 3pm? Authors Imogen Robertson, Rose Melikan, Lloyd Shepherd and Hallie Rubenholdon will be there, discussing the great detectives and the British love of crime novels.

Tickets are £6 for each event, or £5 with a Royal Borough Advantage Card. Buy tickets for two and get a third free. They are available online at shop.Windsor.gov.uk, on 01628 796969 or 01753 743940.