Linghams Heswall: Richard Coles yesterday, Floella Benjamin next month

It's all go at Linghams Booksellers in Heswall.

Yesterday Richard Coles popped into the shop and suffered writer's cramp as he signed an enormous pile of copies of his new book, Murder Before Evensong.

Talk about an interesting life: former Communards popster with Jimmy Somerville, vicar, excellent broadcaster - and now crime writer of a novel that is the first Canon Clement Mystery.

The signed copies were then transported to an event in Chester at which Linghams had a presence. Eager buyers had perhaps been influenced by the opinion of Dawn French, who has said: "I've been waiting for a novel with vicars, rude old ladies, murder and sausage dogs…et voila!"

Baroness Floella Benjamin

Another A-list literary booking will be in our part of the world on July the 15th, when Baroness Floella Benjamin will be appearing at the Neston Club at 1pm.

Linghams owner, Sue Porter, said: "We're very excited to welcome Baroness Floella for a lunchtime talk and book signing.

"She is an inspiration, an actress and much-loved children's television presenter who is today a member of the House of Lords. "

But how did the girl from Trinidad end up lunching with the Queen?

In What Are You Doing Here? Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation, and the pain caused by the racism she encountered every day. It was offset by the love of her parents, who gave her the pride in her heritage, self-belief and confidence that have carried her through life. From winning a role in groundbreaking musical Hair (while clearly stating she would not take her clothes off) to breaking down barriers on Play School, from refusing to be typecast in roles to speaking out for diversity at the BBC and BAFTA, she has remained true to herself.

Tickets cost £20, or £30 for a couple, and each price includes one copy of Floella's book.

To purchase, please click or tap here.