LIBRARIAN-turned-author Gemma Todd will promote her debut thriller in Stourbridge later this month.

‘Defender’, the first title by the 32-year-old West Midlands author, was published under her pen name 'G X Todd' in January this year to critical acclaim.

During a visit to Stourbridge Library on Saturday, March 18, Gemma will talk to audience members about her new imaginative thriller and how she was influenced by the likes of authors Stephen King, Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman.

The first in a four part series, Defender delves into a world where the biggest threat to mankind is from the voices within people’s minds and it has already attracted significant attention and praise in the literary world.

Before turning her hand to writing her own novel, Gemma spent many years working with books as a librarian and currently drives a mobile library van in Walsall to help promote reading.

Councillor Rachel Harris, Dudley Council’s cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “There’s a real buzz across the country about Gemma’s debut title and it’s great that she is able to take time out of her busy schedule to meet our readers and visitors and share her experiences.”

The event, which starts at 10.30am, is free and open to all, but places are limited so people are advised to book in advance.

Following Gemma’s talk, there will be an opportunity for visitors to join a consultation event about reading groups, including how people can find out more about joining or starting a new reading group and how libraries can support them.

The consultation event also starts at 10.30am and people are advised to contact the library to confirm they would like to attend.

To book a place for either session, call Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945, or email libraries@dudley.gov.uk