Pickering Book Tree is hosting a very special evening of words and music from two of Yorkshire’s most talented artists this week

Close friends, Louise Beech and Carrie Martin will bring to the Book Tree a unique collaboration exploring Louise’s novels through Carrie’s music inspired by them.

Louise’s debut novel, How To Be Brave was a Guardian Readers’ Choice and was recently performed as a play at Helmsley Arts Centre to much acclaim.

She has written nine critically celebrated books altogether and has enjoyed being shortlisted for a number of prizes. She has also recently been writing thrillers under the pseudonym Louise Swanson.

Her last thriller End of Story was received great reviews and her latest, Lights Out released this week was described by top crime writer Janice Hallett as, ‘ Tense and intriguing’ and she defined her as, ‘a talent that shines in the dark.’

Carrie is an acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, whose music spans an eclectic mix of folk, blues and prog rock influences. This will be her second evening at Pickering Book Tree after a very successful folk evening last year which sold out in a matter of days.

Music critics have likened her beautiful and distinctive voice to both Kate Bush and Sandy Denny. She was mentored by instrumental guitarist Gordon Giltrap MBE and has attracted endorsements from Vintage Guitars, G7th Capos, Martin Strings, and is currently an artist for Faith Guitars. Last autumn she performed on stage with Rick Wakeman.

Carrie's last three albums Seductive Sky, Entity and Evergreen have included guests Elliott Randall, Gordon Giltrap, Oliver Wakeman, Daniel Cassidy (brother of late Eva Cassidy) ex Bad Company guitarist Dave Colwell, John Verity (Argent) and Roger Fisher (ex Heart guitarist).

She has performed in Canada on tour and has represented Vintage Guitars three times at the Namm Show In California. She also guests at various guitar shows around the UK to demo her use of open tunings.

A spokesperson for Pickering Book Tree said: "This will be a very special evening and one not to miss. Expect a lively, funny, moving and engaging evening with Louise talking about her page-turning stories and sharing extracts and Carrie presenting her stunning interpretations of songs inspired by Louise’s novels."

To find out more and book tickets go to https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/