Thursday, 14 May 2009

Matt Hilton's 'Dead Men's Dust' book launch at Waterstones Carlisle


I've just got back from Carlisle where I surprised my good friend - Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers creator and co-editor - Matt Hilton, after I'd originally told him I couldn't make the 250 mile round trip for his book launch.

It was standing room only at Waterstones with over one hundred and fifty people gathered as Matt did a Q&A and read from Dead Men's Dust, the first of five crime thriller novels published by Hodder in the dynamic Joe Hunter series.

The Waterstones rep' said they'd never had as many attend, even for top sportsman! All 100 copies of Matt's first published novel were signed and sold, and more had to be ordered - and the book's not officially hitting the shelves until today when Matt travels to London. (Click the title of this post for Matt's full itinerary.)

It was a pleasure to share Matt's special night with him and his equally down-to-earth family and friends. My kinda people.

And I'm sure DMD is gonna be one helluva bestseller - it couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke. Good on yer, Matt.

Ps. It appears my maths isn't as good as my England (joke): other reports suggest there were well over 250 in attendance!

8 comments:

Michael Solender said...

now thats a pal! Great stuff on matt and his fortune to have such a good chum.

Clare said...

That's BRILLIANT news, Col - hope you enjoyed yourself as well.
Next time it could be YOU!

Unknown said...

Cheers, Michael. Matt's been a top mate to me, too, so it was the least I could do.

Clare - I had a great time thanks and I do hope you're right!

essygie said...

hey col - is he doing any stuff in the states for the launch over here?

Unknown said...

Yeah, Essy,
I think he's goin' to New York, very soon. It's late n I've had a few (for a change), but I'll try n check.
Col

Author said...

Hi all,
thanks to Col for this story (I haven't had chance to uodate my own blog yet). It was great of you to make the journey and I just wish I'd had more time to catch up with you. Essygie, I'm coming to NYC in July to Thriller fest and possibly to Indianapolis to Bouchercon in October, otherwise there's nothing yet on the calender.

Unknown said...

Matt,
I wouldn't have missed this for the world, mate.
Apologies for the conservative estimate on attendees - now rectified.
Col

Author said...

It was an amazing night - Waterstone's said that at one point more than 300 had been in the shop (some where milling down stairs when things got packed on the upper floor). I couldn't make out half of the faces in the place due to the layout - and when the queue started I barely lifted my head. It's just a good job that everyone who said they were coming didn't actually make it cause I'm sure the local fire/safety officer would have had something to say on the subject!!