Celebrating Claire Quinn's The Games We Play

Hear from committee member Vanessa who went along to author Claire Quinn's launch party for The Games We Play this summer. Claire Quinn is a debut novelist and local author who will be joining us for Shipston Bookfest 2026.

Claire Quinn’s new book flew off the shelves so quickly at Borzoi Bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold that copies had to be withdrawn from sale to ensure that there were enough for her book launch event in July!

The launch was the joyful celebration that Claire wanted it to be, a thank you to everyone who had helped her with this amazing achievement — not just getting her first book published, but being published by a big-five publisher, Harper Collins.

At the launch, Claire told us that her debut novel has been a labour of love over the past 4 and a half years and that its seeds grew out of the enduring friendships that she has nurtured from childhood. She was quick to point out that the novel’s plot developed entirely from her vivid imagination though! When you read the book, you will understand why this explanation is necessary.

What more enticement do you need to read? I bought a copy on the night and have not yet stopped reading. Lovers of dark, twisty mystery will really enjoy this one...

Claire kicks off Shipston Bookfest 2026 in conversation with fellow thriller writer Kate Riordan on Friday 18 September at 7.30pm.

Find out more about the event and their books here: An evening with thriller writers Kate Riordan and Claire Quinn