EXPLORE York is today launching its brochure for the Big City Read 2017, which will feature 5,000 free giveaways of a novel by the late York author Helen Cadbury.

Tickets go on sale today, but the library is offering early bird discounts on some events on Saturday, August 5 between 10am and 2pm. These include talks with crime writer Sophie Hannah and historian Alison Weir.

The Big City Read book is Helen Cadbury’s To Catch a Rabbit. The author, who died in June, when she became ill asked for the event to go ahead.

The crime novel is set in both York and Doncaster and features Sean Denton, a young community support officer in his first job and Karen Friedman, a weary mother of two who works for the fictional Refugee and Migrants' Advice Centre in York.

Fiona Williams chief executive for Explore York said: “We are thrilled to be working with Allison and Busby for this year’s Big City Read.

"Helen Cadbury’s To Catch a Rabbit is not simply a crime novel, but it also examines both the complexity of human relationships and contemporary social issues in York and the wider world in 2017.

"We are very proud to be bringing some of the very best crime authors in the country to York as well as the opportunity to get involved in solving murder mysteries, talking about reading and discovering new authors."

The programme aims to share the joy of reading through events and activities, including a free copy of the book that will be available from York libraries and at special pop-up events from September 15.

Copies of the brochure are now available at all York Libraries and other outlets in York and can be downloaded from www.exploreyork.org.uk/bigcityread

Event booking is available online at www.exploreyork.org.uk/bigcityread by following the link to the event listings.