FANS of one of the world’s best-selling female authors queued for hours at a book-signing event in York.

American novelist Jodi Picoult spent Saturday afternoon in the York branch of Waterstone’s, where she chatted with fans and signed copies of her latest book, Sing You Home.

Hannah Bradbury, 21, of York, one of those who waited to meet the 43-year-old New Yorker, said: “I’m a very big fan and this seems like an excellent book.

“She doesn’t come over here too often so this is a great chance to meet her.”

Before the signings got under way at 1pm, Miss Picoult told The Press this was not her first trip to York and that it was one of her favourite cities.

“I’m very much looking forward to this,” she said. “I wouldn’t say I expected these queues, but it is what you hope for.”

John Roe, Waterstone’s assistant manager, said: “We have had a lot of interest this week.

“She’s a huge author and we are delighted with the turnout.”

Yesterday, Miss Picoult was due to arrive in Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, accompanied by Ryedale’s own best-selling author, Mike Pannett.

The ex-policeman was also in Whitby to promote the paperback release of his latest book, Not On My Patch Lad.

He said: “Having read one of my books both Jodie and her partner seemed intrigued by the pictures I painted of Yorkshire, and so I took the liberty of inviting her to come over to see for herself the lovely county in which we live.”