Opening Event

As part of the Richmond Walking & Book Festival, author Michael Jecks will be giving the Peter Robinson Memorial Lecture on 19 September, 2025, at 7:30 pm, in Richmond, the town Peter called home when he was not in Toronto, Canada. Peter had a home there for many years, and spent time each year in his native Yorkshire. Peter was our Festival patron for many years: for more information on Peter and his novels see:  Peter Robinson – Author of the Inspector Banks Novels

Michael Jecks is an author of crime fiction, notably a series set in mediaeval times.

Living on Dartmoor, Michael Jecks says, is the best way to research mediaeval stories. He will discuss his feelings about landscape in novels, how characters are shaped by their surroundings, and how authors can get the most from the scenery about them. He regularly wild camps on Dartmoor, and can be found walking over the wilds with his two dogs as he plots his stories. All are grounded in fact and in places he knows well. His work involves intensive research into the crimes committed by our ancestors, reading court records, coroner reports and histories that cover the industrial history of Dartmoor. Michael is the Hon. Secretary of the Detection Club, founder of Medieval Murderers, and was Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association. He is a regular speaker at international crime and literary festivals.

This is an event not to be missed.