Medina Book Shop

'The Restless Coast' talk with author Roger Morgan-Grenville £5
2025-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The island of Britain has over 10,000 miles of coastline, steeped in history and constantly shifting, changing, adapting and providing. The Restless Coast is a moving and beautiful account of a journey around it, during which the author travels its length to discover its challenges and opportunities, and to talk to the people trying to protect it. At once delightful travelogue and passionate defence, The Restless Coast shines a powerful spotlight into the thin line that surrounds us, and defines our status as islanders.
Overarching the journey is the extraordinary natural history of the coastline, together with the story of how man has imprinted himself on its very geology and shape for countless centuries. Into the account, Roger Morgan-Grenville threads the modern challenges that the shoreline faces, and the people who are trying to protect it. At once informative, angry and funny, The Restless Coast is a very personal love letter to our island edge.

Figlet 4 Book Launch SOLD OUT
2025-07-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
This edition explores the theme “Feast or Famine” — and the evening promises a rich serving of spoken word performances from some of the island’s most exciting voices, plus live music—and a chance to get your hands on the brand-new edition hot off the press.

'Victory in Australia: the Remarkable Story of England's Greatest Ashes Triumph 1954-55', Author talk by Richard Whitehead
2025-07-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The Ashes series of 1954–55 marked a watershed moment in the history of English cricket. Under the leadership of Len Hutton, the national team’s first professional captain, one of the greatest
group of players ever to represent England won an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in more than 20 years. It is a feat that has been repeated only four times in more than 70 years since. But Hutton’s men had to overcome the additional obstacle of losing heavily in the first Test – only one England team has managed to win an overseas Ashes series after such a monumental setback.
The names of the cricketers who locked horns in 1954–55 resonate down the decades – Hutton’s team included Denis Compton, Frank Tyson, Brian Statham, Trevor Bailey, Godfrey Evans, Peter May and Colin Cowdrey. Among their Australian opponents were Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Neil Harvey and Richie Benaud. In the 1950s, these players were not just elite sportsmen, they were household names.
An Ashes series for the ages is brought thrillingly to life in this momentous slice of sporting and social history.
Richard Whitehead worked in newspapers for nearly 40 years, spending 21 of them in a variety of senior roles at The Times, including spells in the sport, books and obituaries sections. He has been writing obituaries for Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack since 2012. His previous books include The Cup: a Pictorial Celebration of the World’s Greatest Football Tournament, The Times on the Ashes and Warne in Wisden.
Monday 14th July 6.30pm
Tickets £5 (refundable on the purchase of the book)
‘Elegant and evocative … the definitive word on England’s most astonishing Ashes tour ever’ – Matthew Engel
‘A wonderfully full-bodied account, alert to every human and social as well as cricketing nuance’ – David Kynaston
‘A masterpiece of research and narrative skill’ – Leo McKinstry
‘An outstanding addition to cricket’s literature … Richard Whitehead marvellously recreates one of the great tours of the 20th century’ – Duncan Hamilton

'THE LAST GREAT EVENT' Book Launch
2025-08-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
The 1970 Festival was a record-breaking event. It spanned five days and nights with an audience widely reported to have reached 600,000. For the first time, Ray Foulk delves into contemporary reports, revealing the arguments that raged at both local and national level. His inside story concludes with the parliamentary battle to stop the Island event and the attempt to ban all open air festivals nationwide.
“If you were one of the half a million music fans who made their way like raggle-taggle gypsies to the Isle of Wight 1970 then you will absolutely love this backstage look at a great moment in rock history.” Ray Connolly, Daily Mail

An Evening With Larry Lamb (at Island Sailing Club)
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RE, United Kingdom
London, Thursday 8th May 2025: Larry Lamb has today announced a UK book tour that sees him travel from Billericay in Essex to Barry Island in South Wales, in support of his debut novel, All Wrapped Up.
The extensive tour itinerary gives a nod to Larry’s much-loved alter-ego, Mick Shipman, from acclaimed sitcom Gavin & Stacey, and will include festival appearances, book signings and ‘audience with’ events across the UK.
Larry’s novel, All Wrapped Up is set amidst political turmoil on a Caribbean island. It follows the story of Killian Wilde, the first assistant director, who is determined to see his film through – if the chaos doesn’t consume them first. Between managing an impossible lead actor, navigating power struggles on and off set, and a crew member vanishing under mysterious circumstances, the production is at risk of falling apart.
Blending sharp dialogue, rich behind-the-scenes detail, and the grit of a top-notch crew, All Wrapped Up is a compelling portrait of a non-blockbuster filmmaking under fire – where the real battle isn’t just on screen.
Informed by his years of experience in film and television, Larry Lamb gives an inside look at the industry; the trials, tribulations, and hard-won successes of producing a piece of cinema.
Larry Lamb said: “For the past 17 years, it’s been such an honour to play the ever-popular Mick Shipman,
Gavin’s dad. Fans of the show often ask me what it’s like to work on a TV or film set – and I hope that my novel gives them a glimpse into that world.”
Larry Lamb is a storyteller like no other. Some of my fondest memories of being on theset of Gavin and Stacey were listening to Larry tell incredible stories.” – James Corden
“Hooray, at last, an insight into the unsung hero, at the helm of making filming magic. This intriguing story illuminates the tightrope day-to-day tasks of a 1st assistant director and the crew, on and off a film set – that has never been touched on before. Mr Lamb pulls no punches. It is speedy, sexy and amusingly truthful. I loved it.” – Celia Imrie

'RUST' Book Launch with Paul Littler
2025-10-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
It’s the year 1100.
Lord Rust is a vampire. He’s bad tempered and distracted having killed the King of England. His problems have only just begun. Honore, a vampire queen, learns of an approaching danger. When you have ambitions, it’s an opportunity too good to miss. With the help of an undead archbishop, a cryptic prophecy and a village of revolting peasants. Rust and Honore must join forces or witness the destruction of their kind.

'Jellyfish' by Robin Ford - BOOK LAUNCH
2025-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Ranging across three distinct sections, Robin Ford’s Jellyfish demonstrates a mastery of language in the service of deep emotions and the complex challenges of the way we live now. Acutely observed, the poems capture the essence of life on a small island, offering a perspective that can move from the satirical to the poignant, and focussing on the interplay of beauty and tragedy that surrounds us all. From the subtle nuances of daily life to profound reflections on human existence, the natural world and gender, Jellyfish is a collection that will resonate deeply as we story the lives we lead.

'Ukrainian Paws and Whiskers on the Island' Book Launch
2025-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Come join us for a cosy book launch at Medina Bookshop, Cowes, celebrating a heartwarming and funny children’s book about the adventures of four Ukrainian refugees — a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, and their owner Marusya — who arrive on the Isle of Wight to be hosted by the kind English couple, Mr and Mrs Watkins.
They soon discover that life on the island is full of surprises. Coming from a world where what’s supposed to be left turns out to be right, and what’s supposed to be right turns out to be left, the characters stumble into playful misunderstandings and funny discoveries at every turn. With charm, humor, and warmth, their story shows how even in the strangest situations, friendship, laughter, and kindness can help everyone feel at home in a new land.
This self-published book was created in collaboration with Odessa-born illustrator Yana Barabash, and together we hope to celebrate the growing friendship between two nations. Through humour and relatable cultural differences — just like in the story — we aim to help children and adults understand one another a little better.
The book also highlights and promotes the beautiful artwork of Yana Barabash, who arrived on the Island as a refugee. The original idea of Marusya and her pets coming to the Isle of Wight was hers, and we are delighted to share her talent with a wider audience.

BOOK LAUNCH 'Conscious Upgrade: Reprogram Your Subconscious, Activate Your Superconscious' with Jane Giles
2026-02-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Jane, who lives and works on the Isle of Wight, has spent more than 20 years supporting clients through anxiety, phobias, low mood, confidence issues and life transitions. Throughout her career, she has repeatedly heard clients say, “Why has no one ever explained this to me before?”
That question inspired her to write Conscious Upgrade – a practical, accessible manual designed to help people understand how their thinking works, and how to consciously use it to create lasting change.
Written in the same clear, everyday language Jane uses in her therapy sessions, Conscious Upgrade explains how the brain “uploads” the information we feed it, and how this shapes behaviour, emotions and outcomes.
Drawing on two decades of clinical experience, Jane shows readers how to retrain neural networks and reprogramme the subconscious into a version they consciously choose.
Jane says,
“This book is about empowerment.
“When people realise they are not at the mercy of their subconscious patterns, real change becomes possible.”
The book is structured as a practical manual, meaning readers can dip into the sections most relevant to them rather than reading cover to cover.
It addresses over 30 of the most common issues Jane has worked with: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, phobias, confidence, self-esteem, motivation, addiction, health anxiety, sleep issues, IBS, pain management, unwanted habits, fears (including flying, needles, spiders and dogs), relationship challenges, weight loss support, smoking cessation and performance improvement.
Each chapter is supported by free hypnotherapy audios available on YouTube, transforming the book from something to read into an immersive experience.
One client describes the impact of Jane’s work,
“Working with Jane completely changed my life. She helped me understand my anxiety in a way that finally made sense, and gave me tools I still use every day.
“Difficult relationships that once felt overwhelming are now easy to navigate. I feel calmer, more confident, and in control.”

'The Reds And The Greys' BOOK LAUNCH with Edmund Matyjaszek
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
On the Isle of Wight, for as long as anyone can remember, red squirrels have lived in peace and tranquillity UNTIL…a report came, their deadliest enemy, the grey squirrel had arrived! The animals of the island alone could not stop them. So the High Heron of Wootton, Guardian of the Isle, hatches a plan.
One night, he sends Red, the island squirrel, to the window of a lonely schoolboy who lives near the sea…..to start to marshal humans, animals, birds and horses to combine IN DEFENCE OF THE ISLE!
A published poet, author & playwright Edmund Matyjaszek has lived on the Isle of Wight for over 20 years and brought up his family there. He is a former Director and Trustee of the Poetry Society, and former Principal of Priory School of Our Lady of Walsingham. In addition to the professional stage, he has written and performed for schools, hospitals, charities and churches and frequently gives readings. Recent commissions include “Reporting from Jerusalem” and “The Passover Investigation” for Radio Maria England.

'A Summertime Murder' by Mary Grand BOOK LAUNCH
2026-03-09 18:00 - 18:30 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Return to the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Wight in this engrossing and unputdownable cosy mystery!
Susan never imagined herself an amateur sleuth, and she certainly never goes looking for trouble, preferring days spent walking her loyal dogs Libs and Rocco, and maybe even a dip in the sea to cool off after this interminable heatwave.
When she hears of a break-in at the vet’s where her new neighbour works, Susan’s curiosity is piqued.
And then, a few days later, the lead vet, Peter, mysteriously disappears. They assume it’s business related until his body is washed up on the beach close to his clifftop home.
Susan is convinced he was murdered and slowly discovers that each of the small group of suspects has a motive. Is the killing linked to the break-in… or is this a crime of passion?
Once again, Susan finds herself piecing together clues in her search for the truth. Can she untangle the lies before someone else dies?

‘Fault Lines: 25 Unsettling Stories by 5 Island Writers’ In Conversation: Collaboration and the Sustained Short Story
2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
Structured around the themes of betrayal, envy, greed, guilt and secrets, Fault Lines explores
the hidden fractures in human nature through stories that move from the lyrical to the surreal,
the psychological to the speculative.
Chaired by Jean G-Owen of Naked Figleaf Press | Figmentum Books, the conversation brings
together all five contributors—Ian Caro, Emily Gillatt-Ball, Jean G-Owen, Crispin Keith and
Hillard Morley—to discuss the creative process behind the collection, the art of collaboration
and the idea of the sustained short story: how individual stories can accumulate into a larger
emotional and thematic architecture.
The evening will include readings from the collection, Q&A, and a book signing. Books will
be available to purchase on the night.
Perfect for readers, writers and anyone fascinated by the power and possibilities of the short
story form.
https://www.nakedfigleafpress.com/figmentum/faultlines

'IT ENDS HERE' author talk with Heidi Perks
2026-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
In this locked-room thriller, a peaceful marina town becomes the scene of a terrifying hostage situation when five strangers are trapped inside a café at gunpoint. Outside, their loved ones receive the worst phone call imaginable: someone they care about is in danger. As the hours tick by and tensions rise, it becomes clear that one of the five is hiding a secret they would kill to keep. With its evocative island setting and mounting suspense, It Ends Here brings the drama chillingly close to home.
Heidi Perks is the Sunday Times bestselling author of Now You See Her—a Richard and Judy Book Club pick—as well as the acclaimed thrillers Come Back for Me, Three Perfect Liars, The Other Guest and The Whispers. Known for her brilliantly constructed plots and her sharp insight into the darker side of human relationships, Heidi has become one of the UK’s most compelling voices in psychological suspense.
During the evening, Heidi will talk about the inspiration behind It Ends Here, why she chose the Isle of Wight as the setting for this gripping story, and how she crafts the twists and secrets that keep readers turning the pages. The event will include an audience Q&A and the opportunity to have books signed.
Whether you’re already a fan or simply love an unputdownable thriller, join us for a fascinating evening with a bestselling author whose latest novel brings high-stakes suspense to the Isle of Wight.
‘Original and twisty. I was gripped from the very first page.’
CLAIRE DOUGLAS
‘A multi-layered, hugely intriguing story with jump off the page characters – I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out
what was going on, loved it!’
ANDREA MARA
‘Packed with secrets, twists, and smart reveals, this pulse-pounding thriller kept me guessing until the final page’
LUCY CLARKE
‘An intense, immersive thriller filled with enough secrets and lies to keep you guessing right to the very end’
TM LOGAN
‘I loved this book. A human story with believable characters and no gratuitous gore. Just my cup of tea.’
JANE CORRY
‘Tense, twisty and unputdownable’
ASIA MACKAY
‘A refreshing take on the ‘whodunnit’. Emotional, tense and twisty, as we’ve come to expect from the brilliant Heidi Perks.
This is definitely her best yet. An absolute must-read!’
CAZ FREAR
‘Perks combines taut suspense with an extraordinary understanding of human nature and high-stakes relationships. Every
page tightens the grip on an utterly propulsive plot … immersive, insightful, and impossible to put down. I was hooked from
the very first page!’
AMANDA CASSIDY
‘A gripping exploration of how well we know the people we love.’
KELLY MULLEN
‘Compulsive and gripping, brilliantly constructed. Heidi Perks is at the top of her game’
SABINE DURRANT
