Will it be life imitating art, or art imitating life when book fans gather to see the real-life scenes from a murder mystery set in their town - though a real murder is, hopefully, out of the

picture.

Whitstable-based author Julie Wassmer, a former drama writer for EastEnders for more than 20 years, released her sixth book in the popular Whitstable Pearl Mystery series last week, Murder Fest.

Having moved to Whitstable herself almost 20 years ago, she draws on her surroundings for her books, putting in local sights - and now her latest story will come to life, as the scenes will be

shown in full glory at the official launch, entitled Crime Scenic. The launch coincides with the return of WhitLit, the local literature festival.

She said: “The book’s storyline happens to be based on the murder of a famous author at a local literary festival – though I can guarantee any murders at WhitLit will remain entirely fictional!”

The book launch features a screening of scenes captured by local photographers George Fisk, Gerry Atkinson, Simon James Dunn and Kentish Dweller.

Julie said: “My fictional heroine, restaurateur and private detective, Pearl Nolan, is Whitstable-based like me, but her crime cases have taken her all over the county – to Canterbury, Chartham,

Sheppey, Reculver, Herne Bay, Oare, Faversham and Seasalter – magical places that have served as inspiration for my books.”

The series has now been taken up as an option for TV by the makers of Marcella, starring Anna Friel.

During the evening, which is at All Saints Vicarage in Whitstable, at 6.30pm, will see Julie talking to journalist and former OK Magazine editor, Richard Barber, about the importance of location in her books.

Also on offer will be Prosecco and custom-made cupcakes, by local cake maker, Sally Laker, for anyone who buys a signed copy of the book. Copies will be available to buy thanks to local independent book shop, Harbour Books.

Her heroine, Pearl Nolan always wanted to be a detective but life got in the way and instead she built up a successful seafood restaurant in her coastal home town of Whitstable – famous for its

oysters.

Tickets for the evening cost £6 each and can be bought at whitlit.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AT WHITLIT

The literary festival, WhitLit, which started last week and has its last event on Sunday, May 19, has a range of famous and bestselling authors giving talks and discussions.

This weekend, highlights include Creating Killing Eve by Luke Jennings - the brains behind the Killing Eve novels - at All Saint’s Vicarage Gardens and Hall on Friday, May 10.

Luke’s books about Villanelle, an elite female assassin, and MI6 agent Eve Polastri were adapted for TV last year.

Chartwell curator and collections manager Katherine Carter will be discussing her role at the house, which was home to Sir Winston Churchill for more than 40 years. She will be at All Saint’s Vicarage Gardens and Hall on Saturday, May 11.

A Suffragette in America by historian and writer Katherine Connelly is a collection of Sylvia Pankhurst’s never-before-published writings on her visits to North America in 1911 and 1912.

Katherie will be talking about the book at All Saint’s Vicarage Gardens & Hall on Sunday, May 12 at 2.15pm.

WhitLit was set up in 2014 by local Victoria Falconer to inspire, entertain and educate, presenting author events, family activities and workshops in the seaside setting.

Over the years, the event has welcomed many literary and cultural luminaries alongside new and emerging voices and local authors.

You can view the programme and book at whitlit.co.uk

Read more: All the latest events across Kent