Monday is World Book Night, an international occasion when extracts from selected books will be read in various places to promote reading and encourage a love of literature.

Among the featured works by big hitters such as Jorge Luis Borges, Graham Greene, Wilkie Collins, G K Chesterton and Jeanette Winterson is King Crow, by Thornton-based writer Michael Stewart (pictured).

It was chosen by David Peace, author of the Red Riding trilogy and The Damned United.

He said: “King Crow is a gripping and moving story told in a unique, yet authentic Northern voice. It is a brilliant first novel and the best debut I have read in a long time. I am excited and intrigued by what Michael Stewart will write next.”

King Crow is both a psychological thriller and a book of ornithology with a twist in its tail. Its first print run of 5,000 has sold out. Another edition of 10,000 has been printed by Hebden Bridge-based Bluemoose Books, making it their best-selling work of fiction.

Michael will be reading from King Crow and talking about the novel at Huddersfield Central Library from 1pm tomorrow, and again at Hebden Bridge Library from 7pm, on Monday.

Meanwhile, he has completed a treatment of his new radio play, Dead Man’s Suit. Transmission is expected in January next year.