A crime writer with links to Oxford University has teamed up with former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon to talk about how books drew them together and remain the "mainstay" of their friendship. 

Val McDermid, a bestselling crime author is an Honorary Fellow at Oxford University's St Hilda’s College.

Both her and Ms Sturgeon will discuss the joys of reading at a festive edition of In The Company Of Books, at Assembly Hall in Edinburgh on December 15.

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The women described their friendship as “improbable” and said all their conversations revolve around reading.

Former journalist Ms McDermid has sold more than 19 million books internationally and her work has been translated into more than 40 languages. She has received six honorary doctorates.

Ms Sturgeon was the longest-serving and first woman first minister of Scotland, and represents the Glasgow Southside constituency.

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA) After the event in Edinburgh they will host a similar one at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

A joint statement from the pair said: “Books are magic. Portable magic, according to Stephen King. And like magic, books build bridges. In our case, an improbable friendship between a passionate politician and Scotland’s queen of crime.

“Our love of books is what first drew us together and it remains the mainstay of that friendship.

“Every conversation we have eventually meanders round to the books we are reading, what we’ve been enjoying, what has been making us laugh or cry, or keeping us on the edge of our seats. And now we want to share the love.

“First up, festive fun at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms with two stellar mystery guests, then off to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival where we’ll be joined by two top names from the comedy world.

“We’ll be interrogating our guests about the books that shaped them and why they love reading.

"Revelations galore await as we explore the love and laughter between the covers.”

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