Lovers of historical fiction are in for a treat on Thursday 20 October when bestselling author Robert Harris will be talking about his new novel Act of Oblivion, the story of the biggest manhunt of the 17th century.

‘They killed the King. Now they must run forever!’ 1660. Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel William Goffe, cross the Atlantic. They are on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason.

In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives. He’ll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. A reward hangs over their heads for their capture – dead or alive.

Act of Oblivion is an epic journey across continents, and a chase like no other.

The Kintbury writer is the author of 14 best-selling novels: the Cicero Trilogy - Imperium, Lustrum and Dictator – Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii, The Ghost, The Fear Index, An Officer and a Spy, which won four prizes including the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, Conclave, Munich, The Second Sleep and V2.

His work has been translated into 40 languages and he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Robert Harris will be in conversation with Robin Brodhurst, a local military and cricket biographer and editor. A retired head of history at Pangbourne College, he is needless to say a big fan of Roberts.

Tickets are available on the night at Thatcham Town Football Club.

The event is part of Thatcham Festival which runs from Friday October 14 to Sunday 23 and features more than 45 events covering topics such as author talks, historical talks, guided walks, live music, art and photography exhibitions, family events and theatre and dance shows.