Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) will host the Bradford launch of the new A.A. Dhand novel, The Chemist, on Friday 23 May 2025, 19:00 at The Midland Hotel.
The electrifying new thriller from A. A. Dhand, bestselling author of the DI Harry Virdee series (now a hit BBC drama), will be launched in Dhand’s home city as a special event held ahead of Bradford Literature Festival 2025.
Dhand will be in conversation with host, Liz Mistry, followed by a Q&A and a book signing. Tickets for this event were in such high demand that the event was moved to a larger venue, and it has sold out twice.
The popularity of this pre-festival event bodes well for BLF’s main announcement of events for BLF 2025, due to be announced late May.
In his latest novel, drawing from his experience as a pharmacist in Bradford, Dhand introduces Idris Khan – a pillar of the community who quietly dispenses methadone and gathers secrets. When his childhood sweetheart vanishes, Idris steps into the shadows of Leeds to find her – uncovering a violent turf war between Yorkshire’s most dangerous drug cartels. As the lines between duty and survival blur, Idris must outwit ruthless enemies to protect those he loves.
A. A. Dhand is the author of five previous novels and has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. He was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing.
The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired all his novels, and The Chemist is Dhand’s most personal, hard-hitting novel yet. This will be an unmissable evening with one of the UK’s most fearless and compelling crime writers.
A. A. Dhand said “It’s fantastic to see the Bradford launch of The Chemist has been so well received with a sold-out event. I’m looking forward to introducing my new novel to audiences in Bradford”.
A.A. Dhand Bradford Book Launch: Join the Waiting List