This is a report from a fan who attended one of my events on the massive BLOOD BEAST 2007 tour. This was from early in the tour, at a theatre in St Albans.

Reporter: Susan K Franklin

Fasinating talk by Darren ShanWhat a wonderful way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon – squashed in a small theatre in St. Albans with around 100 other Darren Shan fans. We were hot, sticky and dare I say there were a few odours drifting on the air once the air-conditioning was started up.

Fans from eight to eighty were visible in the auditorium, all enthralled when Darren took to the stage. We were treated to a reading from 'Bec', book four of the Demonata series. Darren gave such emphasis to his characters, making the stomach tighten and the skin to crawl as we listened captivated by the scene unfolding before us. We then were treated to a snippet from the current book 'Blood Beast' which had us all eager for more. But it wasn't to be – well, not yet, the best was yet to come.

Opening up the questioning, Darren was awash with eager hands waving like a sea of snakes in the air. One by one the children quizzed and delved trying to get more information about characters, Darren and what will happen next. Darren neatly sidestepped some questions he wasn't prepared to give answers too, and happily offered snippets to keep everyone happy. The session could have gone on for so much longer but as is want with these things it was coming to an end - but what an ending. Darren surprised everyone by reading a choice section - from book SEVEN. Again it left you wanting more. But what of book SIX – well that is being kept under wraps. Darren is keeping that close to his chest. So everyone is now waiting for October when Book SIX (title unknown) will be placed on the shelves. I wonder how many seconds it will take for most of them to disappear?

Thankfully Darren was prepared to sign books (as many as you had with you), have his photo taken and chat briefly. I think he would have been lynched had he not. The queue was immense. My group were towards the middle of the line. You may have noticed a couple of photo's if you are keen eyed.

I'm hoping some of that talent has rubbed off on me.

Darren thank you for a great afternoon.