Join author Laura Noakes as she discusses her latest book, Cosima Steals a Star!

Cosima has finally found her happy ending but unfortunately, trouble isn't far behind. Cosima Unfortunate returns for a new adventure! A warm, funny, exciting and empowering tale of friendship, family and mystery, with joyous and authentic disabled representation.

Cosima lives at the Star Diamond Home for Children with her best friends Diya, Mary and Pearl. Since uncovering a dastardly plot and escaping their cruel captors, life has been one of peace and contentment – and particularly so for Cos. For alongside her friendships, Cos finally has a real family, too – and every day spent with her long-lost father is more magical than the last. But where Cos goes, adventure is sure to follow – and when a world-famous painting is stolen, Cos's father is arrested for the crime. Cos and her friends know he has been framed – and they are sure that notorious thief, the Spectre, is responsible. Cos is determined that she won't lose her father again – and the girls must use spirit, wit, bravery and ingenuity to solve the crime and bring him safely home.

Book Laura Noakes - Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star
Sun 12 May, 1.30pm

Laura Noakes is a disabled writer and historian from Bedfordshire. She has written articles for Disability in Kidlit and Kettle Mag and her poetry has been published in Scrittura Magazine. She was awarded her doctorate in legal history in 2021 and before devoting her time to writing full-time worked at the best named museum in Scotland, The Devil's Porridge. Laura lives in Cumbria with her husband, and her mischievous cats, Scout and Sunny.

Laura's debut book, Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star, was published by Harper Collins on May 25th 2023 and the sequel, Cosima Unfortunate Foils a Fraud, is due to be published on June 6th 2024. Laura has Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, a disability that she shares with her main character, Cosima.

The Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is generously supported by Arts Council England (ACE), Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, Maxipay Accounting Services, and Berry and Lamberts Solicitors.