NCF Locals Bath welcomes author Edward McLaren for an evening talk and Q&A about his 2026-released novel Bothelford’s Gone.

Bothelford’s Gone is one of the first fictionalised accounts about Britain’s grooming gangs, telling the story of Jack and Agatha, two young English teenagers coming-of-age in the midst of one of the most savage and cruel scandals in the history of the British Isles.

While a scandal recognised for its barbarity and neglect in equal measure, Bothelford’s Gone not only provides a compelling, page-turning story but also a damning critique on what polite society considers “right” and “wrong”. Indeed what needed to be ignored, to maintain the status quo, was one of the largest instances of mass rape outside wartime.

Join McLaren in conversation, where we will discuss not only the story of Bothelford’s Gone itself, but also the history of the grooming gang scandal, why the victims were targeted, what the authorities had to do to hide these crimes, and most importantly, how modern “morality” enabled these acts. In addition, we will also talk about the power of fiction, and how art can be made out of tragedy.

The talk will be followed by an open Q&A, with plenty of opportunity to put your questions directly to McLaren.

Location: a central Bath venue less than 5 minutes walk from Bath Spa train and bus station. Full details will be sent to ticket holders on the morning of the event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.