We’re delighted to begin our 2026 events by welcoming Ellie Levenson to the Book Tree to discuss her deeply suspenseful and original debut novel!

Published on 15th January, Room 706 is both reflective and pacy with the tension of a very real threat looming over the narrator throughout. Caught somewhere she shouldn’t be when the worst happens — in the wrong place at precisely the worst time — she must face the most confronting situation of her life and discover what matters most.

Built upon a brilliant concept brought to life sensitively, and led by a deeply layered and very believable main character, this story is gripping and emotional in equal measure and lingers long after turning the final page.

This event will start at the slightly earlier time of 7pm, and the shop door will be open from 6.30pm with complementary wine and cordial available on arrival.

Tickets are free and guarantee entry to the event. Please contact the shop or use the booking form below to reserve your seats.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the Book

A tense, riveting read about the unpredictable ripple effects luck and choices can have — Tracy Sierra

A love story wrapped in a grenade — Cecelia Ahern

If she knew it would end this way, would it ever have begun?

When mother of two Kate goes to meet her lover James in a hotel room, she watches in horror when she switches on the TV and realises their hotel has been taken under terrorist siege. Told to stay silent and hidden, Kate is trapped in a room with a man she’s been having an affair with for years – her escape hatch, her release valve – but who she doesn’t really know at all.

In one room, with the possibility of death looming, Kate is left to contemplate what has led her here. She reflects on the grief and heartbreak of her young life, the complexities of her relationship with her husband, Vic, and the pure, unadulterated love she feels for her children. Intricately weaving Kate’s past in with her present, Room 706 follows one woman taking stock of her life, and considering what life might hold in store – if she makes it home.

I devoured it… I haven’t stopped thinking about it — Jennie Godfrey

A suspenseful real-time page-turner with an ending that demands to be talked about — Erin Kelly

About the Author

Ellie Levenson has worked as a journalist, writer and lecturer for many years.

Her freelance work as a feature writer and columnist saw articles published across national newspapers, consumer magazines and specialist publications, with a special focus on writing accessibly about politics, language and social issues.

Ellie has extensive experience as a lecturer in journalism at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and has been a guest lecturer at many other institutions. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at the London programmes of Boston University and Syracuse University.

Before becoming a novelist, Ellie wrote non-fiction books for adults and non-fiction and picture books for children. These include Politics in 100 words (Quarto, 2020), Creativity and Feature Writing: How to get hundreds of new ideas every day (Routledge, 2015), The Election (Fisherton Press, 2015) and The Noughtie Girl’s Guide to Feminism (Oneworld, 2009).