Leicestershire Police attend display of Adam Croft's new book, In Cold Blood
A policeman was present at a best-selling author's book display to ensure no one tried to nab a copy of the new novel ahead of its release.
The world's only copies of Adam Croft's upcoming novel, In Cold Blood, were put on display in Oakham Library this week.
It is the third book in the series, which follows Rutland Police as they investigate crime in the county.
Adam, who lives in Bedfordshire, said: "The library has been suffering in the past few months with not being able to open properly - they only opened for walk-ins this week.
"I wanted to see if there was anything we could do to help people visit the library and make them aware of the people there.
"People were asking about the new book so I thought it could link together."
He added: "All the books are locked up in the display.
"They are the only ones in the world - I haven't even got one yet.
"People have been very supportive, they have been queuing out the door to get in."
To ensure no one tried to get their hands on the new novel, PC Joe Lloyd of Leicestershire Police force attended on Wednesday (May 19) and was even forced to 'arrest' the librarian for trying to get a sneak peak inside the much-awaited book.
However, library visitors were reassured that they could soon buy their own copy, as In Cold Blood will hit the shelves next Friday (May 28).
Adam said: "I'm nervous as I always am in the lead up. I've had quite a few sleepless nights waking up in cold sweats."
Adam will be in Rutland for the book's release to sign copies and meet readers.
Visit adamcroft.net/shop-local for a list of independent retailers, which stock the Rutland crime series.