Kate Mosse: The Taxidermist's Daughter talk and activities, Horniman Museum

To celebrate the launch of The Taxidermist's Daughter, the eerie tale is brought to life with an evening of talks, performances, live music -- and even a live taxidermy demonstration. 

International best-seller Kate Mosse is known for novels so gripping they demand to be read in a single sitting and force themselves under your skin. Having been awarded an OBE for her services to literature and sold over five million copies of her books, Mosse shows no sign of slowing down. To mark the launch of her latest novel, she has curated an evening of taxidermy themes entertainment to reflect the inspirations and research that shaped The Taxidermist's Daughter.

TALK - The Taxidermist's Daughter: 7:15pm

At the heart of this launch party is a talk from the author herself, as she sheds light on the gripping new tale. Esteemed writer, comedienne and presenter Sandi Toksvig will lead the discussion. Expect insight and wit - but no clues about the compelling ending.

Constantina Gifford and her father live amid the relics of the family's once-famous taxidermy museum. The stuffed creatures have fallen thoroughly out of fashion and now taunt their creator and gather dust. An accident has stifled and stunted Connie's memories of a time before this ruin, but when a gloved hand wields a garrotte, and a woman is brutally murdered, Connie is suddenly forced to confront a series of uncanny appearances. And the young heroine's questions expose her to the thrilling secret behind the glass-eyed, dusty dead animals.

Signed first editions of the novel will be available to buy on the night.

Live Taxidermy from Jazmine Miles-Long, Ethical Taxidermist: 6:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:45pm

Jazmine only works with animals that have died from natural causes, and from them she creates stunning contemporary taxidermy. As the art form is becoming ever more on trend, Jazmine will give you a practical 30 minute demonstration of the preservation process, which is at once scientific and artistic. 

TALK - Carnival of Curious Animals: 6:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:45pm

In a fusion of science and comedy that has already delighted crowds at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, science writer Henry Nicholls and resident Horniman expert Paolo Viscardi share the secrets of nature's strangest specimens. 

TALK - The History of Taxidermy at the Horniman: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 9pm

Get to grips with the history of Taxidermy with a guided tour around the Horniman museum. Head of Natural History, Jo Hatton will show you around the collections that inspired Mosse's new novel and reveal the changing taxidermy trends.

Extras:

As you wander around you'll find plenty to amuse you. Errol Fuller, author of Voodoo Salon, an in depth exploration of the world of taxidermy, will be on hand to give tours through the collections and share his expertise. There's a Taxidermy photo Booth (!), where you can get snappy with some the strange specimens on display at the museum. Live tunes will be provided by Circus Swing band Gabby Young and Other Animals, who'll have toes tapping with a vibrant mix of jazz, swing and folk sounds. Or, if disco beats are more your thing, there's also a DJ spinning tracks. Plus, everyone gets a free glass of wine.