Mystery fans are being united through a fresh initiative combining coffee, conversation and criminal fiction.

The digital scheme, named Coffee and Crime, has been established by Lounges based in East Sussex alongside Simon & Schuster and their well-known Likely Suspects crime-reading group, with the goal of uniting readers via monthly crime fiction picks.

A digital book of the month features across Lounges’ online platforms, complemented by question-and-answer sessions, competitions and links enabling customers to support nearby independent bookshops.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to assemble at their nearest Lounge to talk over each month’s chosen title and encounter other readers.

East Sussex venues include Modelo Lounge, Alcampo Lounge, Francisco Lounge, Fuego Lounge and Establo Lounge.

Coffee and Crime officially starts on May 1, with Ardal O’Hanlon’s A Plot to Die For as the inaugural featured work.

Full details are available at thelounges.co.uk.