Zombies run riot around the streets of a post-apocalyptic Finchley in the latest novel by Barnet resident Mike Carey.

Currently being turned into a film, Mike will read scenes from his 2014 sci-fi horror, The Girl With All the Gifts, at this year’s Finchley Literary Festival.

“A lot of the scenes are set in the area around where I live –Finchley and Barnet feature quite largely,“ explains Mike, who formerly wrote comics for DC Comics and Marvel.

“The artsdepot gets a big look in, there’s quite a lot of scenes set along the Finchley High Road.“

The Girl With All the Gifts tells the tale of Melanie, a little school girl who is fascinated by Greek mythology. But Melanie is a zombie living in a world overrun with the undead.

“She has got the hunger for human flesh, which defines the zombie, but she’s also got a completely functional set of emotions and the same outlook on the world any child has,“ says the 56-year-old.

“She’s very open, trusting, curious and very resourceful.“

Fans of Mike’s book are already excited about the upcoming film, starring Gemma Arterton and Glenn Close, but they’re in for a long wait as it won’t be released for at least a year.

The dad-of-three enthuses: “The idea of those actors reading my words is kind of amazing really. I am ecstatic, not just that it’s happening, but the people who are involved, the skills are amazing.“

The film, due to go into production on Monday, May 18 – the same week as the Literary Festival – is to be directed by Peaky Blinders’ Colm McCarthy, who also worked on the BBC series Sherlock and Doctor Who.

But zombie-lovers can whet their appetites – although not literally – with a fun night of fancy dress at Mike’s Literary Festival event.

And there’s plenty more on offer at the annual festival, which this year has 18 events across Finchley’s libraries, Waterstone's bookshop and Café Buzz.

Local authors Jemma Wayne, from Mill Hill, and Ellie Daines, from Whetstone, will be participating in events, while a host of writing workshops, talks, a guided literary walk, poetry and music evenings will be on offer.

Joining in the festivities is well-known political blogger Mrs Angry – aka Finchley resident Theresa Musgrove.

Theresa will discuss researching the Victorian serial killer Mary Ann Cotton – who famously poisoned three husbands and is thought to have killed 11 of her children – for her new book The Hand That Smoothes the Pillow.

“The reason I became interested in it was that there was a family connection,“ explains Theresa, whose aunt lived in the same house Mary Ann had inhabited many years before.

She continues: “It is a really fascinating story, although horrible.“

And she is looking forward to supporting one of her local libraries – several of which are under threat from downsizing or closure.

Finchley Literary Festival, May 20 to 24, various times and locations. Details: greenacrewriters@gmail.com, finchleyliteraryfestival.blogspot.co.uk

Theresa Musgrove, Church End Library, Hendon Lane, Wednesday, May 20, 1pm.

Mike Carey, Friern Barnet Community Library, Friern Barnet Road, Wednesday, May 20, 7pm.