When does the reading with Heiko Wolz take place?

The reading takes place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Where is the event taking place?

The venue is Kottmann am HKP – The Literary Café at Neumarkt 1 in 45879 Gelsenkirchen.

What age is the reading suitable for?

The reading is aimed at children aged ten and up, as well as teenagers and young crime fans.

What is the ticket price?

The advance sale price is €4.90. The box office price is €7.00.

What is the story of Jonathan Riddle and the Mysterious Puzzle House about?

13-year-old Jonathan, together with his cousin Vic, discovers the secrets of a living manor and searches for the missing piece of a valuable mystery puzzle.

Where can tickets be purchased?

Tickets are available online through Murder at Hellweg and in person at Kottmann am HKP – The Literary Café.

Heiko Wolz opens a mysterious puzzle house for young crime fans in Gelsenkirchen

Name: Murder at Hellweg – Reading with Heiko Wolz: Jonathan Riddle and the Mysterious Puzzle House
Start: 2026-11-05T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-05T19:00:00+01:00
Location: Kottmann am HKP – Das Literatourcafé

Heiko Wolz invites you to solve puzzles in Gelsenkirchen

On November 5, 2026, Kottmann am HKP – The Literary Café in Gelsenkirchen will transform into a mysterious puzzle house. As part of the crime festival Murder at Hellweg, Heiko Wolz will read from his children's and youth book Jonathan Riddle and the Mysterious Puzzle House. The event is aimed at children aged ten and up, as well as all young readers who love exciting stories, tricky tasks, and literary adventures.

A Manor Full of Secrets

At the center is 13-year-old Jonathan Riddle, who is sent to the countryside to his eccentric uncle. Together with his cousin Vic, he discovers that the Spilsbury Manor hides far more than old walls and locked doors: The house, built by puzzle master John Spilsbury, is alive and protects the legacy of its creator.

In search of the missing piece of a valuable mystery puzzle, Jonathan and Vic find themselves in an adventure that is as humorous as it is thrilling. The narrative construction combines classic mystery storytelling, fantastic elements, and a fast-paced crime atmosphere. Ten puzzles invite readers to solve, piece together, and crack codes on their own.

Reading as a Literary Experience

Heiko Wolz shapes the encounter as a reading for participation. His experience as a trained bookseller and versatile children's and youth book author influences the event, as does his sense of humor. Amidst mysterious clues, surprising twists, and linguistic ease, a direct author-meeting emerges that actively draws young literature fans into the story.

The reading atmosphere combines concentrated listening with playful tension. Voice, rhythm, and narrative dramaturgy make the literary quality of the book immediately tangible. It demonstrates how modern children's crime literature connects reading promotion, linguistic art, and shared discovery.

Crime Youngsters at Murder at Hellweg

The event is part of the special series Crime Youngsters, which specifically addresses children, teenagers, and young adults at Europe's international crime festival. The program opens up access to the literary scene for young readers and conveys crime as a versatile genre that combines suspense, fantasy, humor, and active participation.

The reading is organized with the kind support of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The cooperating partner in Gelsenkirchen is the city library.

Conclusion: An Afternoon for Young Sleuths

Those who love mysterious houses, clever heroines and heroes, and literary puzzles will experience a varied afternoon full of excitement and creativity with Heiko Wolz. The reading connects book, play, and author-encounter into a unique literary experience. Secure your tickets now and follow Jonathan Riddle's puzzling adventure live.