Ananova:

Horror writer Stephen King was mistaken for a vandal during a surprise book-signing session in an Australian bookshop.

The novelist popped into the Alice Springs store unannounced and signed copies of his new book before leaving.

But customers who saw him thought he was defacing the books and reported him to staff, reports Northern Territory News.

Fortunately, Dymocks store manager Bev Ellis managed to recognise King, one of the world's most successful authors.

She followed him to a nearby supermarket, where the multi-millionaire was buying fruit and veg, and thanked him for autographing seven copies of his latest work, Lisey's Story.

A customer immediately bought one of the books and the shop plans to donate the rest to be auctioned for charity.

Ms Ellis said the author's surprise visit and private signing session was not particularly unusual.

"Lots of authors do it," she said. "They'll come into the shop and check if their works are on the shelves.

"If they are, they'll often sign a few copies. If they're not, they'll ask about them. It's embarrassing if we haven't got their work on the shelves."

Ms Ellis said King was on a private visit: "His Australian distributor rang me and he didn't even know King was in the country," she said.