The six members of Murder Squad celebrated our 25th anniversary in style in the elegant surroundings of Stockport Guildhall last Wednesday. Ann Cleeves, Chris Simms, Kate Ellis, Cath Staincliffe, Margaret Murphy and I were all together with a wonderful audience of 145 crime fans. And there was celebratory fizz and cake!
Ann acted as a sort of compere, asking us questions about our writing before talking about her next novel, which sees Jimmy Perez return - on Orkney this time! There were some great questions and we also announced the winner of the short story competition that we have been running for a new writer - of the top three entries, one came from Australia and another from the US.
Serenity Books, who have shops in Romiley and Stockport, were the host booksellers and it was lovely to meet Chris and Kelly, who have made a great success of their business in a short space of time. And it's always great to chat to readers as one signs books. I never tire of it!
It's been quite a journey since seven of us first got together as Murder Squad - our first event was in Ellesmere Port, the second in York. Chaz Brenchley and John Baker retired from crime writing and sadly the delightful Stuart Pawson died, but Kate and Chris came to join us. It's quite something to have kept together for a quarter of a century and we've had some wonderful times along the way.
And there are more to come! Starting with an online celebration on 31 May - please do come and join us - the link is here.
If that isn't enough, Kate, Margaret and I will be appearing together at Halifax Central Library on 5 June - details here.
Look forward to many years of good books!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete