Today I am absolutely delighted to be able to tell you that Murder Most Unladylike has been selected as Best Primary Novel in the Oxfordshire Book Awards 2015. It’s incredible to have won – I am such a fan of my fellow shortlistees – and this award means something particularly special to me.

I grew up in Oxford, went to the Dragon School and came back several years later to work in the Broad Street branch of Blackwell’s bookshop (that’s where Murder Most Unladylike actually began, in the upstairs break room during my lunches!). Oxford is one of my very favourite places in the world, and it still feels like my home turf. I just can’t express how pleased I am to have been given this award by Oxfordshire’s children.

A heartfelt thanks to them, and huge congratulations to my fellow winners and runners-up. I can’t wait to receive my award at the ceremony in November. Oxford, you’re wonderful!