The day I went to visit the Cheshire Police!

June 29, 2018

Cheshire Police thumb

Usually, researching my books is quite quiet. I sit and read books and think about my next story. But sometimes, being an author leads to some pretty special experiences – and I think one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done because of the Murder Most Unladylike series happened on Tuesday.

Julie Cradock, mum of a Murder Most Unladylike megafan, invited me to visit the Cheshire Police Headquarters to find out how crimes are solved in 2018 – and so, for one afternoon only, I got to pretend to be a proper detective!

Below are some of my favourite pictures from the afternoon – huge thanks to Julie, Si, Andy and the rest of the team for being so friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to use what I’ve learned in a book one day!

Me at the police station!
With Julie Cradock
Wearing the goggles that let forensics teams look at treated fingerprints in a special dark room
The image I could see! Isn’t it amazing?
In a proper forensics outfit, in front of the machine that brings up fingerprints on pieces of evidence!

More posts to explore

There’s a new exhibition coming to Oxford’s Story Museum this summer, and it’s all about young detectives! Created by young curators using a storyline by Sharna Jackson, it’ll feature plenty of your favourite detectives – including Daisy and Hazel!
I am doing two festival events this spring: one in Dublin and one in London. They are: International Literature Festival Dublin, 16th May, 12pm – a talk followed by a signing London Children’s Book Festival, 28th June, 3:30pm – a talk followed by a signing
I’m partnering up with the National Archives for their first ever school event, a free online event on Wednesday March 25th at 1:30pm.
I’m delighted to announce that I have something for schools who’d like a visit from me – I’ll be appearing in a virtual schools event on the 20th March at 1:30pm in partnership with my publisher Puffin.
I’m delighted to say that I’ll be visiting Lincoln in February to talk about my books! I’ll be at the Engine Shed on Saturday 14th February at 3pm – tickets are on sale NOW and include a book with the price of the ticket.
If you missed out on my pre-order campaign with Daunt Books … it’s back for a limited time only! From today until the 3rd of December, you can order a signed and personalised copy of A Stocking Full of Spies from the Daunt Books website.