About

I am a crime historian and author. My research interests are Victorian and Edwardian police detectives and their sleuthing skills, historical murder cases, and the history of CSI and forensic science. My doctoral thesis is The Science of Sleuthing: The Evolution of Detective Practice in English Regional Cities, 1836-1914.

My life in crime began with my own family. Whilst researching my family tree, I uncovered all sorts of shady ancestors, including petty thieves, poachers and even a brothel keeper in the dangerous slums of Victorian Manchester. Inspired by my Italian immigrant ancestors and her home city’s colourful past, I began writing articles for history magazines. which led to my first book. 

My work on Victorian crime and police history has featured in many national magazines and newspapers, including The Times, The Telegraph, the Sunday Express, All About History and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. I am a member of the Historical Writers’ Association, the Society of Authors, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the Crime Writers’ Association, for which I am convenor of the Isle of Wight Chapter.

An experienced speaker, I have taken part in many events such as the Henley Literary Festival, the Manchester Histories Festival and at the Museum of London, as well as the annual London Month of the Dead festival. I am a frequent guest on BBC Radio and on podcasts, and have appeared on The One Show on BBC One, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and The Secret Genius of Modern Life on BBC Two. I am represented by Past Preservers for media work. I am also a Crime Fiction Expert for policeadvisor.co.uk.

As well as writing and history, I am passionate about education and languages. In my first career, I was head of modern languages in a large comprehensive school and lectured at King’s College London and Oxford Brookes University. I speak French, Spanish and Italian, and have published several books in modern languages education. I returned to Oxford Brookes University as associate lecturer in history and am also vice chair of the Isle of Wight College.

I am lucky to divide my time between London and the Isle of Wight. I enjoy investigating local history and am a trustee of Brading Roman Villa.