Welcome!
Susan Brownrigg with her debut adult novel outside Abney Hall, Cheadle, near Manchester
Susan Brownrigg is a Lancashire lass who loves sharing northern stories.
Her historical mysteries include books for adults - The Secret of Abney Hall - and for children - the Gracie Fairshaw series and Wrong Tracks published by Fox and Ink Books a northern independent publisher.
A journalism graduate, she worked for over ten years as a reporter and sub-editor for a series of local newspapers.
Susan then switched careers to heritage and wildlife education at a number of visitor attractions, including as a Learning Manager at a museum. She was recently awarded a MA with distinction in Creative Writing by the University of Chester.
When not writing, Susan works part-time as a library assistant.
Manchester, December 1926.
Agatha Christie has been found. After her sensational eleven-day disappearance, the world’s most famous crime writer is whisked away to the snow-covered Abney Hall to recover. But for her private nurse, Jane Goodbetter, the retreat is anything but peaceful. As a local theatre troupe arrives to rehearse a macabre new play, the atmosphere turns sinister. Secrets are leaking to the press, and Jane’s own dark past at a wartime asylum threatens to surface. When a body is discovered in the freezing lake and a blizzard traps everyone inside, the line between stagecraft and real-life murder blurs. In a house full of actors, doctors, and a cheating husband, Jane must unmask the killer before the final curtain falls, or she’ll be the next one silenced.
“The combination of a fictional crime and an actual historical event make this a captivating read for fans of this genre. Thoroughly entertaining, a smashing whodunnit!”
Reader review, Waterstones/NetGalley
“A playful homage to Agatha Christie's own novels, with a brilliant twist!”
Barbara Henderson, author
“A cracking slice of cosy-crime with a northern twist.”
Ally Sherrick, author
“Cosy crime at its finest.”
Sue Wallman, author
“Perfect for winter/Christmas fireside reading.”
Jennifer Burkinshaw, author
“A seaside adventure that rattles along like the rides at the Pleasure Beach.” Children’s Sequels
“Great to hear a northern voice in a Middle Grade story. Highly recommended. Five Stars” Ruth Estevez, author
“Full of both intrigue and feel-good vibes and genuine laugh out loud moments.” Goodreads review
Wrong Tracks
Shortlisted 2026
“Fast paced, full of adventure & derring-do, an absolute must have for every year six classroom.” Tell Tales bookshop
“A whistle-tooting, thrilling historical mystery.” Ally Sherrick, author
“All aboard for a rollercoaster read!” Amazon book review
Susan is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Authors
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