10 Things I’d like my readers to know about me by Marcie Steele (Mel Sherratt)

2. I write crime thrillers as well as women's fiction. So I am very well known for writing books about friendship and romance, but I also write gritty psychological thrillers and police procedurals.

3. I have a terrier named Dexter, after the TV serial killer, Dexter Morgan.

4. I have written 11 books so far. Eight of these are on under my own name, Mel Sherratt, and three of them are as Marcie Steele.

5. At Harrogate Crime Festival, I was fortunate enough to meet Olivia Colman. Olivia is one of my heroines and she often plays characters similar to those that I have in some of my books. My favourite possession now is a selfie with her, that she took.

6. I do not like the dark. I think this is the writer in me, because I have too much of a vivid imagination.

7. I have over 50 pairs of shoes. I know, I know, but I just can't throw them away!

8. I used to be a housing officer for the local authority, which is where I get my background for my series, The Estate Series. I'm often asked if I have used any real cases that I have worked on and my answer is always no. There are enough stories in the news and in women's magazines for me to never run out of ideas.

9. I come from Stoke-on-Trent, the same city as Robbie Williams originated from. I have never met Robbie but I do know his dad personally, so one day I hope to meet the man himself.

10. Did I mention my love of high heels? The higher the better, although sadly, due to a back injury, I can't always wear them now. But I am a firm believer that when I wear high heels and lippie, I can take on the world. Despite wearing flats, I don't feel dressed without them.