Kate Griffin was born within the sound of Bow bells, making her a true-born cockney. She has worked as an assistant to an antiques dealer, a journalist for local newspapers and now works for The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders, Kate’s first book, won the Stylist/Faber crime writing competition. It was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Endeavour Historical Dagger. Kate’s maternal family lived in Victorian Limehouse and Kitty’s world is based on stories told by her grandmother. Kate lives in St Albans.
‘Terrific debut novel . . . Victorian London has never been better illustrated . . . if this standard keeps up, we have a major new talent on our hands.’ Sunday Express
‘Occasionally a new writer bursts onto the scene with almost explosive force . . . [Griffin’s] hugely entertaining debut, set in the squalor, filth and depravity of Victorian Limehouse is all things to all readers – almost gothic in its intensity, but full of shades of dark and light, combining the macabre and wit of the music halls with a rattling action yarn which will appeal to historical readers, crime readers and people who just like a really well written adventure story . . . the book is an absolutely first class read and I shall be surprised if there’s a better debut this year.’ Crime Review
‘Kitty’s narrative voice . . . is sharply memorable and deserves to be heard in a further adventure.’ Sunday Times