Thrilling afternoon as crime writer Mandasue Heller enthralled Middleton audience

Councillor Janet Emsley with Mandasue Heller

Bestselling author Mandasue Heller enthralled a Middleton audience as she regaled them with stories of her literary career.

The popular thriller writer was in Middleton to promote her new book, Run, the 15th novel of her writing career.

Lovers of crime fiction at the Junction Community Centre & Library heard how Mandasue’s gritty Manchester upbringing helped take her on a journey to become a thriller writer.

Mandasue said: “It was a pleasure to chat with such a lovely audience. I enjoyed the range of questions and it was really touching that so many people had read my books.

"Rochdale Borough clearly has lots of keen readers, so it would be lovely to return in the near future and speak about the next chapter in my life.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, said: “Mandasue is a brilliant writer who spoke movingly about her life, literary career and future writing plans. It was a really enjoyable afternoon and a fantastic turnout from people keen to hear more from one of the region’s finest and best-loved writers.”

Mandasue spent 10 years living in the infamous Hulme Crescents housing estate and was a professional singer for many years before turning her hand to writing. Her 2015 novel, Afraid, was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and her books have sold nearly two million copies to date.