Ruth Dugdall

I’m a probation officer turned crime writer, and my series features probation officer Cate Austin.

The first book in the series – The Woman Before Me – won the CWA Debut Dagger in 2005, and after a long & rocky road I found a publisher after winning the Luke Bitmead Bursary, in conjunction with Legend Press.

I’ve just signed a new publishing deal to write a further 2 books in the series, and there will be a re-launch in 2026, so I’m open to any invites to book groups, festivals etc. I love meeting readers, and other authors, so book promotion is exciting!

I have two stand alone books with Thomas Mercer: My Sister & Other Liars (an Amazon number 1 bestseller) and The Things you Didn’t See.

I’m a Royal Literary Fellow, for three years I was based at Essex University and I now run workshops in the community.

I’m also doing a PhD by publication, focused on my Cate Austin series, and the importance of the probation perspective in crime series. I’m passionate about raising the profile of these unsung heroes.