Rebecca Philipson

Rebecca Jayne Philipson grew up in a mining town in County Durham, where she still lives. The granddaughter of a coal miner, she was educated in a small convent, she deferred her university degree to set up her own business at 21. Rebecca went on to become North East Young Entrepreneur of the Year and won the Artemis Award for inspirational women in business.

Having sold her business in 2020, Rebecca is now devoted to her writing career. She graduated from the University of East Anglia (UEA) Masters Program in 2024 and won a scholarship to Liverpool University where she is reading for a PhD in Creative Writing.

Her debut novel, How to Get Away With Murder, was pre-empted within 24hours by Transworld, Penguin in the UK and Minotaur in the US, and is currently acquired for publication in 16 countries and 11 languages.

How to Get Away With Murder was shortlisted for the McDermid Debut Award 2026.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys all things book-related, netball, travelling and spending time with friends and family. She loves heavy metal music, gothic architecture and tea that’s made well.

Rebecca was diagnosed with ADHD in her late thirties, and quietly celebrates her neurodiversity.