A TOP crime writer will reveal the secrets of her success when she comes to Dovercourt next week.

Ruth Dugdall will be giving a talk at Harwich and Dovercourt High School on July 3.

The free event, which is open to the public, will see Ruth talk about aspects of her writing and sign copies of her books.

Ruth is an award winning writer who has penned four books, three of which centre on a probation officer called Cate Austin.

Her latest novel – Humber Boy B – is a psychological thriller that draws parallels with the 1993 James Bulger case.

Ruth, who has won the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger competition and the Luke Bitmead Bursary, uses her background as a probation officer to give her writing authenticity and credibility.

She has also been shortlisted for the New Angle Book Prize and the People’s Book Prize.

People attending the talk will also get the chance to win a copy of Humber Boy B and other prizes in a raffle.

Other books can be bought at the event, which starts at 6.30pm.

Anyone wishing to attend the event should call Andrew Dace on 01255 245460 or e-mail Andrew.dace@hdhs.org.uk Alternatively, people can turn up on the night.