Lawyer becomes editor for short stories

Local lawyer Martin Edwards is requiring further space on his bookshelves as the successful author publishes two brand new crime anthologies.

Martin, Employment law Partner at Weightmans LLP has seen 15 of his crime novels published, and the two new anthologies takes the number of anthologies he has edited to a total of 20.

The anthologies are collections of short stories chosen or written by Martin himself, collated under a theme within the crime genre.

The latest is the annual anthology of the Crime Writers Association, which Martin has edited every year since 1996. This year the theme - and title - is ‘Guilty Consciences’, and contributors include CWA Diamond Dagger winner Robert Barnard and Ann Cleeves - creator of the hit ITV drama series Vera. The book is published on 8 October.

The second anthology, called ‘Best Eaten Cold’, features stories on the theme of revenge, and is the work of Murder Squad, a ‘virtual collective’ of crime writers from the North of England. Writers include Cath Staincliffe, creator of the ITV series ‘Blue Murder’, and , again, Ann Cleeves.

Martin said:

“I am thrilled to see the publication of these two anthologies; it is always such a pleasure to read exciting new stories written by my contemporaries in a wide range of styles.

“Both anthologies are considered to be quite prestigious within the crime writing field and it has been an honour to be the first to read brilliant new stories from some of the truly great crime writers of today.”