A THRILLER writer who uses her time with the police force to channel inspiration will be signing copies of her latest novel in Reading next month.

Clare Mackintosh spent 12 years on the beat and time with the criminal investigation department before unearthing a passion for writing.

The distinguished author will be appearing at Waterstones on Broad Street on March 15 from 7.30pm and one lucky reader will have the chance to win a signed copy of 'Let Me Lie' and free entry to the event.

Mackintosh moved on from crime solving in 2011 to become a freelance journalist and her first novel 'I Let You Go' was the bestselling crime thriller debut novel of 2015.

She now writes full time and lives in North Wales with her husband and their three children and is the patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity which supports the work carried out at John Radcliffe Hospital by providing care for mothers with complications during pregnancy.

Cheryl Dibden, events coordinator at Waterstones, said: "We are very excited to welcome best-selling crime fiction author Clare Mackintosh to Waterstones.

"We look forward to finding out more about her life in the police force, her career so far and her compelling new book.

"If you want the chance to win a signed copy, enter our competition with the Reading Chronicle as one lucky reader will win a signed copy of 'Let Me Lie' and entry to the event, where you will be able to have your book signed and dedicated by Clare - subject to the event running to schedule."

If you would like to win a signed copy of the new book, simply answer the following question: 'What is the title of Clare's new book'?

Please send the answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and email address to: events.reading@waterstones.com or post your entry to 'Clare Mackintosh Competition, Waterstones Reading, 89a Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AP.

Reading Chronicle:

The competition closes at midnight on February 28 and winners will be notified by March 1.

Full terms and conditions:

  • This competition is open to all readers of Reading Chronicle
  • Entry to the competition is free, no purchase is necessary
  • Simply send in your answer to the competition question to Waterstones Reading Broad Street (events.reading@waterstones.com)
  •  All entries must include the entrant's name, address, email address and contact telephone number
  • Neither the Promoter nor Waterstones Booksellers will be liable for any entry which is lost, damaged or delayed
  • The closing date for the competition is midnight February 28
  • The winner will receive 1 x signed copy of 'Let Me Lie'
  • In the event of a tie, all tied correct entries will be entered into a draw which will be independently supervised
  • The winner will be the first name drawn out of the hat
  • There is no cash alternative and the judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
  • The winner will be notified by telephone or email on March 1
  •  If Waterstones is unable to make contact with the winner by 12 pm on March 2, a further draw will be made and a different winner selected
  • The winner agrees to the use of their name and photograph for publicity purposes
  • The promoters will publish first name, surname, age and town of residence of the winner in their publicity material
  • The competition is not open to employees of the Promoter or Waterstones Booksellers not their respective families or anyone directly connected to the competition
  • In the event of unforeseen circumstances, Waterstones reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value