Crime Writers’ Association: Northern Symposium

Buxton 11 April 2026.

After a short welcome from  Jason Monaghan, Dea Parkin introduced us to

Tim Grant who is a distinguished academic and consultant at Aston University. He has extensive experience in forensic analysis. In his talk he explained that his research interests also extend to the linguistics of police interviews, and the analysis of threatening communication and the pragmatics of non-verbal consent in rape cases.  In his talk he cited the cases of Derek Bentley, Timothy Evans, the Birmingham six, and Reg Christie who committed 8 murders. 

Kath Robinson, a former scientific Support Manger for the Lancashire constabulary followed with a talk on her experience in research and clinical Monitoring.

I didn't hear much of her talk, as you will see from the photograph far left that for most of the time she held her microphone down by her thigh's. Only occasionally did she speak into it and consequently I missed most of her talk.

 We then enjoyed a pleasant buffet lunch

The highlight of the day was the talk given by Simon Dinsdale.

Simon was born in Canada and raised in Reading in Berkshire. He served twelve years with the British army before joining Essex police in 1980.

He spent 30 years in the police eventually achieving the rank of Detective
Superintendent. Over his career he led over a hundred major investigations.

 He took us to October 2006 and
The Ipswich Murders when five sex workers were killed. Between October and December 2006, Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls were all murdered by Steve Wright, a 48 year old forklift truck driver.

 Since retiring in 2010, Simon has turned to writing, drawing on his extensive knowledge of police procedures forensics and investigative techniques to create gripping narratives He has now produced five books featuring Detective Superintendent Christian Dane and his assistant Detective Constable Hayley Cross.  I have already purchased all the books in the series. They are a terrific read. 

Emma Grundy Haigh is editorial director at Boldwood Books.

She talked about: 
Shaping your book proposal to current trends in publishing.

 

After a break for tea and coffee

Andrea Zuvich of Orland Media spoke on:
How to create an audiobook.

 Thanks to Dea and Jason for organizing this interesting event.
The hotel is gorgeous, and the meal at the St Moritz was great.