Claire Askew & Kate Foster: Tales of Two Edinburghs

Review by Kelly Lacey

On August 17th, I had the opportunity to attend a fascinating event that showcased the talent and creativity of two talented authors, Claire Askew and Kate Foster. The hall was packed full of readers, all eager to learn about the stories behind the books. We were treated to an insightful conversation about each of the authors’ work and how they came to write the books they presented that day.

Claire Askew began by talking about her fifth book, The Dead Don’t Speak, and how it was inspired by her real-life experience with a boy racer in Edinburgh. This experience left her traumatized, but she turned this trauma into a fictionalized story that features in her new book. She talked about how she got revenge in a fictional way and how this experience shaped her as a writer.

Kate Foster presented her debut book, The Maiden, and explained that it was inspired by a story she wrote when she was just 8 years old. This story was about Lady Christian, and it stayed with her for years until she had the opportunity to write it during Covid. She talked about how the process of writing the book helped her escape from the chaos of the world around her.

The event was expertly moderated by Susan Mansfield, who engaged both authors in insightful discussions about their writing process, inspirations, and influences. The audience was eager to learn more, and the conversation was engaging and entertaining.

One of the highlights of the event was Claire Askew’s mention of Val McDerid’s Lost Lectures on YouTube (click here to watch). She spoke about how these lectures inspired her writing and encouraged everyone to check them out. The event was not just an opportunity to hear from two talented authors, but it was also a chance to learn more about the craft of writing.

Overall, the event was a resounding success. The audience was engaged throughout, and both authors provided insight into their creative processes and inspirations. I left the event feeling inspired and motivated to read more from both Claire Askew and Kate Foster. If you’re a fan of mystery, crime fiction, or just great storytelling, I highly recommend checking out their work.

What is it about the Scottish capital that makes it such fertile ground for fictionalised mystery? Claire Askew’s The Dead Don’t Speak sees DI Helen Birch drawn back into action when an anonymous vigilante starts stalking the streets of Edinburgh. Kate Foster’s thriller, The Maiden, is inspired by the real-life trial of a 17th century Edinburgh woman charged with murder. Join two writers securing Scotland’s reputation for world-class crime fiction. Chaired by Susan Mansfield.