No, it’s not my crime thriller – although with all this talk about genre-freedom I might have a stab at one someday. (Did you spot the pun there?) My friend Diane Mannion will soon be self-publishing her first novel and has asked for help finding some really great people to beta-read it for her. I jumped in and told her that the readers of my blog are lovely and intelligent and that I was sure there would be someone out there happy to help.

In return, Diane is offering a signed copy of the book on publication and a small gift. Here is the blurb to whet your appetite:

SLUR

How would you feel if you were accused of a murder you didn’t commit? Especially if you thought your friends, family and colleagues had turned against you. Would it drive you to the verge of breakdown or would you fight to prove your innocence?

Julie Quinley and her best friend Rita find themselves in this position after the events of one fateful night change the course of their existence forever. Julie has to bear the slights and accusations of colleagues and acquaintances, and her life becomes unbearable. Eventually, believing that she has lost the respect of everyone around her, Julie plunges into a deep depression.

Unknown to Julie, however, those closest to her are rallying to her support. She reaches a turning point when her friends reveal that they may have found out who the killer is. Realising that she must act in order to clear her name, Julie joins them in trying to find evidence against their suspect.

Proving a vicious murderer guilty, however, is never going to be easy, especially when the police remain convinced that Julie and Rita are the culprits.

Will Julie and her friends succeed in finding the evidence they need?

And is their suspect really the killer?

Diane Dec 12Diane originally started writing this book 15 years ago, but it got put on the back burner when she started getting articles published in magazines, then when she started her writing business. There is a sample chapter on Diane’s website – click here to have a look at that – and Diane is really looking for a second opinion to make sure she hasn’t made any contradictions in the plot or missed anything out. She does want to stress that there is some bad language in the book, reflecting the characters who are being portrayed. You can email Diane directly at dianewriting@googlemail.com or leave a comment below and I’ll pass your details on. Happy reading!