I write dark fiction with an emotional pull. My novels take you to the heart of the crime. I write police procedurals, psychological suspense and crime dramas - fiction with a punch. Shortlisted for the prestigious CWA (Crime Writer's Association) Dagger in The Library Award, my inspiration comes from authors such as Ian Rankin, Martina Cole, Lisa Jewell, Mandasue Heller and Clare Mackintosh.

To date, I’ve sold 1.9 million books. All nineteen of my crime novels have been bestsellers, each one climbing into the Kindle UK top 20, and I've had several number ones. I've also had numerous Kindle All-star awards, for best read author and best titles.

My latest book, HIDDEN SECRETS, is book five in the DETECTIVE ALLIE SHENTON SERIES. These books are part police procedural/part crime thriller. There have been three novels for years, the last one published in 2015, but recently I decided to add to the series. There will be more to come this year.

There are four books in THE ESTATE SERIES - a mix of psychological suspense and family life with a sprinkling of grit and a dash of menace - where drama meets crime. The books are available individually or the first three as a box set.

I have four standalone novels. THE LIFE SHE WANTS, TEN DAYS, THE LIES YOU TELL and WATCHING OVER YOU.

They are dark in places, light in places, and disturbing in places.

I have also written four books featuring DS Grace Allendale, HUSH HUSH being the first one, TICK TOCK the second, LIAR LIAR the third and the final one to finish the series, GOOD GIRL.

Finally, there are two books about DS EDEN BERRISFORD. She works in a community intelligence team and helps to gather information and intel for investigations. THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR is the first book, followed by DON'T LOOK BEHIND YOU. These books are based in the same setting as THE ESTATE SERIES.

I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and make liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books. You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk or I'm on Twitter at @writermels