Donna Morfett chats to Paul Burke about THE MASQUERADE OF MURDER, Luton & Dunstable, revenge on the page, misogyny and self publishing.

THE MASQUERADE OF MURDER DI Cora Snitton is barely catching her breath after the last case when another body turns up - this time, a suspected junkie dumped in an abandoned quarry.
Her team is pulled into the chaos of the Luton Carnival, a vibrant event with a dark reputation for gang violence and drug deals.
Amid the crowds, noise, and flashing lights, a ruthless gangster sees his chance to make a name for himself in a new town.
As the music blares and the party rages on, something sinister rages behind the scenes.

Donna Morfett Born and raised in a small Town in Bedfordshire. Donna has loved reading as long as she was able to understand the words written on the page, and the love has remained. Now a way to help cope with mental health. As with many people across the world, the pandemic left us with lots of time, and twiddling thumbs. As well as trying to complete a degree in Forensic Science at the time, Donna thought she'd try and write a book. Donna took part in NaNoWriMo, in November 2021, and wrote her first full length novel. Then there is Cassie, which came joint second in a recent short story competition. When entered, they were given covers and proper editing, so Donna thought, why not release it, and raise some money for charity. So that's how Cassie came to be. Debut novel The Disappearance of Peter Markham was released by Rampart books on May 23rd 2024. It was re-released with a new edit and cover in May 25. The follow up, Masquerade of Murder is due July 11th. 

Recommendation William Hussey The Boy I Love

Mentions Graham Bartlett and Neil Lancaster

Donna Morfett 

Paul Burke edits Aspects of Crime Magazine and writes for Crime Time, Crime Fiction Lover and the European Literature Network, Punk Noir Magazine (fiction contribution). He is also a CWA Historical Dagger Judge 2025. His first book An Encyclopedia of  Spy Fiction will be out 2026.

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