Claire Askew books

Claire Askew is a Scottish crime writer and poet known for the DI Helen Birch series set in Edinburgh.

DI Helen Birch Reading Order

Title Published Buy on Amazon
All the Hidden Truths 2018 Buy
What You Pay For 2019 Buy
Cover Your Tracks 2020 Buy
A Matter of Time 2021 Buy
The Dead Don’t Speak 2023 Buy

Claire Askew is a Scottish author who writes crime fiction set in Edinburgh. Before turning to novels, she established herself as a poet, winning awards and serving as Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh. Her literary background informs the careful prose of her crime novels.

Her DI Helen Birch series began in 2018 with All the Hidden Truths, which explores the aftermath of a mass shooting through multiple perspectives. The series follows DI Helen Birch through cases that tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity while delivering compelling police procedural plots. Askew has been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize and other Scottish crime fiction awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Claire Askew's books?

Read the DI Helen Birch series in publication order: All the Hidden Truths (2018), What You Pay For (2019), Cover Your Tracks (2020), A Matter of Time (2021), and The Dead Don’t Speak (2023).

What is Claire Askew best known for?

Claire Askew is best known for the DI Helen Birch series, particularly the debut All the Hidden Truths, which explores the aftermath of a school shooting in Edinburgh and was shortlisted for several crime fiction awards.

Is Claire Askew also a poet?

Yes, Claire Askew is an accomplished poet who published poetry collections before turning to crime fiction. She was the Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh and brings a literary sensibility to her crime novels.

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