Philippa Perry Enters the World of 'Cosy Crime' with South Downs Setting

Psychotherapist and television agony aunt Philippa Perry has expressed her delight at "finally joining the murder mystery club" following the release of her debut crime fiction title. The 68-year-old author selected the South Downs as the backdrop for her story, a location she has called home with her husband, the artist and writer Grayson Perry, for over a quarter of a century.

Perry has previously built a reputation on non-fiction works, leveraging her professional background in her bestseller The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read. However, her new book, Shrink Solves Murder, marks a shift into fiction. Describing the new release, Perry noted that it is designed for readers who enjoy immersing themselves in a story and those seeking a compelling page-turner. She believes the novel appeals to a broad audience, particularly fans of Agatha Christie and Richard Coles.

"I really wanted to create strong characters, and nothing drives a plot quite like a murder," Perry explained. She was determined to set the narrative around Birling Gap in East Sussex, a spot that inspires her creativity. "Walking there feeds my imagination."

The couple’s decision to settle in the region was driven by their shared love for the landscape. "Grayson and I chose to live here because I enjoy the sea and swimming, while he prefers the hills and mountain biking. We get to enjoy both of these activities right on our doorstep," she said.

Perry emphasized that she kept her friends and family away from the writing process. "I keep them out of it because they tend to offer suggestions, and it has to be my book," she stated.

In the plot, a body is discovered on the beach, initially classified as a suicide. However, the protagonist, a psychotherapist, suspects foul play and takes on the role of detective. While Perry acknowledges parallels between herself and her main character, she clarified that the fictional version is "much grumpier." "I’d make a useless sleuth," she admitted.

For Perry, the transition from non-fiction to fiction was refreshing. "Writing non-fiction feels like work, but this novel felt like playing, while still allowing me to express myself," she said. With murder mysteries now poised to become the next chapter of her career, Perry added, "I’ve always enjoyed reading them, so it is wonderful to finally start writing them and join that club."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 05:10:38 UTC