Author Bio

I was born and raised in Preston, UK, but I’ve called the Fylde Coast home for the past thirty years. My husband John and I moved here with our two wonderful children, David and Katie, along with a small menagerie of pets that always kept life interesting.

Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of four-legged friends, from thoroughbred horses to racing greyhounds. One of our proudest moments came in 1988 when John and I won the Blackpool Greyhound Derby with our beloved dog Scottie, who went on to become a much-loved member of our family.

In a complete change of direction, I became a real estate agent. For over two decades, I worked with Countrywide, Entwistle Green, where I met many colourful characters and built lasting relationships. I eventually became a Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents, which remains one of my proudest professional achievements.

Music has always been part of my life. I started playing piano at the age of six, and the music of my favourite composers continues to influence my writing in deep and lasting ways.

In November 2022, my debut novel Song for Someone was published. A blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, it features the world-famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes and the celebrated contralto Irene Adler, also known as "The Woman." The novel received critical acclaim and five-star editorial reviews from Book Viral, Literary Titan, Readers’ Favorite, and The Historical Fiction Company. One reviewer called it "an evocative masterpiece... not just a book, it's an experience." Song for Someone went on to receive the Editor's Gold Seal, a Crimson Quill nomination, was shortlisted for Best Series by CIBA, and became an International Impact Award Winner. It was also a finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards for Romantic Fiction and received a Top Pick Award from Author Shout.

Since then, I’ve written three more books in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler series. Among them is the novella Christmas at the Saporis, which won First Place and Best in Category at the Chanticleer International Book Awards in Bellingham. Meet Me in Milan, another novella, is the third title in the series.

My latest release is The Whistle of Revenge, a gripping follow-up to The Hound of the Baskervilles. Many readers have called it the strongest installment yet. In this thrilling standalone mystery, Holmes’s old enemy Jack Stapleton returns from his watery grave on the Great Grimpen Mire. Alongside the Italian Mafia, he kidnaps Holmes and Adler’s son as part of a chilling plan called Operation Whistle. The book has earned excellent reviews across Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon.

Plans are underway for Book Five, which will follow Sherlock and Irene as they take on a brand-new mystery in America.

I’m also working on something new. I’ve recorded a pilot for Blackpool Community Radio called Readers’ Corner, a half-hour program where I read and review books from a variety of genres. If the pilot is successful, it may become a regular Sunday afternoon show.

“Hello, and welcome back you guys. Today I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with a phenomenal author whose work breathes new life into the Sherlock Holmes universe, the talented KD Sherrinford. Welcome, KD!”

Thank you, Ajay! It’s a joy to be here.

“Before we get to the fundamentals of writing let's start at the beginning. What draws you to write about the past? And how do you decide which eras or settings to explore?"

I was drawn to write about the Victorian era, as this was the period Conan Doyle originally wrote about my protagonists, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler.

The setting for my debut novel, "Song for Someone", is La Scala, the prestigious opera house in Milan.

After re-reading the Doyle Canon again, I realised I had to find somewhere plausible for them to meet. Holmes is a classical music fan, and Irene is an acclaimed contralto, so La Scala was an ideal setting.

“That’s such a vivid backdrop. How do you ensure historical accuracy while still crafting an engaging narrative?”

The historical accuracy was of paramount importance. There are several historical real-life characters in "Song for Someone": Arturo Toscanini, Pietro Mascagni, his wife Lina, Rodolfo, the guest composer for Mascagni's opera Silvano. Agatha Christie also makes a guest appearance.

I'm very fortunate to have an excellent development editor working with me, Tony Waslin-Ashbridge, whose knowledge of the historical and musical nuances during that period is phenomenal. I shall be forever grateful for his brilliant insights and helpful advice. Consequently, much time and effort went into each book, greatly enriching each stand-alone story.

“Do you usually begin with historical events and build the characters around them, or do your characters come first?”

My main characters are Sherlock and Irene, and I tend to introduce other characters as I go along. I'm a panster writer, so things come to me as the story unfolds. The historical events are subsequently woven into the story.

“And how about your research process? How do you know when it's time to stop researching and just begin writing?”

Tony and I tend to look at the timeline and the historical figures around at the time. If everything fits and we feel they will add to the story, we can introduce them into the narrative, thoroughly checking all the historical facts as we go along. When we have done that, I can start writing.

“Writing about the past comes with the challenge of outdated social norms. How do you handle that when writing for modern readers?”

The realm of fiction should always be a playground for the imagination, a boundless universe where, as a writer, you can break established norms, straddling the line between the norm and the unexplored.

I like to take my readers on a journey and shift the narrative of what constitutes a good story from a modern perspective.

“Now let's get into the heart of your genre. What’s your approach to plotting a mystery? Do you plan twists in advance or let them unfold naturally?”

I'm mainly a pantser writer, although a fair bit of outlining was involved while plotting the stories. It's like a jigsaw puzzle. The outlining is the edges, and the panster bits are the other puzzle pieces. Of course, they don't all slot perfectly into place the first time around. But that's all part of the fun, finding what works.

I love incorporating the twists, throwing in a few Easter Eggs along the way, and at least one subplot, to increase momentum and keep readers turning the page, before the thrilling and memorable conclusion.

“That sounds like a great ride for your readers. How do you maintain suspense and keep them guessing without being misleading?”

Using Easter Eggs, clues in an innocent narrative, or a throwaway comment. The clues are all there waiting to be discovered. I love turning it up a notch and building tension through narrative or actions. Surprising at times, but never misleading.

“Speaking of clues and twists, what are your favorite types of clues or red herrings to plant?”

When introducing a clue or a red herring, I want the reader to become an active participant, giving them an interactive experience.

Knowing which clues and red herrings to plant and exposing yourself as an author can be a challenge.

What I have found is that the introduction of skilful clues and foreshadowing blending into the narrative are soon forgotten by readers.

By interweaving the clues into the story providing all the information is an effective way of integrating them into the plot, but you must play fair with the reader, it's a delicate balancing act to maintain that connection.

Having said that I do love a good old Agatha Christie type Red Herring where everyone is a suspect, as is the case in my novella "Christmas at The Saporis" a recent Winner and Best in Category at The Chanticleer International Book Awards Ceremony in April.

“Do you have a preference when it comes to types of detectives? Amateur, professional, or historical figures?”

One of my main protagonists is the world-famous private consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. So of course it would have to be him. I recently wrote a short story part of an anthology where I wrote about a modern-day rookie detective called Liv in "A Bit of a Do", that was fun, so it’s something I might come back to in the future.

“How do you create satisfying endings that tie up the mystery while still leaving emotional resonance?”

I have been very fortunate when writing my books. I had no idea how any of them were going to end initially, which is what I love so much about being a panster. You have poetic licence to allow your characters to take you where they need to go.

That Eureka moment when you finally figure out the ending is terrifying and electrifying, as you tie everything up into a fitting and satisfying conclusion while at the same time maintaining that emotional resonance which is so important.

“And how do you balance romantic tension with the suspense or mystery plot?”

It was easier with the first book to be honest. The underlying sexual tension between Holmes and Adler was there for all the world to see, and essential to the plot and subsequent mystery.

In the other 3 books the couple are married, but at the root of each mystery is the undeniable bond between the two, and their remarkable relationship. They have been through so much to be together, and the books are a testament to that strength in depth

“What makes a romantic connection believable in a high-stakes or historical setting?”

I think the deep abiding love and respect for each other which is evident in all of the books, but especially Song for Someone. Holmes and Adler form an uneasy alliance in Fiesole after a series of heated altercations, a friendship is formed based on mutual admiration and respect, which slowly turns into a love affair.

They are both tortured souls flawed by events from the past, something they come to recognise in each other.
Holmes has a high regard for Adler, the only woman to have ever outwitted him.

“Do you tend toward slow-burn romances or love-at-first-sight dynamics?”

Slow burn every time for me. Sherlock and Irene's romance wasn't a Mills and Boon type romance by any stretch of the imagination. Stuck together in Fiesole in semi-isolation Adler does not much care for Holmes, finding him aloof, arrogant and egotistical, while Holmes has always found most women inscrutable.

“How do you keep the romance compelling without overshadowing the mystery?”

I am amazed by how readers have shipped Sherlock and Irene's remarkable relationship. It’s not just physical, it’s also a meeting of the minds, which I try and explore more in each subsequent story.

Having Irene involved in the mysteries is an ideal way to ramp up the romance without detracting from the mysteries.

“Let’s talk about writing complex characters in dangerous situations. How do you approach that?”

Two of my most complex characters involved in dangerous and dramatic situations are Colonel Moriarty in "Song for Someone" and Jack Stapleton in my latest novel The Whistle of Revenge.

In Song for Someone Colonel Moriarty escapes from Bedlam Asylum upon discovering Holmes has returned to London after a period of three years having been thought to have perished after his deadly altercation with Professor Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls.

I thought his brother Colonel Moriarty would be a worthy adversary, although little was written about him in the Canon, he was nevertheless an interesting and complex character to introduce to the story.

In The Whistle of Revenge I deliberated for ages who would be a fitting and worthy adversary for Sherlock Holmes. In the end I chose Jack Stapleton, aka Bob Barrett, best known for his murderous antics in Doyle's Hound of The Baskervilles, and who rises from his watery grave on The Great Grimpen Mire, making a spectacular return to the city of Milan, in pursuit of the celebrated detective, and along with the Italian Mafia wreak havoc, kidnapping Holmes’ beloved son as part of their evil and vengeful master-plan, Operation Whistle.

I gave Stapleton a POV in Whistle, in which he narrates several chapters. I wanted readers to discover the man behind the facade, and how he really felt about Sherlock Holmes and the events that occurred in Hound of The Baskervilles.

It was exciting stuff writing about such high-profile characters. The Whistle of Revenge is considered the best of my Sherlock and Irene series.

“Of the genres you write in — history, mystery, and romance — which do you find the most challenging?”

I would say the mystery element is the most challenging. Following the plot and subplots, keeping the readers on their toes while trying to write an engaging and memorable ending.

As for Sherlock and Irene, I feel as if I know them personally, so I always have a good idea how they will converse, while keeping the dialogue crisp, witty and entertaining.

“What do you enjoy most about blending those genres?”

You have the historical nuances of course, so plenty of opportunity to introduce new and compelling characters readers can resonate with while keeping the romance between Sherlock alive as they embark on their next thrilling adventure, is literary gold.

As Dee Marley said from The Historical Fiction Company, Song for Someone isn't just a book, it's an experience.

“Tone is important when juggling romance, danger, and depth. How do you keep it consistent?”

The stories are told mostly from Irene Adler's POV so it was a lot easier to maintain the tone when that happened. However, in Song for Someone and The Whistle of Revenge the stories are told from multiple POVs which was of course much more difficult. But I felt it important for the reader to hear the story from other perspectives no matter how challenging. But once you get into the mindset of the other characters, which is what I always try to do, it makes the back and forth and premise of the story so much easier.

“Who are some authors that inspire you, particularly in these genres?”

There are so many wonderful authors, but Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie are two of my favourites.

Of the more modern-day authors I would say Lynda La Plante and Ian Rankin. I have read most of their books which were also made into a TV series starring Helen Mirren and Ken Stott. Wonderful stuff.

John Mortimer also deserves a mention for his amazing Inspector Morse books, which were also made into a TV series starring the wonderful John Thaw, and for me the best detective series ever.

I like to think there is a little of Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie in my writing, people tell me there is. I even gave Agatha a cameo in my debut novel Song for Someone, Agatha meets Irene and her daughter Charlotte at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.
I loved writing those scenes.

“What do you hope your readers take away after finishing one of your books?”

I hope readers get a feeling of satisfaction, and see another side to the celebrated detective and the acclaimed contralto Irene Adler.

I write each scene to draw the reader into the story as though they are a fly on the wall, witnessing every word and mannerism until the exciting and thrilling conclusion.

“Your series is beautifully rich in detail. How much research do you do for your books?”

I did an incredible amount of research for my Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mystery Series. It was essential to get the timelines right and the historical and musical nuances had to be 100% factual. 

I am fortunate to be working with a fantastic development editor, Tony Waslin-Ashbridge. His knowledge of the historical and musical references of the Victorian era was phenomenal. I shall be forever grateful for his invaluable support and wonderful insights.

“That level of dedication really shows on the page. Speaking of genres, what’s your favorite one to write and why?”

My favourite genre to write is Historical Fiction, and mysteries with a tinge of romance. I love everything about the Victorian Era. The beautiful prose and rich history. I especially enjoyed interweaving real life characters with the historical ones.

For example, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler meet again in Song for Someone seven years after their remarkable encounter in A Scandal in Bohemia, and during the world premiere of Pietro Mascagni’s opera Sylvano, which was staged at the prestigious opera house La Scala in Milan, in March 1895.

Those scenes in the Green Room at the great house after the performance were wonderful to write. Holmes, Watson and Adler in conversation with Mascagni, Rodolfo (the guest conductor for Sylvano), and Arturo Toscanini were wonderful to write.

When I started, I was encouraged to write something I knew about, something I would want to read myself, such as Sherlock Holmes, classical music and horses, so I did.

“That’s fantastic. Your passion really comes through. If you had to describe yourself in just one word?”

Impulsive.

🤣 ”That’s a good one. And what was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?”

I wrote my debut novel, Song for Someone, for myself. I never in a million years expected anyone to read it, let alone for it to be published. I was staggered by how many people shipped Sherlock and Irene’s extraordinary relationship and took the characters to their hearts. It was a truly humbling experience.

“That must have been such a rewarding surprise. Does writing energize or exhaust you?”

I was completely energised by the writing process when I started; I had so many ideas and thoughts in my head. I couldn’t wait to get the words down on the page. But, I have learned a lot since then and try to pace myself these days.

“And when writer’s block hits, how do you deal with it?”

I try not to force anything. If I develop writer’s block, I will walk away for a few days and do something else. Then an idea will eventually come to me in a Eureka moment, usually when I’m asleep. So I have to get up and write it down before I forget.

“Sleep-time inspiration is real! Alright, quick fun one: favorite ‘90s or early 2000s song?”

I’m more of a seventies fan when it comes to music. I loved that era of the singer-songwriter. But if pushed, I would choose Barbra Streisand’s rendition of Michel Legrand’s “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”. It’s one of my favourites.

“Classic choice. Huge fan of the seventies myself. Where do you draw your inspiration from?”

I drew inspiration for my series from my wonderful daughter Katie during a visit to the London Sherlock Holmes Museum in 2019. I remember it was just before lockdown. We had a glass of wine or two afterwards, when my daughter suggested I write my adaptation.

“Cheers to Katie for planting that brilliant seed. How do you handle criticism?”

I’ve learned to develop a thick skin over the years. Not everyone is going to love your work, and that’s fine.

I find solace in the feedback and encouragement from the ones that do. That’s what matters. (Well, they are a very strange couple.)

🤣 “That parenthetical might be my favorite part yet. Okay, here’s a curveball, you’re on death row. What’s your last meal?”

My last meal would be a juicy steak, well done and burned around the edges, with oven-baked potatoes, salad and sour cream.

“That sounds like a feast. Now how do you prioritise your tasks day to day?”

I try to keep a record of everything and prioritise in order of importance. That can change daily, depending on what I’m working on. It’s easy to get distracted from the more mundane tasks.

“Very true. What first inspired you to write?”

That visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum was the catalyst that set everything in motion. I’ve always been a massive fan of the mystery writers, and Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie were among my favourites.

I remember feeling cheated after Irene Adler failed to appear in any more of Doyle’s stories after A Scandal in Bohemia. I waited years for someone to write a pastiche about the celebrated detective and the acclaimed contralto. The ones that did merely skirted around the subject without exploring its depths and endless possibilities.

I mean all that brooding intensity, right? Irene was the perfect foil for the celebrated detective. So encouraged by my daughter, I started work on my adaptation.

“That’s such a powerful origin story. Now, how important are book reviews to you?”

I can’t emphasise enough how vital book reviews are. They are the lifeblood of every aspiring author.

Some people appear scared of posting reviews, but we only need a few lines to say if you enjoyed the book; it literally takes a few minutes.

So if any readers are sitting on the fence, I say do it. You will brighten someone’s day and make the author community very happy.

Most authors are hard-working folk who deserve any accolades coming their way.

“Beautifully said. Walk us through your writing routine.”

I need coffee in the morning before I do anything. After checking my post and emails, I go for a walk. Then it’s more coffee, kindly supplied by my lovely husband, John, before I begin writing or editing in my office at the rear of the house. It’s nice and quiet with no distractions.

I’ll write for a few more hours after lunch and stop around 5 pm. I used to carry on until early evening, which I still do if I have a deadline or am behind schedule. Besides that, I switch off my laptop and find time to relax by watching a film on Netflix or listening to music.

“Sounds like a lovely balance. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?”

It would be a horse. I adore them, any type or colour, it doesn’t matter, although I do love a grey; they look so classy. I have had the privilege to own and work with a few equine superstars in my salad days. They are the most noble, gentle creatures.

“And, what’s your favorite motivational phrase?”

My favourite phrase is probably “Just be yourself, everyone else is taken.”

“Oscar Wilde would definitely approve. Last but not least, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?”

I would advise aspiring writers not to give up, and never allow anyone to distract you from your dreams.

You will get a mixed response once you announce to the world that you’re an author.

Find your tribe, which may not necessarily be your close friends and relatives. Connect with other authors on social media, set up an author page, and find a good editor.

If you can’t afford to hire someone professionally, ask a teacher or inquire about the various Facebook groups offering editorial services.

There is plenty of help available if you know where to look. Be wary of scammers. Social media is full of them.

🙂 “Wise words and such a generous heart. KD, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you today. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes of your process, passion, and purpose.”

Thank you, Ajay. It’s been an absolute delight.

“To the readers:

Be sure to follow KD on social media, links are down below. Show your support by grabbing a copy of their books, diving into those fantasy worlds, and most importantly, leave a review. We live for that feedback, and it helps more than you know.

Until next time!”