A HOUSEWIFE from Weaverham who was inspired by the film Chaplin has released her debut novel - a crime thriller set in New York.

Mother-of-two Glennis Clark watched the film three years ago and was particularly impressed with the performance of the film's star, Robert Downey Jnr.

Her novel, Riddle Me Dead, tells the tale of Rob Downey, a high achieving homicide cop, his English girlfriend and professor of the criminal mind Connie and his partner Mack, as they try to hunt down a serial killer.

Although the quiet village of Weaverham may not have much in common with New York, Glennis did extensive research for the book and spoke to New York policemen to make the novel as authentic as possible.

She said: "It was really interesting researching it. That was probably the most enjoyable part of the whole experience.

"I had to spend a lot of time researching forensic science and profiling and I found that quite absorbing."

Glennis, 40, of Rutland Drive, has also written a children's book called Kirsty the Brave, which was inspired by problems her eight-year-old daughter Kirsty suffered at the hands of bullies at school.

The book, illustrated by Alan Berkshire, tells of how a young girl overcame a disability and ignored stares and comments.

Glennis said: "This was a very personal book. Kirsty went through a bit of a rough time at school and I wrote a long poem to encourage her to have a go at everything."

Some of the proceeds from the book, which should be released this year or early next year, will go to STEPS, a Lymm-based charity for people with lower limb conditions.

The prolific writer is now working on a romantic novel, Learning To Love Again, but she also plans to write a series of crime novels following on from her debut.

Riddle Me Dead can be bought on the website www.amazon.co.uk, and will soon be available in bookshops.

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk