WHEN Martin Edwards is not busy with his career as a lawyer, he can be found pursuing a life of crime.

Martin, who lives in Lymm, is a crime writer in his 'leisure' time and has just had his latest book published.

"Where Do You Find Your Ideas" brings together a series of short stories Martin has written over the last 10 years, and also includes new stories featuring his most popular creation, Harry Devlin a fictional lawyer who also doubles as an amateur sleuth.

Martin, 46, is head of employment law at Liverpool-based solicitors Mace and Jones. A highly successful crime writer, he has written seven full length novels all featuring Harry Devlin.

His latest publication is his first book of short stories.

Said Martin: "It's exciting for me because crime stories can sometimes work even better in short form. However, they are certainly not easier to write because the impact has to be more immediate on the reader.

"The Harry Devlin stories I have included will give fans a better insight into the character's strange world."

Martin is a founder member of the Law Society's Standing Committee on Employment. In addition to writing crime, he is also a renowned writer and lecturer on employment law, regularly contributing articles to leading UK law and employment magazines. Martin is also co-writer of an equal opportunities handbook.