As we start 2025's run of shows, we thought we'd catch up with one of UK crime fiction's biggest champions, Donna Morfett, who returns to the show for the third time. Donna is a prolific blogger, the founder of The Dark Side of Brighton weekend crime festival, and an author in her own right. In recent weeks though, she's revealed how she's become embroiled in a dispute with a well-known fiction editor who she offered to help by lending her PayPal account. The act, made in good faith, left Donna owing a debt recovery company £1000. Encouraged by many members of the UK Crime Fiction community, Donna launched a Go Fund Me campaign and raised enough money to cover the debt in less than three days. As she tells us, the generosity of the donors has been extraordinary, and she remains determined to ensure that others don't face the issues she has.
Also this week, we pay tribute to former guest Amer Anwar (episode 118) who very sadly passed away this week. And we ask, will the potential sale of the WH Smith UK high shops change the publishing landscape?
Select tickets – The Darkside of Brighton 2025 – Old Ship Hotel
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