Mossley writer celebrates paperback release after rave reviews for debut novel

A Mossley writer is celebrating the paperback release of his debut novel after it won widespread praise from readers across the globe.

Richard Hooton’s crime novel The Margaret Code will be published in paperback on 29 January, following a successful hardback, eBook and audiobook release last April.

The book has already received hundreds of glowing reviews worldwide and currently holds an average rating of 4.1 out of five on Amazon, with nearly half of all reviewers awarding it the full five stars.

Described as a cosy crime caper with emotional depth, The Margaret Code is available in the UK, United States, Germany, Australia and South Africa.

The voice-led whodunnit centres on eighty-nine-year-old Margaret, whose failing memory may hold the key to a murder investigation unfolding on her street. The story was inspired by Richard’s own relationship with his grandmother, who died with Alzheimer’s when he was a teenager.

Richard, who works as a senior communications officer for Tameside Council, wrote the novel in his spare time before securing a literary agent and a publishing deal.

He said: “I’ve been delighted with how well received The Margaret Code has been and the fantastic reviews and feedback it’s had. One of the best aspects of publishing has been readers taking the time to get in touch or write a review telling me how much they’ve enjoyed Margaret’s story and how it’s moved them. I’m now looking forward to my novel being published in paperback and reaching even more readers.”

The novel follows Margaret as she attempts to solve the murder of her best friend and neighbour, Barbara. Convinced Barbara entrusted her with a secret before she died, Margaret teams up with her grandson James to piece together her fragmented memories and uncover the truth. As strange things begin happening in her home, her family believe her illness is worsening, but Margaret is certain someone wants her out of the way.

Richard studied English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton before beginning his career in journalism and later moving into communications.

He developed his creative writing skills by joining writing groups and entering short story competitions, winning accolades including the Hammond House Publishing International Literary Prize and the Evesham Festival of Words Short Story Competition. He was also shortlisted for the prestigious Bridport Prize.

Richard will be speaking at Droylsden Library Club on Wednesday 4 February from 10–11.30am. The event is free and no booking is required. He will also give an author talk at Oldham Library on Wednesday 18 February from 6–8pm, with free tickets available via Eventbrite.

The Margaret Code is available to pre-order from Amazon and independent bookshops. Richard can be found on Facebook, Instagram, X and Bluesky under @RJHooton.