GINA KIRKHAM BOOK LAUNCH
A book launch event has been held for local author , Gina Kirkham at the Nine Leaves Lounge in Hoylake , for her fourth book to be published , Murders At The Winterbottom Women ’ s Institute .
Gina , a retired Merseyside Police officer , is known for her best-selling series , the Constable Mavis Upton books with publisher Urbane Publications . Following on from that success , she signed with Bloodhound Books in 2021 , part of the USA Open Road Media group , for her latest humorous cosy crime series .
The venue for the launch was chosen by Gina who grew up in Hoylake , to support local businesses who have felt the effects of the recent lockdown . “ The last two years has had such a huge impact on village businesses and local artisans . For those that have survived , it is now more important than ever to shop , eat out and hold functions locally to support them . Jo and her team at Nine Leaves provided a fabulous , relaxed and fun venue .” she said .
IncuBabies , a charity that has been close to Gina ’ s heart for many years , was the chosen charity to benefit from the evening , with them receiving the proceeds from ticket sales of £ 500.00 . A raffle was held during the evening , as well as people offering donations , raising just under £ 1,000 in total for the night . The charity has been working tirelessly to provide critical support services to neonatal babies and sick children since 2017 at Arrowe Park Hospital . Furthermore , IncuBabies has recently contributed significant funds towards ground-breaking research for newborn babies needing major surgery and / or that are born very premature ; once completed , this research programme has the potential to change the lives of sick children around the world .
Murders At The Winterbottom Women ’ s Institute was inspired by the WI ladies that Gina has had the pleasure to meet during her author talks around the country . She said . “ The WI groups are such a welcoming , fun and inclusive gathering of ladies with so many wonderful characters and personalities . I couldn ’ t fail to be inspired by them and was delighted that a few of the ladies allowed me to base characters on them for the book , although I must confess I didn ’ t meet a ‘ Phyllis ’ amongst them – or did I ?”
Murders At The Winterbottom Women ’ s Institute is available in paperback , eBook and audible from bookstores , Waterstones and Amazon .