Scottish writer Karen Campbell is a graduate of Glasgow University's renowned Creative Writing Masters, and author of The Twilight Time, After The Fire, Shadowplay and Proof of Life (all Hodder & Stoughton - extracts here).

A former police officer, Karen, who is based in Glasgow, won the Best New Scottish Writer Award in 2009. Her debut novel, described as 'gritty as hell, shot through with black humour'*‚ weaves personal insights and experiences to explore life behind the uniform - and the choices women make.

Her second book After the Fire continues to combine policing and relationship issues, charting the downfall of a police firearms officer in what the Daily Express calls: 'both a gripping thriller and moving psychological study’. Shadowplay looks at love, loss… and she-devil bosses, while Proof of Life asks if it’s our past that defines our future.

*Glasgow Herald quote