People

Retford based crime writer Stephen Booth was disappointed yet again at the finals of the 2007 UK Crime Novel of the Year Award.

He was hoping for success with The Dead Place, the sixth novel in Stephen's series featuring young police detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry.

His was one of six books on the shortlist for the award, which was presented at the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival in July 2007.

Stephen's been nominated three years running and this was the second time he'd reached the final stage, which is voted for by the public.

But, once again, he was pipped at the post.

"The award went to a new writer from Scotland, Alan Guthrie," says Stephen. "He was so shocked to get to the final six and then to win the award."

Carrying on

Undeterred, the 55-year-old has the latest in the Cooper / Fry series coming out in September 2007. It's going to be called Dying to Sin. He's already begun writing his ninth novel based on the characters and plans at least two others.

Fans of the characters often ask if they'll ever fall in love.

"I can't see it myself. I think it would be a difficult thing."

Transferring to television

There are so many crime shows on TV and it seems there could be room for one more, although Stephen Booth isn't holding his breath.

"We get interest every year from a BBC producer or an independent company but it never quite comes to fruition. One day I think it will happen."

More about the man

Stephen is a former deputy editor of the Worksop Guardian who wrote his first novel when he was just 12.

All his books are set in the Peak District and have found success on both sides of the Atlantic. They've been translated into 15 languages.

In 2003, he won the Dagger in the Library Award, presented by the Crime Writers' Association for the author whose books have given readers most pleasure.

One of his characters, DC Ben Cooper, has been a finalist for the Sherlock Award for the best detective created by a British author, and the series has twice won awards in the USA. The Sunday Telegraph describes the author as "one of our best story-tellers".