A PSYCHOLOGICAL thriller set in the town of Ulverston promises to leave readers on the ‘edge of their seat’.

My Sister’s Child is the third thriller novel penned by Buckinghamshire author Karen Clarke.

Mrs Clarke has previously written 12 romantic comedies and also co-writes thrillers with fellow author Amanda Brittany.

Her short stories have been published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad.

Originally from Yorkshire, Mrs Clarke chose the setting of Ulverston for her latest novel, which tells the story of two sisters and their tempestuous relationship.

Dark family secrets rise to the surface in this emotional page-turner which shows the strength of sisterly bonds.

Mrs Clarke fell in love with Ulverston after visiting the town as a teenager – and always wanted to write a book set in the Cumbrian market town.

“I went to Ulverston a long time ago when I was 18-years-old on holiday in the Lakes,” the 58-year-old said.

“The town really stood out it in my head – it’s such a beautiful place.

“When I began writing my book, I knew I wanted to set the story in Ulverston. When I was thinking about the plot and setting, Ulverston immediately sprung into my mind.

“I spent a lot of time researching the town and the Lakes, I really wanted to go there myself, but it just wasn’t possible because of the lockdowns.

“I’d like to visit there at some point this year and spend time there.

“My character works at a property agency in Ulverston and there’s a point in the book where she explains all the attractions nearby, so I had to spend a lot of time researching all the places in Ulverston like the Hoad and the Laurel and Hardy Museum.

“It was really interesting learning about the town.”

Mrs Clarke worked as a secretary, bookkeeper, wedding photographer, pub manager and librarian before turning to writing full-time.

“Writing was always something I wanted to do,” the mum-of-three said.

“It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I started taking it seriously. I joined an online writing group and published a short story in a magazine.

“I was then approached by a published to write a series of romcoms, but I always wanted to write a psychological thriller.

“I’d love to do more novels set in Cumbria in the future – it’s a beautiful place.”

Mrs Clarke said My Sister’s Child has ‘taken off’ since it was released earlier this month.

“I’ve had great positive feedback for it so far,” she said.

“My two previous books did well but this one seems to have taken off.

“It’s sold a lot more copies. I like to write stories with a twist that no one sees coming and I hope this one achieves that.”

My Sister's Child is available to buy on Amazon and on Waterstones online.