Lethal Ladies & Co is a crime writers’ performance group, headed by Sarah Rayne and fellow author, Maureen Carter. Their aim is to provide a tailor-made evening for libraries, writers’ groups, bookshops – anyone who loves reading, writing or simply talking about books.

Here’s what’s on offer:

A straightforward talk. This is what writers’ groups usually enjoy, and is a double-act by Sarah and Maureen about the nuts and bolts of writing books: the agonies and the ecstasies, the blocks and the inspirations. It can also involve audience participation – Sarah and Maureen love to include writers and would-be writers in an exercise involving music and how it affects or kick-starts the creative flow.

Readings and panels. Generally one for bookshops, libraries and seminars. Lively discussions are greatly welcomed, and the topics range far and wide.

Story-telling evening. Great for autumn and winter evenings. It starts with Maureen’s lively diaries (hitherto unpublished) from her feisty thief-taker, Bev Morriss, and ends with Sarah’s ghost story by candlelight, complete with spooky background music.

So what about the ‘& Co’ aspect of Lethal Ladies? Sarah and Maureen have a carefully chosen group of writer colleagues and friends – a group of strolling players who won’t have to stroll very far to perform – they’ll join in when there’s a booking in their area. ‘Ladies’ is a flexible term: lethal gentlemen are included! Among them are authors such as Georgie Hale, Sally Spedding, Russell James, and Patrick Redmond.

Fees are agreed beforehand, but like everything else are flexible. For more information, phone: 0121 449 8683 or email: sarahrayne@btinternet.com or maureencarter@gmail.com, if possible putting ‘Lethal Ladies’ as the subject line.

Maureen Carter, has a background in journalism, mainly with BBC TV news plus a presenting stint with Newsnight. Like Sarah, she has worked in the amateur theatre. She writes the acclaimed police series featuring the feisty Bev Morriss; Bev made her debut in Working Girls and her latest outing is in Baby Love. Maureen’s website is at www.maureencarter.co.uk