Martina Cole

Martina Cole (born 31 March 1959) is an English author best known for her crime fiction novels. Born in Essex, she had a challenging upbringing and left school at 15. Cole began writing in her 30s and published her first novel, "Dangerous Lady," in 1992. She has since written over 20 novels, many of which have been adapted into television series and films. Some of her most notable works include "The Runaway" (1994), "The Take" (1997), and "The Indebted" (2003). Cole's novels often explore themes of crime, violence, and redemption, and have been praised for their authentic portrayal of the criminal underworld. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the British Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year in 1997 for "The Take" and 2002 for "The Runaway." Cole's novels have been widely read and translated into many languages, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the crime fiction genre.