Hello, I'm Julie Manners.
Thank you for visiting my corner of the world.
I fell in love with stories about crime and investigation long before I wrote my first novel. My first job was at a solicitor's office in Oxford, where the Head of Chambers was also the coroner. I didn't do the investigating myself, but I loved watching how the truth slowly came together from tiny details. Later, working in a government research office taught me how to dig into complicated issues, which comes in handy when I'm plotting a story.
The heart of my life is my family. Raising my two sons with the help of my parents-in-law taught me about loyalty, courage, and resilience. Those are the same themes you'll find in my books.
When I'm not writing, I'm usually with my family, planning my next adventure, or lost in a good book.
Why I Write Crime Fiction
Crime fiction lets me explore questions that matter. What drives someone to act when they're afraid? How do ordinary people find courage? These questions shaped my time working in law and research, and they shape my writing now.
I write about women who refuse to look away from injustice. Kate and Sara in Shady Encounters could have ignored what they learned in Prague. They could have finished their holiday and moved on. But they didn't. That choice costs them, but it also defines them.
My Writing Process
Every story starts with research. For Shady Encounters, I spent months learning about human trafficking networks, how they operate, and how survivors rebuild their lives. I approach these subjects carefully because real people live through these experiences.
I write early in the morning when the house is quiet. I plan each chapter but leave room for characters to surprise me. Kate and Sara changed as I wrote them. They became braver and more complicated than I first imagined.
Connect With Me
I love hearing from readers. If you have questions about my books or just want to say hello, reach out through my contact page. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases and behind-the-scenes news.