Linda Stratmann elected as CWA chair

The Crime Writers’ Association has elected Victorian crime specialist Linda Stratmann as its new chair.

Stratmann writes two fiction series, both set in Victorian times: the Frances Doughty Mysteries (History Press) set in 1880s Bayswater, featuring “a clever and determined lady detective, who battles wily criminals and prejudices about suitable roles for women”. The second series, published by Sapere Books, is set in 1870s Brighton and features Mina Scarletti, who has scoliosis, is “a diminutive writer of horror stories who exposes the activities of fraudulent spirit mediums”.

“I’m delighted to become chair of an association which continues to grow and now has more members, in the UK and overseas, than ever before,” Stratmann said. “It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of Martin Edwards, who deservedly earned a special vote of thanks at the AGM for his dedicated work for the CWA, and many other distinguished writers including Lindsey Davies, Peter Lovesey and Simon Brett.”

The CWA said outgoing chair and author Martin Edwards has been "widely recognised as not only making significant changes to the way the CWA operates, putting the association on a more business-like footing, but also spearheading initiatives which bring the CWA into closer supportive contact with libraries, booksellers, festivals, publishers and other organisations at home and overseas that focus on writing”. 

He continues as the archivist and anthology editor of the CWA as well as archivist and president of the Detection Club. He said of Stratmann: “I know she’ll be a great asset, as she’s already demonstrated with her tireless work for the CWA over the last decade, and wish her every success.”