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08

Oct

Last Updated: 08/10/2025
Harrogate
Harrogate

Knaresborough-born author celebrates success of debut novel

by John Plummer

| 08 Oct, 2025
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kathryn-salts-mill-bookshop-saltaire
Kathryn Sharman with her new book.

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Knaresborough-born author Kathryn Sharman is celebrating the success of her debut novel, The Family At No. 23.

The book, which blends domestic suspense and psychological fiction, was published in August. 

It has now reached the top 100 in the Kindle charts, and the top 50 with Apple Books, as well as top 50 psychological fiction paperbacks with Amazon.

The novel, published by Hodder & Stoughton, asks how far would you go to secure the right house in the right postcode and thereby your child a place in the best school.

Ms Sharman, who now lives in Harrogate with her husband and three children, previously worked as a journalist and copywriter in London and later in Yorkshire. After taking a career break to raise her family, she turned her attention to writing fiction.

After securing representation from a literary agent following success at being shortlisted for the prestigious Bath Novel Award, Ms Sharman secured a two-book deal with Hodder. Her next novel, The Second Home, is due to be released in spring next year.

She said: 

It has been a long route to publication, but the journey was definitely worth it and the reception to my first published novel has just been amazing. For years, writing was something I did in the margins of my life between school runs, work and family. It’s wonderful to see a long-held dream come true and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had from independent bookshops in my region as well as the online book community.

The Family At No. 23 is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook and can be ordered through all book retailers and local libraries. Signed copies are currently on sale at independent booksellers in Saltaire, Leeds, York, Harrogate, Ilkley and Ripon.

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