The Cunning Man

Celia Rees was born in Solihull in the West Midlands and now lives in Leamington Spa, UK. Before she became a full-time writer, Celia was a teacher and her pupils helped inspire her to start writing. She is now an award-winning author well known for her bestselling historical novels, and for her unique fiction for young adults that combines 21st-century realism with a disturbing strand of psycho-horror.

Shirley Barthelmie studied drama at East 15 Acting School in London. She has a love of theatre and the spoken word which has led to voiceover and audiobook work since emigrating to Australia. She especially enjoys pantomime and has toured with children's shows throughout the UK. Shirly had narrated a number of Kathy Lette books including Altar Ego as well as Blood Sinister and The Cunning Man by Celia Rees.