Disposable Diaries: Sarah Ward

This month, we publish The Shrouded Path, an irresistible autumnal mystery by Sarah Ward. The book is the fourth in the author’s gripping DC Connie Childs series, which includes A Patient Fury, A Deadly Thaw and In Bitter Chill – all of which are set in the Peak District. We gave Sarah Ward a disposable camera, and the resulting photos are a fascinating insight into the landscapes that inspired the new book, as well a view of the author’s day-to-day activities.

A telephone box in a typical Peak village, painted the distinctive green. This one’s been yarn-bombed as part of a festival, and has been filled with crime novels by me to raise funds for the village.

A view into Monsal Dale, where the fictional village of Cold Eaton, featured in The Shrouded Path, is located. It’s one of the most beautiful areas of the Peaks.

A pond at Cromford Mill, the buildings of which are the inspiration for the fictional home of my detective constable, Connie Childs.

The manager’s house at Cromford Mill. This is typical of the Industrial Revolution age housing in the Peaks.

The wonderful Pauline at Warwick Books holding three of my books. I always get such a warm welcome here.

Another view of Monsal Dale, with the Headstone Viaduct in the foreground.

The centre of Bakewell, which forms the inspiration for the fictional town of Bampton in the DC Childs’ books. In the background is The Rutland Hotel, renamed as the Wilton Hotel in the series.

The entrance to Headstone Tunnel which is locked at night. I find it incredibly creepy and I fictionalise the tunnel in The Shrouded Path as the location for an act of violence in the 1950s.

Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District. Underneath the bridge is the drowned village of Ashopton which plays a key role in identifying the victim in The Shrouded Path.

The Shrouded Path is available in hardback from 6 September here.