Ripponden women's group hosts debut novelist and Instagram sensation

A local women’s group welcomed author Paula Sutton to The Malthouse this week as part of a nationwide tour celebrating the release of her debut novel, The Potting Shed Murder.

Sutton, named ‘Instagram’s happiest influencer’ by Vogue, released her debut novel on 4th April and this week embarked on a tour that saw her attending events as far and wide as Leicestershire, Edinburgh and the sunny Ryburn Valley. Hosted by Stone’s Roses Women’s Group, the event was opened to members of the wider public and saw Sutton interviewed by radio producer and ghost writer, Becky Bond to a sell-out crowd.

The conversation covered everything from Sutton’s early career in fashion PR, representing the likes of Naomi Campbell, her time as Head of Bookings at Elle magazine, her love of vintage and how this led to her career as an Instagram influencer with over half a million followers. She also talked to the room about the ‘mid-life’ pivot and focusing on what sparks joy. Sutton explored the process of moving from idea to finished book, and how moving from urban south London to a rural village shaped her storytelling.

Sutton’s debut is a ‘cosy crime’ novel and has been compared to a ‘modern day Agatha Christie’ in a genre that has recently been popularised by smash hit successes from Richard Osman and his The Thursday Murder Club series.

Stone’s Roses President, Jane Moran, said: “We were delighted to welcome Paula to Ripponden. We’ve never done anything like this before and were blown away to host a sell-out 80 seat event. Thank you to Becky Bond for interviewing, The Thoughtful Spot Bookshop (Skircoat Green) for supplying copies of the book, The Malthouse (Rishworth) for hosting and Paula and her publishing team for a thoroughly entertaining evening for our members and friends.”

The Stone’s Roses Women’s Group hope to host more author events in future, welcoming more literary talent to the Ryburn Valley for this newfound community of voracious readers.