People of Abandoned Character was announced as the winner live at a party at Goldsboro Books at 7.00pm on Thursday 30th September and Clare was awarded £2,000 and a beautiful, handmade glass bell.
Goldsboro Books staff said: “The decision was pretty much unanimous. Clare Whitfield’s thrilling debut impressed the whole team for its fresh and unique take on the Whitechapel Murders. Told from the point of view of a woman who wonders whether her violent and manipulative husband could be Jack the Ripper, it’s also a thoughtful and compelling exploration of the endless violence faced by women of all walks of life. We’re delighted to award this year’s Glass Bell to Clare Whitfield – a hugely exciting new name in fiction, we know that she will go far!"