Anthea Fraser
Anthea Mary Fraser is a British novelist, known for her mystery thrillers. Her mother was a published novelist and Anthea began composing poems and stories before she could write. At the age of five she announced that she wanted to be an author. However, despite having been a prolific writer in school, she did not become a professional writer until after her two daughters were born.
Her first professional publications were short stories. Her first novel was published in 1970. Her first significant success was with her 1974 novel Laura Possessed, which had a paranormal theme, and was followed by 6 other similarly themed novels. She then wrote some romantic suspense stories before turning to writing crime fiction.
She has created two mystery novel series, the first featuring 'Detective Chief Inspector David Webb' with the Shillingham police. There are 16 novels in this series, the last twelve of which bear titles based on the lyrics to the traditional English folk song Green Grow the Rushes, O.
The second series features 'Rona Parish', a biographer and freelance journalist.
Anthea Fraser served as secretary of the Crime Writers' Association from 1986 to 1996. She has also published five novels under the pen name 'Vanessa Graham'.
Novels
Designs of Annabelle, 1971In the Balance, 1973 Laura Possessed: A Novel of Suspense, 1974Home Through the Dark, 1974Whistler’s Lane: A Novel of Suspense, 1975Breath of Brimstone, 1977Presence of Mind, 1978Island-in-Waiting, 1979The Stone, 1980The Macbeth Prophecy, 1995Motive for Murder, 1996Dangerous Deception, 1998Past Shadows, 2001Fathers and Daughters, 2002Thicker than Water, 2009Shifting Sands, 2011the Unburied Past, 2013A Tangled Thread, 2015Sins of the Fathers, 2018Novels featuring DCI David WebbA Shroud for Delilah, 1984A Necessary End, 1985Pretty Maids All in a Row, 1986Death Speaks Softly, 1987The Nine Bright Shiners, 1987Six Proud Walkers, 1988The April Rainers, 1989Symbols at Your Door, 1990The Lily-White Boys, 1991Three, Three the Rivals, 1992The Gospel Makers, 1994The Seven Stars, 1995One Is One and All Alone, 1996The Ten Commandments, 1997Eleven That Went Up to Heaven, 1999The Twelve Apostles, 1999
Novels featuring Rona ParishBrought to Book, 2003Jigsaw, 2004Person or Persons Unknown, 2005A Family Concern, 2006Rogue in Porcelain, 2007Next Door to Murder, 2008Unfinished Portrait, 2010A Question of Identity, 2012Justice Postponed, 2014Retribution, 2016
Novels written under the pen name 'Vanessa Graham'In the Balance, 1973Time on Trial, 1979Second Time Around, 1982The Stand-In, 1984Such Men Are Dangerous, 1988