AN AWARD-WINNING Mossley author is set to see his debut novel reach an even wider audience this month as it is published in paperback.
Richard Hooton’s crime novel The Margaret Code was first released last April in hardback, eBook and audio formats.
The paperback edition is due to be published on Thursday, January 29.
Since its 2025 release, the novel has attracted hundreds of reviews internationally and currently holds an average rating of 4.1 out of five on Amazon, with nearly half of readers awarding it five stars.
The book has been published in the UK by Sphere, an imprint of Little Brown; in the United States by Union Square and Co; and in Germany by DTV. It is also available in countries including Australia and South Africa.
Described as a cosy crime caper, The Margaret Code follows 89-year-old Margaret, whose failing memory may hold the key to solving a murder on her street. The story was inspired by Richard’s own relationship with his grandmother, who died with Alzheimer’s when he was a teenager.
Richard, who works as a senior communications officer for Tameside Council, wrote the novel in his spare time before securing a literary agent and a publishing deal.
“I’ve been delighted with how well received The Margaret Code has been and the fantastic reviews and feedback it’s had,” he said.
“One of the best aspects of publishing has been readers taking the time to get in touch or write a review telling me how much they’ve enjoyed Margaret’s story and how it’s moved them. I’m now looking forward to my novel being published in paperback and reaching even more readers.”
The Mossley-based writer studied English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton before beginning his career in journalism. He worked at the Oldham Evening Chronicle as a reporter and news editor, before moving into communications.
Alongside his day job, Richard developed his creative writing by joining local writing groups and entering short story competitions. He has gone on to win several awards, including the Hammond House Publishing International Literary Prize and the Evesham Festival of Words Short Story Competition, and was also shortlisted for the prestigious Bridport Prize.
He is represented by Sam Copeland of the literary agency Rogers, Coleridge and White.
The audiobook edition of The Margaret Code is narrated by BAFTA-nominated Manchester actress Maggie Ollerenshaw, known for her roles in Open All Hours, Last of the Summer Wine and Coronation Street.
As well as the paperback release, Richard is due to appear at some upcoming events locally.
He will be speaking at Droylsden Library Club on Wednesday, February 4, from 10am to 11.30am, with no need to book, and will give an author talk at Oldham Library on Wednesday, February 18, from 6pm to 8pm, with free tickets available via Eventbrite.
The Margaret Code is available to pre-order from Amazon and independent bookshops.
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