Keating’s tragedy inspired me says author Finnigan

Interviewed by husband Richard Madeley, she told yesterday’s Yorkshire Post Literary Lunch: “She was leaving behind these two boys, aged seven and nine. It’s the worst thing as a mother to think you might be prevented from bringing up your children.

“It started me wondering, what if a mother’s love was so passionate it could reach beyond the grave?” This – as well as a love of Cornwall and its history – was what prompted Eloise, a ghost story with echoes of Daphne du Maurier.

Madeley also persuaded her to reveal details of her second book, the story of a missing fisherman in Cornwall, but she added: “I don’t want to say any more – I haven’t started writing it yet!”

Michael Shelden, award-winning journalist and biographer, spoke about his book Young Titan, the story of the young Winston Churchill and the women in his life – Pamela Plowden, Muriel Wilson and the actress Ethel Barrymore.

“He is nothing like the Winston Churchill we think of when he found his moment in the sun as Prime Minister,” said Shelden.

The third speaker was Sean O’Connor, a writer, director and producer who has worked on programmes including The Archers. His book, Handsome Brute, examines the story of Neville Heath, the charming but deadly ex-RAF pilot whose shocking crimes included the murder of at least two young women.