New author Lesley Horton, pictured above, came second only to Richard Whiteley in the popularity stakes during her first book signing session.

Richard signed about 20 books during a promotional visit to Reid's Bookshop, in Keighley.

But Utley woman Lesley, a less famous writer, attracted 12 people to a signing session last Saturday at the Cavendish Street shop.

Reid's owner Gerald Brooksbank was happy with the amount of people who turned up to buy Lesley's novel, Snares of Guilt.

The book has been released by leading publisher Orion, which has asked for five more novels featuring the same team of detectives.

Snares of Guilt is set in Bradford and follows an investigation into the murder of a Moslem health visitor.

Lesley chose her local bookshop for her first public signing session and during the summer will attend similar events in Birmingham, Cambridge and York.

Snares of Guilt was launched last week at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, when the audience included Lesley's family and friends, writers and publishing executives.

Lesley read the gruesome opening chapter of the book before guests tucked into a buffet prepared by Lesley's son, Gavin, who runs Skipton delicatessen Le Repertoire.

Lesley's second novel has already been accepted by Orion and she is currently writing a third book.