Jennie Dodd

Jennie Dodd was raised in the picturesque market town of Shrewsbury, famous for its medieval castle, steep narrow streets, little alleyways and timber framed buildings. Situated on the River Severn, the town nestles amongst the ancient Shropshire Hills of the Stiperstones, the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge and the Wrekin. Educated at the Wakeman Grammar School, Jennie developed a keen interest in art, history and a love of English literature. In recent years, Jennie has developed a particular interest in Scottish history, mythology and folklore. Following a visit to Edinburgh’s Surgeons’ Hall Museum and observing the pocketbook made out of the skin of the infamous body snatcher William Burke, ideas for the storyline behind this novel quickly followed. Issues are raised about the effects life experiences have upon the formation of a person’s character. Can extreme poverty cause a person to act in ways which contradict their own nature? Can it drive them to break the law, and even commit murder?