A former Oldham journalist’s debut novel, which highlights the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, was published in paperback after receiving a host of positive reviews.
Richard Hooton’s crime novel ‘The Margaret Code’ was released in hardback, eBook and audio last April. In late January, it was published in paperback.
It’s received great feedback from around the world and currently has 158 mainly positive reviews on Amazon.
One reader wrote on Amazon, “This isn’t just a murder mystery. It’s a snapshot of life from the perspective of an elderly lady beginning to experience dementia, the confusion, the frustration, the moments of clarity, the fear. There is something Margaret has forgotten. Is it something to do with the murder? How can she remember?”
His book has been published in the UK by Sphere, an imprint of Little Brown; in America by Union Square and Co; and in Germany by DTV – and is also available in countries as far away as Australia, South Africa and Germany.
Hooton, who works as a senior communications officer at Tameside Council, wrote the book in his spare time. He takes one day off in the week to focus on his writing. He said writing is a “precarious profession,” so he won’t be leaving his day job.
“I loved reading and writing as a child. I used to read a lot of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl as well. I’m a crime writer but I read different genres,” he said. “I’ve been delighted with how well received ‘The Margaret Code’ has been and the fantastic reviews and feedback it’s had.”
He studied English Literature at the University of Wolverhampton before becoming a trainee journalist in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. Between 2006 and 2017, he worked at the Oldham Evening Chronicle as a reporter and news editor.
Taking to creative writing, Hooton joined writing groups and began entering short story competitions to hone his writing skills. He went on to win or place highly in 12 short story competitions, including the Hammond House Publishing International prize for which he earned £1,000.
The story follows Margaret, who is 89 years old, as she attempts to solve the murder of her best friend and neighbour. With the help of her grandson, James, she tries to piece together her memories and solve the mystery. But strange things begin happening. Her family are soon convinced that Margaret’s Alzheimer’s disease is getting worse, but she is sure somebody wants her out of the way.
Readers have picked up on the relationship between Margaret and her grandson, as it’s not common to have such a relationship in a murder mystery.
Hooton added: “I was inspired to write the ‘Margaret Code’ by my grandma. The book is dedicated to her. She died when I was a teenager due to Alzheimer’s. I was thinking about crime books and thought it would be interesting to have an amateur sleuth who doesn’t quite remember the clues. It is set in Greater Manchester.”
He said he did receive an advance from his publishers, but the publishing process is very slow. The book deal was signed in 2023, but it was published in April 2025.
“I’ve always liked mysteries and crime books. They can be so interesting. It’s a jigsaw puzzle giving the reader a piece at a time.” He added.
‘The Margaret Code’ is available on Amazon or any bookshop. Richard is on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky as @RJHooton.
Comments (0)
Comments are moderated before publishing. Links and abusive language are not allowed.
No approved comments yet.