A BLOODCURDLING tale of murder could see a Lymm author win a top crime fiction award.

Because The Coffin Trail has made it on to the shortlist of six for the second Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

Martin Edwards, from Lymm, won through after a public vote - the vote now continues until the winner is selected on Thursday, July 20.

"I'm very pleased and also amazed that the book has been included in the shortlist of the year's best crime novels," said Mr Edwards.

"The fact that the competition is based on a public vote makes it all the more exciting."

The result will be announced that evening, at the opening event of the Theakston's Old Peculier Harrogate Crime Writing Festival.

The winner will receive £3,000, plus a handmade, engraved beer barrel from Theakston's Old Peculier.