Former Oldham Chronicle journalist set to publish debut novel
Former Oldham Chronicle journalist Richard Hooton is set to publish his debut crime novel, *The Margaret Code*, on April 10. The book, inspired by his grandmother's Alzheimer's, follows an 89-year-old woman solving a murder. It will be published in multiple formats and countries.
Mossley author Richard Hooton, a former Oldham Chronicle journalist, will see his debut crime novel hit shelves next spring after landing a major publishing deal.
The Margaret Code, a voice-led whodunnit following an 89-year-old woman whose failing memory holds crucial clues to a murder investigation, releases in hardback, eBook and audio on April 10, with paperback to follow in January 2026.
Hooton, who served as reporter and news editor at the Oldham Chronicle from 2006 to 2017, wrote the book while working as senior communications officer for Tameside Council. The novel draws inspiration from his teenage experience losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease.
The story centers on Margaret as she investigates the murder of her best friend and neighbor Barbara, convinced that Barbara entrusted her with a secret now buried within her ailing memory. With grandson James’s help, Margaret works to recover lost memories while strange occurrences in her home convince her that someone wants her silenced.
BAFTA-nominated Manchester actress Maggie Ollerenshaw, known for roles in Open All Hours, Last of the Summer Wine and Coronation Street, narrates the audiobook edition. The novel will publish through Sphere in the UK, Union Square and Co in America, and DTV in Germany.
Hooton developed his craft through writing groups and short story competitions, winning the Hammond House Publishing International Literary Prize and Evesham Festival of Words Short Story Competition while earning Bridport Prize shortlist recognition. “It’s a dream come true to have my novel published after many years of hard work to create it,” Hooton said.
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