The Estate Box Set

The Estate Series - fiction with an emotional punch from the million-copy bestselling author.

Somewhere to Hide (Book 1, The Estate)

Cath Mason has learned to be tough. The things she's seen growing up on the Mitchell Estate, she's had to be. Yet, even broken and beaten by life at times, she's still the first person a woman in need of help seeks out. At Cath's house, there is safety in numbers as well as a place to hide. No matter what trouble comes to her door, she won't turn anyone away - because she knows what it's like to live with secrets and lies.

But now a problem from her past has come back to haunt her, and she's the one faced with a dilemma. What should she do first - help or be helped - despite being unsure she'll ever be ready to confront her own demons? Or, with danger around every corner, has the potential for revenge already gone too far?

Behind a Closed Door (Book 2, The Estate)

Working on the notorious Mitchell Estate, housing officer, Josie Mellor, faces challenges every day, but not nearly as many as those of her tenants. Kelly Winterton is scared and alone after her partner has been jailed. Charlotte Hatfield has fled from her violent partner four times already. He'll probably kill her if he finds her this time. Disowned by her family, someone is taking advantage of Amy Cartwright's vulnerability.

But Josie has her own problems to deal with too. As her home life deteriorates and she struggles to escape her controlling husband, she realises only a thin line separates her from the people she's trying to help.

Fighting for Survival (Book 3, The Estate)

When Caren Williams finds herself back on the estate she fought so hard to get away from, little does she realise she'll be living opposite her arch-enemy, Gina Bradley. Gina Bradley thinks she and her family rule Stanley Avenue so when Caren starts to become popular, she decides to hit her where it will hurt the most - she wants her husband.

Twins Rachel and Claire Bradley, took control of their girl gang when their leader was sent to a juvenile detention centre for assault. But Stacey Hunter is out now and wants to hold the position of top dog. Brawling in the street, fighting on the square and conforming to peer pressure - it all comes down to holding your nerve. But this time not everyone will survive the notorious Stanley Avenue...

Q&A with Mel Sherratt

How do The Estate Series and The DS Allie Shenton Trilogy differ?
DS Allie Shenton novels are police procedurals, so they are fast-paced and thrilling, with a murder to solve in each book, so plenty to keep readers thinking and working out. The Estate Series are a lot more relaxed - colourful characters and gritty subject matter, covering many social issues.

What genre does the series fit into?
I'd like readers to go through emotional journeys with the characters. I like to write about hidden crimes - things that often happen behind closed doors. The storylines are gritty but most have happy endings, laced with hope and encouragement. So I'm going to go with my own genre of Grit-Lit - where drama meets crime.

Where is The Estate set?
I've based the series in the fictional city of Stockleigh but it's anywhere you'll find dysfunctional families such as the Gallagher's (Shameless). It's anywhere the teachers try their best to educate the kids in schools similar to Waterloo Road. It's not far from Happy Valley. At times it's as sad as Eastenders: more often it's reminiscent of an episode from The Jeremy Kyle Show.

WRITTEN IN THE SCARS, book 4, is also available.


Genre: Mystery