Retired Greenock GP is back with a new novel

Dr Anne Pettigrew wrote a successful debut Not the Life Imagined about the adventures of a young medical student in the 1960s.

It was a huge hit and took her to the international festival Bloody Scotland, where she was nominated as 'one to watch'.

Now her character, super sleuth Dr Beth Semple, is back in Not the Deaths Imagined.

It's set in her 40s as she is juggling family and work life - while trying to track down a colleague who could be a serial killer.

Anne, a member of the Greenock Writers' Club, uses her books to give a voice to women and promote education for girls across the globe by raising money for the charity Plan UK.

A GP for more than 30 years, Anne says she is 'really excited' about her new book.

She told the Tele: "I have just turned 70 and it is a privilege to be able to do this.

"I appreciate all the support from the writers' club and others.

"I have had lots of people I have known over the years get in touch to ask if any of the characters are based on them, but it is all fiction!

"It has been a great experience to get the chance to write."

Not the Deaths Imagined also draws on the infamous case of Harold Shipman, the GP who killed many patients and is believed to be the world's most prolific serial killer.

Former family doctor Anne added: "Shipman changed everything for GPs - after that there were lots of practices brought in.

"But I am not sure it would have stopped what he did."

Busy Anne has also been combining her talents by writing a blog to help people during the COVID-19 crisis.

She has been offering tips for good physical and mental health during lockdown.

She said: "I have asthma and there are health conditions in the family so unfortunately I can't come back and volunteer but I wanted to help in whatever way I can

"I have had a lovely reaction from people and patients I haven't seen for years have been in touch.

"There are so many people out there who are feeling isolated and very vulnerable."

Since her first book was published Anne, who lives in Skelmorlie, has given lectures to medical students and she continues to give a voice to feminist themes.

After retiring she followed her dream of writing by signing up for the Glasgow University creative course and then joining the local writers' club.

Her first book attracted critical acclaim and the reviews for her latest publication look promising, with fellow crime writer Theresa Talbot and others giving it their backing.

Simon Brett, OBE, an award winning writer, said:“There have been many books written about the world of medicine, but Anne Pettigrew brings a fresh voice and moral authority to the subject.”

*Not the Deaths Imagined is published by Ringwood and is available for pre order.