Marrisse Whittaker is a British author known for her psychological crime thrillers. She is best known for The Billie Wilde Thrillers series.
Born and raised in the UK, Marrisse Whittaker began her career in the arts as a BBC-trained make-up artist. She worked in theatre, opera, TV, and films. "I might have been called upon to create a corpse or age an actor by a hundred years," she says.
Transitioning from make-up artistry, Marrisse became a scriptwriter for popular UK TV productions. Her work included contributions to CBBC's Byker Grove, BBC's Doctors, and Channel 4's Hollyoaks.
Partnering with her husband, Bob Whittaker, a former TV journalist and producer, Marrisse co-founded Orion TV. Together, they created a range of factual programs for major international broadcasters.
Living by the sea in rural Northumberland, Marrisse now writes dark and twisty plotlines for her novels. She finds inspiration while walking through the dramatic landscape of her home. "Inventing murderous stories amidst wandering through the spectacular surf and turf is my new adventure," she remarks.
Her debut novel, The Magpie (2021), introduced readers to Detective Billie Wilde. Set in the North East of England, this crime noir novel earned Marrisse a shortlist nomination for The Lindisfarne Prize for Outstanding Debut Crime Fiction. The series follows the young detective and her diverse team as they tackle serial killer cases and face personal challenges.
The Devil's Line (2022), the second book in the series, continues Billie Wilde's pursuit of justice. She is drawn into a shocking chase to capture a serial killer linked to a gangland boss's gruesome murder.
The Mad Hatter Murders (2023) features DSI Billie Wilde juggling an intense romantic relationship and the pressures of her latest case. The new chief of police is determined to challenge her squad's effectiveness.
In Buried Dreams (2023), Billie Wilde leaves the police force to team up with private investigator Ellis Darque. When skeletons are discovered in Ellis's new house and garden, they uncover dark secrets together.
The latest installment, Backstabber (2024), sees Billie Wilde and Ellis Darque investigating death threats against a local bakery. The partners face challenges as they navigate different approaches to solving the case.
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