Cathryn Kemp
Cathryn Kemp’s first historical novel was published in July 2024. She is a bestselling writer of memoirs, both her own and as a ghostwriter.
Instagram: @cathryn_kemp
Twitter: @cathrynkemp
Biography
Cathryn Kemp is writing a series of historical novels for Transworld. The first title, A POISONER’S TALE - a dark and gripping feminist retelling of notorious Italian Poisoner Giulia Tofana - was published in July 2024.
‘Kemp has brought Giulia back to life through rich layers of detail. This gruesome story is not for the faint-hearted, but whatever the rights and wrongs of Giulia’s mission, this novel forces us to question how far society has come – and how far it has yet to go.’ The Scotsman
She is also a bestselling ghostwriter of commercial memoirs and commercial fiction.
Her own memoir, PAINKILLER ADDICT, is a gripping memoir that offers a deeply personal window into one of the biggest medical scandals of the century - drug addiction aided by hospitals and doctors. Unlike the vast majority of addicts, Cathryn chose not to remain anonymous and has talked publicly about her addiction. She was awarded the Peter Wilson award for journalism and her book won the Big Red Read for non-fiction in 2013. It was re-released as COMING CLEAN in February 2017.
Cathryn is also the author of WE AIN'T GOT NO DRINK, PA and A FISH SUPPER AND A CHIPPY SMILE (Orion), both of which hit the Sunday Times Top 20 and chronicle the life of a spirited and determined fish and chip shop lady from South East London in the 20th century. JAM BUTTIES AND A PAN O' SCOUSE (Trapeze), written with 96 year old Liverpudlian Maggie Clark, tells the story of a life of much hardship set against the tight-knit community of 1930s Liverpool. Cathryn also wrote the FOSTER TAILS animal sanctuary books for Barby Keel. Other ghosted books not listed here for confidentiality reasons have hit the bestseller lists.
Cathryn continues to work as a journalist and ghostwriter. She also runs the charity Painkiller Addiction Information Network (PAIN) and is much in demand as a spokesperson on issues around painkillers.
Books
Fiction:
Cathryn is now working on a series of historical novels for Transworld.
The first title, A POISONER’S TALE - A dark and gripping feminist retelling of notorious Italian Poisoner Giulia Tofana - was published in July 2024.
'A gorgeous historical novel about the legend of female poisoner Giulia Tofana, brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE, author of The Lighthouse Witches
‘Kemp’s vivid storytelling create an engrossing read that explores themes of power, survival, and the fine line between right and wrong.’ Glamour Magazine
‘Immersive and bold, this is a spellbinding ode to sisterhood, motherhood and secret defiance.’ Good Housekeeping
Non-fiction:
