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Letters: A True Crime Memoir
What would you risk for love—and how far would you fall?
In 1979, seventeen-year-old Deb Lawrence is a new single mum living with her parents in England, her life already complicated enough. Everything changes when she starts exchanging letters with Glyn Croft, a charismatic, dangerous man serving time in HMP Grendon, a psychiatric prison infamous for housing some of Britain’s most notorious criminals.
Over eight months, Deb and Glyn’s intense correspondence grows into a powerful, forbidden love. When Glyn is released, he tests Deb’s loyalty by pulling her into his world of scams, violence, and criminal schemes. Together, they become known as “the Bonnie and Clyde of the South Coast” -partners in crime, living on the edge.
Deb’s choices land her in prison, where she befriends women haunted by violence, including victims of Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, whose sentencing Deb witnesses first-hand. Through it all, Deb’s resilience is tested by betrayal, danger, and the hope for something better.
This raw, unflinching memoir pulls back the curtain on Britain’s criminal underworld in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s a story of survival, heartbreak, and the power of choice—even when the odds are stacked against you.
A True Crime Memoir is the untold story of love, crime, and redemption, ending on a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for fans of gritty true crime, unforgettable memoirs, and anyone who believes in second chances.
In 1979, seventeen-year-old Deb Lawrence is a new single mum living with her parents in England, her life already complicated enough. Everything changes when she starts exchanging letters with Glyn Croft, a charismatic, dangerous man serving time in HMP Grendon, a psychiatric prison infamous for housing some of Britain’s most notorious criminals.
Over eight months, Deb and Glyn’s intense correspondence grows into a powerful, forbidden love. When Glyn is released, he tests Deb’s loyalty by pulling her into his world of scams, violence, and criminal schemes. Together, they become known as “the Bonnie and Clyde of the South Coast” -partners in crime, living on the edge.
Deb’s choices land her in prison, where she befriends women haunted by violence, including victims of Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, whose sentencing Deb witnesses first-hand. Through it all, Deb’s resilience is tested by betrayal, danger, and the hope for something better.
This raw, unflinching memoir pulls back the curtain on Britain’s criminal underworld in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s a story of survival, heartbreak, and the power of choice—even when the odds are stacked against you.
A True Crime Memoir is the untold story of love, crime, and redemption, ending on a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for fans of gritty true crime, unforgettable memoirs, and anyone who believes in second chances.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 28, 2025
So good!! This is a memoir with literally everything in it. Drama, romance, family trauma and humor.
Kept me hooked from the first page which starts with a body in the boot…. Ifykyk.
Highly recommended.
Kept me hooked from the first page which starts with a body in the boot…. Ifykyk.
Highly recommended.
January 6, 2026
I really enjoined reading this book, from start to finish.
I didn’t want it to end and I wanted to see what happened next.
I didn’t want it to end and I wanted to see what happened next.
January 7, 2026
Loved this true crime novel. The music and references to the good old days were very nostalgic. Characters were described in such detail I could picture them in my head. Very enjoyable 😊
April 6, 2026
Brilliant book. Glued to it.
What a brilliant book. Felt as if I knew Deb. I hope their life will be a good one.
Hope there’s a follow up!
What a brilliant book. Felt as if I knew Deb. I hope their life will be a good one.
Hope there’s a follow up!
April 17, 2026
Loved every page and moment of the story as you went on the journey with the main character . It was interesting and well written and I hope there is more to come from this author in the future.
May 10, 2026
brilliant
Loved this book and couldn't put it down I can't wait for the next book so we can see what happens next
Loved this book and couldn't put it down I can't wait for the next book so we can see what happens next
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews