How to Investigate a Murder with former Detective Superintendent Vanessa Smith

Are you intrigued by detective work, or have you ever wondered where a crime writer gets their plots, then join us at Keighley Library on Saturday 7th March 1.30 – 3.00 pm to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 and delve into the world of Crime.  

Journalist and author Sharon Wright will interviewing former Detective Superintendent Vanessa Smith on her groundbreaking career as a police officer with West Yorkshire Police.

Vanessa worked for vice, robbery and drugs squads before becoming the first female West Yorkshire Police murder squad detective.  Now after a long and decorated career, Vanessa advises authors and production companies on crime procedurals and appeared as the law-enforcement expert on Killer in My Village on Sky TV.  

Sharon wrote the bestselling biography of Maria Branwell, mother of the Brontës, and The Lost History of the Lady Aeronauts. She is co-author with Ann Dinsdale of Let Me In: The Brontës in Bricks and Mortar. Sharon writes for magazines and newspapers including The Guardian, The Times and Woman & Home and has appeared on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour and Today programme. In 2024 Sharon won a correction to the spelling of the Brontë name on the memorial in Westminster Abbey.

The afternoon will conclude with Vanessa taking the audience on an eye-opening journey as they investigate a murder scenario together. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy an insider’s guide to solving crime at Keighley Library.

To book please go to our Bradford Libraries ticket source page.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradfordlibraries/t-gllalaq