Kate Harrison

Kate Harrison is the author of twenty-two novels and nonfiction books published under her own name and the pen names of Kate Helm and Eva Carter. Her work includes bookclub fiction (How to Save a Life, Mantle, 2021), psychological thrillers (The House Share, Bonnier, 2020), young adult (the Soul Beach trilogy, Orion, 2011–2014) and health books (The 5:2 Diet Book, Orion, 2013). Kate also writes scripts for chart-topping history and true-crime podcasts. 

Kate’s first novel, Old School Ties (Piatkus, 2003) was selected for the WHSmith Fresh Talent promotion and explores the bittersweet potential of school reunions. Her writing projects are driven by curiosity, rather than genre rules. Brown Owl’s Guide to Life (Orion, 2006) explores the influence of childhood friendships. The Secrets You Hide (Bonnier, 2018) exposes the troubled history of a courtroom sketch artist, while Owner of a Lonely Heart (Mantle, 2022) celebrates the transformative effect of therapy dogs. 

She has taught and mentored emerging writers at the Open University, Kingston University, Jericho Writers and Goldsboro Academy. A first-generation university graduate, Kate studied with the Open University while working full-time as a BBC journalist. She worked on shows including Panorama and Newsround and wrote the drama script for the BBC One docudrama, Angel of Death. After leading a team creating original programme concepts, Kate adapted those techniques to write Pitch Power, an author’s guide to developing ideas.

Kate lives in Brighton with her partner, their retired therapy dog, and a cat who rules the roost.