When we recently ran our “Proudly Redditch” feature celebrating the many superstars who hail from our town, an eagle-eyed reader was quick to point out one very important omission.
They wrote:
“You have missed out crime writer Charlotte Vassell, who was born and grew up in Redditch. Her second novel, The In Crowd, won Best Novel at the 2025 Edgar Allan Poe awards, given by the Mystery Writers of America.”
After investigating, we can confirm they were absolutely right, and Charlotte Vassell deserves more than just a mention. She deserves her own headline.
From Redditch to the Edgars
Charlotte Vassell, who grew up in Redditch, has won one of the most prestigious prizes in world crime writing. Her second novel, The In Crowd, was named Best Novel at the 2025 Edgar Allan Poe Awards. The honour was announced by the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) at a ceremony in New York City on May 1.
Vassell attended school in Redditch before going on to study history at the University of Liverpool and later law at SOAS, University of London. Her career has taken her from acting and advertising to executive search — and even crafting custom silk hats — before she turned to writing fiction.
A Whip-Smart Whodunit
The In Crowd is the follow-up to her debut novel and sees Detective Inspector Caius Beauchamp drawn into a murder investigation that exposes the scandals of London’s high society. The book has been praised for delivering both sharp suspense and biting social commentary.
Recognition at the Edgars
The Edgar Awards, often described as the “Oscars of mystery writing,” have been recognising the very best in crime and detective fiction for nearly eight decades. Vassell’s win at the 79th ceremony cements her place among the most exciting new voices in the genre.
Pride for Redditch
Charlotte Vassell’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for her hometown. Her rise from the streets of Redditch to international acclaim demonstrates once again the wealth of talent that continues to emerge from the town.
We may have missed her in our “Proudly Redditch” roll call the first time around, but Charlotte’s name now takes its rightful place alongside the many other figures who keep putting Redditch on the map.
You can find out more about Charlotte at www.charlottevassell.co.uk
