‘It’s a combination of CSI and Agatha Christie.’

Following the success of Ringwood’s true crime bestseller Ruxton: The First Modern Murder, we are excited to announce that the title will become our first ever audiobook. Over the last six months, we have been working in partnership with Publishing Scotland and Offbeat Studio, who have funded and produced our new venture into the audiobook market.

In November 2022, Publishing Scotland announced that they would be funding audiobooks for five independent Scottish publishers. A team of talented interns worked tirelessly over Christmas and into the New Year perfecting the required marketing plan. Their hard work paid off as Ringwood became one of the lucky five to receive a grant covering the cost of audiobook production, beating fifteen other hopefuls.

Shannon Genereau, Ringwood Marketing and Social Media Manager, Ringwood’s Simon McLean, Author Tom Wood, Narrator Steve Worsley, Audiobook Manager Hayley Bannon and Offbeat Studio Producer Iain McKinna

The audiobook is now available to buy on both Audible and iTunes and an official launch will take place on the 9th of July 2023, venue TBC. The launch will be an opportunity to hear author Tom Wood, Offbeat Studio producer Iain McKinna and Vikki Reilly from Publishing Scotland as well as a chance to talk to the staff here at Ringwood about the exciting process of creating and marketing an audiobook.

Author Tom Wood, Publishing Scotland’s Vikki Reilly, narrator Steve Worsley and Iain McKinna from Offbeat Studio

Audiobook Manager Hayley Bannon, who oversaw and facilitated the audiobook process says: ‘This has been a tremendous opportunity for Ringwood. It is almost impossible for indie publishers to move into the audiobook market due to the expense involved but thanks to the generosity of Publishing Scotland and commitment by Offbeat, we have been able to turn a pipe dream into reality.’

For those who haven’t yet read the print or ebook, author Tom Wood characterises Ruxton as ‘a combination of CSI and Agatha Christie.’ Ruxton: First Modern Murder was published by Ringwood in 2020 and has since been hugely popular amongst readers of true crime literature. The book details the forensic work of police in 1930’s Scotland following a brutal double murder committed by a prominent doctor. Wood’s background with the Edinburgh police force, detective work and forensics has allowed him to lend personal expertise and skilful analysis in this thrilling true crime novel.