As well as working very unofficially for the police, Virginia Cooper has a full life in Murder On Skinner Lane. To soothe her mind, she plays the piano. She learned as a child, still enjoying the Smith & Whinkup instrument (made in Leeds) she inherited from her parents.

She’s merely adequate and knows it; nowhere near the standard of her mother, whose ability shone. But that doesn’t diminish the joy playing brings; it clears her mind. Music – both the pieces Virginia performs and those she hears around town – form the backdrop to Murder On Skinner Lane, the sounds of Virginia’s world.

These are the pieces mentioned in the book:

Schubert – Zewi Waltzes Nobles, No 10 & 11

Fiddle Jig

Bach – Prelude In C Major

Farewell And Adieu

Wild Mountain Thyme

Cushie Butterfield

Country Gardens

Schubert – Impromptu, Op 90, No 2

Beethoven – Piano Sonata No 17 (The Tempest)

Sandy Bell’s Man

Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, Fugue No 2

Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata

If you fancy a listen, I put them all on a Spotify playlist, find it here. Spend some time with Virginia as she listens to the music of Leeds in 1862.

Murder On Skinner Lane will becoming out in February. It’s not availably to pre-order yet. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when it is.

The sketch of Virginia and Asa Daniels is by the wonderful stage and costume designer Lu Herbert. Find her website here and hire her if you can. She’s remarkable.

Meanwhile, a reminder that you can pick up both Cathy Marsden books on Kingle for less than £3 total. Cheap in the US, too. After all, you need something to read until February…