A YOUNG Knutsford historian will showcase her debut novel at a signing in Waterstone’s this weekend.

32-year-old, Michala Hume from Tabley, is releasing her debut book ‘A Grim Almanac of Manchester’, in memory of the late historian and author Joan Leach.

Michala, who is studying a PHD at Manchester Metropolitan University, recalls how Joan helped her take her first steps into a career as a historian.

She said: “Joan was my neighbour. It was great because when I went to college and started my first year at uni, I used to go round and talk to Joan. I even used to give her a lift to the History Society and then sit in on the talks.

“We became great friends. After our chats about history, sometimes I would open my front door and there would be a book outside with little post it notes telling me where to find specific information.

“After Joan passed away, I attended her book launch at the Heritage Centre and that was when I decided to send an email to the History Press and see if they would be interested in my idea based around Victorian deaths.

“They actually got back to me. It’s like it was meant to be. If it hadn’t been for Joan it might not be here today. I owe her a lot, that’s why I dedicated it to her.”

Michala, who is a self-confessed ‘Sherlock Holmes’, has used the information gathered about deaths in the Victorian era, to compile a number of grim tales about life in Manchester at the turn of the 20th century.

Alongside her budding career as an author, Michala is the resident genealogist for BBC Radio Lancashire, and she owns her own business helping people to retrace their ancestry.

The book signing will take place on Saturday 9 May at Waterstones on King Street.

‘A Grim Almanac of Manchester’ is available to purchase from the shop for £12.99.