An author from Moreton celebrated the release of her new book with a launch party in her hometown.

Sophie Flynn’s new suspense thriller set in the Cotswolds, Keep Them Close, went on sale on Thursday, July 7.

To mark the occasion, she hosted a book launch at Redesdale Hall.

Sophie said: “As Keep Them Close is set in the Cotswolds it felt only right to celebrate its publication in my hometown of Moreton alongside so many family, friends, neighbours and local authors.

“I’m delighted that the book has been so well supported by the town and can’t wait to sign more copies in our local bookstores!”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Sophie was on hand to sign copies at the launch of her new book, Keep Them CloseSophie was on hand to sign copies at the launch of her new book, Keep Them Close

The hall was packed with supporters, including fellow Cotswold authors Anita Davison and Helen Yendall, along with publisher Iain Miller from Hera and Sophie’s agent Kate Nash.

Sophie, who has an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes, published her debut novel All My Lies last year.

Keep Them Close is her second novel and has been described by reviewers as “a splendidly twisty psychological mystery”.

The story follows Emily, a Gloucestershire mother of twins, who begins voicing her problems on an internet forum, MumsOnline.

While the forum first appears to be a lifeline for Emily, she ends up trusting a stranger with her secrets, for which she pays the price.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Fellow Cotswold authors Helen Yendall (L) and Anita Davison (R) made an appearance at Sophie Flynn's (centre) book launchFellow Cotswold authors Helen Yendall (L) and Anita Davison (R) made an appearance at Sophie Flynn's (centre) book launch

Sophie has also had many stories published and placed in competitions with organisations such as Writing Magazine and The Cheltenham Literature Festival.

When not writing, Sophie can most often be found on muddy walks with her husband and rescue dogs.

Keep Them Close (Hera Books, £8.99, ISBN 9781804360293) is now available at Books Yule Love in Old Market Way in Moreton, The Borzoi Bookshop in Stow, and at branches of Waterstones.