Fly on the Wall Press Announces Third Instalment in the Mabel Adair Mysteries and Welcomes Back Acclaimed Crime Writer Donna Moore

Fly on the Wall Press is delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of Murder, Classified, the highly anticipated third book in The Mabel Adair Mysteries series, set for release on 6 May 2027. The press is also proud to formally welcome back award-winning author Donna Moore to its list!

You may remember the first two books in the series - The Unpicking and The Devil's Draper, which was longlisted this month for the Historical Dagger Award, Crime Writer's Association 2026!

Set against the atmospheric and politically charged backdrop of 1920s Glasgow, The Mabel Adair Mysteries follows Scotland’s first policewoman, known officially as a “statement-taker”, Miss Mabel Adair. The series traces her quiet but determined pursuit of justice in a system that often overlooks both her and the victims she seeks to defend.

In Murder, Classified, tensions in Glasgow are reaching breaking point. With miners’ strikes escalating, unemployment rising, and the dramatic escape of an IRA prisoner fueling unrest, the city is on edge. Amid the turmoil, a troubling pattern emerges: ordinary women are dying in what appear to be accidents.

Mabel is the only one within the police force willing to question these deaths.

As the stakes rise, she turns to trusted allies Beatrice and Johnnie of Price’s Detective Agency, uncovering crimes that expose deep societal fractures.

Author Donna Moore brings a distinctive voice to crime and historical fiction. Her debut novel, Go To Helena Handbasket, a Private Eye spoof, won the Lefty Award for Most Humorous Crime Fiction Novel. Her follow-up, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for both the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. In addition to her novels, Moore’s short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies.

Beyond her literary achievements, Moore works as an adult literacy tutor supporting marginalised and vulnerable women, and facilitates creative writing workshops. She holds a PhD in creative writing, with research focused on women’s history and gender-based violence—expertise that informs the depth and authenticity of her fiction.

“We are thrilled to continue Mabel Adair’s journey with Murder, Classified and to have Donna Moore as part of the Fly on the Wall Press family,” said Isabelle Kenyon, Managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press. “Her work combines sharp wit, social insight, and compelling storytelling, qualities that resonate strongly with our mission. We love the bravery of Mabel (likely installed by her adopted family - two suffragettes!) and her perchant for a good cake along the way in her search for justice...”

Murder, Classified will be available in May 2027 through Fly on the Wall Press and all major book retailers.

For press enquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact: isabelle@flyonthewallpress.co.uk