Mystery novels bring past times in the Moorlands to life

David Cliffe

David Cliffe is author of the Old Leek Mystery crime novels set in the Staffordshire Moorlands in Edwardian times. The books combine gripping plots with a detailed recreation of life on the edge of the Peak District in the early 1900's.

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Biography

About the Author

A former newspaper and magazine editor, David Cliffe has channelled his love for the Staffordshire moorland edge of the Peak District into a series of successful books. He was born and bred in North Staffordshire and has lived in the market town of Leek for decades. His five books include two which concentrate on the work of pioneer photographers in the Staffordshire Moorlands and the three Old Leek Mystery crime novels. David has a deep interest in local history and has endeavoured to accurately reflect life in the early 1900's, as well as crafting compelling plots. Away from writing, David is a keen amateur musician and cyclist.

Bibliography

Published Works

Latest Release2025

The Chilled Affair

Old Leek Mystery Book 3: A winter of fear and suspicion in the Moorlands

A body in the ice. A stalker in the shadows. Intrigue at the County Asylum. Young photographer Cora Blake resolves to find the truth behind crimes that baffle Leek Police and lands herself in mortal danger. The Chilled Affair, the latest in the Old Leek Mystery series, is a tale of death and deception set against an authentic backdrop of life in Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands in Edwardian times. The plot revolves around the central characters from the previous two crime novels – including photographer Nathaniel Blake and his daughter Cora – and is set in the depths of winter on the edge of the Peak District. As well as in the mill town of Leek and its rural surroundings, much of the action takes place in the huge and forbidding County Asylum which had been built near the village of Cheddleton.

The storyline is brilliant.

Leaves the reader desperate to read more and surprised by the subtle plot twists.

Another great tale from Edwardian Leek.

New ReleaseMost Anticipated 2025

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Previous Works

2023

Images of Revenge

Old Leek Mystery Book 2

Townspeople of Leek get caught up a whirl of suspicion when a travelling theatre brings strange characters and shocking death to the town in Edwardian times. Photographer Nathaniel Blake and his teenage daughter Cora are once again on the trail of the truth and ultimately find themselves in peril. Set against authentic descriptions of North Staffordshire rural life in the early 1900's, the plot mixes mystery with local and national issues. Much of the action takes place in the market town of Leek and there are also important scenes in local villages including Warslow and Hartington, at Rudyard Lake and in the Manifold Valley.

Beautifully written and totally engrossing.

A fast paced thrilling mystery.

Can't recommend highly enough!

Arnold Bennett Book Prize runner-up

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2021

The Buried Secret

Old Leek Mystery Book 1: A tale of death, deceit and detection in Edwardian Leek

Photographer Nathaniel Blake turns amateur detective when he unwittingly becomes involved in a gruesome crime that shocks the North Staffordshire market town of Leek. Little does he realise the peril that awaits, especially when his teenage daughter Cora embarks on her own investigations. Set against a backdrop of Edwardian times on the edge of the Peak District, The Buried Secret blends the suspicions and suspense of a murder mystery with authentic glimpses of the everyday lives in mills, markets and at important local events. As well as in Leek, scenes are set in the Derbyshire border villages of Flash and Longnor. In 2025, an audio version for the visually impaired was recorded by the Staffordshire Moorlands Talking Newspaper. A musical work based on scenes from the book is also planned.

Great story - lovely historical detail.

A ripping yarn!

A great period murder mystery. Keeps you entertained from start to finish.

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2022

Victorian Views

Leek and District's first photographers

Photographs taken from the 1860’s onwards provide a unique insight into life in Leek and the Moorlands during the Victorian era. This is the first book to bring together the work of Leek’s pioneer professional photographer, P.A. Rayner. It also includes numerous images by other early photographers in the district including Henry Wardle, William Sandeman and W.H. Horne. The images are complemented by extensive biographical details and captions.

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2018

A Moorland Album

Leek, Cheadle and neighbouring villages in Edwardian times from the photographs of WH Nithsdale

Around 300 images of the Staffordshire Moorlands taken between the years 1905 and 1908. Includes street scenes, pubs, markets, town and village events and local attractions including Leek, Cheddleton, Rudyard Lake, Rushton, Cheadle, Manifold Valley Railway, Longnor and Dovedale. The first-ever illustrated biography of Edwardian photographer W.H. Nithsdale - Inland Revenue excise officer who cycled around the moorlands and took photographs wherever he went.

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News & Events

Stay updated on upcoming appearances, book signings, and the latest news about the author's work.

Event

Hartington Literary Gathering

July 13, 2026

Guest appearance at literary evening in Hartington Village Hall.

Hartington, Derbyshire

Event

Inspirations for the Old Leek Mysteries

May 10, 2026

Illustrated talk on the real life events and scenes that are the background to the Old Leek Mystery novels.

St Edward's Parish Church, Cheddleton, Staffordshire

News

Successful launch event for The Chilled Affair

November 8, 2025

Leek's Foxlowe Arts Centre was crowded with book lovers to buy the first signed copies of The Chilled Affair, latest title in the successful Old Leek Mystery series. The books were literally hot off the press, arriving from the printers less than an hour before the big reveal. "The event was great success," said David Cliffe. "It was an opportunity not only to present my new novel, but also to say a word of thanks to the many people who have encouraged my literary efforts." Also present at the event was Gavin Bowyer, the Leek based artist who produced the drawing of Cheddleton County Asylum for the new book's front cover.

News

Images of Revenge in Arnold Bennett Book Prize shortlist

May 17, 2025

Images of Revenge, second in the Old Leek Mystery series, has been announced as runner-up for the 2025 Arnold Bennett Book Prize. The prize is awarded by the Arnold Bennett Society in recognition of literary works either set in North Staffordshire or by an author with close links to North Staffordshire. "I am delighted that the Arnold Bennett judging panel has recognised my work," said David Cliffe. "Arnold Bennett was North Staffordshire's most famous literary figure and to be associated with his name is a great honour."

Get in Touch

Contact

For book sales, speaking engagements, media inquiries, or book club visits, please send an email.

Email

moorlandalbum@gmail.com

For general inquiries

Location

Leek, Staffordshire, UK