C. A. Asbrey developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods working in the field. She has researched early detectives and the tools available to them for years before developing her characters. They are compelling versions of real people, all her crimes are based on fictionalized versions of real crimes, and the methods used to solve them were available to detectives at the time. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate through a fog of history.

C. A. Asbrey has deeply researched  the detective techniques and forensics of the nineteenth century, and has used them to create a series of six books based on first female detectives to use them professionally – the Female Pinkertons (1856-1884). Her protagonist also has to contend with a clever and charismatic criminal who uses the the new science to commit crime, in the same way as she uses it to solve them.

She is a writer of mysteries and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure, topped off with interest in early forensics, science, music, jaywalking, ordering the best meal at the table in a restaurant and dropping out of society to do whatever she wants. She enjoys an eclectic mix of the old and new, foreign and obscure, funny and dramatic, so includes these elements in her writing.

She loves finding gadgets which were invented earlier than popular wisdom accepts, especially when they involve the spying and scientific techniques of the past. If you are looking for historically accurate mysteries laced with vivid  characterizations, romance, and compelling plots, these are the books for you.    

She lives in York, England, with her husband, two daft cats, and Malcolm the dog.