A Southampton Solent University graduate has fulfilled her lifelong ambition and released a debut crime fiction novel.

Vicki FitzGerald, who studied a BA (Hons) degree in journalism, worked as a regional reporter in the south west for a decade upon graduating.

After venturing into public relations for six years, Vicki decided to follow her dream of becoming a published author, and has released debut crime thriller, Briguella.

The self-published book is based upon her experiences of covering crime stories for a local newspaper.

It follows the story of a journalist Kate Rivendale, who becomes embroiled in the manhunt for a serial killer in the fictional town Westhaven.

The authorities have no suspect, only one forensic link dating way back to the 1930s. Kate agrees to go undercover but her actions have devastating consequences.

Vicki, 36, says creating the book has been a long process and she put her company, Paramount PR, on hold to carry out extensive research and bring it to fruition.

The mum-of-two said: “I am thrilled my debut crime thriller has been published and I’m truly humbled by all fantastic reviews it has already gained.

“Oddly, I enjoyed covering crime as a reporter and it helped to inspire the book.

“Briguella is based loosely around a police investigation I covered involving a serial attacker and readers will recognise many South West landmarks."

Briguella is available on Amazon to order in paperback or as an eBook at https://mybook.to/Briguella