BEST-SELLING author Martina Cole is back with new crime novel 'Betrayal'.

The author who grew up in Aveley specialises in crime thrillers and her latest book is set to be a big hit and one for the Christmas wish list.

The book will be released on Thursday October 20.

She said that betrayal is one of the worse experiences and that it is even worse when it comes from a close friend or relative.

The novelist added: "Betrayal is about the struggles of Arriva, one of the main characters, who has five different children with five different men.

"Her eldest son has to become the man of the family at the age of just 10. The story is all about dealing with what life throws at you and how this particular family get through that together, and then of courses there's the betrayal."

The novel is centred around the families battle for survival and the challenges they face along their journey, as Martina is an expert crime writer the family encounter the criminal world.

There are also different themes in the book such as watching out for loved ones and issues about trust.

Ms Cole said she always knew that she wanted to become a writer and is very interested in the criminal world.

She added: "This novel also includes the point of view of the police which is something that I have not done much of before.

"I am interested in exploring the people of the criminal world and in particular the women of that world, who are usually tough characters even if they didn't start out like that.

"The women are usually strong as well, and I am interested in their story as well and how they got involved with the world of crime."

Ms Cole will be appearing at intu Lakeside Shopping Centre on November 5 to sign copies of her new novel, Betrayal, at the centre’s WHSmith store.

Visitors to intu Lakeside will have the opportunity to meet the popular author from 12pm to 1pm and must purchase a copy of Betrayal from WHSmith for Martina to sign.