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Isla Coole is the owner of Criminally Good Books, a bookshop in York that specializes in crime novels and mysteries. She has always been passionate about stories where readers try to figure out who committed a crime. Recently, Isla found herself at the center of a real-life mystery when she became a character in a new book by bestselling author Janice Hallett, called 'The Silent Appeal. ' Isla won a competition at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival by guessing the number of sweets in a jar. Her guess was the closest, and as a prize, Janice Hallett decided to name a character after her in her latest novel. Isla was thrilled and said that people had been eagerly waiting for the book, making her even more excited to be featured in it.

Isla works with Megan Ponting at her shop, who is also a big fan of Janice Hallett's books. Megan explained that Isla's character plays a significant role in the plot of 'The Silent Appeal. ' Janice Hallett's novels are known for their unique style, where readers must piece together clues from emails, text messages, posters, and even post-it notes. This approach makes the books feel like a puzzle that readers solve alongside the characters. 'The Silent Appeal' is a sequel to Hallett's award-winning book 'The Appeal,' which followed two paralegals trying to uncover the truth behind a murder confession. In the new book, the group prepares for another production, and Isla's character, a Canadian stand-up comedian, holds a vital piece of the mystery. Janice Hallett will be promoting the book at Isla's shop, and she mentioned that Isla gave her creative freedom to develop the character, even if she turned out to be a 'bad' character.

Isla believes that the popularity of the 'cosy crime' genre has contributed to the success of her shop. She says people enjoy putting themselves in the shoes of amateur detectives, trying to solve mysteries and puzzles. Some readers like the thrill of being scared, while others appreciate learning about different places and times. For many, crime novels offer an escape from everyday life. Isla's shop has become well-known among crime writers, and she is currently preparing to open a second store in the city center. The announcement of the new shop received a lot of attention, with over 75,000 people viewing the post. Isla is grateful for the support and hopes that the interest in specialist bookshops will continue to grow. Her story highlights the enduring appeal of crime fiction and the excitement of becoming part of a novel.