What really happens when the police begin investigating a serious crime?
Join bestselling psychological thriller author Alex Stone and former Senior Detective and Crime Consultant Stuart Gibbon for this live, interactive two-hour masterclass exploring the realities behind crime and police investigation.
Drawing on more than 30 years of policing experience, Stuart will take you behind the scenes of real-world investigations and help you understand what really happens beyond the crime-scene tape.
During the session, you’ll:
- Explore what happens when a serious crime is reported or discovered
- Gain insight into police procedure and the investigative process
- Explore the roles of evidence, witnesses, suspects and interviews
- Understand some of the practical realities and timescales writers need to consider
- Discover some of the things crime fiction commonly gets wrong
- Have the opportunity to ask Stuart questions relating to scenarios in your own story
Thursday 22 October 2026 | 7–9pm UK time | Live online via Google Meet
Also included: Writers’ Hub
Your booking also gives you access to the Author Events Writers’ Hub — an informal live online hour where you can ask questions, discuss how you’re applying the teaching to your own novel, and connect with Alex and other writers.
Want to continue?
This masterclass is Week 4 of Alex Stone’s 12-week Write a Psychological Thriller programme.
Each week explores a different element of writing a psychological thriller, taking you from premise, character and setting through structure, suspense, voice, twists, endings, revision and publication.
You can join individual masterclasses, book a four-week block, or take part in the complete 12-week programme.
Full 12-week programme: 1 October–17 December 2026
Thursdays, 7–9pm | Live online
The complete programme is £595, or £565 for Author Events members, and non-member full-programme bookings include 12 months’ Author Events membership.
Want to explore the complete programme?
View the full 12-week programme, weekly topics and guest experts →
Find the option that works for you
Join for one masterclass, choose a four-week block, or follow the complete journey with the 12-week programme.
