Cath Allwood

Cath is the author of five interlinked novels involving a group of families and friends from Whitby under her pen name, Kate Forrest. As Cath Allwood, she writes short stories with fellow writer David Randall. In the past year, several of her poems have been accepted for publication.

Cath moved to the Peak District in 2012 after a career as a librarian and English language teacher in London and Rome. She started writing with a local group in 2015 and since then has founded two writers’ groups in the Hope Valley. She started publishing her work on Amazon during the pandemic and donates the proceeds to charities. All her novels and short stories are available as e-books or paperbacks.

In 2020, she joined an online poetry group run by Cathy Grindrod, the noted Nottingham poet, and has recently had several poems accepted by Reach Poetry and Dawntreader magazines, published by Indigo Dreams. She loves walking in the countryside, art, opera and folk music and these interests often find their way into her writing.

If you fancy seeing some of Cath’s paintings and book illustrations, they’re on Instagram and her website

The Fibonacci Sequence is a ‘sentimental education’ novel. Sue Collins, a high-powered financial adviser in her 40s, is nevertheless a complete novice in her personal life. After a mortifying divorce, her life takes a very different turn. Set in Whitby and Venice, this is an ‘amusing and engaging’ tale about getting a second chance. Profits go to Hospice UK.

In Friends in High Places, Alex Wetherby from Whitby starts university in Sheffield and joins the local mountain rescue team as a trainee. Micky Wilson is a Sheffield lad who’s got into bad company but wants to change. The two young men meet in the Peak District and Micky finds unexpected allies. ‘A story filled with positivity and a feel good ending’. Profits go to Edale Mountain Rescue Team.

Emotional Intelligence introduces clever Caroline Crozier, career diplomat (and occasional Mata Hari) at the British Embassy in Moscow. When James Wetherby, internationally renowned concert pianist (and daft single dad), gets into difficulties, it’s Caroline’s job to rescue him. Sparks fly but, inevitably, misunderstandings abound. Profits go to Help Musicians UK

Traviata is the sequel to Emotional Intelligence so no spoilers! Profits go to Help Musicians UK

Murder in the Mithraeum stars Sally and Steve Arrowsmith, who write crime novels together as best-selling author, Langbourne Fletcher. On a walking holiday along Hadrian’s Wall, they find the body of a Roman soldier. ‘A collection of endearingly flawed characters who find themselves confronted with a murder. No slick sleuths here, simply bumbling amateurs who nevertheless get there in the end.’ Profits go to the Vindolanda Trust which looks after one of the most amazing sites along the Wall.

Short story collections with David Randall - Profits go to Ashgate Hospice and Blythe House: