FOUR female crime writers revealed the dark secrets of their trade to would-be authors.

More than 20 people attended the talk yesterday at Darlington's Crown Street Library given by the four novelists, known as The Lady-killers.

They talked about their books, story ideas and how they come up with characters and locations.

The audience was also able to ask the quartet questions.

Jeannie Bishop, audience development officer at the library, said: "It was very successful. People thoroughly enjoyed themselves. That goes for the audience and the authors.

"There were some very interesting questions."

The four authors were Priscilla Masters, Zoe Sharp, Lesley Horton and Danuta Reah, who also works under the pen-name Carla Banks.

They tour the country giving talks at libraries.