Patrick Gillan was born and raised in Glasgow and later made his home in Tunbridge Wells in the heart of Kent. He has always enjoyed telling stories with humour at the heart, “making people laugh is the best medicine in the world.” Ladder to Murder is the first in his Philippa Abbott Murder Mystery Series, inspired by his love of village life and his experience as a parish councillor. He is also the author and illustrator of two children’s books and a passionate painter. When not writing, he can be found exploring the Kent countryside or chatting with neighbours some of whom may just inspire his next mystery.