Dreda Say Mitchell is a highly accomplished author, motivational speaker, campaigner, and broadcaster. She was born and raised in the East End of London, where she continues to reside. Mitchell's family hails from the picturesque Caribbean island of Grenada, and her name is pronounced with a long 'ee' sound in the middle.
Mitchell made her debut as a novelist with the publication of "Running Hot" in 2004, which went on to win the prestigious John Creasey Dagger award from the Crime Writers' Association in 2005. She has since established herself as a prominent figure in the crime and mystery genre, writing psychological thrillers, gritty gangland crime, and fast-paced action novels. Mitchell and her co-writer, Ryan, have written several books together, including "Spare Room," which was a #1 UK and US Amazon Bestseller. Mitchell is also one of twelve acclaimed and bestselling international female writers contributing to a new Miss Marple anthology.
In addition to her work as a novelist, Mitchell is a passionate campaigner and speaker on social issues and the arts. She has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs, including BBC Breakfast, Celebrity Pointless and Celebrity Eggheads, The Stephen Nolan Show, Front Row, and Woman's Hour. Mitchell has presented Radio 4's flagship books program, Open Book, and was named one of Britain's 50 Remarkable Women by Lady Geek in association with Nokia. She was also the 2011 chair of the Theakston Harrogate Crime Fiction Festival. In 2020, Her Majesty, The Queen appointed Mitchell an MBE in her New Year’s Honours’ List.