A Hitchin author has raised almost £7,000 for charity after donating all royalties from her debut novel.

Amanda Brittany released psychological thriller Her Last Lie in January of this year, with all the money raised being donated to Cancer Research UK in memory of her sister, Cheryl, who lost her battle with disease in July 2017.

So far, the novel has raised £6,790, much to Amanda’s delight.

“I never dreamt I would raise anywhere near £7,000, and I’m amazed that so many books have sold, and I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had,” she said.

“I am extremely delighted how well the book has done, and I know my sister would be so pleased.

“I wish the money raised could have helped her, but she knew about the book, and was so happy with what I was trying to do.

“The fact that the money will help others in a similar situation to ours is very rewarding.”

While Amanda is hoping Her Last Lie continues to sell, she has now started work on her second novel, Tell the Truth.

Originally, publisher Harper Collins had signed the Hitchin author to a one-book deal, but that changed shortly after the release of her debut effort.

Amanda said: “It was a one-off book deal, and I had no intention of writing another book at the time.

“Then I received a call from my editor just after Her Last Lie was published in January, offering me a further two-book deal, which was quite a shock, as I hadn’t expected it.

While Hertfordshire towns such Hitchin and Letchworth won’t feature in the new book – as they did in the first – commuters will recognise one of the places in the book, with Finsbury Park being included.

Despite all royalties from Tell the Truth not being given to charity, Amanda does intend to donate some of the money.

“Although this book isn’t for charity, the paperback comes out in February, and I intend to donate some paperbacks to fundraising over the coming months.

“I will continue to fully promote Her Last Lie going forward. Who knows, I may eventually raise £10,000.”

To buy Her Last Lie visit www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Last-Lie-gripping-psychological-ebook/dp/B072TWQCCL.