A newspaper and magazine journalist for over 25 years, Stephen Booth was born in Burnley and brought up on the Lancashire coast at Blackpool. He began his journey in journalism by editing his school magazine and wrote his first novel at the age of 12. In 2000, Stephen’s first published novel, Black Dog, marked the arrival of his creation of two young police detectives, Cooper and Fry.
Stephen on a recent visit to our Library.
Say “Hello” to TV’s newest mismatched policing duo, DC’s Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, protagonists in Stephen Booth’s Peak District–set crime novels who are making their TV debuts. “They are chalk and cheese, so it’s a classic odd couple situation” says star Rob James Collier who plays Ben.
“Diane’s (Mandip Gill) approach to policing is very formal and procedural, whereas Ben is more willing to take risks and be unconventional. Their clashing techniques initially frustrate one another, but as the series progresses, they weave together and use each other’s style”.
The investigations that Ben and Diane tackle have a spooky undertone, as the cases are tangled with shadowy tales of local folklore. “Diane has arrived in this remote village of Edendale, which is a small community full of people with different beliefs, and some of the crimes date back years”, says Mandip. “These aren’t the cases Diane dealt with in the city, and she is sceptical of the folklore, which Ben has grown up with”.
The show is a four-part murder mystery that premiered on Channel 5 on November 18th, 2025.The TV series is an adaptation of Stephen Booth’s “Cooper and Fry” book series. There are 18 books in the series. Episode One is based on the 2007 eighth novel ‘Dying to Sin’, the second episode is based on the first novel ‘Black Dog’. Episode Three is based on the fourth novel ‘Blind to the Bones’ and ‘Dancing with the Virgins’ forms Episode Four.
Season One comprising of four episodes starts Tuesday 18th November on Channel 5.
After a body is unearthed on a Derbyshire farm during renovations, DC Ben Cooper and DC Diane Fry are in a search for the truth. Aided by DS Todd Eland and DI Paul Hitchens, the two detectives dig into the murky history of Tanglewood Farm.
Starring Mandip Gill, Robert James-Collier and Lorcan Cranitch.
Episode Two, Cooper and Fry investigate the disappearance of a teen girl. Suspicion falls on her wealthy family and disgruntled employees, as well as the local tale of the Black Dog of Edendale.
Episode Three, when a brutally beaten corpse is found in a disused quarry, Cooper and Fry head to the small village of Withins. Their investigation prompts pursuit by a mysterious group and bring forth secrets laid to rest long ago.
Episode four, Local photographer Jenny Westlake is killed and placed by the 9 virgins, a stone circle popular for making wishes. Cooper and Fry investigate whether recent attacks near the discovery are linked.
Information gathered from Stephen Booth’s Official website, The Sun’s TV Mag and Google A.I.