The Old Elthamian News has featured an article about Richard Skinner’s new book ‘The Diary of a Junior Detective/ Ben Baxter's Private Diary’. The article reflects upon the author’s inspiration behind the writing and why he started writing so late to start a new career or a hobby.

The story of the book is about Ben Baxter’s who turns 11 years old and on his birthday, her aunt gives him the gift of The Junior Detective Manual which gives him the inspiration to become a detective.

Along with his friend Johnny, they decide to be store detectives but ends up in a police car. With some friendly advice from the police officer, they have much greater success in solving puzzling crimes.

In his quest of resolving crimes, he is helped by his sister, Katie, his uncle, retired Major Ben and his unusual pet, Chippy. Together they embark on this twisting journey of answering the mysteries and unraveling the secrets of the criminal world.

The author, Richard Skinner was born in India. His parents were the missionary and he attended Eltham College for early education.

Richard graduated from Newcastle University and Imperial College London. He has worked as an environmental and farming consultant in different parts of Wales and England.

He is married has three sons and two grandchildren. Richards likes reading, painting, gardening and playing the saxophone.