Welcome to our website

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of South African writers Gail Schimmel and Kate Sidley. The idea was born over a glass of wine, when Kate and Gail agreed that they are the funniest people in the world, and really should write a book together.

From that, Epiphany Bloom was born – a madcap sleuth for whom things always go wrong. Epiphany was followed by the rather more capable Julia Bird and her sidekick, chocolate labrador, Jake. These are more traditional cozy mysteries, where readers will feel like they have received a warm hug, but with murders.

About Katie Gayle

Kate Sidley

Kate Sidley has worked as a magazine and newspaper columnist, journalist and editor. As well as being one half of Katie Gayle, Kate works as a commissioned writer, co-writer and ghostwriter, and has authored her own books. She lives in Johannesburg and Cape Town with her husband and occasionally their student children. Their border collie, Sammy, keeps the humans fit and healthy with her demands for twice daily walks.

Gail Schimmel

Gail Schimmel is a lawyer and writer – by day, she works as the CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board of South Africa; and in her “spare” time she writes domestic noire novels, as well as being half of Katie Gayle. Gail lives in Johannesburg with her husband, two children, two dos and two cats. Jake, the dog in the Julia Bird series, is based on Gail’s labrador Jake. He would like you to know that he is a Very Good Boy.

Our Books