Philippa Perry: Shrink Solves Murder

The Brighton Festival is reaching its 60th anniversary this year, marking what is being described as a new era for the event under the direction of Lucy Davies. As part of the literature programme, Philippa Perry is scheduled to appear at the Brighton Dome on 7 May 2026. While many people recognise her as a psychotherapist and for her non-fiction work, this session focuses on her debut into crime fiction with her novel, Shrink Solves Murder. It is a shift in direction for Perry, though the subject matter stays close to her professional roots, blending mystery with the psychological insights she is known for.

The novel, published by Cornerstone/Hutchinson Heinemann, introduces us to Patricia Philipps, a psychotherapist who finds herself playing detective. The plot centres on the death of her patient, Henry Clayton, at Beachy Head. Although the circumstances might suggest suicide to some, Patricia suspects there is more to the story and begins her own investigation into what happened. At 336 pages, the book is being noted for its wit and warmth, qualities that Perry often brings to her public discussions. For those who follow her work or simply enjoy a well-constructed mystery set against local landmarks, the talk offers a look at how she has transitioned these themes into a fictional format.

Regarding the practical side of things, tickets for the event are being released in stages. As of today, 19 February 2026, bookings are open for festival members. For everyone else, the general sale begins on 26 February 2026. The event is a paid entry and forms a key part of the festival’s literary schedule this year. Since the festival is celebrating such a significant milestone, the programme is quite extensive, but Perry’s session at the Dome is likely to be one of the more talked-about fixtures for those interested in the intersection of psychology and storytelling.