Dr Kathy Curran grew up in South Belfast and later studied common and civil law (with French) at Queen’s University Belfast. She then headed to England to pursue a Masters and Doctorate in criminology at the University of Cambridge. As a criminologist, she loves unearthing gritty stories and tales; a successful combination with her fondness for exploration and travel. She is happiest pottering around ancient graveyards and former prisons and always tries to fit in a trip to a crime museum when on holiday.

Lorenza Bacino is a freelance j o u r n a l i s t a n d t r a v e l writer. She is a former radio broadcaster and has also worked as a language teacher, translator and editor. She is usually busy thinking about where to travel to next. Interests and hobbies include books, film and art. Her family would say she needs to improve her cooking skills – Lorenza tends to agree.