Newcastle’s Michael Baker is making quite a name for himself as a crime author.

Mr Baker, who writes under the name Patrick Eden has won the Crime Writers’ Association 2010 award for the best debut novel that has yet to be published. This is a new award open to all those writing in the English language.

Mr Baker, 38, was recognised for the opening of his book, A Place of Dying, which is set in a small town in the United States and revolves around the murder of a boy and the reactions of the people in the area.

“It’s a bit like Stephen King but without the supernatural stuff,” he tells People. Mr Baker, who divides his time between London and Newcastle, received a prize of £500. “The main thing is the recognition. It’s the key to the door.”

Mr Baker, who works as an IT consultant, is only half-way through the book, which he plans to finish and send off to agents.

“I have had an interest in writing since I was at school. I would like to become a full-time writer.” He describes his style as similar to that of James Patterson. “I like to use short, sharp sentences that connect you with the character.”

Favourite author? “James Herbert bar none. But I do also like Peter James’s work.”

The awards were presented at the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.