An award-winning author is launching a new children's book merging Viking history and forensic ecology.

The novel is the latest addition to Dr Mandy Hartley's DNA Detectives series.

Titled 'The Riddle of The Viking Treasure', it involves main characters Annabelle, Harry and their dog Milly solving a crime after finding an ancient sword on a Norfolk riverbank.

Dr Hartley said: “I am really excited about this new book.

Dr Hartley, who lives in New Buckenham, Norfolk, was inspired to write the book during lockdown Dr Hartley, who lives in New Buckenham, Norfolk, was inspired to write the book during lockdown (Image: Submitted)

"People who have read preview copies say they think it’s my best one yet."

She explained how the book features forensic ecology, a rising science that uses plant, seeds, pollen, and soil from crime scenes to trace offenders.

The author, who also conducts regular school visits, intends to inspire a love for science among children, while ensuring an interesting storyline.

The first book in the series, To Catch a Thief, won her the Association for Science Education award.

The new book in the series will delve into Viking history The new book in the series will delve into Viking history (Image: Submitted)

Dr Hartley, from New Buckenham, found inspiration to write this novel during lockdown after reading works by leading forensic ecologists.

Readers of her book can also become forensic ecologists themselves in a workshop based on the story.

The workshop requires children to analyse different natural materials to find out where a thief has buried stolen treasure.

She said: “I was grateful to be invited to run this workshop in a series of schools in Norfolk as part of the Wilder Schools project created by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

"The children absolutely loved being forensic ecologists."

Children inspired by the book, will have the opportunity to become real-life Forensic Ecologists, in Dr Hartley’s new workshop based on the story Children inspired by the book, will have the opportunity to become real-life Forensic Ecologists, in Dr Hartley’s new workshop based on the story (Image: Submitted)

The launch event is scheduled in Norwich's Jarrolds store for August 17, with a chance to get a signed copy from Dr Hartley herself.

Another launch will be held on September 14 at New Buckenham Village Hall along with a forensic ecology workshop by the author.

The DNA Detective books are published by Insight & Perspective and are available for £6.99.