From raffle to reality: meet the star of a new Scottish crime novel
When Oxfam Scotland launched a raffle at our 2023 Book Fair offering the chance to feature in a brand-new crime novel, we knew it was a unique prize. What we didn’t know was just how special the outcome would be.
Fast forward to 2024, and we’re thrilled to share that the winner, student Fraser Godden, is now the fictional face of detective DI Godden, the lead character in The Door Darkener, the gripping first instalment in a new trilogy by Scottish author Paul Wandrum.
Paul, who generously offered the prize to help raise funds for Oxfam’s work, recently met Fraser in person at a book signing held in the atmospheric surrounds of Glasgow’s historic Britannia Panopticon. It was a fitting full-circle moment, one that speaks to the power of storytelling, community, and a little bit of literary magic.
To mark the occasion, Paul also donated a signed copy of The Door Darkener to the Oxfam bookshop on Byres Road, where many readers first heard about the raffle.
“It’s been a pleasure to have Fraser feature in the book,” said Paul. “This was a brilliant initiative and a great way to support Oxfam’s vital work while giving readers something memorable.”
Fraser joins a growing list of supporters who’ve helped Oxfam fight poverty through creativity and connection, from volunteering and donating books, to entering raffles with a twist.
The Door Darkener – Book One of the DI Godden Trilogy is out now. Who knows where DI Godden’s next case will take him, but his origin story will always start with a book fair, a big idea, and a brilliant cause.
Read more about the original raffle and how it all began:
Who Wunnit? Glasgow book lovers offered once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature in new crime novel
