Winner Fiction prize

Mark Ecclstone, a former BBC journalist and producer judged the Isle of Wight Literary Festival in October 2025. On awarding the best Fiction prize he gave third prize to The Laughing Robot, saying this,

'I was hugely impressed by this book - it's clearly the work of someone who knows a lot about the social care system for older people, but cares that they should be looked after with dignity. But it's a book that wears this knowledge lightly. It's not preachy, or judgemental. A thrilling story comes first - propped up by believable characters and excellent prose. And what marvellous idea to make the Isle the setting of a corporate experiment worthy of the best sci-fi dystopian novels. Thank you for this book Julia and good luck with your future writing. '