TIPPED by experts as one of the picks of the year, a Forest Hill author is preparing to release her debut novel.

Jessie Burton studied at Oxford University and Central School of Speech and Drama before working as an actress – according to her website, “as 3rd mute from the left in various theatrical productions around this fair isle” and a PA in the City.

Now she has written The Miniaturist, a tale of appearance and truth, love and obsession, betrayal and retribution set in 1686.

The book will be published on July 3 and has already garnered rave reviews from critics who have had a sneak peek.

The Observer described Jessie as a ’genuinely new voice’ and a ‘debut novelist who’ll be making a splash this year’, while the Sunday Express, Stylist and Asos have all included in their hot lists for 2014.

Author of Tulip Fever, Deborah Maggach, said: “This is a remarkable debut – complex, involving and deeply atmospheric.”

The Miniaturist is out in hardback (£12.99) and e-book (£8.99), published by Picador. Go to jessieburton.co.uk or Tweet @jessiekatbee.