England's JEZ LOWE has written two novels (with a third on the way) woven around Tyneside folksongs, where he fleshes out the possible stories behind them - I thoroughly enjoyed the :

The Dillen Doll

The Corly Croons

A CD is also available for each, featuring a suite of songs set around the central song/story, using traditional North East music adapted and arranged by Jez.

Check them out here : https://www.jezlowe.com/novels/

Also, some years ago, a Lancashire author wrote his first crime? novel featuring folk musicians - something to do with The Ribble - sorry I can't recall much about it now, but I first heard about it on The Cat.....

Cheers, R-J