Hi everyone!
This week’s #SJsTwitterBookClub featured author Peter James (@peterjamesuk), who popped in to talk about his writing, and in particular his brilliant DS Grace novel “Left You Dead”.
As usual, I kicked off by asking Peter to give us a spoiler-free summary of the book. “Left You Dead starts with a guy dropping his wife at a Tesco to run in and buy cat litter. Then she never comes out again....” he said. What a hook, and I think it’s the first time someone has not only managed it in one tweet, but with characters to spare!
We talked about how Peter writes, and whether he plans his books. “I plan the high points,’ he said, “and the ending, and the first 100 pages in detail. But after that I love spontaneity - I always think if I don't surprise myself I won't surprise my readers.”
We also had a fascinating discussion about the ongoing relevance of crime fiction and how it can reflect contemporary society. “Criminals don't stand still but nor do the police. Old school burglars have become dinosaurs and replaced by drugs and cybercrime, for instance”
Peter was incredibly generous in his replies and answered all the fan questions. I particularly loved his favourite (fictional) murders…
(Click on the tweet to be taken to the thread and catch up on the discussion)
Great stuff! Next week #SJsTwitterBookClub features author Angela Marsons (@WriteAngie) and we’ll be talking about her novel Silent Scream (that’s Thursday, November 11 at 7pm, UK time). Don’t miss it!
Happy reading!