Q&A WITH MICHAEL HAMBLING

Tell us an interesting fact about Sophie Allen readers don’t know yet?

Her favourite restaurant for informal nights out is the Chiang Mai Kitchen in Oxford, a Thai restaurant that has occupied the old Kemp Hall (in a side passage off the High Street) since 1993. It’s very highly regarded locally but there are several interesting snippets of information relating to Sophie. She had her first date with Martin there, when they were both final year students and the restaurant had only just opened. It then became a regular haunt for them. While reading about the history of the building, Sophie learned that it had served as a police station in the latter years of the 19th century. Was it this that put the idea of a police career into her head? Even Sophie herself is unclear on this. She and Martin don’t get there often; after all, it is in Oxford, a long way from where they live in Dorset. They now make the most of their visits to Oxford to see Jade, so have renewed their acquaintance with the place.

Why Dorset? Is it the perfect place to commit a murder or to catch a murderer?

Simple, really. Dorset is my favourite county in the UK. It has a beautiful coastline and, of course, is home to much of the Jurassic Coast. It’s actually a rather peaceful place, but murders can happen anywhere!

What surprised you the most while writing all the DCI Sophie Allen books?

Writing about the characters in my books has helped me to discover more about myself. Creating some of those characters seems to have provided me with a route into my own psyche. I don’t know whether this is common among writers.

Which character did you enjoy writing the most?

Apart from Sophie herself, I suppose Rae Gregson. Creating her was cathartic to some degree. Also, in this twelfth novel, Jackie Spring. In addition, I’ve always enjoyed working on the rather mischievous character of Sophie’s younger daughter, Jade.

How will you celebrate publication day?

Probably the same as other Joffe authors: crack open the bubbly. Interestingly, we’ll be joined by our eldest son, from Yorkshire. He’s started a new job near Bristol, so will be staying with us for a few days.

CLICK HERE TO GET VICIOUS CRIMES BY MICHAEL HAMBLING £0.99 | $0.99