Roberta Kray

Latest Release

Interview

Which books are you reading at the moment?

The wonderful 'Untold Stories' by Alan Bennett, and a novel, 'Noah Quince', written by an interesting new author called Caroline Wood.

What other writers do you admire?

Too many to mention but from the world of crime I would single out George V. Higgins, Raymond Chandler and Robert B. Parker as being particular favourites. I admire the way Higgins could create incredibly sympathetic and convincing characters purely through the art of dialogue.

Is there a particular book or author that inspired you to be a writer?

The first crime novels I read, back in my teens, were by Dorothy L. Sayers and Georges Simenon so I suppose they must shoulder some of the responsibility. That said, I think the desire to write has its roots in all kinds of different places.

Other than writing, what other jobs or professions have you undertaken or considered?

I've sold ice-creams in Regent's Park, worked behind bars (the sort selling alcohol as opposed to the prison variety), temped, typed, waited on tables, and been involved in publishing and media research.

What type of crime novels do you like to read? Do you usually prefer series or standalone?

I'm happy to read just about anything although it's always good to discover something new. It's encouraging to see that there are now many excellent translations coming out of Europe.

Why did you choose to write in this genre?

Basically because I've always enjoyed reading crime fiction. I think it's a great form of escape for both the writer and the reader.

Who were your influences when you started to write?

The greatest influence was my husband, Reg. Through him, I acquired a completely different perspective on the criminal world and the people who inhabit it. I also learned a lot about the prison system, how it works and how it feels to be trapped inside it.

Is there a book out there you would have liked to have written?

The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler.