Jane Isaac is the bestselling author of detective crime fiction which includes her DCI Helen Lavery series and her DC Beth Chamberlain books, the third of which, Hush Little Baby, will be published by Aria Fiction on 23 July 2020.
Hi how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge, Jane. What can I get you at the bar?
J: Hi Anne, It’s great to be here! Ooh, so many to choose from… I do love a crisp refreshing Mojito, but since it’s warm today and we’re in lockdown, I think I’ll plump for a Cosmopolitan. Fancy joining me? We can kick back, sip away and imagine we’re on a warm beach, somewhere exotic.
That sounds so appealing – it’s ages since we’ve seen each other. Do you remember where we first met in real life?
J: Gosh, it was some years ago now! I think it must have been at one of Mel Sherratt’s events – maybe her London book launch for the release of Taunting the Dead.
It was – my first “Twitter party” and it took me so long to find the venue I nearly gave up. Yours was the first face I recognised and I thought you looked just as lovely in real life. What were your first impressions?
J: You were warm and super friendly, just as you are online, and very welcoming with that lovely big smile!
Points in common?
J: We both write crime with strong and feisty female protagonists. I’m a huge fan of your Hannah Weybridge series btw! Plus, we both share a love of the theatre and the arts.
We do and I’m looking forward to being able to see live performances. Since Mel’s launch party we’ve met up at numerous book events and festivals. What would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?
J: I would love to interview Jeffery Deaver! He was one of the crime writers who inspired me to write detective fiction – I adore his Lincoln Rhyme series. I’d also love to chat with Jodie Comer to ask how she got into character as Villanelle in the TV series, Killing Eve. Her depiction of a psychopathic serial killer in the first series was so convincing.
Oh yes, I would love to listen in on your chat with Jodie Comer. In the meantime what are you working on now?
J: I’m just finishing the edits for Hush Little Baby, the third in my DC Beth Chamberlain series, which is scheduled for release by Aria Fiction on 23 July. Hush Little Baby follows the historic case of a missing child. When new evidence comes to light, Beth is deployed as Family Liaison Officer and she uncovers a whole host of juicy family secrets.
J: I’m also working on a standalone psychological thriller, something new for me and, I have to admit, after nine detective novels it’s proving a huge learning curve! How about you? What’s happening in your writing life?
Strangely enough I’m also working on a standalone psychological thriller and my next Hannah Weybridge. But you’ve just had another book published, haven’t you?
J: Yes, the last book published was a re-release of DC Beth Chamberlain 2 by Aria Fiction called For Better, For Worse in February. I’m so in love with the cover for this one.
We’re lucky that we’ve both been able to carry on writing during the pandemic but what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?
J: Seeing friends and family. My husband is with me and I’m lucky to have my daughter home from uni, but I do miss hugging other loved ones. Phones and FaceTime are great, but it’s just not the same. I miss my people. I also miss going out and enjoying the arts. So many shows have been sadly postponed – I can’t wait to catch up with them all post lockdown. First up, is a stage adaptation of Wuthering Heights in September, fingers crossed.
Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?
J: Travel, travel and more travel. I think I took for granted how easy it was to hop on a plane, a train or a bus, or even drive up the motorway for an adventure before lockdown. I’m relishing the possibility of soaking up the sunshine in Seville, enjoying the amazing Parisian cuisine and seeing the wonderful canals of Amsterdam – I can’t believe I’ve never been to Holland! Plus, I’ve grown to appreciate the beauty of our own country too and want to spend time walking my dogs in the Derbyshire Dales and the Lake District. So much travel, so little time…What about you, Anne? What do you want to do?
Like you I have never been to Amsterdam and that’s on my list plus I am going to hug everyone! Including you Jane next time we meet. Chatting now has reminded me what I’m missing. Although it was wonderful having you here virtually.
J: Thanks so much for inviting me into The Cocktail Lounge. It’s been such fun chatting!
You can find out more about Jane Isaac’s books on her website and follow her on Twitter @JaneIssacAuthor