Author Lesley Cookman Answers all our Questions

1. Latest Book: Murder in Autumn
2. Can you give us the ‘elevator pitch’ version of your latest book.
   A murder brings to light the scandal of the housing market, and Libby Sarjeant naturally gets involved in the hunt for the killer.

   Libby Sarjeant is proudly hosting an original production of Much Ado About Nothing at the Oast Theatre, which features a daring twist on the classic play. But an old acquaintance of Libby’s – irascible director Constance Matthews – is outraged by the show, stirring strong feelings throughout Steeple Martin.

   When a body is subsequently found in the woodlands of a grand estate, the community is shocked by the prospect of murder. But the case is far from straightforward, with dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.

3.  Tell us something about yourself that we likely don’t know! The more obscure the better!
   I was once asked to become a Bunny Girl at the Playboy Club in London.
4. Do you write in silence, or with music? If you write to music, give us the top three songs on your writers’ playlist this week.
   Shoshtakovich Jazz Suite, Elgar Enigma Variations Gilbert and Sullivan Iolanthe
5. Are you a plotter or pantser?
   Pantster
6. Have your characters ever ‘gone off-script’ – hijacked your story and taken it in a direction you didn’t expect?
   Every time
7. If you could spend time with any character from any of your books, who would it be and what would you do?
   Harry from the Pink Geranium restaurant. We’d gossip and drink wine.
8. Which of your characters can you say you would least get along with in real life?
   In this book – the victim!
9. Do you read your reviews?
   I shall read the blog tour reviews, but I’m scared of reading those on Amazon
10. What has been the toughest criticism you have been given since becoming a published author?
    Too many characters
11. What is the best compliment you have received?
    “The Libby Sarjeant books are just like the Famous Five with gin instead of ginger beer.” (Not that I particularly liked the Famous Five, but I thought it was a genius comment.)
12. Do you have a day job when you are not writing? If so, what do you do?
    No – this is my day job
13. Can you name three authors who have inspired your writing?
    Ngaio Marsh John Dickon Carr Monica Edwards
14. What was your favourite book as a child?
    Just one? OK – The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
15. What scene in your latest book was the hardest scene to write (without giving away too many spoilers!)
    It’s all hard!
16. Do you have any other author friends? If so, can you name a few and have any of them given you a piece of advice you would consider invaluable on your publishing journey?
    Most of my friends are authors – I’ve been at it a long time, but a few: Katie Fforde, Sophie Weston, Simon Brett, Joanna Maitland, Liz Fielding, Louise Allen, Sarah Mallory, Janet Gover – I could go on!

For Bonus Points – Answer our fabulous frivolous questions!

What is your biggest fear?
Losing my job!

If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?
Healing people – and animals

If you could write one line to be etched into your tombstone, what would it read?
She Tried

If you could give your younger self ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t give up so quickly

You can purchase Lesley Cookmans latest book: Murder in Autumn here.