An Interview with Elly Griffiths

And don’t forget to cast your vote to decide who will take home the UK and Ireland’s most coveted crime fiction writing award.

Tell us your story – when and how did you start writing fiction? 

I wrote my first crime novel when I was eleven. It was called ‘The Hair of the Dog’, which must have been something my parents talked about! I can’t remember much about it but the plot involved a fake murder that turned into a real one. It was set in a small village and I’m sure it was very influenced by Agatha Christie, because this was when I started devouring her books. Later, at secondary school, I wrote short stories about Starsky and Hutch. They had a small, but enthusiastic, group of admirers. That is, until I killed Starsky…

We’ve heard of some unusual writing habits over the years, what would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

As soon as I finish one book I start another, the next minute. It might only be a few lines and I might not go back to them for weeks but they’re there.

What’s the one line or paragraph you’re most proud of in your shortlisted book?

Between Edwin and Leonard, the ‘literary’ author.

‘I didn’t write the book to be enjoyed’

‘I thought not’

(Might not be word perfect because I’m on holiday and don’t have the book with me).

Let’s say you’re going rogue: which crime fiction villain would you most enjoy being (just for research, of course)?

I love Lydia Gwilt from Armadale by Wilkie Collins. She is a flame-haired beauty and, though she comes to a sad end, has a wonderful time being wicked in the book. My favourite Lydia line is: ‘who was the man who invented laudanum? I thank him from the bottom of my heart.’

Which writers have influenced your own writing the most?

Wilkie Collins definitely. I also owe a lot to Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Nancy Spain. My theatrical books definitely owe something to Nancy Spain’s wonderfully titled, ‘Cinderella goes to the morgue’.

You’re cast in a gritty crime drama. Are you the detective, suspect or the wildcard witness?

I think I’m too squeamish for a gritty crime drama. I might be the wise-cracking but clumsy best friend who falls over just before the final chase. ‘I’ll be OK. Go on without me…’

What book would you always recommend to someone who “doesn’t usually read crime”?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean