Few authors
are lucky enough to have one of their creations adapted for television or
the silver screen, but Ann Cleeves has had not one, but two, of her series taken
up and shown across the world. The second series of the DC Vera Stanhope series
‘Vera’ on ITV returned to our screens earlier this month, and a third BBC series
of her ‘Shetland’ mystery novels is due to start filming this summer.
Born not too
far from here in Hereford, Ann grew up with the countryside around her wherever
she moved, but it wasn’t until she moved
to the isolated reserve of Hilbre in the Dee Estuary that she had the time and
space to start her writing career, a career that has spanned almost three
decades and numerous awards, including being admitted to the Crime Thriller
Hall of Fame.
What is the first book you remember
reading?
I was an EnidBlyton child – that was probably what turned me into a crime writer. I loved all the mystery stories and remember
going to the library and being so excited to find one I hadn’t read before.
What effect does being an author have
on you as a reader?
I don’t read,
thinking about the craft of the writer.
My reading passion is crime in translation and sometimes the translator
gets in the way a bit. But mostly I
still love getting lost in a book.
Are there any books you can read again
and again?
My lifetime
book is The Lost Domain by Alain-Fournier.
I read it as a teenager and it had a profound effect. But I go back to the crime fiction of the
Golden Age. It’s my comfort reading when
I’m ill or miserable.
Are there any genres that you wouldn’t
choose to read?
Not
really. I’m a bit lazy about moving away
from my criminal comfort zone, but I’ll give anything a try. That’s the good thing about being a member of
a reading group
What is the current book on your
nightstand/coffee table?
The proof of
a Korean novel called The Investigation by Jung-Myung Lee. Spookily it’s about
the power of words and how poetry is a civilising influence. It should be
required for anyone who wants to close libraries.
The 6th book in the Shetland series 'Thin Air' is due for release next month.
The 6th book in the Shetland series 'Thin Air' is due for release next month.
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