Behind the Crimes with Robert Murphy

Subscribe for FREE - robertmurphy.substack.com Her disappearance lasted eleven days. But for the last century, the trail of speculation has never entirely disappeared. Laura Thompson, who has been writing about Christie for two decades, has revisited the episode in her new book, ‘Eleven Days.’ Why was the author - a new mother - in extremis? What had her husband done to drive her to this state? And what impact did the recent death of Christie’s mother have? With new research - including re-enacting the journey Christie made in December 1926, Laura’s book provides a wonderful insight into this fascinating chapter of the writer’s life - and reveals so much more about her psyche. You can learn more about Laura and her writing here: https://substack.com/@laurathompsonwriter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertmurphy.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe for FREE: robertmurphy.substack.com Award-winning crime author Tim Sullivan joins us to discuss The Tailor, the latest novel in his award-winning George Cross series, which begins with a murder aboard the 10 o’clock train from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington. Tim discusses why he never knows who the killer is when he starts writing, how commissioning a bespoke suit became essential research, and why Bristol continues to provide the perfect backdrop for his mysteries. We also explore his remarkable career directing Sherlock Holmes, writing Hollywood films, and the lessons storytelling on screen taught him about pacing, character and suspense. George Cross has connected so well with readers, the series has just landed Tim with a prestigious CWA Dagger in the Library Award. Learn more about Tim here: https://timsullivan.co.uk/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertmurphy.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe for FREE: robertmurphy.substack.com Mark Billingham has just been received the Crime Writers Association’s Diamond Dagger - perhaps the biggest prize in the genre. In this wide-ranging interview he tells me about his a near-attack whoel walking his dog inspired his latest DS Declan Miller novel, The Shadow Step. Mark describes why he believes humour and serious storytelling belong together, and how the irreverent detective DS Miller has given him a fresh creative freedom after more than two decades writing the Tom Thorne series. We also discuss his journey from actor and comedian to one of Britain’s most successful crime novelists, his instinctive approach to plotting (or not plotting), the influence of real crimes on his work, and the advice he’d give to aspiring writers. A funny, thoughtful and fascinating conversation with one of the masters of modern crime writing. You can find out more about Mark, his new releases and his extensive back-catalogue here: https://markbillingham.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertmurphy.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe for FREE: robertmurphy.substack.com John Marrs is the award-winning author who has sold more than five million books, including What Lies Between Us and You Killed Me First. In this fascinating interview, John reveals how he went from rejected, self-published author to being a global best-seller. Dead in the Water is his latest best-seller, about a man who when resuscitated after drowning, suddenly recalls a dark chapter of his childhood. He talks about the inspiration behind Dead in the Water, his writing process, the success of The One, and the Netflix adaptation of his work, his legendary ‘Chapter 39’, and the secrets behind creating addictive crime fiction.And John and Rob talk about their shared history (and terrifying news editor) working for the same newspaper decades ago.Subscribe for more conversations with leading crime writers, detectives, investigators, and true crime experts. You can find out much more about John Marrs here: https://www.johnmarrsauthor.com/ #JohnMarrs #DeadInTheWater #CrimeFiction #PsychologicalThriller #AuthorInterview #TheOne #Netflix #WritingTips #BookTube #CrimeBooks This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertmurphy.substack.com/subscribe

Subscribe for FREE: www.robertmurphy.substack.com Bestselling crime writer T.M. Logan joins the show to discuss his gripping thriller The Weekend — a tense moral drama about six friends who discover a hidden stash of cash in a cave on the North Yorkshire moors. What begins as an ordinary New Year’s getaway spirals into suspicion, secrets and betrayal, as the group wrestles with the impossible question: what would you do if you found a life-changing amount of money? TM Logan talks about the inspiration behind the novel and explains how ordinary, relatable characters are at the heart of his fiction. The interview also explores TM Logan’s journey from local newspaper reporter to one of Britain’s biggest thriller writers. He reflects on his years in journalism at the Nottingham Evening Post and the Daily Mail, the lessons he learned from hard-nosed subeditors, and how newsroom discipline shaped his fast-paced, twist-filled writing style. TM Logan shares insights into adapting books for television, including seeing The Holiday and The Catch brought to the screen, and reveals how real-life crimes and true-crime documentaries have influenced some of his most compelling ideas. To learn more about TM Logan - click here: https://www.tmlogan.com/ Podcast transcripts - New Feature: Not a podcast listener but want to read the interview instead? Just click below This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertmurphy.substack.com/subscribe