10 Questions for crime writer Peter James

WITH sales of more than 17 million books, translated into 36 languages, Peter James is one of our most successful crime authors.

He has worked with Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone on movies, and his novel Host, credited as the world’s first ever electronic book, is stored at the Science Museum.

His latest novel, Love You Dead, is available to buy and download now.

The Science Museum? You’re a fan of technology?

Oh, yes. I’ve just launched my own YouTube channel where I give writing tips, advice on how to get rid of a body, useful things like that (laughs).

Do you now prefer electronic books?

I was pilloried with front page headlines around the world when my book was put on floppy disc in 1994. I said back then that the eBook would catch on. They’re everywhere now, but I confess I much prefer print.

Where do you get inspiration?

Anywhere. I was giving a talk in a women’s prison and one inmate told me she’d poisoned her mother-in-law and then her husband. She was the classic Black Widow, the idea that kick-started this new book. Too good to ignore.

Do women make good villains?

Yes. There’s almost a gasp from a theatre audience when it’s revealed a woman is the baddie. We always assume it will be a man. Women are supposed to be gentler.

Favourite smell?

The smell of a book or, better still, a whole book shop.

How do you unwind?

I compete in historic cars at Brands Hatch. I had a horrendous smash there in a race, bouncing upside down at 90 miles per hour. There was a camera in the car and you’ll be able to see that on my YouTube channel.

Do the police help you with research?

Yes, but sometimes in ways I might not expect.

An example?

I met an officer who kept poison frogs as pets. I said: “I’ll use that for a murder” but he told me they lose their toxicity here in the UK. He suggested using venomous snakes instead, which I did.

Do you respect the police or use them as foils?

I’m writing a book with the former commander of Brighton police to show what it’s really like being a policeman in Britain. There are lots of true crime stories that he’s been involved in.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend the time?

I’d read The History Of The Concrete Roofing Tile, a book so unimaginably boring that I would know whatever happened after I died, even if it were oblivion, would be more fun.

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