Thrill of the Chase Inspires Crime Novels

Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a crime writer like Agatha Christie? Well, Simon Hall comes closer than most.

He is the BBC crime correspondent for the South West and is successfully using his on-the-job experience with the release of his second crime fiction novel, The Death Pictures.

His first book, A Popular Murder, was warmly received by the critics as a fresh, distinctive and highly entertaining approach to crime writing. But writing didn’t come about by chance for Simon.

“I’ve wanted to write for years. About three and a half years ago my editor switched me over from environmental correspondent to crime.

“I felt like the new kid in class and was uncomfortable with it. But I soon started to enjoy the detective work and the chase of it, which led to writing about it.”

Yet it’s not just his job that informs his literary work. “I’m very much influenced by my surroundings – the wonderful scenery, moors, coast and the history of places, like Plymouth,” he says.

Simon’s second book focuses on a dying artist who creates a series of ten paintings – The Death Pictures – which contain a mysterious riddle, leading the way to a unique and highly valuable prize. Thousands attempt to solve it. But before the answer can be revealed, the painter is murdered.

A serial rapist is methodically working through a series of attacks. Media interest is intense, and Detective Chief Inspector Adam Breen again turns to his friend, TV crime reporter Dan Groves, to help him handle the case.

“I enjoyed writing The Death Pictures immensely,” Simon said. “I used some of the mischief of the late Plymouth artist Robert Lenkiewicz for the characterisation of the artist in my book.”

SOPHIE ROBEHMED

The Death Pictures, by Simon Hall, is published by Accent Press.

(c) 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.