INTERVIEW WITH: #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOY ELLIS
This week, we are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to interview #1 bestselling author Joy Ellis on her latest utterly gripping crime thriller SOLACE HOUSE, book 9 in the much loved Jackson & Evan series.
UK #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE JACKMAN & EVANS AND DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES; SHORTLISTED FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR FICTION: CRIME & THRILLER AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2021
Q: How does Solace House differ from the other books in this series?
A: I try very hard to find a unique topic for each book; hopefully something that will hold the attention and imagination of the reader. There are two elements in Solace House that made for extremely interesting research, that of Victorian baby farms, and also looking into the mindset of someone who has been brainwashed into a false belief. Heady stuff! So, it's my hope that every book, including Solace House, continues with the progressing lives of the main characters, but delivers a completely different storyline.
Q: What was the inspiration behind Solace House?
A: My friend Ivan and I took a drive over the fens, trying to get a shot of one of the famous copses that are like islands in the middle of farmland and left to encourage wildlife. Whilst travelling winding lanes to nowhere we saw a house with a For Sale board outside. The drive was overgrown and old connifers and other trees seemed to be crowding in on it. We went a little way up the drive and saw the most austere house imaginable. The side wall that faced the drive had no windows, and it looked dark, imposing and sinister. It actually gave me the goosebumps! And so... the advent of Solace House.
Q: How would you describe Solace House in 3 words?
A: Damned good value! Ha-ha! Er, seriously
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: Audiobooks are my thing as I can do jobs whilst listening. Time spent relaxing means writing books, not reading them. Just finished The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I read it as book so many years ago that I wanted to re-visit it. Wow, how did I read all those Latin quotes! Brillaint book, but took a bit of concentration!
Q: What book are you working on now?
A: Now working on edits for the next DI Nikki Galena Fen Series, and writing the Jackman and Evans. Next up will be another Matt Ballard, and so the merry-go-round of three crime series continues to revolve. Think I'm getting dizzy, or is that the large glass of rose next to the keyboard!
SOLACE HOUSE OUT NOW
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