‘Betrayed' was inspired after seeing how the legal system deal with children who have been sexually, mentally or physically abused. In part, this story examines the aftermath in a family after a specialist defence lawyer puts so-called 'reasonable doubt’ into the minds of jurors and thus letting the perpetrator walk free.
The book is about an imaginative little girl called 'Star' whose mother and father (Bunny and Del) each in their own way seek to protect her from dangers associated with the past. Bunny is a high class prostitute who continues working to maintain her sense of independence and to avoid the ultimate challenge of trusting anyone with her heart.
Del is a big face in Soho who could easily take care of Bunny and is driven to distraction by her refusal to retire from ‘the game.’ Bunny secretly manages huge anxieties which stem from childhood. As a result, Del sometimes doesn’t understand Bunny but he always loves her. His attempts to be with her and live as a family with star are seriously hindered by the fact that he is still married to the parasitic Edith who knows too much about his shady business dealings to be divorced against her will.
Bunny and Del have differing approaches to life and their endearing relationship is played out amid the excitement of gangland Soho and amongst the criminal fraternity on the Costa del Sol. I hope the readers feel they are taken on a journey where they will laugh and cry with some of the larger than life personalities. There is plenty of gangland action and as always things are never quite what they seem but as the characters learn from their experience, love has at least half a chance to save the day.
Even I wasn’t sure how everything would turn out until I got to the end, in particular I fell in love with Star as I wrote her, and I hope the readers feel the same way.
You have had some lovely comments from other writers such as Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane, so how does this make you feel?
It’s always flattering when fellow contemporaries who’ve had the success that they have, are positive about your work and I always appreciate such supportive remarks. Kimberley I know is also with my publisher Harpercollins, so I was proud to see her recent book ‘Payback’ shoot to number 1, she is not only a great author but when we meet up at social events she’s great fun to spend time with.
Please tell us about the characters of Bunny and Del.
Del and Bunny certainly love each other, but they have to find a way to understand each other and take that leap of faith to be together.
Bunny’s career as a prostitute is a stumbling block for Del who’s ego and gangland reputation make it difficult for him to comprehend her refusal to give it up even though she despises her punters every touch. Bunny is dreaming Del will somehow learn to understand why she is so insecure and reluctant to commit without her actually explaining about her childhood. She is torn between a desperate romantic desire to accept Del’s offer to take care of her and her crippling fear of being let down and hurt. I hope the reader will feel that their story is a great advocate for the glory of searching for unconditional love and not settling for anything less.
Your work has been compared to Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller, so are you fans of their work or have they inspired your writing at any point?
I would say less inspiration more admiration for what they have achieved. They are both talented and hugely successful writers and I take such comparisons as a compliment. Years ago I did read a few Martina Cole books, she led the way in making gangland thrillers a Genre. My inspiration is more related to life experiences as well as what my Dad calls my fervent imagination.
Is making your fiction ‘gripping’ and ‘thrilling’ something you are very conscious of or is it something that flows naturally now?
Thank you, it’s nice to hear people find my work gripping and thrilling but it is something that comes naturally. I try to write what I would want to read, consequently there is always something exciting happening and without giving too much away at once I let strong characters drive the plot as they interact with each other.
What is your writing process?
I have always had a vivid imagination, as a child, multiple stories naturally played out in my head. As a writer I feel my characters from within, it’s as if they come alive and use me to tell their story. I rarely have any more than a basic plot idea and the characters just act out the scenes live in my head. It sometimes feels like a movie is playing in my head and I’m just transcribing events as they happen. As a result I root for the characters as the plot unfolds and sometimes when there is a knock at the door, even I am surprised to discover who is there when it opens.
What is next for you?
I am very much enjoying my writing and it’s a lovely feeling that people are buying my books and often send such positive feedback. ‘Betrayed’ is out in March and my next book ‘Avenged’ is out in August.