Today I'm very pleased to have the wonderful Leigh Russell here to talk about her latest book 'Race To Death'.
In 'Race To Death' Leigh has her main character, Ian Peterson, moving to York for his next adventure. Here she tells us why.
In my first series, my detective Geraldine Steel began
her career in the Kent constabulary, working with her sergeant, Ian Peterson.
In the fourth book in the series, Geraldine moved to London, leaving Ian behind
in Kent.
By the time Geraldine relocated to the Met in Death Bed,
Ian Peterson had become a popular character in his own right, so the two of
them kept in touch. Following the success of the Geraldine Steel series, my
publisher raised the possibility of my writing a second series, and a spin off
series for Ian Peterson was the obvious answer. I was very excited by the idea
and so it was agreed. All that remained was to decide on a location for Ian's
investigations.
My interest in York came about as the result of
a personal connection. My husband attended York University and we had spent
some time there, revisiting his old haunts. It's a fascinating place, where the
history is almost palpable, from the Roman ruins and Viking museum, to the
medieval Shambles shopping area and Victorian railway station. Walking along
narrow lanes or snickelways from a medieval church to a modern street, is
almost like walking through time. Having toyed with several places, it occurred to me that moving Ian to
York would mean I could visit the city more often to research the area. And of course, every time we visit York we have
afternoon tea at Bettys. If you haven't been there, you should go!
The first in the spin off series sees Ian in Kent, after
Geraldine's departure. At the end of the book, Ian learns that he has been
promoted and is moving to York. He is excited, although his wife is not pleased
about the move. The paperback for Race to Death came out in September, the
first book set in York. It starts with a death at York racecourse which the
police quickly realise was no accident. As Ian struggles to make sense of the
mysterious murder, the body of a young woman is discovered beside the river. As
Ian begins to piece together what has happened, he sets off a course of events
that threatens to lead to more tragedy... and if you want to know what happens,
you will have to read the book!
I'm returning to York in October to carry out research
for the next book in the series, and to launch Race to Death with a number of
book signings and talks in and around York.
Thanks to Leigh for that fascinating insight into her decision to move the action in her spin off series to York. It certainly makes a dynamic setting for a crime story!
You can find out more about Race To Death here.
2 comments:
Thanks for hosting a stop on my blog tour, Helen!
As always, an interesting and informative report from Leigh. Many thanks to Helen for giving Leigh the opportunity.
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