Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
Why do you write the genre that you write?
I’ve always loved mysteries, especially traditional British mysteries, and I suppose I began writing the books I wanted to read. I also like the structure of mystery novels—there must be a crime, and it must be resolved. It gives you a framework, but so much freedom within it.
What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
Um, that’s a tough one. My characters don’t tend to be very quirky. Maybe I need to work on that!
Tell us how you got into writing?
I wrote poetry from the time I was a teenager, but didn’t try a novel until years later. I had moved back to Texas from the UK and was so homesick for Britain that I decided to go there in my head. That book was A SHARE IN DEATH, the first Gemma James/Duncan Kincaid book.
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
Nothing very exciting. I’ve written ad copy, features for small newspapers, odds and ends of other things, but mainly I worked in sales in my family’s business. It was great training in people skills.
How many books do you have published?
Nineteen.
Where do you write?
Most mornings I write downstairs in our sun porch. It has a lovely west-facing view of our back garden, and I can let the dogs in and out, etc. In the afternoons I move upstairs to my “proper” office.
What is your favorite deadline snack?
I love my afternoon tea and a bite of a scone from my local bakery. Otherwise, pistachios.
Who is an author you admire?
Oh, so many! But I am a huge fan of Ben Aaronovitch, who writes the Rivers of London novels.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Probably crime/mystery. But I also love British rom coms, women’s fiction (although I hate the designation,) paranormal (see Aaronovitch, above,) and read some fantasy/sci fi.
What are you reading now?
THE LAST WORD by Elly Griffiths
What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Probably that afternoon tea, unless it’s a little wine or a gin cocktail with dinner. Only water after that.
What is next for you?
I’m working on Kincaid/James #20 right now!
Where can we find you?
On my website at deborahcrombie.com, at the Jungle Red Writers blog, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter.
Now to have some fun . . .
Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
Strawberry
Ice cream or cake
Cake
Fruits or vegetables
Veggies, but love both
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast
Dining in or dining out
In
City life or country living
City, if it’s London!
Beach or mountain
English countryside
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
Fall
Extrovert or introvert
Bit of both
Early bird or night owl
Night owl
And even more fun . . .
What’s your favorite movie?
First thing that popped into my head was The Holiday.
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
Burt’s Bees lip balm, something to read, a big hat!
My bio:
New York Times bestselling author Deborah Crombie is a native Texan who writes crime novels set in the United Kingdom. Her Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series has received numerous awards, including Edgar, Macavity, and Agatha nominations, and is published in more than a dozen countries to international acclaim.
Crombie lives in North Texas with her husband, German shepherds, and cats, and divides her time between Texas and Great Britain. Her latest novel, A Killing of Innocents, is available from William Morrow, February, 2023. She is currently working on her twentieth Kincaid/James novel.
Reading Deborah’s first novel was something I’ll never forget, and I’ve loved every one since then.
I love this series and eagerly await the arrival of each book. I can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks, Cindy!
Aw, thanks, Connie! And same to you!
I wait for each one eagerly and was glad to hear her speak (which is a different thing) at Crime Bake.
It was so nice to meet you!
I am loving this series. Making steady and consistent progress through it. Very exciting to see #20 in the works.
Eagerly looking forward to the new novel! I am especially fond of how you teach us about each settings neighborhood( and those lovely maps!)
Thank you! I adore the maps and can never wait to see what Laura Maestro comes up with for a new book. She’s brilliant!
I’m old, I read three hundred or so books a year. I think if I say your Kincaid/James series is in my top five, well that might mean I really, truly, madly enjoy your books.
Thank you, Maureen!
The Gemma James & Duncan Kincaid series is one of my favorites!
Thank you, Jennifer!
Love Debs’ books! I came to the series somewhat recently and am slowly but surely catching up. I am hoping to be ready for #20 when it comes out! Thank you, Dru Ann, for featuring “our” Debs!
Hi Pat! So nice to see you here! Thanks for commenting!
I also a great fan of Ben Aaronovitch .My book club read the first one and I was a little nervous of their reactions ,but they approved.The audiobooks are fabulous.
I love all your books, whether written or listened to .Yay for #20!
Every time I read a piece about you, I discover new traits I can relate to (and maybe think we have in common?). The huge difference is that you write wonderful books set in England, and I just LOVE to read them. Thanks for taking me back there in my mind. Can’t wait for #20.
What a fun interview! Now Dru has me thinking about your characters’ quirky traits, LOL. Can’t wait for your next book.
I’ve loved all the books and look forward to the next. 💕
I just found this. What fun! I’m eagerly waiting for D&G #20.