To celebrate the publication of Patrick’s new book THE NIGHT VISITOR, I am delighted to be part of the #blogtour and invited Patrick over to Compulsive Readers for a Quickie…..
Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
My latest book is called “The Night Visitor” and is a ghost story set in Cornwall. The heroine is psychic and has spent most of her life trying to escape her gift, only to discover that the dead are too strong to be silenced. If you like a (hopefully!) creepy read with a puzzle to solve and some romance too then this is the book for you. Oh, and the descriptions of the Cornish coast are very nice!
If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?
All’s well that ends with pizza/curry – either works!
What’s the strangest fan question or request you’ve received?
I’m not sure if the word “fan” is appropriate but this was certainly very strange. My first novel “The Wishing Game” is set in a 1950s Norfolk boarding school. When I landed my book deal there was an article in the papers which mentioned that the book was about bullying. A woman phoned my agent, asking for my address. When he asked why, she said “I was bullied at school and think Patrick Redmond was responsible.” My agent asked her age and she told him she was 51. My agent then pointed out that as I was only 32 I could not possibly have been responsible! The woman then said “I’ve only got your word for that” and demanded my address. My agent told her to write to me, care of him and he would forward her letter. Fortunately, she never did!
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Stephen King, Ira Levin or Patricia Highsmith. All are absolute masters of their craft. A publisher once compared me to Highsmith (if only!) and it was the greatest compliment I’ve ever received.
Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!).
I’m addicted to stories about decadent European Royalty and read every book on the subject I can get my hands on! The Romanovs are a particular favourite. What went on in Eighteenth century Imperial Russia was insane – it makes Henry VIII and his six wives look very dull!
Finally, please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you have chosen these.
GONE GIRL by GILLIAN FLYNN – I know I’m very late to the party on this one! A brilliant examination of just how little we sometimes know the people we love and trust the most.
THE PARTY by LISA HALL – A terrific read about waking up after a party with a hangover and the certainty that something really bad has happened. The problem is that you can’t remember what. How do you find out the truth and who can you trust as you do so?
THE STAND-IN by DEBORAH MOGGACH – a fantastic story about a struggling actress descending into madness why acting as a stand in for a glamorous star. I’ve read this book three times now and CANNOT recommend it enough!
Don’t forget to check out these wonderful bloggers below and follow the tour.
