Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
Deadly Friendship is the third book in the DI Hamilton series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel. The story focuses on strained relationships, and how these are connected to a corpse in Lake Windermere, a missing woman and a murder in London. Advanced readers have said they’ve been “gobsmacked,” “guessing right up until the end” and “literally had no idea what was going to happen.” So, the question is, can I stump the sleuth in you?
If someone was to write your life story, what would the title be?
Everything Happens for a Reason
What’s the strangest fan question or request you’ve received?
I’m obviously not well known enough (yet, hopefully) as I’ve had nothing strange happen to me.
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
I’m lucky enough to have already co-written with M.A. Comley, but if I could write with anyone else it would be Martina Cole; I met her last year at Harrogate and was in awe. Working with her, I think they’d be a lot of laughs, plenty of wine and some gruesome scenes written.
Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!).
Each night, I check my front door is locked at least three times before I go to bed.
Finally please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you’ve chosen these.
The Abattoir of Dreams by Mark Tilbury.
This is a really different book and has stayed with me since reading it earlier this year. It’s dark and chilling and, yes, the subject matter is harrowing, but the author delivers it with the sensitivity required to make you want to read more, not look away and hide. It was a pacy and intriguing read and I loved how the author dipped between past and present to build the story. I was hooked.
The Boy Inside by Ross Greenwood.
This is unlike any crime book I have read in a long time, and it was a superb change. Step away from the chilling stalkers and gruesome murders, and you get a look into why so many people turn to crime. The author is clever, and I like his style of writing. Starting with a glimpse at the present day situation, you are then transported back to the youth of the main character, Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed this technique because, as the story progressed, I realised I was watching the boy grow up. I understood him, was invested in him and, inevitably, rooting for him.
Differently Normal by Tammy Robinson.
I am a crime/thriller lover, but it’s this author I always go to when I need a break. When I need something beautiful. When I need my heart to be filled with emotion. Differently Normal, a story which has changed my way of thinking, is told with stunning imagery, honest characters and real emotion. I loved the alternating chapters between Maddy and Albert – a device the author used in one of my favourite books of hers, Charlie & Pearl – because you get inside the minds of the main characters and understand them all the better for it.
Who is Tara Lyons?
Tara is a crime/psychological thriller author from London, UK. Turning 30 in 2015 propelled her to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. In the Shadows is Tara’s debut solo novel published in March 2016.
When she’s not writing, Tara can be found at a local Wacky Warehouse stuck in the ball-pit with her young, energetic son.
Sign up to Tara’s monthly newsletter for exclusive news, previews and giveaways
