Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
It’s the story of a couple who go on honeymoon to the Maldives, and the husband disappears without trace… And that’s all you need to know. The reason you should read it is because it is a classic locked room mystery which has been brought bang up to date, with an unreliable female lead, some dysfunctional familial relationships, an interesting bag of characters left on the island, and a (mostly) unguessable ending which has caused much controversy. And apparently the descriptions of the island has made lots of people want to go to the Maldives.
If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?
Me, myself, I. It’s already been done (by my former work colleagues – draw your own conclusions!!)
What’s the strangest fan question or request you’ve received?
One asked to meet me, so I met him at the pub when he was down in London – but his wife and my husband came too, and I now think of him as a friend.
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Perhaps Russell Brand (don’t judge me!!). He is very funny, and he has the most amazing gift with words. My Booky Wook is one of my favourite memoirs ever.
Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!).
The Honeymoon has just been optioned by STV to be made into a TV drama for ITV. Does this count?
Finally please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you’ve chosen these.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. This is the memoir of one of the most remarkable people I have ever come across. The prose is haunting, beautiful, inspired. The man himself was truly inspiring. Read it.
How to Measure a Cow by Margaret Forster. I have always been a fan of this author, but her latest book is about a woman who changes her name and moves from London to the north of England to start all over again – and my first novel (One Step Too Far) was about a woman who changes her name and moves from the north of England to London to start all over again…
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer. I’m cheating slightly as I’m only halfway through it, but it is fantastic. A huge, old-fashioned epic: a love story against a backdrop of war and tragedy. It’s a book to dive into and live, especially as I’m going to Eastern Europe on Wednesday.
Who is Tina Seskis?
Tina Seskis grew up in Hampshire, and after graduating from the University of Bath spent over 20 years working in marketing and advertising. She is the author of three novels, One Step Too Far and A Serpentine Affair and her latest The Honeymoon. Tina lives in North London with her husband and son.
