Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
My latest published novel is called “The Replacement”. It’s a psychological thriller about a seemingly perfect but deeply dysfunctional family. One day a well meaning stranger walks into this hornets nest and exposes all their well guarded secrets for the world to see. If you like your thrillers dark then this is the book for you!
I’ve just finished a new novel called “The Cage” which I’m very excited about. It’s a story about loss with a slight supernatural twist!
If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?
All’s well that ends with pizza.
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 about bullying 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 her why she said “I was bullied at school and think Patrick Redmond was the one responsible.” My agent asked how old she was and she told him that she was 51. He pointed out that as I was only 32 I could not possibly have been responsible! She 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 the correspondence. Fortunately she never did!
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Either Stephen King and Patricia Highsmith. Both 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 even makes Henry VIII and his six wives look dull!
Finally please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you’ve chosen these.
BETWEEN YOU AND ME by LISA HALL – a brilliant thriller about the secrets in a marriage.
THE STAND IN by DEBORAH MOGGACH – a fantastic story about a struggling actress descending into madness while acting as stand in for a glamorous star. I’ve already re-read this book twice and cannot recommend it enough.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN by LIONEL SHRIVER – a superb exploration of how a mother copes with having a psychopath as a son.
Who is Patrick Redmond?
