How did the idea for The Whitechapel Mystery come about? Was there a lightbulb moment?
The seed for the Constance Piper series was sewn many years ago when an author friend of mine, Lynn Picknett, wrote a book called Flights of Fancy: 100 Years of Paranormal Experiences. It featured the story of a young medium who purportedly channelled a spirit. I was drawn into the Victorian’s fascination with seances and how popular they were around the time of the Ripper murders.
What came first: a character, a scene, or the overall concept?
The character of Constance came first. She was inspired by a daring young woman called Florence Cook, who, unlike Constance was a real fraudster.
How much of yourself is in your book or your characters?
More than I’d like, I think. I’m really rooting for Constance, but there’s a lot of me in Miss Tindall, too.
Was there a moment while writing that emotionally hit you hard?
The clinical callousness of the Ripper is always shocking, but I think the murder of his last victim, Mary Jane Kelly, was hardest to write about because she had a young child.
Was there a particular image or quote that guided you during writing?
Yes, a quote by Percy Shelley that is in the book. It’s "I stood within the City disinterred; And heard the autumnal leaves like light footfalls
Of spirits passing through the streets …"
If The Whitechapel Mystery were made into a movie, who would be your dream cast?
Constance would be played by Millie Bobby Brown, (Enola Holmes) Thaddeus by Leo Woodall (One Day) and Miss Tindall by Clare Foy, (The Crown). Olivia Colman would be great as Constance’s mother, too.
Are you a fast writer or a patient perfectionist?
I used to be a journalist, first on newspapers, then on magazines, so I can write very fast, especially to a tight deadline, but then I edit, edit and edit some more. So, producing a novel ends up being a very long process. I guess I’m a bit of both.
What hobbies do you have outside of writing?
My husband and I hike a lot. We are lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds, in England, but we also go on walking holidays abroad. I also love to bake cakes. It’s a good job I enjoy exercise because I enjoy eating what I’ve made, too!
What do you enjoy reading privately and what was your latest highlight?
I love books with Gothic vibes like Sarah Water’s classic novels Fingersmith and Affinity. Lately I’ve read Bridget Collins’ The Binding—a really original, atmospheric book with Gothic vibes and a fantastical premise.
Do you have a short message or some words for your readers?
Thankfully so much has changed for the better regarding men’s attitudes to women over the past 150 years, but there’s still so much more to do!