LOUISE PENNY

The Canadian author publishes another in her series of best-selling murder mysteries

This is your 18th Chief Inspector Gamache novel, can readers look forward to more?

Absolutely, you could not pay me to stop writing the Gamache books!

What has it been like seeing your work adapted for television?

John le Carré once described seeing his books turned into film as akin to watching your oxen turned into bouillon. Ha. Kinda like that. Painful, but actually, finally they captured the essence of the books and I am happy with most of their decisions. It helps that Alfred Molina as Gamache is superb.

Is there a book that made you love writing?

Charlotte’s Web. When I started the book I was terrified of spiders. When I finished, I was not. That book taught me the power of storytelling.

The best book you’ve read?

Oh, that’s impossible to answer. So many spoke to me at different times of my life.

A book that had a pivotal impact on your life?

Charlotte’s Web.

The book you couldn’t finish? Honestly?

At this stage in my life, lots. I no longer struggle through something I’m not enjoying.

A book you wish you had read but haven’t got to?

Moby Dick. Though I pretend to have read it, so that’s the same thing, right? Hello …?

The book you are most proud to have written?

The first. Still Life. While I’m not sure it’s the best of my books, that first one takes such courage and resilience and changed my life. I have huge respect for anyone who starts to write a book, never mind finishes it. Published or not, it is a massive achievement.

What book do you re-read?

When I am stressed, I re-read the golden age crime novels. Simenon, Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Josephine Tey, etc.

What books are on your bedside table?

Simenon and All the Knowledge in the World by Simon Garfield (a history of the encyclopaedia – I read a lot of non-fiction, especially when I am writing).

What are you writing now?

I’m not writing, but am thinking about, and making notes on, the next Gamache.

I’ll probably start writing in the new year.

A World of Curiosities: A Chief Inspector Gamache mystery, by Louise Penny, $33