Author’s inspiration often found while on Italian holiday

For most having a deserved break is not a crime, but some of top Scottish crime writer Val McDermid’s most inspired plots have come while she has been relaxing on holiday, she said.

Even a rare breed of pigs she came across in Italy became part of one murder mystery.

The 62-year-old from Kirkcaldy is best known for a series of suspense novels featuring Dr Tony Hill.

“I don’t usually go on holiday looking for inspiration but sometimes the atmosphere of a place is irresistible.

“I’ve probably spent more time holidaying in Italy than any other country.

“I love the landscapes, the hill towns, the food and drink, the generosity and warmth of the people,” she said.

“Inevitably, I’ve butted up against elements that have ended up inspiring my work.

“When I was working on the idea for The Mermaids Singing, I was struggling to find an illustrated guide to medieval torture, so I could picture the devices I needed to write about.

“Meanwhile, we were on holiday in Tuscany.

“All over Florence were adverts for the Museo Criminologico in San Gimignano, which intrigued me and my companion, a criminal lawyer, so off we went to San Gimignano, only to discover that the museum was in fact dedicated to implements of torture.

“While others flinched and ran away, I took notes and pictures that became the basis for the book’s descriptions, which won the Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year.”

Val McDermid.