‘Writing book saved my life’
Chris goes from stab victim and embezzler to crime prize winner
Astory of crime, punishment, love and redemption set in coastal California – one the author credits as saving his life after being mugged and stabbed as a teenager – has won one of the most sough after writing prizes in the world.
Chris Whitaker has taken Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year with We Begin at the End.
“I began writing this book as a form of therapy after being mugged and stabbed,” he said.
“Without doubt this story saved my life, so to win this award feels like the most wonderful, dreamlike end to a journey that has been 20 years in the making.
“I have read the shortlisted books, so know with some certainty that I’m not a worthy winner, but I am a grateful one, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling now.”
Chris struggled to cope with life after the mugging and turned to drink and drugs. The drive to gain control of his life led him into a job as a stockbroker.
That, too, turned into a nightmare when he lost a million pounds and embezzled cash from his employers to cover his tracks.
Instead of going to the police, when they found out his bosses let him keep his job and he paid off most of the debt.
Now married, he quit his job again and moved to Spain and took up fiction writing and the rest as they say is history ...
Chris clinched the title on his first nomination. He received £3,000 and an engraved oak beer cask.
An unprecedented decision was taken to recognise Northern Irish author Brian McGilloway’s political thriller The Last Crossing as highly commended.
Both books are out in paperback now.