If you haven’t yet come across crime writer Simon McCleave, all that is about to change with an appearance on Dr Jacky Collins’ video series The Doctor Will See You Now. Until recently, Jacky was new to Simon’s books too – but now she is a committed fan of his ‘dark and pleasurable’ Snowdonia Killings series, which has just reached book 11 with The Lake Vrynwy Killings.
Since self-publishing The Snowdonia Killings in January 2020, the author has become a powerhouse in British crime fiction, setting up mysteries for his detective DCI Ruth Hunter across Wales and beyond, including Harlech Beach, the Dee Valley, the Menai Bridge and even over to Paris. His books have sold over a million copies in total in just two years and this success has won him a deal with Harper Collins for whom he will be producing a new series set on Anglesey.
In his interview with Jacky, Simon reveals that he has been hooked on mysteries since childhood, starting with The Famous Five and Secret Seven. A former script editor and writer on series like The Bill and Silent Witness, nowadays he is still stuck in that same groove and enjoys watching and reading dark crime. “There’s nothing like a good murder”, he says.
Simon has created a huge body of work since his debut and he shares with Jacky his inspiration, writing methodology and love for the areas which he writes about. Settle back for a fascinating episode!