Jane Corry, the author, is an ex-journalist who worked for
many years in a high-security male prison as a writer in residence.
I
know this might sound silly but I've always been a bit scared of novels that
freak me out! It started when I was about 12 and took down a book from a shelf
at Harrow library to read the first line. It went something like this. 'It was
only when they put me in the ambulance that I knew I was dead.' I think the
novel was by Martin Amis but I can't be sure because I put it straight back.
The very idea of being able to think when you're dead was so powerful that it's
haunted me to this very day. But it's also proof that the first line is
crucial!
At
about the same time, I came across Wilkie Collins's novel The Woman In White. Again, this scared me! I've always been very
aware of spirits and have lived in several places with 'presences'. Perhaps
it's because of my imagination, but when I read books with spectres I feel as
though I am there myself. And I'd rather not be!
But
when I came across Maggie O'Farrell's novel, After You'd Gone, I discovered a different kind of suspense. Here
was a story that dealt with the past in a manner that held me spellbound.
It sent goosebumps down my skin but in a way that made me want to read on.
I
felt the same way about Louise Doughty's 'Apple
Tree Yard'. Like many other readers, I wanted to know what happened. But a
heroine who threw caution to the wind also intrigued me. This was my first
experience of the current psychological thriller trend.
To
be honest, I delayed reading 'Girl On The
Train' because everyone else was doing so. Then I bought a copy when I was
in Vancouver last year and couldn't put it down. I write multi-viewpoint point
characters too so I liked the style. I've also always loved unreliable
narrators. They're great for plot twists and they reflect life. Many people are
not who they seem!
When
I started writing My Husband's Wife,
I wanted to create a novel that was different from anything else. My plan was
to push a common domestic situation (first and second marriage) to its limits
and also add a dollop of crime, partly inspired by my time as a writer in
residence of a high security prison. I discovered that people there did not
necessarily act or look like criminals. It would be very easy for them to be an
ordinary next-door neighbour or even a dinner party guest. However, I don't
like novels or films with violence unless it's really necessary. So I was
rather surprised to find myself writing some rather bloody scenes!
I'm
not quite sure what my family and friends are going to think when they read it.
Maybe 'My Husband's Wife' will keep
them up at night. Just like that first line from Harrow library still does to
me!
Follow her on Twitter@JaneCorryAuthor
Find her on Facebook
My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry e-book out now (Penguin)
When
lawyer Lily marries Ed, she's determined to make a fresh start. To leave the
secrets of the past behind. But then she meets Joe. A convicted murderer who
Lily is strangely drawn to. Who she will soon be willing to risk anything for.
But is he really innocent? And who is she to judge?
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