Interview with Louise Broderick, Author of Why Did He Die?

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Why Did He Die??

When the first draft of this book was written (in 2014) I was working as the editor of an equestrian magazine. I had written a number of books, a biography, some romances, and children’s books (as Jacqui Broderick), all set in the horse world. My own writing tastes began to change, and I began to read crime novels. Then one morning the character of Jago Carey popped into my imagination, and I knew I had to bring him, or rather his death, to life.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Why Did He Die?, what would they be?

DI Grace Tallis – Fink – Pilgrim – she’s a very tough lady DI for whom life hasn’t always been easy, but she’s always positive and optimistic.

DS Max Wilton– Dido – Life For Rent – he’s a bit lost in a new role and new place to live.

Jago Carey – Whitesnake – Here I Go Again – Jago is pure evil.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Anything and everything, as long as a book grabs me straight away and I’m invested in the characters.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My long term plans involve downsizing my home and life so I can travel more easily. The long wall of one of my rooms is covered floor to ceiling with crammed bookshelves. I’m slowly reading my way through books I’ve collected and not yet read, and revisiting books I have read. If they don’t grab me straight away I’ve started taking to them to a local second hand book shop which buys them off me. The ones to be read at the moment are Tana French’s The Wych Elm, Barbara Eskine’s Times Legacy, and Peter James’ Absolute Proof. I’m currently reading Lucinda Riley’s The Midnight Rose. Have just finished Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

With this book, and I think with all my books, it is the opening scene. I want to draw my readers into the new world my characters inhabit. In Why Did He Die? opens with Jago Carey realising he needs to move the body of his favourite murder victim.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m not sure if its quirky, but I try to write a chapter a day, that’s 2500 words, usually in 500 word chunks, working from a very detailed chapter by chapter synopsis. I reward my output by something simple – a cup of coffee, maybe doing some housework, taking the dogs for a walk.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Do it now.

I also love To Do Lists and massive wall calendars where I plan my writing and marketing schedules.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

My name and to leave a kind review somewhere so other readers can find me.

Louise Broderick is the author of the new book Why Did He Die?

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