Neil Lancaster, author of the DC Max Craigie series, joins us to talk about the inspiration behind the latest instalment, The Night Watch, and the inspiration behind this thrilling read.
“Well, it’s publication day for The Night Watch, the third of the DS Max Craigie series following the characters, Max, Janie, Ross, Norma and Barney.
I’m really delighted with this book, it was a real labour of love, and I hope it takes things to the next level, as all the characters’ quirks develop and their relationships cement.
The idea for the book came after a discussion with my old editor. I love to work collaboratively with my editorial team at HQ, as I think that it really fosters a great working relationship and helps everyone feel connected to the books. Anyway, I digress, I was having a chat and the usual questions came up from me. “What kind of subject material would you like for the next one? What do we think people will be interested in?
My editor quickly came back with, “you worked on serial killer cases, right?”
“Yeah, a couple. I was on the surveillance team that followed Levi Bellfield, and a number of other high profile bad guys.”
“Could you write a serial killer-based book?”
“I guess so, I’ll have a think.”
So, think I did. I wanted to keep the schtick going of a small, self-contained anti-corruption team (“Think Line of Duty headed by Reacher” as described by Mr Rankin). So, the thought arrived, what would happen if the serial killer wasn’t on the loose, but he was on the investigation team?
I mean, you’d read that wouldn’t you? A killer who strikes, initially as a vigilante for those who escape, or enable escaping justice, but moving maybe later because he enjoys it?
The idea was there, I just needed the hook, and a killer opening. Then I had it. A feared gangster is acquitted of murder because of a loophole. There are a few more of these in Scotland because of the rules on corroboration. These sometimes lead to a “not proven” verdict (described by Sir Walter Scott in 1827as a “bastard verdict”). A not proven is unsatisfactory for all. Neither guilty, nor truly innocent, often due to lack of corroboration. There are not proven verdicts in Scotland that could easily have resulted in convictions in the rest of the UK, but there we are. It is what it is. A ‘not proven,’ leaves many frustrated, and some feeling that justice has been denied.
So, the opening scene was from the POV of a feared gangster who has recently walked free from a murder charge owing to a “not proven” verdict.
Well, someone doesn’t like this. They’re not only angry enough to take matters into their own hands, but they’re also angry enough to mete out a similar fate on the man’s advocate who secured the verdict.
Now what if that vigilante was a cop?
And what if he’d maybe killed before?
And what if he was determined to kill again?
Now there’s a story, eh?
This leads to what is, without doubt, DS Craigie and the team’s stiffest challenge yet. They’re not just chasing a vicious, cunning and determined murderer. They’re chasing someone who knows everything they know.
Will they succeed?
Read The Night Watch to find out!
All the best,
Neil”
The Night Watch is available in eBook now.
