What was the most surprising discovery or interesting aspect of writing your first novel compared to writing non fiction?
For me, the greatest discovery is the thing I have found most difficult about transitioning from non-fiction to fiction, but which is also the thing I have found most liberating: the freedom of worldbuilding. With non-fiction, you have your title and your thesis, and you broadly know where you need to start and where you hope to end, and the areas you need to cover almost present themselves. While I would never say that it writes itself, there is an inherent structure to non-fiction – a scaffolding, which is pretty easy to erect. Whereas with fiction, your idea and your characters can go literally anywhere. It’s thrilling and utterly terrifying. I’m a hostage to my own wild subconscious.
Among all the characters in your new book, which one resonated with you the most, and why?
I can identify with aspects in all the characters, to an extent, although would emphasise that the judge, with his particular worldview, is probably furthest from my personality. Forced to choose, I would probably opt for Aliyah, the prosecutor. While our values are not necessarily aligned – her materialism and ruthless ambition are not, I hope, traits that govern my practice as a barrister – there are characteristics that I think many barristers will recognise in themselves. Aliyah combines obsessive self-criticism with flights of grandiose egotism, which I believe is a prerequisite for being called to the Bar. She finds herself torn between her need for self-preservation, and her desire to achieve justice in a system where little works as it should. Her rush to temper and frustration when events conspire against her is certainly something I recognise in myself. But – I stress for those who have yet to read the book – I do not endorse the decisions she makes!
What are some of your top recent crime fiction reads that you'd recommend for fans of crime fiction? Which authors or upcoming books in the crime fiction genre are you most excited about right now?
Oh. Too many. Just too many. I am terrified of being asked for recommendations, because I will always omit somebody brilliant. I could read Mick Herron all day, every day. Likewise Janice Hallett. I was a late comer to Girl A, by Abigail Dean, which is one of the best I’ve read this year. Hunted by Abir Mukherjee may have recently won the big shiny awards, but I read and loved it before it went all Hollywood (as it surely will – surely?). But three of my favourite crime authors, if you’ll forgive what probably looks like the union closing ranks, are Helen Fields, Tony Kent and Imran Mahmood. They are three of my biggest inspirations as a criminal barrister turning their hand to fiction, and their mastery of story, of suspense, of prose – all of it, I find hugely intimidating and wildly impressive.
Can you give us a small hint about what might be next for S.J. Fleet or the Secret Barrister?
Next up will be the follow-up to The Cut Throat Trial, which I’m currently writing. It is not a sequel, but is set in the same legal world, and will see a mixture of new and returning characters. I have a working title, but don’t know if I’m allowed to share it. It is due for publication in 2027.
The dynamics between the prosecutor and the three barristers play an interesting role in the narrative. Was this something you planned from the start or did it naturally happen during the writing process?
My guiding light throughout the writing process has been authenticity. I really wanted to capture not merely the story of a trial, but how it feels to be part of it. Central to that endeavour was accurately portraying the dynamics between the lawyers behind the scenes, because that is something that the public just don’t see, and – with respect to screenwriters everywhere – television often does a poor job of reflecting those relationships. The world of criminal law is small but filled with giant egos, and the backstage interactions between the legal participants has always, to me, been one of the most fascinating aspects. So when I started The Cut Throat Trial, I wanted to show what I know to be true: that the lawyers are every bit as complicated, damaged, self-interested and unpredictable as the people in the dock.
