Graham Bartlett, former Chief Superintendent and Chief of Police for Brighton, is now a bestselling author and crime advisor to some of the country’s most celebrated crime writers, including Peter James and Dorothy Koomson.
Join us at Crawley Library on Saturday 14 March, 12.30pm, as Graham introduces his new book, Babes in the Wood - a gripping first-hand account of the Brighton murders that shocked the nation.
Tickets £3.00 from Crawley Library or call us on 01293 651751.
What was your first job?
Other than paper rounds and sweeping up hair in my brother-in-law’s barber shop while at school, I was a park keeper. I have no idea why I ended up sitting in a creaky, leaky wooden hut dashing out to shoo kids on bikes from the play park and collecting 50ps from tennis players, but it bought petrol for my Yamaha FS1E moped. As winter drew in I moved to tapping rent entries into Brighton Borough Council’s archaic computer, before fulfilling my dream of joining the police. If I’m honest, those first two jobs were just to mark time until I was old enough to don the blue serge uniform.
Which is your favourite fairy tale?
Other than The Fairy Tale of New York (The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's version), I would plump for Hansel and Gretel. I love the ingenuity and resilience of the little boy and girl, and their wisdom of overcoming the mal-intent of their evil stepmother and the witch. As an ex-police officer, however, I am duty-bound to advise readers not to take matters into their own hands by incinerating their captors. Just phone 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Which author has inspired you most?
Well, of course I have to say my co-author, Peter James. I owe all my writing and police advising success to him but, more, the clarity, pace and originality of his plotting is masterful. I love Wilbur Smith too. His ability to evoke settings and characters in very simple but vivid terms is something I’d love to achieve. Finally, Elly Griffiths. Not only is she an amazing (and very industrious) author, with two gripping series on the go at any time, but she is so generous in her support and advice to us novices.
Which fictional character would you most like to spend time with and why?
Evan Smoak, the protagonist in Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X series. I’d just love to see, first hand, how someone so resourceful with such deadly training is able to lead two very separate lives – one peaceful, one avenging – and still manages to sleep at night.
Who would you like to play you in a film of your life?
Martin Freeman, without a doubt. As well as being far better looking than me, he’s one of the best actors on the planet. He recently played a former colleague of mine, Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher, in ITV’s A Confession, and the way he just ‘got’ Steve’s mannerisms and foibles was mystical. I did tell Steve I thought Johnny Vegas would have been a better fit! I won’t repeat his reply!
What are you reading now?
Garnethill by Denise Mina and Marked for Death by Tony Kent. I always have one paper or eBook on the go, and an audiobook for car journeys, dog walks and the gym.
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