NK Chats To…Catherine Yaffe

Hello Catherine. Thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your latest book, The Shadow Killer?

The Shadow Killer is a psychological crime thriller where we know from the outset who the killer is. When the police can’t get the answers they need to find a missing girl they turn to renown psychologist Dr Evelyn Shaw. Despite her extensive experience and skills, it seems to DI Ziggy Thornes that The Shadow Killer is manipulating her – and Ziggy doesn’t why. In a gripping finale, Evelyn and Hawthorne each face their own disturbing past while Ziggy pulls all the threads together to bring a secure conviction.

What are the challenges when writing a series of books such as the DI ‘Ziggy’ Thornes Series?

You have to have a great memory (or keep excellent records!) when it comes to character names, their traits in previous books and stay consistent with their personalities. I have an excellent editor who keeps track, and I use copious amounts of old-school record cards to stay on top of everything.

What are you currently working on?

I started the outline for Book 6 in March so I’m currently plotting the timeline. I’m not sure yet if it will be another Ziggy book or a standalone!

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

I don’t really have a typical day during the Summer as I take a few months off but then come September I’m usually in the Shed early and write from 9 – 12pm, take an hour and depending on how I feel I’ll either write until 4pm or call it a day and read or do some research. I also have 4 cats, 3 chickens and go horse riding regularly as well as a large garden so I’m a bit rubbish as sitting down!

From idea to final draft, how long does it take you to complete a book?

Depends. I have Chronic Fatigue so I have to balance that with everything – most days I can write 2k words a day and I have been known to write and publish in 3 months but that was a fluke and probably won’t happen again!

Do you have any advice for the research and editing processes? How do you know when you’ve done enough?

Research is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I’m pretty OK now with most police and forensic details but I tend to write and then highlight areas that I’m unsure of and go back to them once I’ve finished with the chapter (if it’s critical to the plot) or the book if it’s something minor. I’ve built up my connections so I will always go to the source for the answer as opposed to AI or Google. I will always ask for more information than I need but only include the salient points in the book as I don’t want to bore the reader. As for editing, I know I’ve done enough when I literally cannot stand to read another word of the book!

What is your favourite word and why?

Love – it has so many facets to it and can be used in all most any situation. To express a feeling, diffuse a disagreement, as a greeting (here in Yorkshire), with kindness, to a child or adult.

Which fictional character would you like to meet and why?

Hannibal Lector. I’d want to know if I could spot his psychopathy without being told who he was and what he did.

Which elements are the most important when writing a crime novel?

Authenticity and accuracy of facts. You can write the best plot in the world but if the reader picks up on one small thing that is blatantly wrong (police procedure, forensics etc) then the rest of the book is wasted as all they will remember is that wrong fact.

What type of scene do you find the hardest to write?

I’m not sure. I’ve never had a romance or love scene in my books so perhaps it’s that.

Would you rather –

Catherine’s Writing Space

Have the ability to see into the future or be able to visit the past?

Visit the past – especially the Tudor period.

Have the ability to move things with your mind or read minds?

Oh, read minds – absolutely.

Sing or dance to your favourite song for the rest of your life?

Sing – I don’t think I could dance for that long!

Have money or power?

Neither, they don’t bring happiness. I’d choose love over everything else.

Have an endless summer or winter?

Endless summer please.

Drink tea or coffee?

Tea, preferably peppermint!

See the movie or read the book first?

Book, every time.

Read a Paperback or eBook?

Paperback at home, eBook on holiday

Would you rather have magical powers here on earth or live in a magical place without powers?

Magical powers here 😀

About Catherine Yaffe

Catherine Yaffe is the author of crime thrillers that readers and reviewers frequently describe as compulsively readable. A creative writing student with the OU and a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative, Catherine wrote her first crime thriller, The Lie She Told in 2020. On its release it debuted in the top 10 hot new releases on Amazon, achieved number 1 in the Amazon paid chart and to date has accrued hundreds of five-star reviews.

The Web They Wove followed as the second in the Tangled Web series and was released in 2021. Again, it was received with widespread acclaim. The third book in the series, When We Deceive launched in April 2023 and flew straight to the top of the Amazon charts.

Catch Me Twice was released in May 2024, again achieving the much-coveted best-seller tag on release.

The Shadow Killer is the fifth book in the DI Ziggy Thornes series, though each book is self-contained and can be read as a standalone.

Popular with library borrowers and available in all major retail outlets, Catherine’s books have the unique ability to capture the readers imagination with fictional stories that read like true crime.

When Catherine isn’t writing she loves nothing more than gardening, horse riding and travelling whenever she can. She lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and a menagerie of animals.

Say hello to Catherine via Facebook and Instagram.

*****

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*****

About The Shadow Killer – 

How deep can you go into the mind of a killer

Before you lose your own

Dr. Evelyn Shaw is a celebrated forensic psychologist, known for her ability to uncover the minds of the most dangerous criminals. But when she is asked to profile James Hawthorne, a cunning and manipulative serial killer, she finds herself drawn into a psychological battle unlike any she has faced before.

James is no ordinary murderer. He reveals unsettling details about his crimes—and Evelyn’s past. As their sessions progress, Evelyn’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Long-buried childhood traumas resurface. James’s eerie knowledge of her darkest memories forces her to question whether he is manipulating her or if her mind is betraying her.

As Detective Inspector Ziggy Thornes races to uncover the truth behind James’s crimes, Evelyn becomes increasingly isolated. The line between victim and accomplice continues to blur.

In a chilling finale, Evelyn must face her darkest fears and unravel her own connection to James’s crimes. The Shadow Killer is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the thin line between sanity and madness, manipulation and truth, leaving readers questioning where darkness truly begins.

The Shadow Killer is book five in the DI ‘Ziggy’ Thornes Series. Click here to buy. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.