Interview with the author
Q. One of the major features of
this book, is that you manage to hide clues from
the reader, although they are plainly written in
the text. How do you do that?
A. I'll answer, but so as not
to give the plot or clues away.
That was great fun to do. I was also conscious
that I dare not cheat the reader, so every clue
had to be clearly written in the text. But, I had
to lead the reader to miss it. I use two methods.
The first in this fast paced book, is to insert
a short linking paragraph containing the clue, between
two action paragraphs. The reader is naturally drawn
to follow the action, and the clue doesn't register.
The second if the opposite, and make the clue so
large, the reader does not see it as one whole,
but again, as sections of story filler.
Regards the irradiation incident, that was dumbed
down to the basics. It's not a cheat, because no
character at that time knew what to look for. Neither
does the reader. However, the clues as to how the
incident is unraveled are very clear signposts.
Q. Yes, but only if you are expecting
that outcome. Go on.
A. The big one is only unraveled
near the end of the book, when Redmond realises
what has occurred. He details the clues he, and
presumably the reader missed. A bit like Hercule
Poirot, but a short paragraph only.
Q. Can you elaborate?
A. My novels do not contain filler.
If I write something, then there is a reason for
it to be in the text. And that is the last clue
I will give.
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