The Librarians' Q&A: with bestselling author Janice Hallett

May 23rd 2025

Like you, our librarians love to get the latest on upcoming new books, as well as dive into the minds of our favourite authors. Introducing The Librarians' Q&A, our regular news feature where librarians ask the questions!

Janice Hallett takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, sharing how screenwriting has shaped her story writing. Plus, we learn more about her latest novel, The Examiner, out now in paperback, her upcoming novel for grown-ups as well as her debut children's book.

Janice Hallett| Author Janice Hallett lives in London and is a former magazine editor, award-winning journalist, and government communications writer. She wrote articles and speeches for, among others, the Cabinet Office, Home Office, and Department for International Development. Since then, she has written five best selling novels and her debut children's book, launches this summer. DISCOVER BOOKS BY JANICE HALLETT

Your latest novel, The Examiner, will shortly be released in paperback. What was your inspiration for the book?

The Examiner is inspired partly by the MA I took in Screenwriting. It was a wonderful experience that changed my life for the better, but I’ve also taken courses that were nightmares from start to finish. You’re thrown together in a closed environment with a handful of strangers, isolated from the real world. I’m intrigued by how that whole situation can make people behave in ways they wouldn’t usually.

Another big inspiration is the fact subjects as broad as English, History and Geography, as well as Fine Art, have recently come under scrutiny for their perceived lack of ‘value’ in the workplace, where teamwork is given more weight than individual creativity.

I put the two inspirations together – to explore the dark side of team work – what happens when a group of creative individuals must adopt corporate-style collective problem solving. It turns out the result is murder!

What led you to writing crime novels – did you always want to write in this genre? 

I’ve always had an interest in true crime and a fascination with human behaviour and what leads individuals to the extremes.

I wrote for TV and film before turning to novels and there always seemed to be a murder somewhere, so it must be something that preoccupies me!

Before writing your first novel, you already had 10 years as a screenwriter under your belt. Would you say your novels draw on any of the techniques required for screenwriting?

Absolutely. Storytelling isn’t so very different, whether you’re writing for page, stage or screen. Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end.

They must feature relatable characters and, mostly, you need a plot so that each of your character goes on a journey, often described as a ‘character arc’.

What do you read when you’re not writing? Are there any other authors who have inspired you?

I’m much better now at being able to read while I’m in the middle of writing a first draft. I love true crime and biographies. Anything where people are talking about themselves fascinates me.

I’m also lucky enough to read many of the latest crime novels before they come out. That’s a wonderful privilege. We’re in a new golden age of crime fiction, that’s for sure.

As for authors: Enid Blyton, Patricia Leitch, Thomas Hardy, the Brontes and the late oral historian Tony Parker are all big inspirations.

What was your relationship with libraries growing up? Why do you think public libraries are so important?

My local – Wood End Library in Northolt, west London – was closed a couple of years ago and it broke my heart. I could easily walk there from my childhood home, and while growing up it was my sanctuary. I’d escape to it whenever I could – literally and figuratively.

There I discovered non-fiction books and read all sorts of inappropriate things about serial killers and prisons. Libraries are more than important, they’re essential – they make books and reading accessible to everyone, regardless of income. I can’t think of anything that benefits society more.

Your next novel for grown-ups, The Killer Question, will be published in September – can you tell us a bit about it?

The Killer Question is about Sue and Mal Eastwood: landlords of an isolated pub where a weekly quiz night has revived its flagging fortunes. Then a body is found in the nearby river and a mysterious quiz team arrives and scores top marks every week.

All we know is that now, five years later, the pub lies derelict and their nephew is determined to make a documentary about what happened to Sue and Mal.

The story is about quizzing and the thrill of winning, but it’s also about love, loyalty, deception, betrayal and the fact knowing too much can bring murder to your door...

Most of all The Killer Question is a riotous, immersive journey into the closed world of a pub quiz community, one with more secrets than answers.

We’re also excited to hear that you have a children’s book coming out this summer! Are there any other projects you’re working on?

Thank you! A Box Full of Murders is about two siblings who are forced to live apart, but who stay connected by text as they investigate the intriguing contents of a mysterious box in their Dad’s attic. It contains documents about a murder at a scout camp in 1983 – Luke and Ava are on the case!

I’m also writing my adult and children’s novels for 2026 at the moment – all very exciting stuff!

The Examiner Acclaimed artist Alyson wants the department to revolve around her. Ludya struggles to balance her family and the workload. Jonathan has management experience but zero talent for art. Lovely Patrick can barely operate his mobile phone, let alone professional design software. Meanwhile blustering Cameron tries to juggle the course with his job in the City and does neither very well. Then there's Jem. A gifted young sculptor, she's a promising student... but cross her at your peril. With six students who have nothing in common except their clashing personal agendas, what could possibly go wrong? DISCOVER

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