The bestselling crime author talks to Fanny Blake about being published before 30, her love of collecting, and her new novel, The Good Daughter
Karin, 46, lives in Atlanta, US. She grew up in Jonesboro, Georgia, with her mother and father, a car salesman, and her two older sisters. Her 17 novels include the bestselling Grant County and Will Trent series. Her latest stand-alone thriller, The Good Daughter, is out this month.
Slaughter is my real name. I never understood why people asked me if it was until I was in London once and saw a massive sign that said “Slaughter” and I thought, “Wow! that’s pretty scary.” Then I noticed this little “Karin” on top and I realised the poster was for my latest book. That’s when I got it.
When I was about 10 a bunch of young kids were murdered in Atlanta, a 45-minute drive from Jonesboro. It was all everyone talked about. That got me interested in reading true crime. Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood was probably one of the most seminal works for me in that genre.
My dad had a rule that I could read anything I wanted to as long as I asked him if I didn’t understand something.
He didn’t really believe in censorship. If something was really scary, I was pretty good at shutting myself down although I didn’t scare easily with books.
I wanted to be a writer since kindergarten. I was always writing little books but I didn’t think you could make a living out of it. So I wanted to be a lawyer who was a writer too. Then I participated in a trial in high school and saw what rubbish it was so I decided I didn’t want to be a lawyer after all. I was very disillusioned.
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks