Literary Reputations

Jill Dawson

The Crime Writer

  • 12
  • Oct

2016

Wednesday

6.30pm

Image of Jill Dawson in front of a window, smiling at the camera in a denim jacketYves Salmon


What really goes on in the heads of novelists who write about sociopaths and murderers? Much-loved author Jill Dawson presents a new work drawing inspiration from the life and books of cult writer Patricia Highsmith, whose work was adapted into the films Carol and The Talented Mr Ripley. Jill’s new novel, The Crime Writer, is an intriguing blend of fact and fiction, using the facts of Highsmith’s life as a starting point to reimagine the author’s life and clandestine love affairs with women in 1964 Suffolk.

Jill’s previous books include Fred and Edie (shortlisted for the Whitbread and Orange Prizes), The Great Lover and Wild Boy. Carol scriptwriter Phyllis Nagy said, ‘this book is the real deal. Beautifully written and a must for all Highsmith fans.’ Jill will be in conversation with Katie Popperwell.