Cop Town
Cop Town is set in Atlanta in 1974. The story follows two female patrol officers who are on the hunt for a serial killer who is murdering cops.
Please tell us about the characters of Kate Murphy and Maggie Lawson.
Kate comes from a fairly privileged background, and she fell into policing out of lack of choices. She didn't want to be a teacher or secretary, she couldn't be a nurse, and her chance at being a housewife died with her husband. She saw a story in the paper about female cops and thought, "why not?" For Maggie, it's more her passion. She comes from a family of cops. She loves her job. And of course since this is 1974, her family hates that she is wearing the uniform. They want her to settle down and have kids, not chase after bad guys.
This is you first stand-alone novel, so how did it feel to leave your other character behind?
I haven't really left them. Will and Sara are always on my mind. I will get back to them as soon as I have the next phase of their story together cemented in my head.
How did you react when you found out that your books would be made into TV films?
Dubiously! I've had work optioned before. I will believe it when I see it in the screen.
You have been writing since you were a child so please tell us about some of your earliest attempts.
Like every Southern writer, I thought that I needed to write the next Gone With the Wind. I've always been drawn to historical fiction. With books like Cop Town, I feel like I am honouring those early interests.
Why is reading such an important part of life in your opinion?
The brain needs times when someone else is in charge. When you read a book, you are letting another person distract your thoughts and work your emotions. If they are adept, there's nothing better than turning off and getting lost.
Please tell us about your involvement in Save the Libraries Project.
I don't know any authors who don't owe a debt of gratitude to libraries. With the economy so stressed, I figured it was time we gave back. To date, my Save the Libraries trust has raised over 250,000 USD. Some of this has gone to the Reading Agency in the UK. I try to make sure the money goes where it's needed.
How does it feel to have such high praise from other accomplished writers such as Gillian Flynn, Kathryn Stockett and Michael Connelly?
It's nice because I love and recommend their work, too. People forget that writers start off being readers. We all love it when we find a terrific read and we want to let people know about it.
What is next for you?
I am working on another standalone thriller. It's my first time writing about characters who aren't cops, but don't worry-there's still lots of sex and murder. After that, I'll go back to Will and Sara. Their story is already percolating in my head.
Cop Town by Karin Slaughter is out now from Century in hardback, £18.99
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