Readers Write

We enjoy reading your comments about Minette's books and we think other fans will, as well! If you have one you'd like to share about The Shape of Snakes, please send it to:

comments@minettewalters.co.uk

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Ceridwen, in Canada
I spent last year working in a second hand book store. One day a customer tossed a copy of The Shape of Snakes onto the counter saying "This is a must-read". Was it ever! I enjoyed it so much that every time we got a copy in I would sell it the same day and I always asked the reader to come back and tell me what they thought. I received nothing but positive comments. What I enjoyed most about The Shape of Snakes was its format. So much detail was thrown in with memos, reports, and letters. It left one wondering about whether or not Mrs. Ranelagh was simply crazy and/or obsessive compulsive, well meaning but not necessarily on the right track. I never would've guessed the true murderer. Gina, a neighbor and a woman very hard to please, gave it a sturdy thumbs up. I have also read Acid Row -- another excellent read. I have to confess my customer service suffered a little. I couldn't wait to shoo the customer from the store so I could keep reading (at least that was my internal feeling).

I have since retired -- but will be reading more of your books. They are always so thoroughly engaging yet quite "nitty-gritty". I have to pace myself when reading your books and leave a little room in between for more light-hearted filler reading.

I always get the impression that you have lived and breathed the seamier side of life -- but your biography doesn't say so. If you glean your insights from research alone -- well done!

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Q. Dear Minette:
The Shape of Snakes raised a question that often occurs to me as I read crime/mystery books: do things your characters do come from your imagination or reflect what real people have actually done? For example, did you think up filling cats eyes and mouths with superglue or had you heard of that being done by someone?
Jayne, in Australia

A. Dear Jayne:
Thank you for this. I'm afraid most of it comes from my imagination, so I don’t know what that says about me! However, tragically, I did read somewhere that a group of bored youths had mistreated a cat in the way I described. For some inexplicable reason, they thought it was an amusing way to pass the time. What does that say about them, I wonder? Or, indeed, the adults who were supposed to be supervising them?

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Q. Dear Minette:
I have just finished reading Disordered Minds, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I plan to read all your other novels. Now I'm reading The Shape of Snakes. I'm just starting it, but so far it's wonderful. My question is: Why is the main character referred to only as M or by her surname? I'm curious. Keep up the good work!
Carolyn, in the US

A. Dear Carolyn:
I'm often asked this question. I gave her my initial because I identified with her, but I honestly don't know what her name is. Perhaps the 'M' stands for mystery!

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Wanda, in Canada
I can't wait to read your next book. I just read The Shape of Snakes again, it's brilliant. Thank you ever so much for contributing such wonderful, pieces of suspenseful works of art into the world of literature.

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Jane, in the US
I just finished The Shape of Snakes for which I left every chore I had listed on my "list of things to do today". I will now go hunt up some of your other books. Having a creative mind and using it is hard work and you sure have done a swell job of it!

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Daniel, in Montreal, Canada
These few words are to tell you how nice it was to see you for the first time on Booktv. In the report you were working on your book, The Shape of Snakes. I was so touched by the fact that you took 12 hours for 2 phrases. I have been writing since I was a kid, with no aim to be published, just for the peace and the inner world it opens. It is so refreshing to see that I am not the only one to strugle for one or two phrases. I hope that I will be able to find one of your books in my next shopping afternoon downtown.

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Chris, in Australia
I'm 16 and in my final year of high school in Sydney, and I can unashamedly say I lapped up the praise you had for my homeland in The Shape of Snakes! ... I was inclined to write to you as I am truly in awe of what an incredible woman you are! No arse-kissing necessary; I find you one of the most refreshingly down-to-earth and human authors I have ever bothered to find-out-more-than-just-the-book-jacket about! To be fair to the formulaic, idiosyncratic nature of other authors I have previously enjoyed, I actually saw a documentary on you before I read any of your work.

It was about you writing The Shape of Snakes. As interesting as it was to gain an insightful look into the writing process, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you drink wine, smoke cigarettes, and still maintain an authentic relationship with your work-in-progress. Plus, you managed a household and lived a life, too. I found this really rewarding and inspiring; I have (very unrealistic) aspirations to be a writer some day, and you dispelled the myth that I would need to sacrifice lifestyle and life itself, then barricade myself in a room simply to write. I loved your research techniques and your uncertainty as to where the plot was going to take you; truly remarkable stuff.

Thanks very much for your time, and good luck with the writing. Once I've finished my exams this year and have some time off before Uni starts, I'll definitely reacquaint myself with your intriguing writing style.

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Jennifer, in the US
I just finished reading The Shape of Snakes last night. As predicted in one of the glowing reviews of this excellent book, the final page moved me to tears. While reading about these people I dreamt of them as if I knew them--so really, it's no surprise that Mad Annie's sad little letter tore my heart in two. I am an avid reader, so it's no small praise when I tell you that this is my favorite book ever. I will look for your work again and again.

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Jeanette, in the UK
I have just, this minute, finished The Shape of Snakes (tears drying now at least!) and I just had to tell you that I thought it was wonderful. It's the first one of your books I've read (and please believe that I'm not just sucking up (er..anymore than I currently was anyway!!) when I say that this week's wage is being spent on more!) although I do remember watching the dramatization of The Sculptress many moons ago and enjoying that immensely, too.

The Shape of Snakes was meant to be my 'train reading' but I just HAD to know what had to happened to Annie Butts (not least because she was killed on my birthday in the same area my brother lives in...!!). I was amazed at Mrs Ranelagh's.. I'll have to say manipulation even though I was annoyed at that doctor calling her this.. as well as being extremely refreshed by it - think I've read too many 'woman's books' recently and at last I had something to get my teeth stuck into!

Well, seeing as I'm making no sense anymore (should maybe have left this to the morning!) I shall say goodnight and thank you very much for this marvelous book!

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Rosie, in the UK
I'm currently re-reading through all of your books (in between revising for my first year uni exams) and at present I'm halfway through The Shape Of Snakes. I really enjoy reading your books and I'm looking forward to buying Disordered Minds once my exams are over (I'm never able to put down a new book once I start reading it - not a good position to be when I'm meant to be revising). I have to say that my particular favourite has always been The Dark Room but I've also really enjoyed some of your more recent books (in particular Acid Row). Thanks for reading this and good luck with future projects!

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Robin, in the UK
I am a 44-year-old serving soldier in the British Army. I have just read The Shape of Snakes for the second time and want to let you know that I think it is one of the best books I have ever read. The first time I cried like a child on reading the last page. I recommend your books to everyone and anyone as they just don't know what they are missing. Even in the book shops. You will be pleased to know that you are the only author that I will buy the hardback in...thank you for the hours of true pleasure you have given me.