Readers Write

Carol, in Australia
I am such a fan of your work! I hold you in the greatest respect and affection as an author as you have never disappointed me yet. Your books always grab my attention from the very first page, and don't let go until I finish the very last word. Your talent is extraordinary and I am very glad that you share it with the world!

I'm a 28-year-old woman living in the small Australian town that I was born in. I was 19-years-old when I had my first introduction to one of your books. An extract of The Echo came in the mail with an order from a book club that I belonged to at the time. Having no intention of buying any more books just then, I read it because... well, I've just got to be reading something and it had words on it. When I had finished, I put it down, and thought "But I've got to know what happened next!" I ordered the book the same day, when it arrived I read it in every spare moment for the next few days, and I have been happily hooked ever since. I can't count the number of people who I've lent The Echo to since then, and I always get it back - because as soon as they've finished it, they're knocking on my door, anxious to know if I have any more Minette Walters books they can borrow!

Thank you so much for the many happy hours I've spent in being enthralled by your books. If only you could keep the same level of quality but write faster... That's the worst bit about buying your latest release you know - the knowledge that within a couple of days it will be finished, and it will be a good twelve months before the next one! It must be getting close to the year now, as I find myself anxiously scanning the New Release section for your name in the vain hope that you have a book out that I haven't heard about yet.

In the meantime, as well as enjoying the works of other authors I've been relishing re-reading some of your earlier works, particularly The Scold's Bridle. There's something about that book that I find deeply satisfying, and I think it's the way that Mathilda is so horrible and so sympathetic at the same time. That said, I would struggle to pick a favourite amongst them because each one has been such a pleasure to read time and time again. I cannot think of another author in the same genre who challenges my imagination and keeps me in suspense as well as you do!

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Ms Hand, in the UK

I have only read biographies/autobiographies for many years now. Having booked a holiday to Turkey, I borrowed some biographies from my brother, but when I arrived at the airport, I realised I had left the books behind.

My husband went to the airport branch of W.H.Smiths and came back with The Sculptress. Although I had enjoyed the TV drama, I wasn't looking forward to reading the book. However, as my husband had bought the book, I decided to give it a go.

I became totally engrossed and as I neared the conclusion I dreaded reaching the end of the book!! (My husband is now cursing as he never gets any sense from my as my nose is always buried in one of your books!!)

That was 5 weeks ago and I have since read a further five of your books, each one engrossing me just as much. I am now starting The Shape of Snakes. So, thank you, Minette, for re-awakening my pleasure in fiction!!!

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Paula, in The Netherlands

For over a year I have been devouring your books now and have given several to my friends who are equally hooked on them in the meantime.

This summer we spent a few weeks in Wales and my 21-year-old daughter was camping with us. She had not been reading books since primary school she said, not being able to concentrate on a story for a long time.

I gave her Acid Row and told her to try that for a change. She did try and could not stop reading! After a week she had finished the book and was pushing me to finish Disordered Minds, which she also finished during our 3 weeks holidays.

It was wonderful to see her get really into the story and talk to her about the persons and the events in your books.

Thank you so much for giving me (and many of my friends) so much pleasure with your stories, but most of all thank you for letting my child discover the pleasure of reading again!

We are all very much looking forward to your new book! (back to top)

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Sandy, in the UK

For the past few years, my friend has sent me a copy of your latest book as I imagine the publication date roughly coincides with my birthday which is today.

A hard backed book duly arrived in the post and I wondered what theme you had been exploring this year. I marvelled at your ability to produce such high quality and thought provoking books each year. Your ability to research I try and hold with me whilst I am doing my MA.

I opened the package filled with excitement and anticipation. Imagine the disappointment when the book was by another author, even though I had asked myself how long you would either be able or want to continue writing at such a rate.

Finally, I heard you say in a radio interview that your hope was to leave the reader thinking about the book, its themes and issues for at least twenty four hours after the book was finished. I hope this email tells you that in my case it stays for considerably longer!

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Lauren, in Australia

I have immersed myself in every novel that you have written!

I was sad to read on your website of the loss of your parents, I hope you are coping with your loss as best you can, I too lost my mum in August this year. She was only 57-years-old, the grief you feel with such a sudden unexpected loss can be all consuming. Mum was responsible for introducing me to your truly remarkable books four years ago, and I have received your latest release each Christmas since then, and of course bought and read all that I had missed before that date. So although this Christmas will be tinged with sadness, and my traditional gift from Mum will not be arriving, my daughter plans to keep her nana's tradition going.

Thank you for your contribution to truly great literature, and a bond with my Mum every time I see or read one of your books. I have never written to an author before, so I hope this doesn't seem silly to you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

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Jessica, in Sweden

I'm a girl from Sweden who wants to thank you for what you have given to me. Some years ago I was in hospital for a long time with cancer.

In that time, I got my first book of yours, and reading became a way for me to run away from everything that was going on around me and with me. Since then, I have been a big fan and buy the books as fast as they are translated to Swedish. I wanted to say this to you because your books are a part of what helped me get through everything.

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Durga, in Holland

I just want to say that I really love your books!! I just finished The Scold's Bridle. Really magnificent! And also your other books. Now I'm reading The Breaker.

At one moment you think "that's the killer" and then suddenly...It's always another person who is the killer. I'm just guessing when I read the book.

I'm sorry if my English isn't good, but I find it very difficult to explain my feelings about your books in English. (I'm Dutch so that's why : )

So please, keep writing books! And thanks for giving me the pleasure of reading your stories.

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Roz, in Australia

My partner introduced me to your writing and I cannot put it down. I get strange looks and comments, because I've taught myself to read whilst answering the phone, running from train to bus, and holding conversations.

Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. I love your characters and feel sad when I finish a book, because I miss them.

I hope that in 2005, on your possible book tour, you consider visiting Australia. You have many fans here!

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Samantha, in the UK

I've been a fan of your work for quite some time, initially because of your familiarity with Dorset - I spent 2 years living at Bovington Camp in the late '90s when my husband was still in the forces. It is a little piece of the world I will always deeply love, and I still miss it an awful lot - house prices just didn't allow us to stay! I try to get back as often as I can, especially to Dorchester and Lulworth Cove.

So thank you, for fantastic, gripping stories, and making me feel like I'm back in Dorset again! (back to top)