This week on A Thread of One’s Own, Theo Clarke is joined by bestselling novelist Kate Riordan to discuss her new novel, The Last Time I Saw Her Alive, which has recently been published by Penguin.
Together they explore the inspiration behind Kate’s latest mystery, from its Cotswold setting and 1970s folk music scene to the secrets that ripple across generations. They discuss writing dual timelines, creating unforgettable settings and complex mother-daughter relationships, as well as the craft of suspense, plotting a mystery, and building a sustainable creative life as a novelist.
Topics discussed on the show include: writing mystery fiction; dual timelines; family secrets; mothers and daughters; memory and trauma; creating atmosphere and sense of place; plotting suspense novels; editing and working with publishers; developing a writing routine; coaching writers through The Novelry; and advice for aspiring authors.
BIOGRAPHY
Kate Riordan is the bestselling author of seven novels, including The Heatwave, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. She is also an author coach for The Novelry. As a journalist, she has written for publications including The Guardian, The Sunday Times, Red, Stella and Grazia. Kate lives in an old cottage in the Cotswolds, where she writes her novels.
RESOURCES
📖 The Last Time I Saw Her Alive
Follow Kate @kateriordanauthor
About the Host
Theo Clarke is a bestselling author, podcaster and former Member of Parliament. She hosts A Thread of One’s Own, a podcast and Substack exploring books, writing and the creative life through conversations with leading authors. Her memoir ‘Breaking the Taboo’ was shortlisted for the Westminster Book Awards.
Website: www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast
Instagram: @theoclarkemp
A Thread of One’s Own production team
Founder and Executive Producer: Theo Clarke
Editor: Adam Woodward
Designer: Emily Ryder
Social Media: Eleanor Flavin
