RUSSELL JAMES had seven years of military education before opting out to see the world. Among many jobs held down in a wandering career, his favourites include the dawn shift on a Mediterranean radio station and back-stage work at the Old Vic.

In a recent interview, he said: 'Most writers don't write crime novels; they write anti-crime novels - police procedurals, PI stories and puzzlers. I write crime novels - about criminals and victims'

Russell James website