Mark Billingham Interview | The Shadow Step | Crime Writing, Tom Thorne & Declan Miller

Subscribe for FREE: robertmurphy.substack.com Bestselling crime novelist Mark Billingham discusses his latest thriller, The Shadow Step, revealing how a shocking real-life dog attack inspired the novel's unforgettable opening. We talk about the evolution from Tom Thorne to Declan Miller, why comedy and crime fiction work so well together, his unique writing process, the importance of character over plot, and how real-life events shape his stories. Mark also reflects on his career, from acting in Maid Marian and Her Merry Men to becoming one of Britain's most celebrated crime writers and receiving the Crime Writers' Association Diamond Dagger. In this episode: The real story behind The Shadow Step Why Mark never plans his novels Creating Declan Miller after Tom Thorne Humour, grief and writing believable characters Advice for aspiring writers Winning the Diamond Dagger Mark's favourite crime writers and inspirations If you enjoy crime fiction, thrillers, detective novels and conversations with leading authors, don't forget to subscribe for more interviews with the biggest names in books, culture and true crime. #MarkBillingham #CrimeFiction #Thrillers #AuthorInterview #TheShadowStep #TomThorne #DeclanMiller #Writing #CrimeBooks #Podcast