Mick Herron, the author of the bestselling Slough House series, credits his editor, Mark Richards, for championing his writing and helping to rescue the series after it was dropped by one publisher. The series, which focuses on failed spies, has gained critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Richards and the rest of the John Murray team conducted wide-reaching publicity campaigns to promote the books, which played a crucial role in their success.
Herron’s latest book, “The Secret Hours,” is a prequel to the Slough House series and unravels a mystery or two. When asked about the origins of the book, Herron reveals that it started with a man being pursued down Devon’s green lanes by unknown assailants after being roused from his cottage in the middle of the night. From there, the story developed organically.
Part of “The Secret Hours” is set in Berlin, a city known as Cold War spy central. While Herron admits that Berlin has never particularly exerted a hold on his imagination, he found himself drawn to writing the scenes set in the city. He enjoyed tapping into the visual part of his imagination and exploring the Berlin setting in his writing.
Herron’s books often feature a joyful juxtaposition of disgraced spies and cranky office politics. When asked about the inspiration behind this combination, Herron explains that his experience working in offices played a significant role in his ability to write about spies in an office setting. Although he has never been a spy, his familiarity with office dynamics made it easier for him to incorporate that element into his writing.
In a surprising revelation, Herron reveals that he attended Balliol College, Oxford, at the same time as Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister. While they were near contemporaries, they never met or spoke. Herron acknowledges that Johnson personifies much of what has gone wrong with Britain, but he also emphasizes that Johnson caused a lot of it.
Herron’s Slough House series has been praised for its brilliant satire of British politics. When asked about satire’s effect, Herron admits that it’s hard to tell whether it has any impact beyond relieving the satirist’s anger. However, he suggests that satire may have a more significant effect in the long run, but it’s difficult to measure.
Friendship is not a major theme in the Slough House books, but it plays a significant role in Herron’s Oxford novels. The relationship between characters Zoë Boehm and Sarah Tucker drives much of the series and explores the complexities and dynamics of friendship.
Herron also discusses the adaptation of his Slough House series for Apple TV. While he didn’t envision actor Timothy Spall as the character of Jackson Lamb, he is delighted with Gary Oldman’s interpretation of the character. Herron praises Oldman’s portrayal, describing it as masterful and indicating that Oldman effectively conveys the character’s baggage without explicitly stating it. The third and fourth series of the adaptation are expected to be released in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Despite the success of the Slough House series, Herron believes that his Zoë Boehm series is unlikely to achieve the same level of popularity. However, the books have been reprinted and the first book, “Down Cemetery Road,” is currently in development for TV, which may give the series more exposure.
Herron reveals that he is currently working on a novel and cites perseverance as the best writing advice he has received. As for his most treasured possession, he keeps it a secret. When asked about his favorite quotation, Herron quotes Larkin: “What will survive of us is love.”
In terms of recommendations, Herron suggests Zadie Smith’s novel “The Fraud” and confesses that he is not up to date with the latest movies or podcasts.
Herron admits that Brexit has had the most significant impact on him personally, and when asked about his favorite books, he mentions Barbara Trapido’s “Brother of the More Famous Jack,” which has the ability to make him both laugh and cry.
Overall, Mick Herron’s interview provides insight into his writing process, influences, and thoughts on various topics, offering readers a deeper understanding of his work and perspective.
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