One of our most talented crime writers, J.P Pomare sits down with Woman’s Day to tell all about his latest novel 17 Years Later. The kiwi author, whose books have been made into films, including Disney mini series The Clearing starring Miranda Otto and Guy Pearce, isn’t afraid to go to new depths when researching his novels.
From chatting to Amanda Knox to staying in dodgy motels, J.P embodies his subjects. Here he reveals the true crime events that inspired his gripping new read…
Your new book 17 Years Later is inspired by a few true crime events, why was that of interest to you?
When I set out to write 17 Years Later I wanted to write a compelling and twisty crime novel.
I was thinking deeply about what it is that makes certain crimes more compelling and intriguing than others.
Like most people I’m most attracted to the stories that have the most ambiguity, the ones where people can argue both sides when the circumstances are not exactly clear.
In New Zealand in particular, the David Bain case has been a source of endless public debate.
Likewise the Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton case. I’m equally fascinated by the public response and I find myself asking, why does this case fascinate people?
How did Amanda Knox help you with the research and how was getting to know the person behind the headlines?
In correspondence with Amanda Knox, she shared some really important resources in researching my book. In my experience she was extremely generous, and it was very kind of her to help.
I had gotten to know her case over the years and as far as I’m concerned it’s one of the most clear cut examples of injustice and wrongful conviction.
What insights did you gain from working with a prison psychologist?
I would say you can’t judge a book by its cover. The scariest looking prisoners are seldom the most dangerous.
The prison psychologist who helped with research gave me insights into her role and the scariest moments she had.
When you’re locked in a room with someone convicted of a serious violent offence, and they begin to show signs that they’re becoming aggravated, then it becomes extremely difficult to maintain a professional veneer.
She told me about the close calls, and moments she became genuinely terrified. Her role was ultimately to help in the rehabilitation process, to mitigate the risk of reoffence, but she also became close to certain prisoners. She found herself wanting to advocate for them.
She said that once you understand someone, it’s hard not to empathise with them.
You extensively research for your books, even staying in the same motels as your protagonist. Why?
As writers we inhabit our characters when we write, and the more you can get into the mind of your character the more immersive the experience is for readers.
The motel I stayed at is probably the worst motel in New Zealand. I got about three hours sleep on a spongy mattress with trucks passing by at all hours but that
really unlocked the story for me. Sloane Abbott’s nights in that motel room feel real and authentic, and that’s the most important thing in storytelling.
01
17 Years Later
from $16 at Big W
Bill Ruatara is either a cold-blooded mass murderer or someone who has been wrongfully convicted.
But 17 years into his sentence an Australian true crime podcaster starts to delve into his case and look at why he was convicted of the murder of the wealthy Primrose family, who Bill was working for as a private chef when they were stabbed and killed.
Being a J.P Pomare novel, one things for certain you’ll be left guessing until the last minute!
OTHER BOOKS INSPIRED BY PODCASTS!
02
Alice Isn’t Dead
from $26 at Amazon
Keisha, a long-haul truck driver, refuses to believe her wife Alice is dead, even after the funeral, and goes on a cross-country journey to find out more about her disappearance.
03
Limetown: a novel
from $30.88 at Amazon
The prequel to the hit podcast Limetown, teenager Lia Haddock’s life changes when she learns of a research facility where 300 people, including her uncle, have disappeared.
04
Sadie
from $24.99 at Amazon
This book centres around a podcast and inspired one! May Beth Foster asks radio journalist West McCray to help her track down a missing girl Sadie, who is determined to discover who murdered her sister.
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