May 6th 2024.
When asked about the books that have influenced her writing, Marion Todd immediately recalls the Ladybird book, The Little Red Hen, which she read as a child. She fondly remembers the story of a determined hen who takes on the task of growing wheat for a loaf of bread, despite being refused help by her farmyard companions. Todd relates to the hen's resilience and her satisfaction in denying the others a share of the bread after they refused to assist her. This early reading experience has stayed with Todd, and she still cherishes her dog-eared copy as if it were an old friend.
One book that Todd loves to recommend to everyone is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. She admits that the title may give the impression that the protagonist, Eleanor, is doing well, but in reality, she is struggling with her past and the routine she has created to survive. Todd was deeply moved by the story and found herself thinking about it long after she had finished reading it. The novel is a perfect blend of sadness and humor, and Todd highly recommends it.
Reflecting on the best books she has read in the past year, Todd mentions The Fall by Gilly Macmillan, a gripping mystery about a lottery winner's death, and The Stranger in my Home by Adele Parks, a disturbing tale about a mother who discovers she brought home the wrong baby from the hospital. However, Todd's favorite book of the year is We Are Bellingcat by Eliot Higgins, a non-fiction account of an organization's efforts to uncover state-sponsored crime. She describes it as both terrifying and reassuring, and it left a lasting impression on her.
Despite being an avid reader, Todd admits that there is one book she could not finish - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. She feels guilty for not enjoying this classic, but she found the characters unsympathetic and the story too miserable. Todd prefers books that allow her to escape to a different world, and Wuthering Heights did not offer that for her.
When asked about an author who has inspired her, Todd immediately mentions Kate Atkinson. She was particularly impressed by Atkinson's Edinburgh crime novel, One Good Turn, which made her want to write crime fiction. Todd praises the clever plot and the way the seemingly unconnected characters' stories gradually converge. She considers Atkinson's writing to be stunningly good and recommends this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read.
As for her favorite place to read, Todd says there is a cozy chair in her hallway near the wood burner that is perfect for the dark winter nights. With her dog snoozing at her feet and a warm drink by her side, she finds it to be the perfect spot. While she dreams of having a window seat with a spectacular view, her current setup is the next best thing.
Recently, Todd's debut novel See Them Run was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year award. Set in Dundee, where Todd grew up, the book is the first in her DI Clare Mackay crime series. Her latest book, Bridges to Burn, is now available for purchase.
To stay updated on the latest book news, Todd suggests subscribing to Scottish Field and reading their latest issue. With a passion for reading and writing, Todd continues to inspire readers with her thrilling crime fiction.
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