Living in Brighton: Peter James
Diana Frangi meets world famous crime writer
Peter James
Peter James is probably Brighton’s most famous living writer, the creator of the Roy Grace detective thrillers set in Brighton, and his fans are eagerly awaiting the release on 11 June of his fifth in the series, Dead Tomorrow.
It is a career turn that has made him an authority on police work and forensic science and a close ally of Sussex Police. He is also a successful screenwriter and film producer; his hits include the Al Pacino version of A Merchant of Venice.
Unlike many Brighton celebrities, Peter was born here, the son of Cornelia James, the royal glove maker, and he worked in the business before spending a couple of years as a screenwriter in the USA. He now divides his time between Notting Hill and the countryside near Lewes. He is an unapologetic fitness freak, going on a five mile run on the Downs or Hyde Park every day.
How did you get your big break?
In 1987 out of a tragedy when a friend‘s son was killed in a car smash and the family started going to a medium. It gave me a dark idea – I realised people went to a medium to get comfort. But what if you went to a medium to contact your son and discovered he had a very dark side and had murdered his girlfriend? That novel was called Possession, went to number one here and was translated into 23 languages. It established me as a novelist.
What is your career highlight?
Writing the Roy Grace series. I read Brighton Rock as a teenager and dreamed of one day writing a crime novel set in Brighton. But I never dreamed this novel would become a series and international bestseller published in 30 languages – soon a TV series as well. I love writing these novels and the great and privileged relationship I enjoy with Sussex Police – there is nothing I would rather be doing!
What are your favourite Brighton restaurants and bars?
Hotel Du Vin because it has a sense of style and occasion, good food, a great bar and really nice outside spaces. Sam‘s at 1 Paston Place is really good and terrific value. The Karma Bar is a great venue – funky and classy, and I still hugely like the bar at Browns. But come on Brighton, we need valet parking. My favourite restaurant will be the one that starts offering this! It is happening more in London and apart from the convenience, it really adds a sense of style.
What‘s the best thing about living in Brighton?
A vast combination of things. As a crime writer it is a huge melting pot with almost every kind of villain under the sun. One of our blessings is although we have all the best elements that make a city, we don‘t have innercity gun and knife crime. It just gets better every year. It is a fantastic place, close to London, surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in world and with that glorious iconic coastline. I pray the West Pier will be brought back to life.
What is the worst?
The ghastly Royal Sussex County Hospital which is a complete disgrace – apart from the modern kids‘ wing. Why should the citizens of this amazing place have to put up with a hospital that is utterly not fit for purpose. I also loathe the stupidity of the traffic policies. The council have waged war on cars for so long they have seriously damaged trade. Is it any wonder we have no quality department store or five-star hotel? People prepared to spend serious money are never going to come by bus, train or bike.
My fantasy dinner party
Who would you invite ?
Oscar Wilde: I just adore his wit; Jack the Ripper: It would be fun to know his identity; Peter Cook: The greatest comedian of all time;
Peter Ustinov: The greatest raconteur; Elizabeth I: She had wooden teeth, for show only. Curious to see her eat; Graham Greene: He is my biggest single influence in my writing; St Francis of Assisi: Try to get him drunk and telling a dirty joke.
Where would you host it?
At home, so my guests who wanted to could smoke.
What choice of music?
Jazz singer Marla Glen, Sidney Bechet and The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain.
What would you serve?
Swedish caviar with prawns, rib of beef, bread and butter pudding. Red wine Calon Ségur and white Le Meursault.
What would you talk about?
How they felt about being dead and what they‘d do if alive now.
Is there anything you would want to ask your guests?
Graham Greene – how he researched Brighton Rock.
Who would you go home with?
Well, Elizabeth is the only female, but I think she might have some serious halitosis….
