In a conversation with Stuart Douglas, author of Death at the Playhouses, we delve into the second installment of his Lowe and Le Breton Mysteries series, which brings together two elderly actors to solve a murder. Set in the 1970s, the book promises an engaging, witty whodunnit featuring the murder of a famous co-star outside a theatre. Douglas discusses the novel, his writing journey, and what lies ahead for the series.
Hi Stuart! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! I’m a Scottish editor, publisher, and author with a passion for detective novels, cosy crime, and science fiction. I’ve written four Sherlock Holmes novels for the Further Adventures series, along with numerous novellas and short stories. In addition, I run Obverse Books, a small publishing house focusing on fiction and non-fiction related to classic TV properties, most notably Doctor Who, for which we’ve published 75 volumes of the award-winning Black Archive series. My current literary project is the Lowe and Le Breton Mysteries, where two aging actors take on crimes in the world of television, film, and theatre.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I actually came to writing later in life. I’ve always been an avid reader, and my home is filled with books, but I didn’t try my hand at writing professionally until I was nearly 40. My first story was for the first Obverse Books anthology, and I only started writing it after another author had to pull out. From that point on, I was hooked.
Quick lightning round! Tell us about
The first book you remember reading: Doctor Who and the Cybermen by Gerry Davis, a 10p jumble sale find when I was about six. I devoured it in one sitting!
The book that made you want to become an author: Becoming an author was a result of needing to write for Iris Wildthyme and the Celestial Omnibus. Before that, I was focused on editing, behind the scenes.
The book you can’t stop thinking about: It’s hard to pick just one, but I have a few books I return to often. The Last of the Just by André Schwartz-Bart, Maus by Art Spiegelman, The Lost Ones by Samuel Beckett, and Paul Magrs’ Hell’s Belles are all among my favorites. Two that I can’t stop thinking about are Familiarity of the Kingdom of the Lost by Dumore Boetie and Lord of the Dance by Robin Lloyd-Jones. They are both deeply funny and profoundly moving.
Your new book, Death at the Playhouses, is set to release on April 1st. How would you describe it in five words?
“Old actors hunt mad killer!”
What can readers expect from this installment?
I hope they’ll find a gripping murder mystery full of twists and surprises. The story is set in the early 1970s in England and the Netherlands, with characters that reflect the flaws, weaknesses, strengths, and compassion of a pair of elderly actors. The setting and character dynamics aim to make the mystery both exciting and believable.
Were there any moments or characters you particularly enjoyed writing?
I’ve been a fan of Dad’s Army since childhood, so this book began as a tribute to the show’s iconic stars, Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier. The characters, Edward Lowe and John Le Breton, blend traits from the actors and their characters. Writing their dialogue is always a pleasure, as I imagine the originals delivering the lines with all their charm.
What’s your process for plotting the story and keeping the twists coming?
Long dog walks! I start with a basic setting and the first murder, then work my way through the plot, creating characters that either carry out the crime or lead the protagonists on a wild goose chase. During walks, I often stop to jot down new ideas on my phone. Once the ideas are solid, I turn to Scrivener to create a coherent timeline and fleshed-out character histories.
Did you face any challenges during the writing process, and how did you overcome them?
Time management is the biggest challenge. Running Obverse Books, publishing around 20 books a year, and writing the Lowe and Le Breton series while working a full-time job leaves little room for leisure. Thankfully, my family is understanding, allowing me to immerse myself in writing when needed.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just finished a short Sherlock Holmes story for the final volume of the MX Publishing series, and I’m now working on the third Lowe and Le Breton novel.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to reading this year?
I’ve recently enjoyed the Darkland Tales series from Birlinn Polygon, which features short novels by renowned authors based on Scottish history. The latest book, Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid, is one of the best I’ve read this year, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
