Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
My latest psychological thriller is called ‘The Surrogate’. I’m ridiculously excited about this book – I’ve had such a great time writing it I genuinely can’t wait to get it into the hands of readers. It’s faster paced than The Sister and The Gift, darker, but still with an emotional strand running through the story. The twist took me completely by surprise. Kat and Lisa are strong, multi-layered characters. Whatever your opinion of them will be, you will have an opinion.
If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?
‘Pringles, Prose and Pinot.’ It pretty much sums up my life I think.
What’s the strangest fan question or request you’ve received?
A letter from a 70-year-old man telling me he’d enjoyed my books and thought we’d have lots in common. He offered to finish with his girlfriend if I fancied ‘giving him a go.’ /tempting but I politely declined.
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
Without a doubt, my 11 year old son, Finley. He’s a phenomenal writer already with a vocabulary that would put most adults to shame. We’ve an idea for a young adult book I’d love to find the time to write with him.
Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!)
I can’t wink!
Finally recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you’ve chosen these.
The Maid’s Room by Fiona Mitchell. It was one of those books that got completely under my skin. I cried when I’d finished it and am still in that period of mourning before I even contemplate starting something new. This story of two sisters working as maids in Singapore could have been harrowing but although it’s certainly moving, it’s also told with humour and grace.
Five Give Up The Booze – Quercus Fiction . My son bought me this – I’m a huge fan of the original Famous Five. Light-hearted and a quick read – perfect to dip in and out of while I’ve been going through the editing process with The Surrogate.
One Boy and His Dog – Eva Ibbotson. I’ve just read this with my son. It’s a moving story of Hal whose parents hire him a dog, Fleck, for the weekend and the lengths Fleck and Hal go to find each other after they have been separated. I had a lump in my throat more than once.
Who is Louise Jensen? Louise is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and lives in Northamptonshire with her husband, children, madcap dog and a rather naughty cat.
Louise’s first two novels, The Sister and The Gift, were both International No.1 Bestsellers, and have been sold for translation to fifteen countries. The Sister was nominated for The Goodreads Awards Debut of 2016. Louise ‘s third psychological thriller, The Surrogate, can be pre-ordered now and will be published in September.
Louise loves to hear from readers and writers and can be found at www.louisejensen.co.uk, where she regularly blogs flash fiction
