What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?

In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lola Akinmade Akerstrom

Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time?

A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh (I loved it)

Do you re-read books? And if yes, what was your last re-read?

Yes! All the time. I’ve just re-read Slow Horses by Mick Herron

What are your go-to genres?

Dystopian, Literary, Thriller

What is your favorite childhood book?

Famous Five by Enid Blyton

What books are on your bedside table right now?

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book?

Dogear. I’ve also been known to doodle in books.

What is your ideal reading setting?

By a pool on holiday.

Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore?

BookBar in London – it’s a fabulous bookshop with a wine bar!

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Reading Ice Station Zebra by Alistair Maclean as a twelve-year old. I was transfixed, thrilled and terrified. On a hot sticky day in Lagos, his words transported me to a Russian Submarine in the frozen wastes of the North Pole.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

I’ve visited Jane Austen’s home in Hampshire.

Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?

In my office, door shut, no radio.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both. Depends on the day and how the writing went!

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

None. My debut book, Wahala, was my first attempt at fiction. Book two is my second.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help it! Bad ones hurt for a minute or two. Good ones make me happy for ages.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t feel guilty for spending all your free time reading. Reading is going to make you a better writer.

When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?

Walking the dogs, cooking, sewing.

What are your three favorite things right now?

Hair Balm by Hair Story (it’s made my very curly hair slightly less frizzy); my Aigle wellington boots (it’s rained everyday this month) and my new pink Uniball book signing pen.

Your favorite travel destination and why?

Lagos, Nigeria. It’s where I grew up, it feels like home and I get to see my Dad.

What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?

Chicken jalfrezi and glass of rosé.

What six people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner a party?

Nigella Lawson, Prince, Ryan Reynolds, Afua Hirsh, Peter May (my husband), Tosca (my dog who’s in heaven).
 

If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?

Dystopian and Zoe Saldana

What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?

Don’t Look Up

You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?

Read My Mind by The Killers

If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be?

Agatha Christie – the complete Poirot collection.