Interview with CM Sinclair, Author of Death Sentence

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

The idea behind “Death Sentence”—taking the law into your own hands—doesn’t work no matter how strongly you feel like the justice system has failed. Either the wrong man gets killed, or the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. There are many revenge stories that I’ve enjoyed over the years that served as inspiration, but I think the main one was watching “Death Wish” late at night and thinking that was problematic. “M” by Fritz Lang was also a classic where the criminal underworld helped search for a child killer, intending to lynch him.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

For Tam McLean, I would suggest the theme from “Dragnet” or “The Sweeney,” as he is an old-school throwback to heavy-handed police work. For DS Isla Robertson, being a morose, mildly depressed character, I would suggest “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves in the hope that it would perk her up a bit.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I generally read quite a broad variety of genres, but I would have to say crime thrillers are my favourite genre to read. My favourites tend to be ones that are a bit more “out there” than the standard. I’m a big fan of Callum McSorley and Chris Brookmyre. I also really enjoyed Cast a Cold Eye by Robbie Morrison.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

No Cure for Regret by Ed James. Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan. The Midnight King by Tariq Ashkanani. The Force by Don Winslow (a book I’ve always wanted to read but have never got around to).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I would say that my favourite scene to write was probably the opening. The idea of a gangster called “The Judge” holding a kangaroo court for one of his victims was fun to write.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I tend to change the room I’m writing in halfway through the day for a bit of variety. Other than that, I’m quite boring and am without quirks (although others might disagree). I’m OCD about stationery, though: I have to use the same brand of A4 lined paper and pens when I write. I also write longhand. There’s something about the glare of a computer screen that makes me struggle to concentrate. But with a pad and pen, I can write for hours.