The Tailor of Riga received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Jonathan Harries.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Tailor of Riga – a family saga of dubious veracity. Published in May 2020
What’s the book’s first line?
“When Dr. Robert Anderson, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, was called back from his holiday in Switzerland to London to head up the investigation into what at the time were known as The Whitechapel Murders, he made a mysterious stop in Paris.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Finding out that your family has been in the assassination business for seventy generations may come as a surprise. Realizing that you’re expected to take over is enough to make anyone lose their lunch. But when you’re the great-grandson of the man who killed Jack the Ripper, well, you have a certain obligation to carry on.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Looking at a Family Tree drawn up by an aged relative and seeing that most of my ancestors had led infinitely dull lives. So, I decided to add a little spice.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
It puts a curious twist on familiar events in history.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
As the book is a collection of historic events, each one of my ancestors plays a main character. The extraordinary thing is that they see assassination as completely natural, almost as if they were selling shoes. Anyone who knew the family members represented would certainly recognize certain traits – hopefully not the bad ones.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
A young Steve Martin. I think he’d play the male leads perfectly.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I retired as Chairman of FCB, one of the largest global advertising agencies, in December 2016 and published my first novel shortly after.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is my 5th . There is a 3-part series about saving Africa’s wildlife from trophy hunters and other undesirables. The other is a stand-alone about a guy who falls in love with a belly dancer.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
When I’m not writing I love to read and do so voraciously. My wife and I go on safari as much as possible, though the events of this year have curtailed any trips.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I usually write for 2 – 3 hours a day. Sometimes more. Rarely less.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The look on people’s faces when they ask who your publisher is, and you say “me”.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Write every day. Even if it’s only revising a paragraph and writing one new sentence. Writing is a skill that takes constant practice.