For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Chris Brookmyre to talk about Quite Ugly One Evening, the latest Jack Parlabane mystery which is published 30 years after his celebrated debut Quite Ugly One Morning, a novel which introduced us to both the writer and his notable creation.

Chris talks about his fondness for Parlabane, why he keeps returning to him, and how Jack has changed over the years. He also considers how he himself has changed as a writer, and that working as a part of Ambrose Parry with his wife Marisa Haetzman has been a big part of that progression.

The two then talk about the new novel, the cruise liner setting, the unusual ‘research’ behind it, the concept of the locked room mystery, writing as a form of personal investigation, contemplating the past through his characters, and the inspirations behind the invented children’s TV show The Imaginators which is central to the plot.

They also discuss the humour in his work, with Chris talking about his comedy heroes, the comparisons between crime writers and comedians, the art of storytelling, and trying to make sense of the world through the process of writing. He also makes it clear he won’t be writing a follow up to the acclaimed The Cracked Mirror any time soon!

It’s always a pleasure to talk to Chris about his work, and to be able to do so in detail about Jack Parlabane (a character who changed the nature of Scottish crime fiction) was a real privilege. Whether you are a Chris Brookmyre fan or not (or should that be, “not yet)” this is a warm and engaging conversation with one of Scotland’s finest writers.

For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com