Author Spotlight: Kim Hopkinson
The Refugee
Kim Hopkinson
In a small rural town, Bernard's seemingly perfect life is shattered when Sally, his beautiful wife and Joshua, his young son, are murdered in cold blood. Nearby, in a local village a refugee, far from home, attempts to put his violent past behind him and escape the consequences of his monstrous deeds. Caught between his fractured reality and the lies he spins Ahmed travels from town to town. Ahmed's psyche begins to unravel. Will he be able to outrun his guilt or will the truth finally catch up with him. As the investigation unfolds it seems that there were quite a few people who might have had reason to kill Sally. Leading Inspector Lawrence to think that perhaps he should look for the perpetrator much closer to home. A chilling tale of betrayal, rage and the lengths one man will go to, to protect his reputation.
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Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. Where are you from?
KH: I was born in North London and from a young age enjoyed writing poetry and stories.I'm trained in journalism and worked on women's magazines in London. When I had a family, I discovered a love for teaching and became an infant school teacher. Later, I became a deputy head and headteacher and spent twenty years in education. I retired early to concentrate on my writing and moved to Sussex where I lives with my family. This is my first book, and I spends her time writing, raising sheep and enjoying my granddaughters.
What genre do you read? Who's an author you read? Name your top 5 authors.
KH: Thrillers; Freida McFadden, Nora S, Claire Douglas, Jayne Austen, Lee Child
What's the best book you've read, and what do you like about it?
KH: Ooh, such a tough one, but I’d have to say The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas. The reason I liked this book, was that I was fascinated by the relationship between the sisters and how little they really knew about each others lives. I found the storyline gripping and couldn’t wait to find out how it ended...I wasn’t disappointed. I am looking forward to reading Claire Douglas’ latest book the New Neighbours. As much as I love writing, I’ll always be a reader first and discovering new stories like this keeps me inspired to keep creating my own.
Favorite sports.
KH: Not really into sports. Like going to the gym. Classes; Chi Tai, Zumba, Body Balance
Favorite thing about the state/country that you live in.
KH: Since moving to the countryside, life has felt a lot slower, in the best possible way. Surrounded by fields, fresh air and nature at its best… I’ve come to appreciate the simple moments more than ever.
One of my favourite spots? This incredible oak tree that lives in our garden, it’s been standing here for hundreds of years. A gentle giant that offers the most perfect shade on sunny days and feels like something straight out of a storybook.
Just imagine yourself here… a warm breeze, a good book (maybe even The Refugee
) and the peaceful sounds of nature. It’s the little things that inspire the most.
How long have you been writing?
KH: From a young age (see the answer for the Tell me about yourself)
Where did you get the idea for your book, The Refugee?
KH: People often ask me where the idea for The Refugee came from. Growing up in London and now living in the Sussex countryside, I’ve always been fascinated by the contrasts between places, the stories people carry and how seemingly ordinary lives can hide extraordinary secrets. That curiosity became the heart of my first novel.
Looking ahead, I’m already deep into my next project! I’m currently in the character development stage of a brand new book. While it isn’t a sequel, readers will recognise Inspector Lawrence from my previous novel as he takes on a fresh investigation. I’m excited to see where the story leads and I can promise a mysterious, unexpected ending.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
KH: A plotter
How did you come up with the ideas for your series? (If your book is a
standalone or nonfiction, please skip)
KH: Standalone
How do you celebrate finishing a book?
KH: Went to a local restaurant
How do you organize everything and find the time to sit down and write?
KH: I retired which gave me the time to write
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
KH: My husband
How do you name your characters?
KH: No method, it's random. But if stuck, I look online for a book of names
Can you describe a typical day in your writing life?
KH: Juggling housework, looking after my granddaughters, going to gym and writing in between. Nothing glamorous!
Tell us about your current release.
KH: Putting the final touches to my current novel. It's about the daughter of a crime boss who gets kidnapped. It's a story of revenge, betrayal, and the pursuit of power, don't want to give to much away at this stage.
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Kim Hopkinson was born in North London and from a young age enjoyed writing poetry and stories. She trained in journalism and worked on women's magazines in London. When she had a family, she discovered a love for teaching and became an infant school teacher. Later, she became a deputy head and headteacher and spent twenty years in education. Kim retired early to concentrate on her writing and moved to Sussex where she lives with her family. This is her first book, and she spends her time writing, raising sheep and enjoying her granddaughters
In fisherman tales, there's always talk about the one that got away… This is that story.
