Caron McKinlay
Natasha Boydell
Bestselling author of The Missing Husband
The Woman Next Door now available
Published by @Bloodhoundbook
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a fiction writer from North London. After many years working in journalism and communications, and with my 40th birthday looming, I decided to fulfil my lifelong ambition of writing a novel. I was fortunate enough to secure a publishing deal with Bloodhound Books and my debut, a domestic noir called The Missing Husband, was released earlier this year and became an Amazon top 100 bestseller. My latest novel, The Woman Next Door, is released on September 29. When I’m not working, I’m mainly running around after my two young daughters, Rose and Alice.
The Woman Next Door is a drama about the choices we make. It follows the story of Sophie and Angie, two neighbours who couldn’t be any more different but who are brought together by a storm and form an unlikely friendship. Their alliance is a wake-up call for both women. Angie’s success makes Sophie consider whether she really is as satisfied as she makes out. And Sophie’s uncomplicated marriage forces Angie to look at her own and accept that it’s not as perfect as it seems. Both women vow to change, but their decisions may not lead where they expect.
You can find out about both my books at natashaboydell.co.uk.
Are you working on something now?
I’m currently working on my third novel, a domestic noir. It’s very much a work in progress so I can’t say too much right now, but I plan to finish it by the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted!
Which six books will you take to the Island?
Rachel’s Holiday, Marian Keyes
I love all of Marian Keyes’ books, so it was tricky to pick just one. But this book has been on my mind since Marian announced that she’s written a sequel, which is out next year. I think Marian has a wonderful ability to delve into sensitive and emotive subjects with a beautiful and charming humour, which makes her books an absolute joy to read.
The Beach, Alex Garland
I read this book when I was a student and it made me want to go to Thailand so much. I’ve travelled there a few times since and have always had an amazing time, although I never found a secret community! This has got to be the perfect tropical island read.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J. K. Rowling
I bought this book from a charity shop when I was on a road trip across the United States the summer after I turned 21. I was immediately hooked and couldn’t put it down until I’d finished. I don’t think my travelling companion was too impressed with me! I’ve since read all of the Harry Potter books and I can’t wait for my children to get into them so I have a legit reason to go to the Warner Bros Studios.
Going the Distance, Christina Jones
I got this book when I was a teenager and I adored it so much that I must have read it over a hundred times. My copy was completely dog-eared and wrinkly from having been dropped in the bath more than once. It’s a rom com set in a horse-racing village and it’s like drinking a warm, milky cup of tea – the antidote to my chaotic teenage years. When I was working as a journalist, I had the pleasure of interviewing the author, and she was so lovely
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
This book got me into the domestic noir genre of fiction which I now love. It combines day to day life and challenges, which readers can relate to, with the unexpected twists and turns that we love from a fiction book. Ultimately, this genre inspired me as an author.
Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien
Well, I’ve got a lot of time to kill, right? So, it’s the perfect opportunity to read an epic fantasy novel. And there ain’t no book as epic as this bad boy.
Which disc will you take to the Island?
All I Need, by Air. This track is so relaxing and chilled out and it became my go to song to listen to when I was on holiday or travelling. It reminds me of being on beaches around the world, from Australia, to Thailand, to Greece. Even thinking about it makes me feel the sand beneath my feet!
What will be your luxury item?
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. I’ve been slathering this on my body every morning for more than twenty years. Not only will it help to protect my skin against the dry, salty elements of a desert island but the smell is so comforting that hopefully it will soothe my frazzled nerves.
Which fictional character will you meet?
Gandalf from The Lord of The Rings. I mean, the man must have a heck of a lot of stories to tell, right? There’ll certainly never be a dull moment. And he’s seen a lot, which would make my desert island challenge pale in comparison and hopefully keep me motivated on the final stretch.
Thank you Natasha
