Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is the central character in the 13 bestselling Roy Grace novels. Today he gives his answers to his creator, Argus guest editor Peter James.
What is your favourite place in Sussex?
I love the undercliff walk at Rottingdean and the whole Brighton and Hove seafront, especially on a deserted stormy winter’s day.
What do you love most about living in Sussex?
I love both its geographical location and sheer diversity. How I can go from my cottage outside the gorgeous village of Henfield to the centre of Brighton in 15 minutes. The great contrast between wonderful towns like Lewes, Chichester, Eastbourne, Rye and stunningly beautiful villages. And we have so many great inventive chefs like Ben Mckellar and glorious restaurants and pubs.
What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?
Follow your dreams, you can make them come true, but always remember the only person who can do that is you. Oh, and pass your maths O-level if you want to join the police!
What is your most valued possession?
I’ve never really been one for material possessions although I’ve always been
a petrol head - like my creator! My Alfa Romeo went over Beachy Head during a car chase. And I have a fondness for the stuffed trout on my wall. I wouldn’t call them possessions but the most important things in my world are my wife, Cleo, my sons Noah and Bruno, and Humphrey the hound.
What is your biggest regret?
The ten-year hole in my life after Sandy left. And the knowledge I had been partly responsible
What is your biggest fear?
Heights. I’ve been terrified chasing villains up Shoreham Power station chimney and the i360!
What is your proudest achievement?
Achieving a higher rank thank my dad, who made sergeant.
Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party
Sherlock Holmes. Agatha Christie. Henry Solomon, 1844, the only chief constable ever murdered in office. Jack the Ripper, to find out who he was. Ray Davies of The Kinks, to ask him who inspired my favourite song, Mr Pleasant?
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