Overview
The acclaimed author Mick Herron, known for his bestselling series *Slow Horses*, recently shared a significant detail about his beloved character, Jackson Lamb. During a Guardian Live event with Richard Osman, Herron revealed that he knows exactly how, when, why, and where Jackson Lamb meets his fate.
Why It Matters
This revelation took place at Cadogan Hall, where an intrigued Osman reacted with disbelief, stating, “I assumed he was never going to die. This is terrible news.” Herron mentioned that he discovered Jackson Lamb’s destiny relatively recently, viewing it as “solving a problem” in his writing process.
Fans of the series can also celebrate the release of the fifth season of the *Slow Horses* adaptation on Apple TV+, featuring Gary Oldman in the role of Jackson Lamb. Additionally, Herron’s latest novel, *Clown Town*, the ninth installment in the Slough House series, was published earlier this month.
In a parallel spotlight, Richard Osman is set to release *The Impossible Fortune*, a new entry in his Thursday Murder Club series this week. The first book in this series features a group of retirement home residents who join forces to solve crimes, and has recently been adapted into a film.
Osman drew comparisons between his series and *Slow Horses*, noting that both involve characters who were once at the top of their game but now find themselves sidelined. He remarked, “Underdogs are incredibly useful to write about.” Furthermore, Osman likened the adaptation of his work to a “grandchild” rather than “a child,” indicating a unique relationship between the original story and its adaptation.
Key Takeaways
Osman shared his creative process, expressing concern over being 4,000 words into the follow-up to *We Solve Murders*, stating, “Oh my God it’s a nightmare. How am I ever going to finish it?” This second book will be set in Italy and is expected to be released next September.
On the topic of problem-solving in writing, Herron described a technique where he allows his subconscious to work on plot challenges, mentioning that solutions often come to him after a few days. Both authors shared humorous anecdotes about their cats: Osman’s cat Lottie frequently interrupts his writing, while Herron’s cat, Tommy, “helps” him with emails.
Final Thoughts
The revelations from Mick Herron and Richard Osman not only engage their fans but also provide insight into the creative processes behind their works. With new releases on the horizon, readers have much to look forward to in both the *Slough House* series and the *Thursday Murder Club* adventures.
Support the authors by ordering their latest books through the links below:
- Clown Town by Mick Herron (John Murray Press, £22). Order at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
- The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (Penguin Books, £22). Order at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
