At Charlotte Link, too, Christmas 2020 will look different than usual: "For the first time, we will not celebrate with my parents."
"I miss the contact with the readers very much. And of course the familiar life in general": bestselling author Charlotte Link (57), who presented another story with investigator Kate Linville in November with "Ohne Schuld" (Blanvalet), reveals in an interview with spot on news, how her conclusion for the Corona year is and how she celebrates Christmas.
You have just published the third story about Kate Linville with "No Guilt". What is so fascinating about diving into the world of police officers and murderers for you?
Charlotte Link: There is a really terrible psychopath in "No Guilt", but the core crime is committed by a person who actually has no criminal energy, who is not malicious and unscrupulous. But completely desperate and at the end of all strength. Severe depression is the trigger for the act. And that is what interests and fascinates me: completely normal people, for whom fate plays along in a bad way, who can no longer find their way in life, who maneuver themselves into hopeless situations. Out of which the crime arises. I find it so exciting to describe these paths and developments.
The relationship between Kate Linville and Caleb Hale changes to "No Guilt". How important is the private life of the two – especially Hale seems to be at its lowest point.
Link: Caleb Hale is at the absolute lowest point, more than ever he is looking for support and support, and in the end Kate is the person with whom he repeatedly meets with understanding. The relationship between the two of them has no romantic aspect, but perhaps because of this it is gaining in importance for the two of them: They understand, respect and respect one another, unclouded by the emotional roller coaster that love relationships can easily hold. I think it's important to portray this private area of the investigators. We accompany them through several books, you have to know who exactly you are dealing with.
Your new book is about an act – unimaginable for many – that was covered up in the family environment. Have you been inspired by true stories?
Link: This act described in the book is on the one hand unimaginable, on the other hand we know that such things happen in reality. I wasn't inspired by a specific incident, but tried to put myself in the perpetrator's position, to follow the path internally, so to speak. The path inevitably led to the deed.
A new two-part TV series about Kate is currently being produced. To what extent are you involved in the shooting?
Link: During the development phase of the script, I keep talking to the producer, screenwriter and director. We discuss everything for a long time, but the producer has the last word.
Henny Rennts plays the title role, was that how you imagined the character?
Link: To be honest, not quite as attractive and not red-haired. But I like her a lot as a guy. She will portray Kate well.
Will the third part of the series also be filmed?
Link: Probably yes.
Many of your books have been made into films, do you have a favorite among the films?
Link: I really liked "The Last Track". The film adaptation corresponded strongly to the book.
Germans are very enthusiastic about thrillers and crime novels. What do you think is that?
Link: We all like to be whisked away from everyday life into a world of tension and adventure every now and then. However, I believe that the deeper reason for the thrill of crime lies in the fact that the exceptional situation into which the protagonists fall because they become victims or witnesses of a crime offers the possibility of very dissecting character analyzes. Facades shake when the trauma hits life. That is where the real tension lies.
Especially in the Corona crisis and the associated restrictions, books and television are a distraction for many people. What is your everyday lockdown like?
Link: Normally an autumn with a new book would look very different for me. I would be constantly on the go to readings and book signings. That is all now canceled. I get switched to TV studios via Skype or Facetime instead of going straight to them, and sometimes I struggle with technology. I miss a lot of contact with the readers. And of course the familiar life of going to birthday parties, meeting friends and relatives, going to restaurants and theater performances. And much more. But at least I can go about my work, unfortunately that is not a matter of course for everyone.
What conclusion do you draw for yourself personally and professionally after this Corona year?
Link: Private: A lot is possible via Zoom and Skype and Facetime. But it does not replace face-to-face conversations and closeness. It's the same professionally.
Christmas is around the corner. The festival is not only associated with many emotions in Corona times. What does this time mean for you?
Link: I like Christmas, I also like this winter season, when it gets dark early, you light lots of candles and drink liters of hot tea. I would like Christmas even more if so many animals weren't killed and put on the festive table during this festival of love.
What will your Christmas be like this year?
Link: For the first time we won't celebrate with my parents. Both are well over eighty, it seems too risky to us. After all, there are two of them, so I can answer for that. So I'm only with my husband and the two grown children. And our three dogs.
Do you make new year's resolutions, and if so, what are they like?
Link: I want to implement things that are close to my heart faster. You never know when you will suddenly be stuck in lockdown in total stagnation …
What will your fans read from you next? And what's next for Kate Linville?
Link: The next book will most likely appear in autumn 2022. I will start writing it in January. I'm already working on the story. It continues with Kate Linville, I also have ideas about how her life will develop, but that is still very vague.