Hi Paul, thank's that you have taking the time to answer a few questions of Elements of Crime.

Why are you writes currently thriller, you could have also write novels, science Fiction, fantasy & horror?

I origionally wanted to write horror. It was always what I read and loved the most. I still want to write horror at some point if I can. But crime is what I write passionately about and understand the most about. I know I'd be an aweful science fiction or fantasy writer.

What fascinates you so much about writing a thriller?

It's hard to say. I really like giving characters a reason for being the way they are, rather than just having bad guys. I like trying to create really bizarre situations and really bizarre characters and trying to make it seem all very real.

How do you get the ideas for your books?

Ah - that's the tricky part! I wish there was a simple answer. I can go a year without an idea and then have one and write half a book in a couple of weeks. With my next book, Blood Men (Der Tod in mir), I got the idea for that from a song title.

How is your first thriller "The seventh Dead" (original title created / The Cleaner) arose?

It arose when somebody once asked me 'have you ever read a serial killer novel written from the killer's perspective?'. I never had, and set about writing it.

Your books almost appear all at the same time, and a few characters from previous thrillers are coming back on an couple of pages. Was this intentional or a coincidence which has shown itself?

This is all deliberate. I'm trying to share some timelines with the books, and keep the reader informed on what is happening to other characters that are not in that story. For example, Joe from The Cleaner is in each of the latest books but not as a main character.

If you begin with writing, then you have even the whole story in your head, or developed the story while writing?

I never have a whole idea for a book. Normally just start with an idea and go from there. Sometimes I can be most of the way through a book before I have any idea who the killer is.

Many authors use a whiteboard or a board. Then they take notes, how do you do that?

Nope - no whiteboard - I don't really take notes. I'll have the occasional post-it note stuck to the side of my monitor.

Do you write every day, you'll start in the morning? There are also moments where you have no idea?

I'll try to write most days. No set hours. Any time of the day really.

You have next to New Zealand and Australia also very big success in Germany with your books, what do you think why it is ?

I think people in Germany just have better taste!!!