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

You have studied literature and creative writing, it is a serious study?

Yes, it was for me. I took a degree course in Literature which involved creating writing, then an MA purely in Literature. I enjoyed the creative writing aspect the most, as you might expect.

You have worked as a free journalist before you start writing, was it always a dream of you to write your own thriller?

It was always an ambition to have a novel published, although when I first started writing I wasn't sure what sort of book I wanted to write. But my novels always revolved around crime one way or another. Eventually, I decided I'd like to write a serial killer crime novel, one that was as tense and frightening as I could make it. That became 'The Chemistry of Death'.

You were on the Bodyfarm in Konxville Tennessee, and have researched in the bodylab of the FBI. What impressions have left these places with you?

I've been to the Body Farm, though not to any of the FBI's facilities. The Body Farm (or Anthropological Research Facility) is a very strange place, because until recently it was the only place in the world that used real human cadavers for this type of research (there are two other similar facilities in the US now, I believe). The scientists there basically research decomposition, and I came away very impressed by the work they did, and also it's usefulness.

What fascinates you so much about writing a thriller?

I suppose it's creating an intricate story, where all the apparently separate plot and character strands eventually come together, hopefully in a way the reader won't expect. At least that's the intention. I don't find it easy, but it's satisfying when it works out.

How did David Hunter arose in your head?

IT was after my visit to the Body Farm. I went there to write a magazine article, but felt there was also a book to be written from the experience. But I didn't want the central character to be tough or someone who always gets things right; I wanted him to be more human and fallible. It took me about a year to develop the character of David Hunter, together with his background, which makes him what he is.

You wrote 3 thriller from the David Hunter series, Chemie des Todes, Kalte Asche and Leichenblüsse. There will be a 4 part?

Yes, I'm working on it now (which is why it's taken me so long to answer these questions, I'm afraid).

Why is Flammenbrut and Obsession appeared in 2009 in the german language, even though you've written it in 1997 & 1998?

Because people responded well to the David Hunter series it was decided to publish the books I'd written before them, which not so many people would know about. I was very proud of the books, so I'm very pleased to have the opportunity.

Was this your first two novels as an autor? They are, indeed, more psychologically than the forensic thriller of David Hunter series?

My earlier novels were more psychological thrillers than crime mysteries, but I still tried to make them as tense as I could. 'Obsessio'n and 'Flammenbrut' were actually the third and fourth novels I wrote. My first published novel will be published in Germany under the title 'Voyeur' this April. It's quite different again to the other books - almost a black comedy with a strong sexual element. But I'm looking forward to it being published again and hope readers enjoy it.

Your books are all in the top 100 of the Amazon bestseller list, and you are successful in Germany than in Great Britain. What do you think why it is?

That's a question I'm often asked, but I'm afraid I really don't know the answer. Whatever the reason, I'm delighted the books do so well in Germany.