Karen’s answer to “You are one of my favourite authors and I have all your books. At the moment I've just read the fir…” > Likes and Comments

It is very interesting that you feel it’s a collaboration between you and the reader because what I’ve always considered, is that the author provides a canvas with an outline, and we get the opportunity to uniquely complete the pictures of the characters and settings.

I can spend ages just skimming through books trying to decide which one suits my mood. The great thing about having read your books is that I know when I want to read a Karen Maitland book. I also don’t like to read several books of an author in a row, especially if you really like them, because it’s memorable to establish that little exclusive period of time for a great read – and I’ll get to do it again soon enough. :)

I knew it would be a hard decision for you to choose a book but I’m in an easier position, and I’d say Company of Liars, although I love them all. I was totally engrossed with the twisting plot, the characters were well thought out, and it had that eerie chill and supernatural threat. It was brilliant the way you created that sense of foreboding for the group between the landscape of the plague and the fear of being hunted. I haven’t read The Plague Charmer yet but I feel you hold that one with a special fondness.

I love the image of the author providing the canvass with the outline and the reader completing the pictures. I'd never thought of describing it that way, but it is exactly how I feel the process works.

Thank you so much for your very kind comments on 'Company of Liars'. It is so encouraging to discover that the atmosphere you were trying to help conjure for the reader in a book did actually work.

Well that's it you're officially my favourite author :)

I am also a huge fan and agree about Company of Liars. I read that book when it originally came out in the US so it's been awhile now and yet I still remember exactly how it felt reading it and what a shock it was to return to real world. We were on a family vacation in Las Vegas and I holed up in the hotel room, completely transported to another world! When I finished the book I was late to meet the family for dinner and I felt almost shell shocked when I left the room and entered the chaos of the hotel. Your novels completely transport me to the unique worlds you have created and I greatly appreciate the reading experience you provide!!