Where is the line between true crime and crime fiction? What can fiction reveal that the facts alone cannot? This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland speak with crime novelist and former barrister Simon Michael about drawing inspiration from real criminal cases and why the most compelling stories often emerge not from what happened, but from understanding the people behind the events.

Drawing on nearly four decades in the courtroom, Simon shares stories from some of Britain's most intriguing criminal cases and explains why, despite having such remarkable source material, he chooses to fictionalize these events rather than simply recount them. Along the way, he offers valuable insight into authenticity, research, character development, and the unique ability of fiction to illuminate aspects of a story that the historical record can only hint at.

Simon Michael

https://www.suchangauthor.com/

Hidden Gems

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