Val McDermid thinks crime writing is most definitely a suitable job for a woman.

She believes women are good at observing the minutiae of life and incorporating them into clue development.

Despite writing a book entitled 'An Unsuitable Job For A Woman', PD James evidently thought the same.

Val McDermid discusses her grea life with the help of James's friend, the literary critic Peter Kemp.

Presented by Matthew Parris.

Producer: Maggie Ayre

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2015.