I have no plans for a future Jemima Shore mystery, but would write one tomorrow if a good idea came to me.

That is my major concern: writers who are in prison for writing.

Lives in previous centuries for women are largely a matter of class. It would have been fun to have been a rich, privileged woman in the 18th century, but no fun at all to be her maid.

I decided as usual that justice lay in the middle - that is to say nowhere.

My mother was a politician in my formative years.

As the Dauphine stepped out of her carriage on to the ceremonial carpet that had been laid down, it was the Duc de Choiseul who was given the privilege of the first salute. Presented with the Duc by Prince Starhemberg, Marie Antoinette exclaimed: 'I shall never forget that you are responsible for my happiness!

I'm glad I was never an heiress.