I hate the term "mystery". That's not what I write. I think the Scarpetta novels are much more character-driven than an average puzzle solver. Writing should be like a pane of glass - there's another world on the other side and your vision carries you there, but you're not aware of having passed through a barrier to get there.

I stop working at about 3 p.m. on Fridays.

I'm always surprised when large numbers of people buy my books.

We create our own worlds. We destroy our own worlds. It is that simple.

Even when I am writing I usually take a break around lunchtime and go for a little walk to clear out my head.

I like crazy shoes or unusual cowboy boots and I collect big belt buckles.

And suddenly the world was filled with wooden faces and flat voices - and, you were alone.