'Zine: Why Paris?

'Zine: Have you ever made a purchase from a Parisian bouquiniste? What was it?

Pryor: Yes, but it wasn't a book!  I bought a couple of prints from a bouquiniste near Pont Neuf a few years ago.  I'm headed back to Paris for the New Year, and now I feel sort of obliged!

Mark Pryor

'Zine: How much of yourself is in Hugo Marston?

Pryor: Superficially, not too much.  He's taller, better looking, and is a native Texan. But that's not what you meant, is it? I modeled him on my father and several profilers I've met, so perhaps it's easier for me to say that I hope the good parts of my dad and Hugo are also part of me. I like, for example, that he's very open-minded and thoughtful.  He's perhaps not quite as extroverted as I am but he's definitely comfortable in social situations--he just doesn't seek them out. Maybe as the series develops my answer will change, it will be fun to find out.

'Zine: You're an assistant D.A . Have you always wanted to write a novel or did this one just . . .  happen?

Pryor: Always. I've been writing seriously for about ten years and this is actually the third novel I completed.  The others weren't good enough, I suspect, which is why they didn't see the light of day but writing fiction is very much a part of my life, and will continue to be.

'Zine: Have you a favorite character from The Bookseller? Who, and why?

Pryor: I would have to say it's Hugo. A lot of people like Tom best, and he's definitely the most fun to write, but there's a strength about Hugo I like. He's dependable (but not in a boring way, I hope) and has a twinkle in his eye that lets you know some adventure is just around the corner. I think he'd be a great guy to hang out with, either at home or on a ski trip.

'Zine: You're a Brit living in Texas. What about you or your life remains quintessentially British? What's as Texan as it comes?

Pryor: I still drink tea first thing in the morning and (on weekends) in the afternoon.  I watch English football whenever I can and I think I've hung onto my accent.  Oh, and I've introduced my son to toast with Marmite, he loves it!  Texan. . . well, I wear cowboy boots in court, but I think that's about it!

'Zine: Now that The Bookseller has been out for a little bit, with reviewers and readers sharing their reaction, have plans for future Hugo Marston novels developed or changed?

Pryor: Not really in response to reviews, but I'm thinking about moving him around Europe.  I think it would be fun for him to get involved in mysteries in places like Prague, Barcelona, or even somewhere like Istanbul. My editor has green-lighted that idea, so now it's up to me to find the right trouble spot!

'Zine: Thank you, Mark, for joining us and have a wonderful time on your New Year's trip to Paris!

RT Book Reviews says The Bookseller has "enough intrigue to satisfy every reader." Look for the next Hugo Marston novel--The Crypt Thief--in May 2013!