The Other People: Fiction for the non-fiction obsessed
- By Website Editor
- •
- 13 Jan, 2020
As your friendly neighborhood CrimeCon Informant, one of my jobs is to alert true crime enthusiasts to new shows, podcasts, and books that make your morbid little hearts burst with joy -- and sometimes we need to switch up our true crime obsession with some fictional mysteries. For that purpose, Ballantine author C.J. Tudor's new book The Other People is *chef's kiss.*
In The Other People, Tudor offers up something for everyone: there's a mystery to solve, plenty of nail-biting suspense, and even a touch of the paranormal. The book follows protagonist Gabe as he drives home one night, stuck behind a rusty old car. He sees a little girl’s face appear in its rear window and she mouths one word: "Daddy!". Gabe recognizes the girl as his five-year-old daughter, Izzy, but the car disappears. Three years later, Gabe spends his days and nights traveling up and down the highway, searching for the car that took his daughter, refusing to give up hope, even though most people believe she’s dead.
I recently had a chance to speak with the UK-based author and discovered that she has a lot in common with the average true crime enthusiast: a tendency to fall (or plunge willingly) down rabbit holes, a tinge of ever-present suspicion, and a natural urge to solve puzzles.
CCI: Where did the inspiration for the book come from?
CJT: We were driving back from visiting relatives and found ourselves stuck in traffic on the M1 [motorway in England]. A long line of cars crawling through roadworks. It was late and we’d been stuck behind this same car for miles; a beaten-up old car with loads of faded stickers around the rear window. I found myself wondering, what would happen if a face appeared in the rear window? What if it was someone in trouble, being kidnapped? Then I started thinking, what if it was someone I knew? And then my mind tumbled down the darkest rabbit hole: what if it was my own child, being driven away in a strange car when she should be tucked up in bed at home?
CCI: What elements from real-life crime stories do you pull together to create a fiction work that appeals to the true crime obsessed?
CJT: I don’t draw on any specific real-life crime stories, but I’m always very interested in normal people caught in extraordinary situations – what would we do, how far would we go if really pushed? My own darkest fear would be losing my little girl. I think it’s the same for every parent. We know that terrible tragedies happen and yet we cling on to this belief that somehow our family is special and protected, it will never happen to us. Bad things only ever happen to other people. But all it take is one twist of fate and any of us could be the other people.
CCI: What was your biggest challenge in writing The Other People?
CJT: Tying all the different strands together. At one point I wasn’t convinced I could make it all work! Different characters, viewpoints and a hint of the supernatural. Yeah, it was a headache! Plus, as the action takes place up and down a motorway, I had to make sure that all my characters could realistically get from one place to another in the time I needed them too. I know far more than is healthy about motorway service stations now!
CCI: There’s a bit of a supernatural element to the subplot involving a character named Alice. How do you introduce those elements and still keep it believable?
CJT: Most crime novels require some suspension of disbelief but when you’re adding in a supernatural element, you obviously have to work even harder to keep it believable! I think the most important thing is the characters – if people believe in and care about the characters, they want to take that ride with them. Also, don’t cheat the reader – don’t make the twists and reveals reliant upon the supernatural aspect. And finally, get your reality right. If the mundane stuff is convincing, then people will be more willing to believe the unbelievable!
We are people just like you. People to whom terrible things have happened. We’ve found solace not in forgiveness or forgetting. But in helping each other find justice.
The Other People hits bookshelves on January 28. Click here to pre-order your copy and lose yourself in the mystery and intrigue of The Other People.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
