My Life in Books: ‘Reading provides an insight into a different world’

Multi-million-copy bestselling author of the DI Lottie Parker series Patricia Gibney

Patricia Gibney: 'I know writing gives me an escape from myself so I need to write the next book.' File picture: Ger Holland

Patricia Gibney is the multi-million-copy bestselling author of the DI Lottie Parker series. She lives in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Her latest book, Three Widows, published by Bookouture, is out now.

Books on your bedside table

I’m going through a phase of reading non-fiction books at the moment. I currently have Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Giuffre on my bedside table. 

I need to read it in short bursts because it is a traumatic story. 

I’ve also just read proofs of some excellent books coming out this year — Tell the Truth by Karen Fitzgibbon; Such a Nice Girl by Andrea Mara; and All of Them Lied by Gill Perdue.

Book for cheering up/escape/comfort

I read The Wedding People by Alison Espach last year when my dad was ill. It was a sad time but this book gave me an escape from reality. 

It’s funny while having a deeper meaning embedded in the story. Above all, it is full of hope.

Book you didn’t finish

I always try to finish a book. I find my mood can affect my reading mojo so sometimes I will leave the book to one side to come back to it at a later time. 

There are books I can read on holidays that I can’t read at home, it depends on my state of mind.

Book that made you happy

Before Christmas I read Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I’d read about it online and had no idea what to expect. I loved it. 

A heartwarming story which demonstrated how human kindness can reward you especially when you don’t seek anything in return.

Book that made you sad

The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah transported me to the American Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It follows the struggles of Elsa Martinelli and her family and the hard choices she must make.

Book that changed your mind

I always thought I was primarily a reader of crime fiction but when I read Wally Lamb’s She Came Undone I realised I loved any sort of literature. 

I can now pick up something totally different, excited to see where it leads me.

Book that needs to be written

My next book. After the death of my dad last September, I found it difficult to make sense of life, and I worried about my own mortality. 

But I know writing gives me an escape from myself so I need to write the next book.

Book everyone should read

Once people are reading it doesn’t matter what the book is. 

Reading gives us an insight into a different world — a safe place to read crime at arm’s length or to experience the warmth of a love story.

Book-to-film adaptation that trumps all others

Hamnet — the film is true to Maggie O’Farrell’s book. No words needed to describe the movie, other than go see it. And read the book.

Book source — bookshop or online?

Just Books is a small independent bookshop in Mullingar. I can go in with a vague description of a cover, maybe not knowing the title or author, and the staff in Just Books will find it.

Book organisation — alphabetised shelves or chaos?

My bookcase is a bit of a mess. I usually stack books in a series in the order they were published. Otherwise it is pot luck.

Book accompaniment — tea, coffee, alcohol, cake, spaghetti?

Diet Coke is my go-to. I gave up smoking about 10 years ago and I associate coffee with a cigarette so now it’s a Diet Coke by my side.

Book character that has stayed with you

William Stoner, the central character in Stoner by John Williams. Written in the 1960s, it is one man’s story of his life, flaws and all.