The CRA: Please tell us a little about yourself and the books you write.

I’m a full-time author, living in Gloucestershire. Brought up in Lincolnshire, I have also lived in London, Shropshire, Germany and Wales and like to feature places I know in my writing. I write psychological thrillers and crime fiction, published by Harper Collins.

The CRA: Tell us about what you are doing during lockdown/while social distancing?

As well as engaging on social media to keep connected with authors, readers and bloggers I had intended to meet in person at festivals this year, I’m continuing with my current writing project, and doing lots of reading.

The CRA: How does the above differ from your usual routine?

It’s similar to what I would normally do although I miss my swims and trips out for coffee and to the theatre. Like many people, I was quite unsettled for the first two weeks. Coming to terms with the shock and enormity of the situation took time. Luckily, because my current project is part of a formal course of study, I had to remain disciplined and keep at it, albeit at a slower pace for a while. The only items I decided to panic-buy before lockdown were books, so I’ve got a big pile of paperbacks that is going down a bit quicker than in normal times.

The CRA: Tell us about your most recent/forthcoming book.

The Roommates is a psychological thriller set on a fictional British university campus during freshers’ week. Four new students, each hiding a secret from their past, find themselves sharing a flat. When one of them suddenly disappears, the others must trust each other and work together to find out what has happened. Little do they realise the danger ahead.

The CRA: Why will it appeal to lovers of crime fiction?

It is a tense, dark thriller set against the authentic backdrop of university. Four students, four secrets, one devastating lie. Closer Magazine described it as “Must Read….Gripping. We loved this book, which is full of twists and turns” and Woman’s Weekly made it their Book of the Week: “Deliciously dark and twisty, this is a book that will keep you on your toes.”

The CRA: What CWA member writers are you reading during NCRM?

I’m about to start a novel by A.J. Waines – Cut You Dead. It’s the latest outing for her psychologist sleuth, Sam Willerby. This time Dr Willerby is on the trail of a cold case serial killer and, from the blurb, it sounds like she’s about to get herself into very hot water.

The CRA: What one thing are you planning to do once lockdown is over?

Go to the seaside.

You can read more about Rachel Sargeant on the CRA website.