When I was invited to speak with BBC Radio Guernsey (14th & 15th February 2026), the conversation started with an observation that made me smile – actually laugh. The interviewer, Jim Delbridge, pointed out that it’s rare for a specialist or industry expert to draw on a broad professional career as inspiration for crime thrillers — even more unusual in the cosmetics world.
This led to a question that gave me a chance to share what initially inspired the Zoe Blaise Mysteries.
With over forty years in the cosmetics industry, I have seen its glamour, innovation, ambition, and rivalries. Cosmetics are often seen as superficial, yet it wields immense power. Image influences perception. Perception influences influence. And where there is power, conflict often follows.
These tensions — hidden beneath polished counters and perfect branding — intrigued me. I began to see that the industry I knew so well contained all the essential elements of compelling crime fiction: secrecy, competition, reinvention, loyalty, betrayal. From that real-world background, Zoe Blaise was born.
We also discussed how research and development, particularly scientific advancements, in the industry have dramatically evolved over the past forty years since I started.
The conversation reminded me that crime fiction doesn’t have to come from the obvious worlds of law enforcement or espionage. Sometimes, the industries we believe we understand best hide the most fascinating stories.
If you have access to BBC Radio, you can listen to the chat here
