I invited Harry O’Connor onto the blog this week to find out more about a person very close to the centre of my upcoming book, Driven by Deceit.
Welcome, Harry. Make yourself comfortable.
Thank you, Georgia. It’s grand to be here. I thought you would invite Laura back as she’s the main character, so I’m honoured to be here instead.
I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet Laura’s best friend. But if anyone wants to read the interview I did with Laura when A Killer Strikes was launched they can find it HERE. So, Harry, let’s get to it, you obviously enjoy working at The Stables, tell me about your background?
Okay, well, I’m Irish, and many years ago I worked in a racing yard in Ireland. I’d hoped to be a jockey, and I did race a bit, but I grew too tall and it was never going to work. Looking back, I didn’t take it well at the time and probably rather dramatically I left Ireland and all that behind me. By chance, I arrived in this part of England. I had lodgings in a nearby village, and I decided to develop my creative work. To do that, I needed to spend time round horses, which led me to Laura’s yard. I then moved to Melton, and here I still am.
Tell me more about this creative work of yours? What do you create?
Sculptures, mostly. In wood. And around ninety per cent of them are of horses. But I also paint. Again, mostly horses, but other animals too.
You seem to be at the yard at lot. You even cover for Laura so she can have a holiday in Driven by Deceit. How do you get any of your art made?
That’s the thing, isn’t it. I haven’t had the time for it. I’ve been trying to support Laura. We all had a tough start to the year with the murders. She has been under a lot of pressure, which is why I suggested the holiday. And I’m not sure if it’s what happened in January or just because I’ve been busy at the yard, plus I have a few other small jobs to keep the money coming in, but I’ve lost my appetite for creating at the moment.
I’m sorry to hear that. There’s one point in this story where you try to light that spark again, and it involves Laura. Do you want to tell me about that?
Ha ha, yes, that was a bit cheeky of me, I admit. It was quite an evening, though. I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone to hear that I have strong feelings for Laura. And I tried to put her in a situation where she might realise she feels the same. Because we have a problem. You called me her best friend at the start of this interview. And that is the problem. We are friends. Have been for years. And let me tell you, it’s practically impossible to change that relationship into a romantic one.
And was that cheeky evening of yours successful in changing the relationship?
A gentleman never tells, Georgia. You know that.
Interesting, Harry. Well, whether it was or not, I understand that there is a new arrival in this book that catches your eye?
Ahh. Yes. There is actually more than one new arrival in this story, but I know who you are referring to, and all I can say is that I’m only human. Red blooded male, and all that. I defy any man not to be attracted to–
Ooh, don’t spoil the surprise, Harry. Let’s keep the readers guessing, shall we? Do you think you might have sent mixed messages to Laura because of this flirtation?
I don’t think there was any flirtation. I met someone whom I found attractive. It happens, but it’s not like I was going to do anything about it because of Laura. Looking back, I think Laura maybe saw something that wasn’t actually there.
If you say so, Harry. Anyway, that’s all just a bit of a distraction in an otherwise rather nasty tale, don’t you think?
Absolutely. That other arrival I mentioned. I realise I was slow on the uptake, and I still feel bad for that, but honestly, talk about seeing someone’s true colours. I was shocked that anyone could be so awful.
Laura’s reputation was certainly at stake. But I understand there was money involved too?
There was. And don’t forget about the horse.
Ah, yes. It all started with the horse.
Did it though? I think it all started many years ago.
Very astute, Harry. Very astute.
Thank you. Given what a fool I was, I’ve given it a lot of thought.
I don’t think you were a fool, Harry. Let’s say you were taken in. And, of course, you weren’t the only one.
No, I wasn’t. Many of us had our eyes opened, rather dramatically. I have to say, Georgia. It is turning out to be quite a year.
It certainly is. I wonder what will happen during the rest of it.
Aren’t you meant to know that?
You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you? But the future is filled with infinite possibilities, Harry, and nothing is set in stone yet.
Oooh, intriguing.
I like to keep everyone guessing. Even myself. Anyway, let’s hope our lovely readers enjoy finding out all about your adventures in Driven by Deceit, Harry. And enjoy the rest of the weekend. I’m sure there are some horses somewhere you’re meant to be exercising.
I’m sure there are, Georgia, best get back to it. Thanks for having me here. I’ve enjoyed the chat. 😊
If you’d like to find out more about Harry O’Connor and see how he fits into the story you can buy Driven by Deceit from all the places you usually get your books. You can start HERE, or by clicking on the book cover below, or any of the images in this post.
Thank you x
