Interview with Malabika Ray, Author of Alpha Beta Gamma (The Diary of a Sloppy Sleuth 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Alpha Beta Gamma (The Diary of a Sloppy Sleuth 1)?

I always found the 2006 Polonium poisoning of the Russian double agent Litvinenko very intriguing. This was one of the most reckless acts of espionage, and when this happened, I was living in London. Then 2022 events in Iran, when a young girl was brutally murdered for not wearing her hijab properly also disturbed me. In this story I brought them together. I used my background in physics, knowledge of cyber security, and curiosity of investigative journalism to pour into it. You’ll see how it all fits together when you read it!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I am a voracious reader and I read everything. But if I really have to pick one, then I guess it would be crime thrillers and sci-fi. I am writing thrillers today, but who knows what I may write tomorrow!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith, The Twat Files by Dawn French and The Ambidextrous Universe by Martin Gardner.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The Climax. When the detective, Sri, is clearly outgunned and overpowered. Yet she doesn’t panic and gets out of the situation using her cool, calm intellect. I also enjoyed writing the prologue where I tried to capture the universal nature of the parental affection.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not as such, but sometimes I go through a trance when I just have to write and nothing else matters then. Thankfully, such spells are short!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Failure is ok, stagnation is not.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Ordinary people often do extraordinary deeds.