If you’ve never had the pleasure of sitting down with Elly Griffiths, let me tell you: it’s like opening the first page of a gripping mystery and realising, with a smile, that you’re in very good hands.This year at The Harrogate Crime Writers Festival, I had the joy of chatting with the legendary author in none other than the Old Swan Library — a place steeped in literary history (yes, the same hotel where Agatha Christie famously vanished to). The couch? Not official. The interview? Absolutely brilliant.Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of the beloved Dr Ruth Galloway series, joined me to talk about her incredible 15-book run (and counting), her thoughts on character longevity, the evolution of crime fiction, and, of course, her impressive streak of 15 consecutive visits to the Harrogate festival. That’s more loyalty than most gym memberships can boast.🖊️ What We Covered:* How her characters have grown across 15 novels.* What draws her back to Harrogate every single year.* The delicate balance between plotting and pantsing.* Her reflections on crime fiction’s place in modern storytelling.* Why she still loves meeting readers face-to-face.It was a quick chat, but one filled with warmth, insight, and plenty of admiration — both ways. Elly was gracious, funny, and as sharp as her writing. Honestly, “Chris on the Couch” might need to become a proper feature if it means more moments like this.Whether you’re a longtime Elly Griffiths fan or you’ve just wandered into the world of crime fiction, this is one conversation you’ll want to hear.🎧 Listen to the podcast episode above.📺 Or watch the full interview here:Let us know what you think — and don’t forget to share it with your fellow bookworms, festival goers, and mystery lovers.Until next time,CJ AggettThe Writing Community Chat Show
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast:
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.
Connect With The Community🏆
Ranked #3 Writing Podcast in the UK (2025) The WCCS is more than a show; it’s a masterclass in the craft and business of storytelling. Join 380+ interviews with NYT Bestsellers, Indie Icons, and Celebrities.
Together as one, we get it done! The Writing Community Chat Show is a proud supporter of indie authors and creative persistence.
