Conversation with J.P. Pomare

We’re still buzzing from our latest read, and we’re not ashamed to admit it’s 17 Years Later by the insanely talented J.P. Pomare. We loved it so much, in fact, that we’ve crowned it our Thriller Book of the Month for September Mystery Booxies 

This book is pure adrenaline junkie fuel. We’re talking can’t-put-it-down, neglect-your-laundry, ditch-your-kid’s-swimming-lessons kind of obsessed. You’ll be staying up way too late trying to figure out whodunit. Trust us.

And to top it all, we had the privilege to have a quick chat with J.P. Pomare to talk about his latest novel '17 Years Later' , his favourite characters, and his favourite recent read.

• Can you describe your new book ’17 Years Later’ (your elevator pitch)?

[JP] In small town New Zealand private chef Bill Kareama is fired from his role as the private chef for a wealthy Primrose family. Less than two days later each member of the family is stabbed by Bill's chef's knife and he is arrested and charged for the murders. Seventeen years later, Sloan Abbott, a firebrand true crime podcaster teams up with Bill's prison psychologist to investigate the case. Before long Sloan has uncovered new evidence, but the deeper she gets the more conflicted she becomes about whether or not Bill actually did it. And if not Bill then who murdered the Primrose family?

• The book talks about the injustice and the flaws in the legal system. What inspired you to talk about it in your book?

[JP] It's hard not to talk about these things when you've begun to understand just how significant it is. I don't know if it was entirely conscious to be honest, I think when you feel strongly about something it will find a way to contaminate whatever you're working on.

• When you write a book, do you have a favourite character? If so, who is it in 17 Years Later?

[JP] Yeah I tend to have a favourite character to write, and in this one it was probably TK because he's so much like me and I found his voice and story much more accessible. I do also love Sloan alot, she's a great character. 

• If you weren’t an author and had to choose one profession from your book, would you rather be a cook, a politician, a teacher or a gardener?

[JP] I could never be a politician, I don't have thick enough skin. Likewise a teacher -- I was a terribly cruel teenager to my teachers and I've always found the idea of teaching terrifying. I like gardening but I'd choose cooking. It's something I enjoy.

• What’s the craziest thing you have done to research a book?

[JP] I think staying in New Zealand's worst motel was a bit crazy in retrospect, and trying to sneak into a prison as research for this book. 

• If you were able to invite a celebrity to dinner, who would that be? And why?

[JP] I'd want to have dinner with Keanu Reaves. He seems like a cool guy.

• If you have the power to change one thing in this world, what would that be?

[JP] Well of course I'd stop all wars, I'd cure cancer, I'd end poverty, I'd prevent crime and corruption etc.  -- but outside of the things that are so obvious and important, I'd probably say if I could click my fingers and insure a sustainable future for the arts and artists I'd do that. I fear what the near future holds and the ways in which neo-liberal policies and late stage capitalism is doing to the arts and the viability of creative industries. AI is only going to accelerate this. 

• What’s your favourite drink/snack while reading and writing?

[JP] I like a cup of licorice tea, and ginger nut biscuits.

• What’s your favourite recent read?

[JP] I really liked Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. I'm going through a novella stage.

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About J.P. Pomare

J.P. Pomare is the best selling author of seven novels, most recently Seventeen Years Later. He is also the author of a number of Audible Original crime thrillers. Several of J.P.'s novels have optioned for film and TV, with In The Clearing (The Clearing) already adapted as a mini series for Disney+ and Hulu. The Last Guests (Watching You) is currently under production for Stan Australia.

J.P.'s work has been published in a number of territories including the US, UK and Australia.

​J.P. is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi). He grew up in Aotearoa but currently resides with his family in Melbourne.

Read more about J.P. Pomare here