The antihero novel has to be one of the hardest types of crime fiction to write. But this is exactly what Irish author Tina Henry set out to do with Killer Smile – her debut crime novel. So here at Crime Fiction Lover, we tip our hats to her for that.
And there’s lots more to know about this writer from Galway, who now lives just north of Dublin. Prior to turning her hand to crime fiction, she wrote two books for young people in the Irish language, one of which won First Prize at the prestigious Oireachtas na Gaeilge, which celebrates Irish literature.
Teaching English and Gaelic in secondary school, Tina is fascinated by true crime and began writing crime fiction during COVID-19. That project became Killer Smile, which is set in Galway and introduces Ciara, who saw her parents killed in a hit-and-run accident at the age of 13. Those formative years are tricky ones, and since her tragic loss Ciara has harboured a simmering rage. Killer Smile is all about what happens when her parents’ killer is released.
Now, normally you wouldn’t root for someone who does terrible things to people, but Tina takes you to that teetering point where you sort of don’t want Ciara to do what she does, but you can understand she has just cause. Then you’re taken in and don’t want her to get caught. This what I mean when I say it’s so hard to write antihero crime fiction. For a writer to get that right isn’t easy. So we decided to ask Tina a little more about Killer Smile in the following interview…
What are crime fiction lovers going to love about Killer Smile?
The suspense, fast pace and the fact that it’s a vigilante revenge thriller that explores justice, vengeance and the consequences of reckless choices. How an ordinary teenager is driven to extraordinary lengths after one irresponsible act devastates her family. It’s dark, morally complex and driven by simmering rage – which may appeal to crime fiction lovers.
Who is Ciara, what inspired the character and how have you developed her in the story?
Ciara is a 17-year-old Galway schoolgirl whose parents were killed in a hit-and-run when she was 13. Four years later, the driver is released from prison and her grief has hardened into a relentless desire for revenge. She’s an ordinary teenager transformed into a ruthless, resourceful vigilante. The TV series Dexter was a major inspiration. Its anti-hero’s intelligence, meticulous nature and duplicity gave me ideas for shaping Ciara’s character.
What is she up against?
Ciara’s first target is Ryan Walsh, a toxic narcissistic young man who shows no remorse for killing her parents in a hit-and-run. Fresh out of prison, he quickly returns to his selfish, destructive ways. To carry out her revenge, Ciara must charm him and gain his trust before making her move. She subsequently encounters other dangerous individuals whom she feels compelled to confront.
Who are some of the other interesting characters we’ll meet?
A seemingly benevolent jolly doctor whose warped moral code makes her quietly terrifying. An endearing, eccentric retired Garda detective who is permanently on high alert and sees conspiracies everywhere. Also a young Garda detective who appears charming and dedicated to law and order, but conceals a chillingly dark side.
It’s a while since we’ve seen a novel set in Galway. What role does the setting play in the story or is it more focused on the pace and the tension?
The story’s strength is its pace, tension and suspense, but Galway City with its unique buzz and atmosphere play a vital role. The city’s beating heart reminds Ciara that life goes on, while the vast expanse of Galway Bay and Blackrock’s diving tower symbolise the mystery of what lies ahead and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown. She often reflects near the sea.
There are strong vigilante and vengeance themes here, aren’t there? Can you tell us more about that, how it’s explored through the character and situation?
Yes, the vigilante theme is strong. I wanted to explore the human cost of a hit-and-run caused by a drunk, drug-impaired driver. The novel focuses on the family of the dead victims, forced to live a kind of half-existence, and asks what happens when grief and rage are channelled into revenge.
You’ve also been recognised for your writing for young people in the Irish language. Can you tell us more about that? Are you considering writing a crime novel in Irish?
I grew up in an Irish-speaking household. I won First Prize in the Novel for Young People category at the Gaelic literary festival, Oireachtas na Gaeilge. I’ve had two novels published in Irish. While I’m proud of my Irish-language books, I’ll be focusing on writing crime fiction in English for its wider readership.
What are some of the crime books / authors that have inspired you and what are you reading at the moment?
As mentioned, the TV series Dexter was an inspiration as was the original book series by Jeff Lindsay. I was fascinated by the moral ambiguity of Dexter Morgan – an apparently decent guy who secretly operates as a vigilante serial killer. I also enjoy Liz Nugent’s psychological thrillers, and I recently read The Truth About Ruby Cooper, which I would recommend.
What’s next for Ciara and what’s next for Tina Henry?
Killer Smile is a planned series. I have Book 2 written and am working on Book 3. Ciara and I will both continue down our dark path – hoping not to get caught!
Killer Smile is out now and you can order a copy with the buttons below. You can find out more about Tina and Ciara on the author’s Killer Smile website.
