5 Quick Questions with Chris Hammer About His New Crime Novel Legacy

We catch up with bestselling crime author Chris Hammer about his latest novel Legacy.

Today we’re catching up with bestselling crime author Chris Hammer for a lightning round of five quick questions about his gripping new novel Legacy. Known for his atmospheric Australian novels, Chris gives us a glimpse into the inspiration, themes, and characters that drive his latest page-turner.

A&U: Your multi-award-winning Martin Scarsden series (Scrublands, Silver, Trust) has hooked readers with its rich characters and twisty plots. What was the toughest challenge jumping back into Martin’s world for Legacy?

CH: I think the biggest challenge was not repeating myself, to make Legacy fresh and different from the preceding books. And it certainly is different: instead of being in control, and investigating a crime, Legacy sees Martin on the run, with no idea who is hunting him and why. It makes for a very different story.

A&U: Martin’s been through droughts, corruption, heartbreak—and plenty of danger. In Legacy, what’s the biggest threat that keeps him up at night?

CH: The biggest threat seems obvious: someone is trying to kill him. He’s on the run, trying to survive. But his biggest concern is his partner Mandy and their son Liam – he’s beside himself knowing that they too may be being hunted.

A&U: After four books, is Martin the hero we hoped for, or has he gotten a little darker along the way? What’s changed most in him?

CH: I don’t think he’s getting darker. If anything, he’s becoming more self-aware, and more caring about those around him, rather than simply being obsessed with finding the next front page scoop.

A&U: Martin’s relationship with Mandalay Blonde has been a rollercoaster. How important is that dynamic to his journey — and to the series’ emotional core?

CH: It’s very important to Martin’s evolution and the series’ emotional core: the realisation that there are people he cares about more than himself and his career.

A&U: And finally—does Legacy wrap things up, or is Martin just catching his breath before the next storm?

CH: I don’t have anything planned for him and Mandy at this stage – but I’d be very surprised if this is their last outing!

Legacy

by Chris Hammer

Martin Scarsden flees an assassination attempt but lands in even more trouble with a deadly family feud leaving him at death's door in Chris Hammer's next blockbuster crime novel.