SOURCE: "Ann Perry Is a Master at Creating Fascinating Characters, Moral Dilemmas." in Gazette Telegraph, April 30, 1997.

In the following essay, DuVal discusses Perry's writing style and use of characterization in her novels.

British mystery writer Anne Perry is a master at creating fascinating characters and dramatic moral dilemmas. It's territory she's explored in her life, as well as her art.

As a teen-ager, Perry helped a friend murder her friend's mother. She served time for it. and doesn't talk about it in her interviews and book tours.

It's hard to believe this poised, compassionate woman was once convicted of a crime. She has said in interviews that she can't remember the extent of her involvement, and the fact is, she has led an exemplary life since.

But it's a tantalizing clue for readers who marvel at how Perry is able to create such realistic situations and characters in...