Alumni author’s crime thriller set to become an Apple TV drama

In conversation with Newcastle graduate, ex-barrister and crime thriller writer, Jo Murray

Teessider Jo Murray arrived at Newcastle University in the mid-1990s to gain a degree in Classical Studies. From her first impressions of the “curious architecture” of Ricky Road to inadvertently joining the cheerleading squad, Jo found a home from home on campus.

Finding a home from home at Newcastle

I chose Newcastle University because it had a stellar Classics department. I was keen to continue my academic study of ancient civilisations alongside Ancient Greek and Latin languages, and Newcastle stood out by a mile as the best place to do that.

My degree gave me access to the most inspirational professors and teachers who loved their subject. We were a small cohort, but we all supported each other. I loved everything about my degree. In fact, I recently reached out to one of my professors who helped me with some Latin I needed clarification on for Dissection of a Murder. It was lovely to reconnect, and I thanked him by sending him a finished copy.

As a Teessider, moving to the city felt like a ‘home from home’. I lived in Richardson Road in first year (or ‘Ricky Road’ as it was fondly known). I remember being baffled by the curious architecture upon arrival! I later moved to West Jesmond which was a fantastic place for students. Many nights were spent in the Lonsdale pub and the morning walks to campus were beautiful.

There was always something vibrant happening in Newcastle. Monday nights at The Boat and Wednesday nights at Ikon were iconic. More than anything, there was such a sense of community. It never felt like an overwhelming city at all.

“We never had any money, but the memories last a lifetime”

It was a completely different experience being a student in the 90s compared to how I imagine it is today. Nobody had mobile phones. When you went for a night out, you were fully present. If you said you’d meet someone for lunch, you turned up.

My stand-out memories will always be with friends, laughing, dancing and having the time of my life – usually in the Mens Bar. My housemate and I joined a dance club on campus which inadvertently turned into the university cheerleading squad! We led a parade through the city at one point, and it was so much fun!

Friday nights at Positive were so messy and we still talk about them to this day! We never had any money, but the memories last a lifetime.

The friendships last a lifetime too. The very first person I met at university in my student flat now lives in New Zealand and we still speak. We all have kids now and it’s nice to see where life has taken everyone.

Turning job rejections into rom-com success

I have always been an avid and eclectic reader, but I didn’t start writing until after I left the Bar to look after my children. When they started school, I tried to find a casual job within the school hours, but I was told I was overqualified for everything I applied for.

After becoming increasingly frustrated with this and determined to do something as the rejections flew in, I decided to write a rom-com under the name Roxie Cooper about a young pupil barrister from Teesside in her first year of practice. To my utter shock, The Law of Attraction was published. I then wrote a complex, epic love story called The Day We Met.

It wasn’t until after the pandemic, many years later, that I decided to write a courtroom thriller; something I’d always wanted to do but didn’t know where to start. It would be my first novel under my own name and the genre I feel most comfortable in.

Dissection of a Murder

I couldn’t have written Dissection of a Murder if I wasn’t a barrister. It relies so heavily on having an intimate knowledge of how evidence and procedure work in criminal trials. I also think that after defending so many criminals, you are well-qualified to write a thriller because you know how they get away with offences and how they get caught! The second half of this novel is a full trial, and I planned it as if it was an actual case. I think that creates an air of authenticity to the narrative and action.

It’s funny because people always teased me after graduation for doing a degree that served no practical purpose; what use were the works of Ovid or Homer to anyone?

I didn’t use my degree for a long time after I became a criminal barrister. However, my degree has since become the foundation of my career as a writer, and I have found myself revisiting so many of the texts I studied. I have been inspired by many of them, and they have undoubtedly helped me become a better writer.

Dissection of a Murder is now available in hardback, e-book and audiobook. You can find it in Waterstones, your local independent bookshop and online.

To keep up to date with the latest from Jo, follow her on Instagram @jomurraywrites.

Do you have news to share with your alumni community?

Get in touch and share your latest news and achievements so we can let your fellow Newcastle alumni know!