The latest ebook edition of Down Cemetery Road, authored by acclaimed novelist Mick Herron, features a captivating foreword by the renowned actress Emma Thompson. Thompson reflects on her initial encounter with Herron's work, recalling how she discovered one of his novels on a London bookstore's "staff recommends" shelf. "I tore through it, after which I instantly read the rest of his work," she shares. Now, Thompson is set to star in an Apple TV series based on Down Cemetery Road, and Herron expresses his joy over her participation in the project. “She was certainly very enthusiastic when she heard that it was being made,” Herron tells The Hollywood Reporter, adding that Thompson not only plays the role of private investigator Zoë Boehm but also serves as an executive producer.
Premiering on Apple TV, Down Cemetery Road opens with a dramatic explosion in a neighborhood in Oxford, England, claiming the lives of two residents while leaving a young girl unharmed. Sarah Trafford, portrayed by Ruth Wilson, becomes determined to help the girl but soon uncovers a conspiracy involving a military cover-up. Seeking assistance, she teams up with Zoë Boehm, and together they navigate a treacherous landscape, attempting to locate the girl and unveil the motivations behind the efforts to thwart their investigation.
Down Cemetery Road marks Herron's debut novel, published in 2003. Before venturing into the acclaimed Slough House series, which has expanded to eight titles and several novellas, he wrote three additional books featuring Zoë and Sarah. Herron, who also serves as an executive producer for the Apple TV adaptation, shares his thoughts on revisiting his first novel. “It was a very happy experience,” he states. Reflecting on the time that has passed since its publication, he expresses his initial uncertainty about whether the book would still resonate with readers. However, he ultimately found joy in the adaptation process and the work put forth by the producers, writers, and cast.
In discussing his involvement in adapting Down Cemetery Road, Herron clarifies that he participates in the adaptation process rather than writing the scripts. “I spent time in the writers' room, and I’m involved in the adaptation process,” he explains. Lead writer Morwenna Banks, with whom Herron has previously collaborated on Slow Horses, plays a crucial role in shaping the series. Their discussions focus on transforming the plot from page to screen while preserving the essence of the original story.
Given that Down Cemetery Road is set in the early 2000s, Herron and the writers faced the challenge of modernizing the narrative. “It’s technically a historical novel now,” Herron admits, noting the absence of mobile phones in the story. He emphasizes that while the political landscape has evolved since the novel's inception, the core themes of intrigue and conspiracy remain relevant. “The idea of political skullduggery is a credible set of circumstances,” he asserts, highlighting the timeless nature of such narratives.
When crafting the character of Zoë Boehm, Herron drew inspiration from various influences but focused primarily on Sarah Trafford during the creation of Down Cemetery Road. He acknowledges the influence of the late Reginald Hill, whose thrillers inspired him to explore characters placed outside their comfort zones. “Characters become interesting when they’re taken out of their natural context,” Herron notes, reflecting on his writing process.
As the adaptation of Down Cemetery Road unfolds, Herron expresses hope for the series' success and potential continuation. “What I’m mostly hoping at the moment is that Down Cemetery Road gets the reception that it deserves from viewers,” he says, indicating that positive feedback could pave the way for adapting the subsequent books in the series. With the promising early signs, Herron remains optimistic about the future of the show.
Despite shifting focus to the world of espionage with Slow Horses, Herron has not entirely closed the door on revisiting Zoë and Sarah. He acknowledges that he has not said goodbye to these characters and has even compiled a collection of short stories featuring them. “Maybe I will go back and write more,” he muses, hinting at the possibility of future narratives involving his beloved characters.
As Down Cemetery Road makes its debut on Apple TV, viewers can expect an engaging blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling, backed by the talent of Emma Thompson and the creative vision of Mick Herron. With its compelling plot and rich character dynamics, this series is poised to capture the attention of both new audiences and longtime fans of Herron's work.
