We chat with author Rachael Davis-Featherstone about Oxford Blood, which is a riveting murder mystery thriller, packed with narrative twists and turns, complex and appealing characters and a captivating, authentic setting in its searing examination of the true cost of privilege.
Hi, Rachael! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m a Black-British mixed-raced author, literary agent, entrepreneur and mummy of two. I grew up just outside London in a low-income single-parent family. After attending public school I went to Oxford university to study Mathematics and felt like I’d been transported into a magical world of libraries and secret passage ways. I began a career in banking, but when I was twenty-four my mother died of cancer and I decided life was too short not to follow your dreams. I quit my job and wrote my first novel for adults. Since then, I’ve published 30 books and launched Creative Roots Studio to help creatives build sustainable careers in the publishing industry.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I have always enjoyed stories, but I never believed a career as an author was possible for me. My grandad used to tell me stories at bedtime and he was great at making up his own stories. Growing up I didn’t see myself reflected in the books I read. I didn’t know it yet, but I was dyslexic, and my challenges meant I leaned towards STEM subjects. However, when I was 14 I got my first job working in a bookshop and I loved talking to customers about the books they’d been reading and recommending new reads to them. It would be another ten years before I plucked up the courage to put down the calculator and write my first book though – and I’m so pleased I did!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Judith Kerr
- The one that made you want to become an author: His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: We Were Liars, E. Lockhart
Your latest novel, Oxford Blood, is out January 13th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Hmm… well if I was going to be cheeky and use hyphens, I’d say:
A thought-provoking, page-turning dark academia.
But a true five words would be: Pacy, gripping, revealing, thrilling, honest
What can readers expect?
When Eva arrives at Beecham College, with her best friend George, for her Oxford university interview week, she has more to worry about than impressing the professors. George is murdered at the foot of the statue of an enslaver in the front Quad of Beecham and Eva is the prime suspect. Now, Eva is not only battling for a place at Oxford to fulfil her promise to her late mum, but also to clear her name and get justice for George. But when all is said and done, will she even want to study at Oxford and will she be able to figure out who killed George before they strike again?
Where did the inspiration for Oxford Blood come from?
I was at a book launch for a writing friend, Jasmine Richards who had studied at Oxford like me. Not only is Jasmine an author, but she also owns Storymix which develops blockbuster concepts for books featuring main characters of colour. Jasmine shared her idea for Oxford Blood – what if a murder happened during Oxford interview week? I knew immediately that I wanted to be the writer to develop her concept – to bring my lived experience of going to Oxford interview week as a public-schooled Black mixed-raced student – and the rest is history!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
There are many similarities between Eva and me, and I really enjoyed writing the early scenes when she first arrived at Oxford university. I vividly remember my first few steps inside an Oxford college, the feeling of awe, combined with a bit of imposter sydndrome mixed with a sense of pride for being selected for Oxford interview week. It was intense and one of the best moments for me was when I got to have my first meal in the formal dining hall. I wanted to make that sense in the book really pack a punch and showcase all the different personalities you may come across at Oxford.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Storymix and I were lucky enough that Oxford Blood was bought simultaneously by Walker in the UK and Wednesday Books in the US. I had the opportunity to work with three fantastic editors (Stephanie from Storymix, Sara from Wednesday and Gráinne from Walker). The structural edit was the biggest challenge – we had several specialist readers (a police consultant, a trauma consultant, a current Oxford student and a diversity reader). I received eight sets of notes that all needed to be combined into one edit. It was intense but I knew I needed to give it my all because it would make the book the very best version it could be. I’m glad I perserved and I hope readers enjoy it!
What’s next for you?
I’m nearly ready to submit my PhD thesis which is about how we can increase the number of books published featuring authentic representation of the mixed-race identity in children’s literature. It’s been fascinating to explore my publications in an academic setting and I’m hoping to continue my research in the future. Alongside this, I’ve been hard at work on the sequel to Oxford Blood which will be out in 2027 – watch this space!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
The Game of Oaths by S. C. Bandreddi sounds right up my street: Behind the glamour of the circus lies a deadly game… Twelve circus performers enter the Game of Oaths. Only one can survive.
