Roderic Jeffries was born in London in 1926 and went to sea in 1943. Six years later he left that trade and became a lawyer. But quickly fiction stole him away from the Bar. Since 1951, he has written over one hundred and sixty novels under his own name and several other pseudonyms. He began his career by writing books featuring his father’s character, Blackshirt, a popular detective whose adventures have appeared in print for many decades. In time Jeffries branched out and began to write a variety of mystery novels under his own name and several pen names, including Peter Alding and Jeffrey Ashford.
However, his most popular character is Inspector Enrique Alvarez of the Spanish island resort of Mallorca, “a middle-aged man with a bit of a middle-aged spread [who] takes a diligent, unhurried approach to solving crime,” according to a reviewer for Publishers Weekly. That series is thirty-six books strong with its June, 2012 addition, Murdered by Nature. Booklist called the Alvarez books a “delightful and entertaining series that never seems to lose a step.”
Roderic, it’s a delight to finally have you with us at Scene of the Crime. For a starter, I know that you have lived in Mallorca for a several decades. What brought you there?
My daughter suffered seriously from asthma and was hospitalised more than once. After the last emergency, we came out to Mallorca for a fortnight to gain some sun and warmth. She responded so well, we decided to return and live on the island for a year. That was 1972.
What things about Mallorca make it unique and a good physical setting in your books?
The climate. The beaches, interesting villages and, in great contrast, the mountainous interior.
Did you consciously set out to use Mallorca as a “character” in your books, or did this grow naturally out of the initial story or stories?
It was a ‘natural’ to use the locations as a contrast to England (and the rain).
How do you incorporate location in your fiction? Do you pay overt attention to it in certain scenes, or is it a background inspiration for you?
Because of the nature of the island, the scenery changes rapidly and this offers interest when describing a home or journey. I normally use actual physical details.
How does Alvarez interact with his surroundings?
Inspector Alvarez, a true Mallorquin, believes the island is the perfect and only place in which to live.
Has there been any local reaction to your works?
There is no obvious reaction to my being a writer. Only three books have been published in Spain and my understanding is that they were not a success. A friend who was bilingual was of the opinion that the translations were not too bright because of the difficulty in finding the equivalents of some of the more enigmatic phrases or double entendres.
Have you ever made any goofs in depicting your location or time period? Please share–the more humorous the better (we all have).
In one early book, I had oranges ripen in June. It should have been December/January.
Do you have a favorite scene from the Alvarez novels that you can share with us or a favorite Mallorca locale that you use?
My favourite scene is the Bay of Pollenca. Ringed by mountains, sea smooth and poster blue, the low buildings of the Port de Pollenca managing to meld, provides a picture of peace and beauty. I use it in almost all my books.
Who are your favorite writers, and do you feel that other writers influenced you in your use of the spirit of place in your novels?
Ernest Bramah, J D McDonald, Graham Greene, P:G: Wodehouse. I do not know whether or not other writers influence my writing.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Here, in Pollenca. Why not?
What’s next for Alvarez?
I haven’t got that far yet.
Roderic, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with Scene of the Crime
Roderic Jeffries was granted a gift, and he worked to apply it. I thank him for many hours of pleasure, for Inspector Alvarez and for Mallorca before it became a tourist trap.
Jeffries is one of those extremely rare writers who’s quality stays constant. Similar to a Rex Stout or John D. MacDonald maybe.
I have read countless series in my lifetime and most begin to falter at around twenty novels or so. Some much sooner. No so with Jeffries!