Nikki Smith Unveils the Dark Secrets of Friendship and Betrayal in Her Thrilling New Novel
Photo: Nikki Smith, the bestselling author known for her thrilling psychological narratives, immerses readers in intricate plots filled with suspense and betrayal.
Nikki Smith’s literary journey is a testament to the power of ambition and creativity. With a background in English Literature from Birmingham University, Nikki transitioned from a successful career in finance to become a captivating author of psychological thrillers that keep readers glued to the page. Her debut novel, All In Her Head, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status and garnered numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Guardian’s ‘Not The Booker Prize.’ With each subsequent release, including Look What You Made Me Do and her most recent work, The Beach Party, Nikki has consistently delivered pulse-pounding narratives filled with intricate twists and deeply relatable characters.
We dive deep into Nikki’s evolving craft, exploring her insights into the powerful dynamics of friendship, betrayal, and the art of suspense in her latest novel, They Had It Coming. Her ability to weave lush, evocative settings—like the vibrant landscapes of Bali—into her narratives enhances not only the thrill but also invites readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature.
Nikki’s work is acclaimed for its astonishing plot twists and emotional depth, making her a standout voice in contemporary fiction. As she shares her thoughts and inspirations with us, this interview offers a glimpse into the mind of a writer who masterfully navigates the complexities of human relationships. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind her gripping storytelling and learn more about what drives her to create such unforgettable characters and narratives.
Nikki Smith captivates readers with her masterful storytelling, gripping twists, and authentic characters that resonate long after the last page.
Your latest novel, They Had It Coming, plunges readers into a luxurious yet treacherous world of friendship, secrets, and revenge. What inspired this particular setting and dynamic between the two couples? Were any real-life locations or experiences influential in shaping the story?
I wanted to write a book involving the dynamics between couples for a while – I think there is something quite intense about the relationships between two couples who live near each other in a big city, spend a lot of time with each other, go out together socially and don’t have kids – especially when one half of each couple (such as Jude and Nate in They Had It Coming) have known each other since they were teenagers. There is the potential for envy as well as closeness in these kinds of relationships, and also the opportunity to reveal secrets that one person would much rather stay hidden. They Had It Coming is mainly based in Canggu in Bali – a location which attracts digital nomads by offering large numbers of coworking spaces and a focus on healthy living. It is a concept which I find fascinating – Westerners who often claim they are ‘travelling’ which suggests some kind of hippy, off-grid lifestyle, when they are actually exploiting the cheaper living costs of places like Canggu whilst working remotely. I wanted to explore the impact these people can have on the local community. I spent a lot of time researching the various locations in the book – the names of the bars and restaurants have been changed for legal reasons, but anyone who has been to Canggu may well recognise the places that inspired them.
“I try to write the kind of books that I like to read.” – Nikki Smith
Your thrillers have been described as “scorchingly twisted” and “utterly unputdownable.” What is your secret to crafting suspenseful narratives that keep readers on edge until the very last page?
I don’t think I have any secrets – I wish I did! I try to write the kind of books that I like to read – hopefully ones that a reader will pick up and then find difficult to put down as they have to read one more chapter. I hope readers are both invested in my characters and the plot, and the desire to know what happens next keeps them reading. I have always loved psychological thrillers like Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn), or I Let You Go (Clare Mackintosh) where the reader is convinced they know what is going to happen, and then the author metaphorically pulls the rug out from under their feet. Big twists like that are very tricky to pull off successfully, and I think they only work if they have been properly seeded into the story from the start so the reader can look back and wonder why they didn’t spot what was coming earlier. Having someone or something that appears out of nowhere simply to create a ‘twist’ can actually be more disappointing than not having a twist at all!
“I want to explore the impact these people can have on the local community.” – Nikki Smith
Bali serves as both an idyllic paradise and a backdrop for deception in They Had It Coming. How do you use location as a storytelling device to enhance tension and mood in your thrillers?
When I wrote The Beach Party, I had no idea I was writing a destination thriller. I simply wanted to escape from the restrictions Covid had put on travelling, and take my characters to a beautiful location that would serve as a contrast to the darkness that was evident inside some of them. Since that opulent villa in Mallorca, I’ve whisked my readers away to a stunning hotel in The Maldives with The Guests, and now to Bali with They Had It Coming – all luxurious destinations that many of us would love to visit. But as well as providing escapism and an entertaining read, I want my thrillers to address serious themes, and the locations in which I set my books have allowed me to examine issues such as climate change and the inevitable tensions between tourists and local communities. I want readers to have the sense that despite their beautiful setting, there is always something quite ugly lurking just beneath the surface of my thrillers.
“No matter h ow much I think I know what is going to happen, things often change.” – Nikki Smith
Friendship, betrayal, and psychological manipulation are recurring themes in your novels. What draws you to explore these complex dynamics, and how do you ensure your characters feel authentic and layered?
I find the dynamics that exist in different relationships fascinating, and I think readers do too. We enjoy watching other peoples’ lives implode whilst knowing we are in a safe environment. I don’t necessarily create characters who are likeable, but I do want them to be relatable, and I hope I get better at doing this with each book. I think characters need to have a convincing, clear backstory (not necessarily detailed in the book, but it needs to be in the author’s head) which leads to their motivations on the page making sense, and I think good dialogue between characters can really help to make them feel authentic.
You’ve been praised for your masterful twists and unexpected turns. How do you approach plotting a thriller—do you map out every detail beforehand, or do surprises emerge as you write?
I am a plotter when it comes to writing – I map the book out on a spreadsheet with chapter numbers listed down the left-hand side, then fill in the cells beside each number with some very brief details of the scene / scenes that will happen in that chapter. I try and plot every chapter to at least half-way through the book, but also make sure I know roughly what will happen in the second half and what I want to happen at the end. I have thought of the big plot twists before I start writing, however, no matter how much I think I know what is going to happen, things often change – characters might behave in a different way if something in their backstory changes, or a particular scene ends up not working, so I tend to pause half-way through the book and re-plot the second half. I’ve just finished writing my sixth book and one thing I have learned is not to keep going back and changing something to ‘correct’ it until I’ve finished writing the whole manuscript. I now just make a note in the comments to remind myself that I need to go back and ‘fix’ something when I write the second draft once I’ve fully understood the whole story.
EDITOR’S NOTE
“They Had It Coming” is Nikki Smith’s latest unputdownable thriller, set against the stunning backdrop of Bali. This tale of two couples, layered with secrets and deceit, is brilliantly crafted with sharp prose and complex characters that keep you guessing until the very last page. Smith expertly blends sun-soaked escapism with chilling tension, making it the perfect vacation read. With an edge-of-your-seat plot and dramatic twists, it’s a captivating exploration of friendship and betrayal. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers—this book will leave you breathless and craving more!
