Peter May, crime writer: 'I have always admired the quality of William Kent Krueger's writing'

The writer discusses Graham Nash, his collection of maps, and Scottish footballer Kenny Dalglish

Mays says he resembles the character Enzo Macleod, 'whom I created largely in my own image'

Where are you now and what can you see?

I am sitting in my study. Through the window I see, across the field, men working in the winter sunshine to re-roof a house.

What are you currently reading?

Graham Nash's autobiography, Wild Tales, a splendid evocation of the music of my youth, and an insight into the life of drugs and drink that nearly killed David Crosby.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire him/her

William Kent Krueger, the quality of whose writing I have always admired. But with his recent Ordinary Grace he has written an American classic of the 21st century.

Describe the room where you usually write

My study is a large, square room with a high ceiling. There are French windows on one wall and tall windows on another. My bookcases simply overflow with books. The walls are covered with photographs and paintings and maps collected on my travels around the world. There is a keyboard on a stand, an acoustic guitar and a bass guitar, and of course my MacBook Pro, which drives two further 27-inch screens.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Enzo Macleod, whom I created largely in my own image, but strangely has remained stubbornly younger than me.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

From my youth, the Scottish footballer Kenny Dalglish was someone I greatly admired, not just for his skills but for the dignified way he comported himself. Today, I am a great admirer of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has risen from humble origins to achieve political success and huge respect on the world stage.

Peter May's new novel is 'Coffin Road' (Quercus, £18.99)