I just caught about half of Sue Lawley talking to Jack Higgins, author of, as far as I knew, several thrillers that have been turned into films , eg 'The Eagle Has Landed'and 'The Dirty Dozen', stuff that I wouldn't normally think to read. What a surprise to discover he's such a down-to-earth, pleasantly unassuming bloke with a Leeds accent and some very interesting points to make about writing. He has several pen-names, for instance, because he changed his style such a lot. He's 75 and still writing. I'll definitely look out for his books now.

Sheila

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He was on 'Desert Island Discs', which is I think a repeat of last Sunday's episode, but it should be possible to listen again on the BBC website.

Jack Higgins was at his best in his early years, during the 70's and 80's. Of late, his novels are becoming something of an embarrassment. If it wasn't for the fact that they carried his name on the cover, they wouldn't get published.