I want my books to explore motives which make people think, 'Wow! Imagine the psychological state you'd have to be in for that to be your motive!' Whereas things like blackmail, jealousy - they're rational reasons for committing murder.

The quote “I want my books to explore motives which make people think, 'Wow! Imagine the psychological state you'd have to be in for that to be your motive!' Whereas things like blackmail, jealousy – they're rational reasons for committing murder.” by Sophie Hannah reflects her approach to writing psychological thrillers. Hannah, a contemporary British crime writer, emphasizes her interest in creating complex and unusual motives that challenge readers to think deeply about the human psyche. She aims to go beyond typical motives, such as jealousy or blackmail, which are considered rational and familiar, and instead delve into the extraordinary and often disturbing mental states behind criminal behavior.

By highlighting the contrast between rational reasons and psychologically extreme motives, Hannah underscores her desire to make readers ponder the depths of human thought and emotion. She wants her audience to experience a sense of wonder or shock at the unconventional psychological reasoning that can drive people to commit acts others might find incomprehensible. This aligns with the goals of psychological fiction, which often explores the complexity of human motivation rather than merely the actions themselves.

The quote also reflects Hannah’s broader literary philosophy: that storytelling can illuminate the intricacies of human behavior. By focusing on motives that are unusual or extreme, she encourages readers to consider how emotions, trauma, or cognitive patterns can shape decisions, sometimes leading to morally or socially transgressive acts. Her writing is as much about understanding people as it is about constructing a suspenseful narrative.

Ultimately, this quote illustrates Hannah’s commitment to crafting thought-provoking literature that challenges conventional perceptions of crime and human behavior. She aims to engage readers not only with plot twists and suspense, but also with the psychological depth that lies behind every action, encouraging a deeper reflection on what drives people to make extreme choices.