Jane Thynne's novels take readers back in time to pre-war Nazi Germany where the threat of the Second World War looms over the plots.

As a freelance journalist, she has an eye for a good story, and her novels have been translated into French, German and Italian.

Jane lives in Wimbledon with her husband, the writer Philip Kerr and they have three children.

Becky Middleton caught up with her.

Becky Middleton: "Can you tell us about your latest release A War of Flowers?"

Jane Thynne: "The novel is the latest in the series featuring Clara Vine, an Anglo-German actress and spy in pre-war Berlin.

"This novel is set in the tense year of 1938 and Clara’s task is the toughest she has ever faced - to befriend Hitler’s girlfriend Eva Braun and probe the dictator’s plans for war.

"It’s a thriller but also a love story, which I hope gives an insight into real people and events in the run up to war."

BM: "What is the release date and where can people buy it from?"

JT: "It’s out now and available now from all good bookshops, as well as online."

BM: "What are you working on at the moment?"

JT: "I’ve just finished the next in the series, set in 1939 in Berlin, Paris and London. Clara is asked to discover the truth behind rumours of a German/Soviet pact.

"But at the same time she becomes involved in solving the murder of a young woman in the elite Nazi finishing school, The Faith and Beauty Society." 

BM: "Where do you get your inspiration from?"

JT: "What I love is the idea of getting a glimpse into the private lives of historical people. As well as focusing on the Nazi wives and girlfriends, I’ve also featured celebrities of the time including the Mitford sisters, the Duke of Windsor and Coco Chanel."

BM: "How much historical research do you have to do for each book?"

JT: "A lot! The 1930s have been an interest of mine for decades so I read everything I can find, but I also spend a lot of time in Germany and France.

"I like to walk the streets where my action takes place so that I know down to the last detail how my characters lived and what their lives looked like."

BM: "What’s your daily routine?"

JT: "I get into my office at eight o’clock - which is not difficult because I work in the house next door! I work until lunchtime, and then I’m back in the afternoon before going for a run - if it’s warm enough - on the common."

BM: "When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?"

JT: "Probably when I was about fifteen. But I was a journalist first, which is pretty much the ideal combination if, like me, you enjoy writing, but also love current affairs, meeting people and gossip."

BM: "What do you love or hate about living in Wimbledon?"

JT: "I’ve lived in Wimbledon, with a few gaps, since I was ten.

"I love the common, of course, the beautiful architecture, and the increasingly community feel.

"I love the Wimbledon BookFest, of which I’m lucky enough to be a patron. What I hate is people from north London who when asked to visit, act as though they’re making an expedition to the south pole."