Chameleon
by Pip Landers-Letts
Released: Apr 17, 2026
Genre: Literary / General Fiction
Why this book and why now?
When I finished writing my sophomore novel, Pyg, I thought it was done. However, one of the minor characters from Pyg (Catherine Truscote) kept speaking to me, and I realised I needed to tell her story too. Catherine was definitely very worthy of her own novel.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Present‑day Catherine has the kind of presence that makes you sit up a little straighter. She’s stiff, self‑contained, and quietly formidable — one of those characters who doesn’t hand over her inner world without making you earn it. For those reasons, I didn’t gel with her at first and I spent a lot of time peeling back her layers to understand why she’s like she is. I realised that her reserve wasn’t coldness; it was armour. She has a sharp, understated humour — the kind that slips out sideways and catches you off guard. She listens more than she talks, but when she speaks, it matters. Once I got to know her I liked her a lot.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
While linked to Pyg, Chameleon can be read as a standalone story. However, I think to really appreciate the human sh!t-storm that is Francesca Dalton, you should probably start with Pyg… although I am interested in the experience of people reading the two books the other way around.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
The title refers to a character in the book… And it isn’t Catherine! You’ll have to read it to find out who and why.
Were there any scenes that surprised you as you wrote?
I really don’t know why I bother plotting, writing for me is like taking my brain for a joy ride… I’ve no idea where we’ll end up. I’m learning that I just need to submit to my chaos-goblin tendencies. When I started out writing Chameleon, I had no idea where it was going, so basically every scene surprised me. But I love how it turned out.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
Honestly, my main character, Catherine surprised me the most. I felt like she was the reluctant star of this story — difficult to get to know, a little prickly around the edges, but absolutely worth every squeeze of effort it took. Once she let me in, I discovered she’s razor‑sharp, unexpectedly hilarious, and so deeply endearing that I couldn’t help but love her.
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Catherine’s best friend, Penny. She’s outrageous in the best possible way — wickedly funny, gloriously inappropriate, and so full of energy you can practically feel the chaos gathering around her. Penny’s company is the sort that has you laughing, panicking, and apologising to strangers all at the same time.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Catherine would want to toast the release of Chameleon with a lovely Scotch… or maybe a can of pre-mixed G&T from Marks & Spencer’s? Pint of Purple? …no, the Scotch, let’s stick with the Scotch.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Perhaps an unconventional choice, but Enya’s Orinoco Flow …you’ll have to read to find out why.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I still work full time too, so I like to draw a line between my work brain and my creative brain… When my work day finishes, I make a cup of tea, switch laptops, move to a comfy space (usually sharing the sofa with a spaniel), and hope for the best.
What are you currently reading?
I still work full time too, so I like to draw a line between my work brain and my creative brain… When my work day finishes, I make a cup of tea, switch laptops, move to a comfy space (usually sharing the sofa with a spaniel), and hope for the best.
