Thanks to the marvel that is Allan Guthrie, I have discovered a new author - a new Scottish author, no less. Well, he was born in Glasgow, so that counts. Anyway, I've added Barry Graham to the list, and I've also read the prologue and first chapter of his novel HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR BLUE-EYED BOY? Oh my god. Wonderful stuff so far. And you can download it for the paltry price of 99p or 99c. Oh, and here, he's giving away copies of the aforementioned Allan Guthrie's BYE BYE BABY.
Denise Mina will be appearing in Dundee on Thursday 19th May. And Doug Johnstone is...well, Doug is putting himself about all over the place, the hussy.
Talking of Doug Johnstone, he's interviewed by Allan Guthrie here, and by Alistair Braidwood here. Excellent interviews, both.
An interview with John Dodds. And one with Manda Scott.
The Washington Independent Review of Books reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. And Onyx Reviews on Alexander McCall Smith's SATURDAY BIG TENT WEDDING PARTY.
Ian Rankin joins the fight to save Anstruther Wester Town Halls.
Showing posts with label John Dodds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Dodds. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Sunday, 13 March 2011
"There's worse places to hole up in than a carny."
This weekend's film viewing consisted of just one film, but it was a good one - Tod Solondz' HAPPINESS. I love books and films with ensemble casts, and this is one of those. It tells the tale of three sisters - one of them apparently has a perfect family life, one is a successful writer - adored and wanted by all, and one of them is a lonely, mousy woman with a knack for picking completely unsuitable men. Dark, dysfunctional and often very disturbing, this is also a very touching black comedy that definitely won't be for everyone (Dad - that means you and Mum - forget I ever mentioned this film).
Of my two new pastimes - the Kindle and the gym - I'm loving one and tolerating the other with gritted teeth. I'm sure I don't need to tell you, dear Reader, which one is which. Let's face it, I ain't ever gonna be skinny. Anyway, on the Kindle front, I downloaded several editions of Crimefactory Magazine to my Kindle and have been dipping in to one of those this week. And I'm now going to declare my undying love for the genius that is Jimmy Callaway (well, his prose, anyway, which I am sure will be a great relief to him). Not only does he write stories like this, which get turned into films like this, but in Crimefactory #2 volume #2 he has the most brilliant essay on William Lindsay Gresham - author of NIGHTMARE ALLEY (one of my favourite noirs - which was turned into a film that was almost as good). Mr Callaway - I think it's about time for a novel. Get onto it, pronto. Thanks. Appreciate it. But make it quick, OK?
And, by the way, that's not the only great thing about this particular edition of Crime Factory. It also has an essay by one of my very favourite people - Reed Farrel Coleman - about his transformation from poet to mystery author, and his inspirations in the genre, a great part story by Kieran Shea that I want to read more of, and some excellent short fiction - my favourites being SOME DAY WE'LL ALL BE FREE by Ray Banks and HAMMER AND NAIL by Josh Converse. All that plus interviews and film reviews.
I had to miss Tony Black's recent book launch, but some lovely person recorded it for me. Well, not for me, obviously, but they recorded it. And Tony guest blogs over at Paul Brazill's place.
A review of BONE MACHINES by John Dodds and, if the review intrigues you, the book is available as a free podcast here, read by the author. You can listen to the first episode as a taster. Nice idea.
I've downloaded it - it will make a nice change from the German language podcasters I'm currently listening to, to prepare for a trip to Berlin (three weeks - yippee!). Isn't it weird, though, that the only words which seem to stick are ones that you know you're never going to need in a million years. Like midwife. And ratcatcher. I'm hoping I don't need either of those. Especially the ratcatcher.
Philip Kerr will be appearing in St Louis on April 19th.
A review of Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS. And, if you're in Milwaukee, you can catch him here on March 19th.
Well, many apologies - this post appears to be light on Scottish crime fiction, and heavy on twaddle. I shall try and make up for it during the week. In fact, I know I will, since I have a special guest blogger on Wednesday.
Keep your fingers crossed for me this week, dear Reader. I'm hoping to hear if I've been accepted on the Masters degree course I really, really want.
Of my two new pastimes - the Kindle and the gym - I'm loving one and tolerating the other with gritted teeth. I'm sure I don't need to tell you, dear Reader, which one is which. Let's face it, I ain't ever gonna be skinny. Anyway, on the Kindle front, I downloaded several editions of Crimefactory Magazine to my Kindle and have been dipping in to one of those this week. And I'm now going to declare my undying love for the genius that is Jimmy Callaway (well, his prose, anyway, which I am sure will be a great relief to him). Not only does he write stories like this, which get turned into films like this, but in Crimefactory #2 volume #2 he has the most brilliant essay on William Lindsay Gresham - author of NIGHTMARE ALLEY (one of my favourite noirs - which was turned into a film that was almost as good). Mr Callaway - I think it's about time for a novel. Get onto it, pronto. Thanks. Appreciate it. But make it quick, OK?
And, by the way, that's not the only great thing about this particular edition of Crime Factory. It also has an essay by one of my very favourite people - Reed Farrel Coleman - about his transformation from poet to mystery author, and his inspirations in the genre, a great part story by Kieran Shea that I want to read more of, and some excellent short fiction - my favourites being SOME DAY WE'LL ALL BE FREE by Ray Banks and HAMMER AND NAIL by Josh Converse. All that plus interviews and film reviews.
I had to miss Tony Black's recent book launch, but some lovely person recorded it for me. Well, not for me, obviously, but they recorded it. And Tony guest blogs over at Paul Brazill's place.
A review of BONE MACHINES by John Dodds and, if the review intrigues you, the book is available as a free podcast here, read by the author. You can listen to the first episode as a taster. Nice idea.
I've downloaded it - it will make a nice change from the German language podcasters I'm currently listening to, to prepare for a trip to Berlin (three weeks - yippee!). Isn't it weird, though, that the only words which seem to stick are ones that you know you're never going to need in a million years. Like midwife. And ratcatcher. I'm hoping I don't need either of those. Especially the ratcatcher.
Philip Kerr will be appearing in St Louis on April 19th.
A review of Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS. And, if you're in Milwaukee, you can catch him here on March 19th.
Well, many apologies - this post appears to be light on Scottish crime fiction, and heavy on twaddle. I shall try and make up for it during the week. In fact, I know I will, since I have a special guest blogger on Wednesday.
Keep your fingers crossed for me this week, dear Reader. I'm hoping to hear if I've been accepted on the Masters degree course I really, really want.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
