Limp Allegations?

Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith and Stuart MacBride reveal their favourite books as children.

And a review of Stuart MacBride's A SONG FOR THE DYING, which, apparently, is not for those of delicate sensibilities. Heavens to Betsy.

Alexander McCall Smith is in Australia and talking about all sorts of things ,

Welcome home, Val McDermid.

While it pains me to link to the Daily Fail, I couldn't resist this tale of an Irvine Welsh fan with Trainspotting tattoos. Talking of Irvine Welsh, he unleashes some working class anger on the BAFTAs and is announced as Patron of Screen Education Edinburgh.

For those who are technically minded, a Sherlock Holmes interactive adventure.

Here's a lovely photography project called 100 Weeks of Scotland which, this week, features Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Sara Sheridan.

A great review for Michael Malone's BLOOD TEARS from EuroCrime. Nice one, our Michael.

A number of Scotland's literati, crime writers amongst them, oppose a new concrete confection in Edinburgh.

Just in time to let you know that Alex Gray will be launching her new book - THE BIRD THAT DID NOT SING - in Newton Mearns this evening. And here's a review of it from Crime Fiction Lover. For those who wonder where the title comes from, here's an explanation of Glasgow's Coat of Arms. At least, I assume that's where the title comes from. Perhaps Alex once had a budgie with a broken wing.

Two linked (in a bizarre way) news items, man enhances own artwork. I do love the 'limp allegations" comment from the lawyer. Clearly not the "rigid feminine pleasure device" of this article.

Finally, if you suffer from coulrophobia, do not click on this link. I have to say that the guy standing by the police van looks decidedly miserable, despite his painted on smile.

"He was not dead, long story short"

Jose Ignacio Escribano over at The Game's Afoot reviews STRANGE LOYALTIES by William McIlvanney, The Spectator reviews Stuart MacBride's A SONG FOR THE DYING, the New York Times enjoys Denise Mina's THE RED ROAD and The Skinny reviews Christopher Brookmyre's BEDLAM.

Lots of Scotland's criminal luminaries (fictional, mostly) will be appearing at the Cromarty Crime and Thrillers Weekend between 25th and 27th April, including Ian Rankin, Lin Anderson, Alex Gray and Stuart MacBride, along with Ann Cleeves.

More appearances: first of all Val McDermid at the International Women's Festival in Dundee, and Denise Mina in Milwaukee on March 8th.

Here are Irvine Welsh's favourite albums. And what Ian Rankin has learned about writing.

The Deanston Scottish Crime Book of the Year award is now open for submissions.

The Sherlockians assess Benedict Cumberbatch. Or, as my man Ewan's mother misnamed him...Bernadette Cumberbitch.

Omnimystery News has a conversation with Alan Jones, author of Glasgow-set novel The Cabinetmaker. And I think Alan has set the standard for book launches: cabinet making and dancing. I hope you're taking notes, Michael Malone. I'm expecting a fancy set of drawers (of the wooden kind) and an Argentinian Tango at this.

This is my worst nightmare.

Finally, when I was a girl, Pippa Dee parties were never like this...