"Wiggle your ears to get into the groove"

Have a wee Zombie Dance with The Cramps.

Panels for Crimefest are now up.

Alexander McCall Smith at the Oundle Literary Festival at the beginning of March, and in Buffalo, NY in April. Closer to home, Iain Banks is appearing in Edinburgh at the beginning of April. And Helen Fitzgerald is all over the place, the lucky minx. Sadly, I shall miss her Glasgow event by two days, and her Berlin event by two months. Luckily, I get to quiz her at Crimefest, along with Douglas Lindsay, Michael Malone and Damien Seaman. And Christopher Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride and Craig Robertson will be revealing their secrets in Aberdeen at the end of May. And Irvine Welsh will be appearing at Apple's Glasgow Buchanan Street store on Sunday to talk about ECSTACY. And here's the man himself as an extra in FILTH, which is currently filming in Edinburgh.

Lots of reviews today. Eurocrime reviews Craig Russell's THE DEEP DARK SLEEP, The Big Issue reviews Peter May's THE LEWIS MAN, Bestsellersworld on DEATH OF A KINGFISHER by M C Beaton, Norm at Crimescraps on Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX, WildmooBooks reviews Val McDermid's REPORT FOR MURDER, Rikki's Teleidoscope reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE COMFORTS OF A MUDDY SATURDAY.

The Indie Pedant looks forward to Irvine Welsh's SKAGBOYS.

Lovely Scottish publisher Blasted Heath buys a black comedy called THE VANITY GAME by H J Hampson. Excellent! I love black comedy and I love football. Result.

Popmatters reports that US crime overtakes British romance in British libraries. Luckily, Ian Rankin is holding up the side for the Brits.

Edinburgh's New Town to celebrate its literary history. And The Scotsman reports that Scottish arts would benefit from Scottish independence.

Jonny Lee Miller is to play Sherlock Holmes in a US TV version set in contemporary New York.

Denise Mina talks to Forbidden Planet about comics.

Finally, the Herald are looking for your help to come up with the rest of the list of the Top 100 Scottish novels. They already have 30 and there are plenty of familiar names in there.

The Crusher

Today's Cramps title is courtesy of Scotland's weather. Do the hammer lock you turkey necks...

I am supposed to be going through to Edinburgh tomorrow for the CWA Christmas Lunch but, since we are in the midst of Hurricane Bawbag, (which even has its own Wikipedia entry), I may not make it. I'm waiting for Scotland's next hurricane - which will presumably be called Hurricane Fannybaws. It was my day for being at the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library today but, as we watched a streetlamp swaying outside the window, debating whether Glasgow was going to close down, a Swedish bloke came in. "Can I sit in here and read for a while?" he said.

"Well, normally, the answer would be yes, but we might be shutting in a minute," I said.

He looked very puzzled. "Yes, the main library is shutting, too. Is it because of the weather?"

"Yes. We're not very good at weather. You may have gathered that." He went away still puzzled. Poor bloke.

My bus trip home was quite eventful. A guy nearly blew away at the bus stop. Only by hanging on for grim death to the side of the bus shelter did he manage to keep his feet on the ground. Me and the other woman standing in the bus stop looked on with interest and, obviously, complete unconcern. When we were getting on the bus the woman made me sit next to her. Then she leaned over and said "Can I ask your advice?" Oh dear. I said yes, quite nervously. "Can you tell me what's the best way of cleaning my kitchen counter tops?"I assumed that she had mistaken me for some sort of domestic goddess. Then a few minutes later she reached into one of her plastic shopping bags and pulled out a can of Tennents Special Brew. "Ah'm alright when the storm comes. Ah've got maself an aw day breakfast for two quid - black puddin' white puddin' an' some square sausage, and a wee bevvy for later, hen."

Anyway...

Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG makes Time Magazine's Top 10 of Everything lists. And Books and Reviews recommends WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS? as a gift idea.

Novelists China Miéville and Denise Mina, and illustrators Mark Stafford and Alice Duke talk about Poe and Lovecraft.

A review of a book about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's letters, There Is No Easter Bunny reviews Craig Russell's LENNOX, and the Las Vegas Review Journal reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE FORGOTTEN AFFAIRS OF YOUTH.

Helen Fitzgerald guest blogs at Weegie Wednesday.

Shona MacLean does some push-ups at Tony Black's Pulp Pusher.

Ian Rankin talks to Crime Time.

I love these Hilariously Badass Magazine Covers (courtesy of the lovely Bill Crider who always finds such brilliant stuff).

I'm a Thug and a Zombie

Hello, dear Reader, I hope you've had a splendid weekend. I've just spent a lovely day filming part of a short film for a charity I'm involved in. When I say 'filming', my involvement was minor, consisting mainly of fielding variations on the question "Haw, hen, is this part of that Brad Pitt zombie film they're making in George Square?" I'm trying to tell myself that they're mistaking me for Angelina Jolie, rather than a zombie, but...since I look as though I've eaten Angelina Jolie and still had room left over for dessert, I'm not exactly convincing anyone. My confidence was further dashed when we were filming in one of the stations. We had to get security passes, complete with photos, to be allowed to film there. Two of my colleagues - let's call them John Smith and Fred Jones - were first up to get their passes. They came back with nicely printed passes in the names of Mr J Smith and Mr F Jones. I was up next. I helpfully spelled my name. "Is that with an R E at the end?" said the official. I said that it was. I received my pass. All it said was "Donaldmuire". I didn't even get a Mr. I mean, the photograph wasn't particularly flattering but...still.

Allan Guthrie's Thuggish 13. And look at me, in there, nestled in such good company, looking all hard and mean and that.

A nice review of Len Wanner's DEAD SHARP: SCOTTISH CRIME WRITERS ON COUNTRY AND CRAFT. And a few more reviews - Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON, M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP, Craig Russell's THE DEEP DARK SLEEP and BERTIE PLAYS THE BLUES by Alexander McCall Smith.

A short story by the brilliant Ray Banks over at Shotgun Honey.

I don't know whether Radio New Zealand have just put up these old radio interviews with Kate Atkinson and Val McDermid, but they just came up in my google alerts, so I thought I'd mention them.

Talking of Val, some reviews from the Edinburgh Book Festival, including one of Val's event. More book festival stuff with a review of the Iain Banks event, one of the William McIlvanney one I mentioned previously, and a podcast with Louise Welsh. And the Falkirk Herald chats to Alan Bissett.

The full line-up of the Soho Literary Festival, which includes Philip Kerr.

Post-Harrogate Post

Well, Harrogate Crime Festival was excellent. Not that I went to any events, so I can't comment on those, but it was so brilliant to catch up with old friends and to make new ones who you feel as though you've known forever. I'm not going to list everyone, because that would just be ridiculous, but you know who you are because I probably hugged you several times (or, if I didn't know you very well, I probably shook your hand whilst wishing I knew you well enough to hug you). Some brief highlights:

Getting to spend time with the gorgeous Christa Faust after missing out on an LA trip last year due to pneumonia. (Photo courtesy of Adele (who, at one point during the weekend, told me I wasn't scary after all. Am I scary, dear Reader?))

Lovely agent Allan Guthrie calling the screenplay I just sent him 'a humdinger' (he never usually says anything nice to me...)

Getting to meet Steve Mosby's gorgeous little baby boy.

The hilarious dinner where we developed a concept for the new TV show RUN, RUSSEL, RUN starring Russel D McLean and his catchphrase "Now THAT I can do." Thanks to Al, Damien, Kate, Charles, Adele, Kat, Vincent and Russel for such a fun evening.

My lovely new shoes - courtesy of the aforementioned Christa Faust.

Being insulted by young Kat Heubeck in such a lovely way. Knowing that I am a big fan of 70s punk (it having been the music of my heyday), Christa had also bought me a book about an LA punk club from the late 1970s. Kat, taking a look at it, said "Oh! A history book." I am, officially, history.

Meeting one of my heroes - Cathi Unsworth - and getting to talk music with her. It made me come home and play my old Sisters of Mercy albums.

Being inspired by Harrogate to finish up/write three short stories on the train on the way home, and dying to get stuck into the new screenplay.

Anyway, a wee bit of Scottish crime fiction news, because it doesn't just all stop while I'm away, you know. Before that, a rather marvellous picture from Harrogate of those Reservoir Scots Allan Guthrie, Stuart MacBride and Russel McLean (aka Mr Giggle, Mr Ponytail and Mr Breadcrumbs).

Craig Russell unwittingly leads tourists astray.

A review of Alexander McCall Smith's THE DOG WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, reviews of Grant McKenzie's SWITCH and NO CRY FOR HELP, and Publisher's Weekly on Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON.

Win tickets to the Edinburgh Book Festival.

Finally, several authors who were at Harrogate choose their favourite fictional characters.

Happy Monday

Tony Black interviews Doug Johnstone over at Pulp Pusher. And one at The Scotsman with Iain Banks.

Tara Moss recommends WIRE IN THE BLOOD by Val McDermid. And here Val talks about A PLACE OF EXECUTION on the BBC's World Book Club.

Listen to Craig Russell's LENNOX on Radio 4. For some reason, I can only find episode 3.

More on the Ayot Festival, where Alexander McCall Smith will be appearing.

A reviewlet of Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. And Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES had its first airing on TV last night. I haven't watched it yet - did anyone see it?

Quintin Jardine talks about sitting by his pool reading his Kindle. Envious, moi?

The Washington Times reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY.

£8000 to spare. How about buying one of Robert Louis Stevenson's letters?

And if you live in Paisley watch out that you don't fall down drain holes. I don't know, you can't leave anything lying around. I once had my washing nicked off the line - apparently, it's called 'getting snowdropped'. It wasn't even fancy underwear - it was tea towels and an old duvet cover.

Terrorists in pink cowboy hats

On Thursday March 31st catch Alexander McCall Smith at the Ridgewood Library. I have absolutely no idea where Ridgewood is, by the way. And here's an article on him following a recent surprise visit to Cape Town (that, I have no problem with, geographically). Closer to home, you can see Kate Atkinson and Lin Anderson at the Scarborough Literature Festival from April 14th to 17th.

The West Australian interviews Stuart MacBride.

Lots of reviews today - first of all, the Washington Post reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG, and the New York Journal of Books with a great review of Russel McLean's THE LOST SISTER. Russel is also reviewed in The Kansas City Star, along with Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS. Spinetingler reviews Peter May's VIRTUALLY DEAD, the Chronicle Herald reviews Graham Moore's THE SHERLOCKIAN, 612 ABC enjoyed Craig Russell's THE LONG GLASGOW KISS and The Star Online looks at Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK. And The BookNut says some very kind things about OLD DOGS, while agreeing with my mum about the swearing. Whoops. Sorry, Andy.

Alan Cumming is hoping to star in the film adaptation of Irvine Welsh's FILTH.

And finally, I'm just wondering whether I can borrow the cowboy hat.

'Everyday is like Sunday'

This weekend's film viewing was pretty good, if bleak and unsettling. Both films were, completely coincidentally, on the theme of people trying to escape from unbearable situations to something better.

First we saw the Dardenne brothers' ROSETTA. We've been on a bit of a Dardenne brothers kick, recently. Their films aren't exactly happy, showing desperate people on the fringes of society, and this one, about a young girl who lives with her alcoholic mother in a caravan park, is no different. Rosetta will do almost anything to get a job. Sometimes quite heartbreaking, but with little touches of humour.

Next was THE ROAD. I'm sure everyone but me has already seen this journey of a man and his son as they try and find safety and sustenance in a scary post-apocalyptic world. I've not watched it before because I don't like science fiction, books/films about the apocalypse, or scary films. However, I wish I'd watched it when it came out - it was grim, bleak and harrowing - but not totally without hope, and very touching. My science fiction fears were not borne out (there's no huge explosion at the beginning which shows the whole world being enveloped in smoke and flames, and no aliens with with Windows-based computers). It was, however, a bit scary. I'm not a big fan of gangs of rampaging cannibals. Not that I've ever met any in real life, you understand.

Fancy a writing retreat in Scotland? Here you go.

Ray Banks with a great essay on noir over at Mulholland Books.

There's an interesting new social network thingy which has been set up by Len Wanner. Called The Crime Of It All, it's a great resource for crime fiction interviews, reviews, and articles and essays. Excellent, depp and thought provoking interviews so far with several crime fiction authors, including Scots such as Russel McLean, Craig Russell and fat, pasty white jock Allan Guthrie.

The lovely Ayo Onatade over at Shots Mag has a full rundown on the ITV Thriller Awards.

The lovely Declan Burke reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG, a review of M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CAD, The Parrish Lantern with an in-depth look at Irvine Welsh's REHEATED CABBAGE, while The Globe And Mail reviews Val McDermid's FEVER OF THE BONE, and Murder By Type reviews Peter May's THE FOURTH SACRIFICE.

A Disorganised Mind looks at the first seven Ian Rankin books.

How Alexander McCall Smith has changed the world's image of Botswana.

Hear Andrew Motion, William Gibson and LouiseWelsh on BBC Radio 3's The Verb on 8th October.

More news on Sherlock Holmes 2.

Oh, how I wish I could get my hands on the unpublished novels of Douglas Lindsay.

And, finally, the always interesting Zoe Sharp over at Murderati talking about telling lies for a living.

It's All About The Book Festival...Except For The Bits That Aren't

Sadly, due to other commitments, I'm not going to be able to make it through to any of the events I'd like to go to at the Edinburgh Book Festival, although I am hoping to get through to meet the lovely Bookwitch, who is blogging about events. Another excellent blog of festival events is the wonderfully named Crivens, Jings and Help Ma Blog who has so far posted excellent reports of events with Iain Banks and Christopher Brookmyre. And more splendid festival coverage by both Alistair Braidwood of Scots Whay Hae! and Colin Galbraith (a crime writer himself), who attended the event with Craig Robertson and Gillian Galbraith,

And, in other book festival news, the BBC's arts editor speaks to Ian Rankin about Scottish arts funding as The Bookseller reports that the festival expects to cut author events.

The List on Louise Welsh's NAMING THE BONES.

One great thing about the internet is that so many people are willing to share their thoughts on books they've enjoyed. I love that. So here are a couple of book-loving bloggers on Caro Ramsay's ABSOLUTION, and Craig Russell's LENNOX.

And, finally, more reviews - first of all Eurocrime on G J Moffat's FALLOUT, and then The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Herald all review Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.

Collapsing New People

An about-the-houses title for today's post. Anyone who can work out the convoluted machinations of my brain send me an e-mail to the usual address and I will pick one at random and send you either a copy of OLD DOGS or something from my book collection based on what I think you will like (and please don't think I will be offended if you say "For heaven's sake Donna, please please please don't send me OLD DOGS").

So, first of all, a request. We're off to Berlin for 6 days in September (woohoo!). Does anyone have any suggestions for things to see and do, and places to eat and drink? Any hot spots for music (Ewan and I both like indie/alternative/punk)? Anything quirky and off the beaten track we should see? We're staying 4 nights on the 21st floor of a 1960s concrete carbuncle that was the residence of GDR dignitaries (and still is, apparently), and 2 nights in a more conventional hotel. I can't wait.

Listen to some audio highlights from Harrogate Crime Festival here. And Janet O'Kane rounds up her own highlights from the Festival. Helen Carter over at the Guardian talks about braving the Dragons' Pen. Meanwhile, Ali over at the Rap Sheet is still catching up on Crimefest.

The Inverness Courier on the dark crime fiction coming out of Scotland, focusing on Tony Black and Craig Russell mostly. On the lighter side the Mystery Maven reviews M C Beaton's DEATH OF A VALENTINE. And the Mirror has an opinion on Craig Russell's THE LONG GLASGOW KISS, calls Stuart MacBride "tartan noir's greatest exponent" and enjoys Caro Ramsay's DARK WATER.

Catch Lin Anderson at Bonnybridge Library on August 12th, and Quintin Jardine in North Berwick.

Vikram with an interesting alternative perspective on Ian Rankin's LET IT BLEED.

And, finally, a fascinating snippet about Arthur Conan Doyle's father. Whilst Lone Locust Productions enjoyed the first episode of the new TV series.

"I've stopped speaking to him for obvious reasons"

Val McDermid will be in New Zealand from 22-24 August, and also at the Melbourne Writers' Festival in Australia. As will Louise Welsh. Closer to home, Quintin Jardine will be at the Fringe By The Sea festival in North Berwick from August 10th to 15th.

Ian Rankin on video talking about THE COMPLAINTS. And, if you speak German, here's a video about Craig Russell's LENNOX. Sadly, it's not possible to babelfish a video.

A review of Peter May's Second Life novel - VIRTUALLY DEAD. And one of Val McDermid's THE DISTANT ECHO.

Alexander McCall Smith recommends his summer reads. And Classic Mysteries on McCall Smith's ' gentle detective.'

A review of Kate Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES. And Shelf Love reviews the audio version of WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS.

More on the new Sherlock Holmes TV programme. And another one.

Books From Scotland round up the highlights of the Word Power Book Fringe.

And, finally, this seems a bit of a drastic way to avoid going to work. Ouch.

Monday Miscellany of Scotland and Shorts

Thanks to all for your kind comments and e-mails following my recent painful experience.

I thought it was time for more photos of Scotland, so the pictures accompanying this blog post are of a gorgeous place called New Lanark.

Get your Allan Guthrie news here in a profile by Jedidiah Ayres of the marvellous Hardboiled Wonderland. And if you'want to get into Al's shorts, here's a handy post for you.

Talking about short stories, there are a couple of new ones up at the Edinburgh Book Festival site - one from Denise Mina and one from Doug Johnstone.

As well as appearing at the Edinburgh Book Festival, Doug Johnstone will also be appearing at Words Per Minute - at Creation Studios, in the Trongate in Glasgow on 1st August at 4pm. Described by Doug as a "fantastic literary crossover club thingy" it's a mix of poetry, prose, film, music and theatre, with performances of 5-10 minutes. There's also a DJ set from Miaoux Miaoux. Sounds good - I think I'll give that a visit. He's also going to be appearing on a crime writing panel being chaired by Ian Rankin at the Portobello Book Festival on 10th October at 2pm. More details of that when I have them.

And I've mentioned this before, but the lovely people at Glasgow based Cargo Publishing have a rather excellent sounding short story project - The Year of Open Doors - out on 27th July - with stories from Doug Johnstone and Alan Bissett amongst others. I'm not sure how many will have a crime element (if any), but I always love trying out short stories.

A couple of reviews of Philip Kerr's IF THE DEAD RISE NOT - one from Tampa Bay Online and one from the Toronto Star. And a lovely reviewlet of Chris Ewan's most excellent GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS.

Fancy a signed first edition of Conan Doyle's A STUDY IN SCARLET? Have a spare £400,000? Sorry, I've unfortunately misplaced my wallet - guess I'll have to give that one a miss.

Craig Sisterson over at New Zealand's Crime Watch blog has an interview with Liam McIlvanney and one with Craig Russell.

And, finally, in my Google Alert for Scottish author Alice Thompson, Polishing Peanuts, popped up. I have no idea if it's the same Alice Thompson that the blogger mentions, as I can't find the piece he is referring to online, but I thought it was a lovely post so I'm linking to it anyway.

His experience in Uganda, mirrors my own in the villages in Alaska to some extent. The students there were so bright and funny and creative, I wish they had access to things that I take for granted - gigs, theatre, cinema, being able to go and hear authors talk about their books, go to a comedy show or visit a museum. They put on a wonderful arts festival while I was there and they entertained me no end. If I ever win the lottery I'd love to repay the favour and send over a couple of bands, some authors and a theatre company. That would be fun.

I Wanna Be Sedated

This might be the last post for this week - I have a colonoscopy on Thursday and apparently I'm not allowed to drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign important documents afterwards. The ramblings of a semi-sedated person with a sore bottom would probably not make for entertaining reading...or maybe they would. Either way, I'd better stay away from the computer. I can't say it's something I'm looking forward to - it's not the camera that bothers me, it's the camera crew...

Anyway, I'm sure that comes under the heading of Too Much Information, so back to your regularly scheduled Scottish crime fiction.

First of all, here's Aly Monroe with a lovely post on the inspiration for Peter Cotton.

Karin Slaughter says there isn't a better crime writer writing today than Denise Mina. And a review of STILL MIDNIGHT from Mostly Fiction.

Crime Watch reviews ALL THE COLOURS OF THE TOWN by Liam McIlvanney, the Mystery Maven enjoyed Russel McLean's sweary THE GOOD SON, and the Scottish Sunday Herald with an excellent review of Craig Russell's THE LONG GLASGOW KISS.

The Skinny has a supplement for the new Unbound strand of the Edinburgh Book Festival (pdf document). It looks great.

The Straits Times calls Stuart MacBride's DARK BLOOD "a bleedin' great thriller."

Ian Rankin will be appearing at the Galway Arts Festival which starts on July 12th.

Margot Kinberg with an interesting and thoughtful post on sleuths and their backstories.

And, finally, Edinburgh's Saughton Prison gets an award for its library. Excellent stuff.

If You Ask Me, We Need More Donkeys

An interview with Stuart MacBride over at HorrorScope.

Ian Rankin says that he wants a more hands-on role in film/TV casting in the future.

An in-depth look at Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther series.

A Sherlock Holmes conference - if you missed it, you need to wait 16 years for the next one.

Craig Russell is one of this year's Waterstone's Fresh Blood campaign.

A reminder of the book launch for Tony Black's new book LONG TIME DEAD, this Thursday.

A review of Alexander McCall Smith's DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB, while the Botswanan MmegiOnline finds his author photo 'a bit jarring'.

Canongate and the University of Dundee create a living archive.

The cover of Allan Guthrie's SLAMMER wins an award. And the words inside should get one too, in my opinion.

The List reviews Alice Thompson's THE EXISTENTIAL DETECTIVE.

Today brought a nice wee haul of books - Ken Bruen's SANCTUARY, Angela Choi's HELLO KITTY MUST DIE (which starts with the wonderful first line "It all started with my missing hymen") and REQUIEMS FOR THE DEPARTED a collection of short stories inspired by Irish mythology and featuring such luminaries as Ken Bruen, Stuart Neville, Tony Black, Adrian McKinty, Maxim Jakubowski and Brian McGilloway. It's edited by Gerard Brennan and Mike Stone and looks great. Ah, isn't it wonderful to have such a decision to make about what to read next?

And, finally, apparently submitting a crime novel for the Booker is seen as akin to "putting a donkey into the Grand National". Harrrrummmmmph. Bring on the donkeys, I say.

And here's a gratuitous picture of a couple of donkeys.

Tata.

Festivals, Fiction and Funeral Feasters

Lots of news on the Edinburgh Book Festival, of course. One of the exciting things they're doing this year is to hold events where authors read out short stories especially commissioned for the Festival, on the subject of 'ELSEWHERE'. They have quite a stellar line-up of authors involved, with a total of fifty altogether. Amongst the crime fiction related authors announced so far are:
Denise Mina

Karen Campbell

Doug Johnstone

Louise Welsh

Five of the stories are already up, including this one from Louise Welsh. It's not a crime story but it's brilliant and very touching. Amongst the other stories up so far there's a quirky crime fiction/science fiction one from Michel Faber here. I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out as the stories so far are all definitely worth a read.

Dear Scotland features an interview with the lovely Ray Banks, by the equally lovely Radgepacket lads.

NPR reviews Philip Kerr's IF THE DEAD RISE NOT. A mini review of Craig Russell's THE VALKYRIE'S SONG. And ShelfLove reviews the audio version of Kate Atkinson's CASE HISTORIES.

A few reviews for Ian Rankin, first of all The Fiction Garden with a reviewlet of the Jack Harvey thriller BLOOD HUNT, BooksPlease reviews SET IN DARKNESS, and Parry Sound Books reviews THE HANGING GARDEN.

Quintin Jardine thrilled his audience in Kelso, while Helen Fitzgerald and Karen Campbell star in Aberdeen. And a couple of upcoming events in Edinburgh for the diary - the marvellous Tony Black with the launch of LONG TIME DEAD on 1st July, and Alice Thompson launching THE EXISTENTIAL DETECTIVE on 29th June.

Well done Dr Brookmyre.

Finally, I received an e-mail from someone who is looking for a book. Does this ring any bells with anyone?

"I am trying to find the title of a book I read in the mid-1970’s. Mystery/romance set in current day Scotland. A young woman is sent to an estate associated with her family by an editor to find a manuscript that documents the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown. Estate inhabited by 2 brothers and a woman, all in their 20’s, all cousins to the protagonist. While she is there, there are several attempts on her life. The mystery is who is trying to kill her and does the Victoria/John Brown document exist. Old mysteries get uncovered including an attempt at arsenic poisoning, a faked death, and the fact that not one of the subjects is legitimate."

And, even more finally, the Grim Eater. Brilliant.

Crime Writers Out And About

A quick update on Scottish crime fiction news before I head off to Crimefest. Hopefully I will blog from there.

Craig Russell takes viewers behind the scenes of BROTHERS GRIMM.

Karen Campbell impressed at Balloch Library. I'm really looking forward to her new one - SHADOWPLAY.

Alex Gray will be in Aberdeen on Wednesday, to discuss her new book FIVE WAYS TO KILL A MAN. And, also in Aberdeen, as part of the Word Festival, are Denise Mina and Philip Kerr.

Ian Pattison creates a stageplay about death.

Barry Forshaw at The Independent reviews Stuart MacBride's DARK BLOOD.

Val McDermid talks Agatha Christie at Hay.

And, finally, the Herald reports that Scottish publishers may go the way of the dodo.

Cul-cher, Cul-cher - All Weekend It's Cul-cher

It's been a cultural weekend here in sunny Badsville. First of all the marvellous Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Barrowlands Ballroom. It was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. Apart from anything else, the band seemed to be enjoying it themselves - they were on for two hours, and even ended up taking requests at the end. Sorry - I can't do a poncy gig review - just take my word for it, it was bloody brilliant. We started off at the edge of the mosh pit, but by the end of the gig we were somehow in the middle of it. I was minging when we came out. BRMC played most of the new album, plus my favourites of their earlier stuff, including this one, my all time favourite. When I go into work having been listening to that one on my ipod, my colleagues all say "Oh, no, watch out, she's been listening to those Motorcycle boys again." For anyone who's never heard BRMC before, this might give the wrong impression, but my Mum likes them (yes, dear reader, my Mum will not read my books(that's her, making a sour face at it), due to all the swearing and nastiness, but she likes dirty, sleazy rock music. She is also a big fan of The Cramps and does the psychobilly chicken strut to I Ain't Nuthin' But A Gorehound (although she does call it the 'turkey trot', but you can't have everything, I suppose).

On Saturday we went to see a great independent Scottish film called Crying With Laughter. It's about a stand up comedian called Joey Frisk who has a problem with drugs and alcohol, an ex-wife who thinks he's a waster, and a landlord who's about to evict him. Joey gets his own back on his landlord as part of his stand-up comedy routine by threatening to kill him in front of an audience. When the police turn up to arrest him the next day for GBH, Joey has no memory of the night before. To add to the mystery, Frank - one of Joey's old school friends, although Joey doesn't remember him very well - has contacted him out of the blue, and wants to arrange some sort of reunion. The film starts out lightly and gets gradually darker and more sinister. Stephen McCole, who plays the lead character, is brilliant. Crying With Laughter won a BAFTA and rightly so - if you get a chance to see it, do so.

Gleeful moment of the weekend - I went to Waterstones in Sauchiehall Street to buy some childrens' books to take to Alaska with me and while I was in there, I nipped up to the crime section for a wee browse. And look! Look! I didn't even feel slightly embarrassed grabbing my iPhone and taking this photo. Actually, it was all I could do to stop myself grabbing a passer-by and asking them to take one of my shiny, beaming, football-shaped face (that's soccer, dear American reader) next to the shelf.

And now, on to the proper news. First of all, Alexander McCall Smith reveals that he sent his first manuscript to a publisher when he was eight.

Congratulations to Craig Russell, who sells two new Glasgow thrillers to Quercus, and to Aly Monroe who has signed a contract for two new Peter Cotton books. Excellent news.

Canada.com reviews Philip Kerr's IF THE DEAD RISE NOT. And The Scotsman reviews Lin Anderson's FINAL CUT.

Christopher Brookmyre is appearing at the Ayr Festival in September.

Interviews with the lovely Ray Banks are always good fun, and this one with the charming Byker Books guys is no exception.

More on the Irvine Welsh film, The Magnificent Eleven.

The Independent on Sunday asks if you can judge a book by its cover. And, on the subject of covers, Karen over at Eurocrime remarks on the number of angels on covers these days.

Starting With Gnomes and Ending With Giants

FasterLouder.com.au on an event with Irvine Welsh (who they describe as being rather like a "mild mannered bald garden gnome"). And if you want to check that description out, here he is on video. And on audio.

I know Valentine's Day is long past, but I'm still half catching up, so here's the delightful Michael Malone on writing poems for Margaret Thomson Davis for one of her novels.

Alexander McCall Smith enjoys sitting down with a nice cuppa. I never knew there was so much you could say about tea.

Sons of Spade with good things to say about Tony Black's LOSS.

Here's Ian Rankin on Deutsche-Welle radio. And, when two worlds collide - Ian Rankin talks to Richard Jobson of The Skids - one of my favourite bands from the punk era. For those who don't know the band, or for those old punks like me who just want to hear it again, here's INTO THE VALLEY. Brilliant.

Martin Edwards likes Craig Russell's BROTHER GRIMM.

The Seattle Times with a review of Denise Mina's STILL MIDNIGHT.

And finally, either there's no height requirement in the police force these days or this guy was auditioning for a part in Roald Dahl's The Big Over-Friendly Giant.

Sleepy Sunday Summary

A short interview with Alexander McCall Smith. And a Precious Ramotswe prequel, written in Scots. Which seems weird, given that Precious is from Botswana.

Paul Brazill interviews the "darkly handsome" Tony Black over at Pulp Metal Magazine. Having just finished reading the third in the Gus Dury series, LOSS, which made me cry, I am extremely glad to hear that I won't have to wait too long for the next one as LONG TIME DEAD is out in July.

What a great group of tutors for the Arvon Foundation's Scottish location - including Val McDermid, A L Kennedy and Alan Bissett. Nice. And, talking of Val, well done to her for being shortlisted for the LA Times 2009 Book Prize for A Darker Domain. This was another book I read and loved in February.

Sandra Ruttan over at Spinetingler Magazine read and loved Russel McLean's THE LOST SISTER. Yet another one I read in February. And loved it as much as Sandra.

Fancy dinner with Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan? Better enter this by Tuesday then. Oh, and you have to be in Beijing.

Writing Raw.com asks Karen Campbell 7 questions (pdf file).

Gillian Galbraith will be talking about writing on March 25th in Loch Leven.

Reviewingtheevidence.com's latest reviews include Craig Russell's THE VALKYRIE'S SONG and Liam McIlvanney's ALL THE COLOURS OF THE TOWN.

I'm off to my new screenwriting course tomorrow after work, and very much looking forward to it, so back on Tuesday.

Internationally Flavoured Sunday Summary

Posh people can be neds too.

More on the Mma Ramotswe Cookbook.

Un orage dans une tasse de thé? And, continuing the European theme, I think this article about the filming of Craig Russell's book BROTHERS GRIMM - or Wolfsfährte in German - says that Craig Russell leaves his corpses in Hamburg. Or maybe not. My German is slightly rusty.

David Ashton has written a screenplay about Shah Jahan, which is being filmed with Ben Kingsley.

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh visits an Edinburgh project which helps to get people off drink and drugs.

It's Something Daring, The Continental

For those who understand German, an article about the filming of an adaptation of Craig Russell's BROTHERS GRIMM for German TV network ARD. It's being filmed as Wolfsfahrte (with an umlaut on the a, only I don't know where to find one on my keyboard) and stars Peter Lohmeyer as Jan Fabel. At least, I THINK that's what it's about - my schoolgirl German's a bit rusty. For all I know, it could be an article about mutant weasels.

And you're on your own with this one. My Spanish consists of 'sangria', 'tapas' and 'Estaba esperando que tú recordaras como conseguí este tatuaje' (which roughly translates as 'I was hoping that you remembered how I got this tattoo') but it appears to be about Philip Kerr's Berlin noir trilogy, the RBA book prize and some mutant weasels.

If you want a Philip Kerr fix in English, here's the second part of Norm at Crimescraps' interview with Philip Kerr. Excellent stuff.

Enjoy a wee single malt with your crime fiction? Here, don't say I'm not good to you.