Title courtesy of The Cramps, as usual.
This weekend's cinematic viewing was Martha Marcy May Marlene which was a very creepy and unsettling film about a girl who escapes from a cult. Her experience is shown in an understated way through flashbacks. John Hawkes is fantastic as the charismatic and chilling Manson-like cult-leader Patrick (he also played the scary Uncle Teardrop in Winter's Bone) who renames all his female acolytes in a very simple but effective way of showing who's in control.
Paul Johnston is interviewed over at The Crime of It All.
Russel McLean teams up with ShortbreadStories to help the Million For a Morgue campaign.
Crime Pieces reviews Peter May's THE BLACK HOUSE, The World According To Who reviews Ian Rankin's DOORS OPEN, Eurocrime reviews Val McDermid's THE RETRIBUTION and Music And More reviews Ray Banks' WOLF TICKETS.
Ian Rankin says that authors need publishers.
A Val McDermid short story takes to the stage. And Val herself will be appearing at the Scarborough Literature Festival in April.
Another Festival - this one in July in King's Lynn and featuring Philip Kerr. And Stuart MacBride will be talking about BIRTHDAYS FOR THE DEAD in Perth on March 13th.
Declan Burke talks to Allan Guthrie, amongst others, on ebook pricing.
Showing posts with label Russel D McLean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russel D McLean. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Eyeball In My Martini
Hello, Dear Reader. I hope you had a lovely weekend.
No live version of today's Cramps blog title, I'm afraid.
Russel McLean is looking for some love and, in return, he'll give you some too.
Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG makes the Kansas City Star's top books of 2011. The book also gets a mention in the NYT's Sunday paperback reviews. And both Denise Mina and Philip Kerr get a mention in the New York Times' notable crime fiction books of 2011. Philip Kerr also features in the St Louis Post Dispatch's 2011 list. Audiobooks of the year in the Independent include Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD and Anthony Horowitz' THE HOUSE OF SILK.
On the other side of the equation Philip Kerr, Alexander McCall Smith and Val McDermid recommend their favourites in The Scotsman. Philip Kerr recommends Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD and Val recommends the truly brilliant BLACK FLOWERS by Steve Mosby.
UK Chica reviews THE FALLS by Ian Rankin, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reviews THE COMPLAINTS and Mystery File reviews DEAD SOULS.
A hunt for Alexander McCall Smith's Mma Ramotswe in Sleuthing Botswana.
Aberdeen MP Anne Begg is a big fan of crime fiction, and Scottish authors feature heavily on her list.
Over at the Blasted Heath Blog, I get to talk about sex (Dad, that link is not for you. Have some Antiques Roadshow instead.)
Last Monday, I went to the Christopher Brookmyre event put on by Doug Johnstone. Here, finally (blame two essays), is my brief summary of the event. Luckily, most of it is not printable, but if you do get a chance to see Chris Brookmyre, do ask him about the roast chicken story, about the mad woman from Dundee Book Events and the crucifix story.
Brookmyre also told a story about doing an event in Clydebank Library. He noted that a library open after hours, with the lights on, is a bampot magnet. "It's the flame, and all the moths are wearing Burbery". A bloke in a Burbery cap came in and hovered for a while before telling Brookmyre that his dad "loves the Glasgow crime books." He told Brookmyre that he had never actually heard of him, but that he would get his dad a book. "Now, what was it you done?" It became clear that the guy thought that Brookmyre was a criminal. Brookmyre was tempted to say "Ah murdered hunnerds of guys" but, in the end, settled for telling him it was fiction. "What, you're making it up?" said the guy.
Brookmyre said that he started writing at the age of 6, and most of his early stuff was a straight rip-off of what he was reading (he spent two months writing nothing but stories about sharks eating people after seeing Jaws). He had a great teacher at school and, when he wrote two versions of the same story in class (one cleaned up and one with swearing and necrophilia) she told him it was the best thing he had ever written. She supported him in writing it and gave it to the headmaster. Unfortunately, she did not choose her words carefully enough when she said to the headmaster "I think you really ought to see this."
Brookmyre wrote three books before his fourth was accepted. He said that for some reason publishers are not very tolerant of "books that are shite."
He worked for a newspaper in Edinburgh, doing football reports at a time when the results were brought to the paper by carrier pigeon (Hibs and Hearts both had pigeon coops on their roof. Oh, yes, there's another story I can't tell about one of the misprints...
He talked about crime writers he admired - including Val McDermid and Mark Billingham (and, incidentally, said that he thought Mark had done well to get out of the playground titles (Scaredy Cat and Sleepy Head) before he was reduced to Specky Four Eyes and Smelly Bum). This then led to him to worrying about Sue Grafton who must have thought that A Is For Alibi was a good idea until she got to K is For Kicking The Arse Out Of It. He wondered how she feels as she gets close to having to write a mystery where an important plot point has to revolve around a xylophone).
The follow up to WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED will be called WHEN THE DEVIL DRIVES and will be out next summer. Winning the Wodehouse prize was the least comfortable Brookmyre has ever felt professionally as he had to do a photo shoot with a very rare breed of pig that had its own escort. The pig wouldn't come out of its trailer (Hollywood style huff) and sent its piglets instead. Carrying a large jeroboam of champagne and surrounded by tiny pigs, Brookmyre said he looked like a hobbit. He's also writing a sci-fi/computer gaming novel called BEDLAM which allows him to make up a complete universe.
At the end, he read out a brilliant 'Irvine Welsh does Jane Austen story'. I wish you could have heard it, Dear Reader.
No live version of today's Cramps blog title, I'm afraid.
Russel McLean is looking for some love and, in return, he'll give you some too.
Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG makes the Kansas City Star's top books of 2011. The book also gets a mention in the NYT's Sunday paperback reviews. And both Denise Mina and Philip Kerr get a mention in the New York Times' notable crime fiction books of 2011. Philip Kerr also features in the St Louis Post Dispatch's 2011 list. Audiobooks of the year in the Independent include Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD and Anthony Horowitz' THE HOUSE OF SILK.
On the other side of the equation Philip Kerr, Alexander McCall Smith and Val McDermid recommend their favourites in The Scotsman. Philip Kerr recommends Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD and Val recommends the truly brilliant BLACK FLOWERS by Steve Mosby.
UK Chica reviews THE FALLS by Ian Rankin, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reviews THE COMPLAINTS and Mystery File reviews DEAD SOULS.
A hunt for Alexander McCall Smith's Mma Ramotswe in Sleuthing Botswana.
Aberdeen MP Anne Begg is a big fan of crime fiction, and Scottish authors feature heavily on her list.
Over at the Blasted Heath Blog, I get to talk about sex (Dad, that link is not for you. Have some Antiques Roadshow instead.)
Last Monday, I went to the Christopher Brookmyre event put on by Doug Johnstone. Here, finally (blame two essays), is my brief summary of the event. Luckily, most of it is not printable, but if you do get a chance to see Chris Brookmyre, do ask him about the roast chicken story, about the mad woman from Dundee Book Events and the crucifix story.
Brookmyre also told a story about doing an event in Clydebank Library. He noted that a library open after hours, with the lights on, is a bampot magnet. "It's the flame, and all the moths are wearing Burbery". A bloke in a Burbery cap came in and hovered for a while before telling Brookmyre that his dad "loves the Glasgow crime books." He told Brookmyre that he had never actually heard of him, but that he would get his dad a book. "Now, what was it you done?" It became clear that the guy thought that Brookmyre was a criminal. Brookmyre was tempted to say "Ah murdered hunnerds of guys" but, in the end, settled for telling him it was fiction. "What, you're making it up?" said the guy.
Brookmyre said that he started writing at the age of 6, and most of his early stuff was a straight rip-off of what he was reading (he spent two months writing nothing but stories about sharks eating people after seeing Jaws). He had a great teacher at school and, when he wrote two versions of the same story in class (one cleaned up and one with swearing and necrophilia) she told him it was the best thing he had ever written. She supported him in writing it and gave it to the headmaster. Unfortunately, she did not choose her words carefully enough when she said to the headmaster "I think you really ought to see this."
Brookmyre wrote three books before his fourth was accepted. He said that for some reason publishers are not very tolerant of "books that are shite."
He worked for a newspaper in Edinburgh, doing football reports at a time when the results were brought to the paper by carrier pigeon (Hibs and Hearts both had pigeon coops on their roof. Oh, yes, there's another story I can't tell about one of the misprints...
He talked about crime writers he admired - including Val McDermid and Mark Billingham (and, incidentally, said that he thought Mark had done well to get out of the playground titles (Scaredy Cat and Sleepy Head) before he was reduced to Specky Four Eyes and Smelly Bum). This then led to him to worrying about Sue Grafton who must have thought that A Is For Alibi was a good idea until she got to K is For Kicking The Arse Out Of It. He wondered how she feels as she gets close to having to write a mystery where an important plot point has to revolve around a xylophone).
The follow up to WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED will be called WHEN THE DEVIL DRIVES and will be out next summer. Winning the Wodehouse prize was the least comfortable Brookmyre has ever felt professionally as he had to do a photo shoot with a very rare breed of pig that had its own escort. The pig wouldn't come out of its trailer (Hollywood style huff) and sent its piglets instead. Carrying a large jeroboam of champagne and surrounded by tiny pigs, Brookmyre said he looked like a hobbit. He's also writing a sci-fi/computer gaming novel called BEDLAM which allows him to make up a complete universe.
At the end, he read out a brilliant 'Irvine Welsh does Jane Austen story'. I wish you could have heard it, Dear Reader.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Daisies Up Your Butterfly
Post title courtesy of the Cramps, of course - and no, I don't know what it means, either.
An interview with the dear and lovely (and sometimes deluded) Russel McLean over at Pulp Pusher. And The Crime Of It All interviews William Meikle.
The New York Times reviews Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD, and Brandywine books reviews A QUESTION OF BLOOD. Stromness Library has Ian as their author of the month for November.
M&C on Conan Doyle's Moriarty in the media.
Yesterday was the first ever Robert Louis Stevenson Day. Whoops.
A review of Val McDermid's THE RETRIBUTION. And a great interview with her.
Stuart MacBride will be talking about his new book and the Million For A Morgue project, amongst other things, in Dundee on 4th February. Closer to home, here's a free event with Christopher Brookmyre on Monday if you're in Glasgow. I'm going along so will report back.
A review of Anthony Horowitz's Sherlock Holmes novel, THE HOUSE OF SILK, one of Craig Russell's THE LONG GLASGOW KISS, a reviewlet of Alexander McCall Smith's CORDUROY MANSIONS, and one of Philip Kerr's PRAGUE FATALE.
The Scotsman interviews Philip Kerr.
Finally, Edinburgh has been named the world's best literary city. I think Glasgow might have something to say.
An interview with the dear and lovely (and sometimes deluded) Russel McLean over at Pulp Pusher. And The Crime Of It All interviews William Meikle.
The New York Times reviews Ian Rankin's THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD, and Brandywine books reviews A QUESTION OF BLOOD. Stromness Library has Ian as their author of the month for November.
M&C on Conan Doyle's Moriarty in the media.
Yesterday was the first ever Robert Louis Stevenson Day. Whoops.
A review of Val McDermid's THE RETRIBUTION. And a great interview with her.
Stuart MacBride will be talking about his new book and the Million For A Morgue project, amongst other things, in Dundee on 4th February. Closer to home, here's a free event with Christopher Brookmyre on Monday if you're in Glasgow. I'm going along so will report back.
A review of Anthony Horowitz's Sherlock Holmes novel, THE HOUSE OF SILK, one of Craig Russell's THE LONG GLASGOW KISS, a reviewlet of Alexander McCall Smith's CORDUROY MANSIONS, and one of Philip Kerr's PRAGUE FATALE.
The Scotsman interviews Philip Kerr.
Finally, Edinburgh has been named the world's best literary city. I think Glasgow might have something to say.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Dames, Booze, Chains, Boots
Here's your Cramps video for today.
Helen Fitzgerald interviews herself over at Nigel Bird's gaff, and here's an audio interview with her at Blogtalkradio (starts 4 mins 5o-ish in).
Lots of reviews today. First of all, Undiscovered Scotland discovers Russel McLean, with reviews of THE GOOD SON and THE LITTLE SISTER. A trifecta of goodness for Allan Guthrie, as Connie Phoebe enjoys SAVAGE NIGHT, Paul Brazill reviewsTWO-WAY SPLIT and The Morrison Pen Review escapes into SLAMMER. Dorte looks at Ian Rankin's KNOTS AND CROSSES, and the Winnipeg Free Press reviews THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD. Paul Brazill reviews Val McDermid's THE RETRIBUTION, and Declan Burke enjoys Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON for the Irish Times.
The Telegraph calls Aly Monroe "a gloriously defiant individualist." And here she is talking about WASHINGTON SHADOW.
Conan Doyle and the case of the vanishing football trophy. And more on the new Anthony Horowitz Sherlock Holmes.
The delicious Christa Faust and the dastardly Ray Banks interview each other brilliantly over at Crimeculture.
And another interview - Philip Kerr in The Scotsman.
You can win stuff over at Blasted Heath by guessing who their new columnist, Weird Sister, is.
Finally, if you read this blog regularly, you know that I love the book sculptures that have appeared in Edinburgh over the past months, so I was interested to read this article about what to do with books. I'm going to be doing a creativity project working with young women as part of my university placement. I think I'll do some altered books with them. I really like the idea of making poetry from random words on the page and then decorating the rest of the page.
Helen Fitzgerald interviews herself over at Nigel Bird's gaff, and here's an audio interview with her at Blogtalkradio (starts 4 mins 5o-ish in).
Lots of reviews today. First of all, Undiscovered Scotland discovers Russel McLean, with reviews of THE GOOD SON and THE LITTLE SISTER. A trifecta of goodness for Allan Guthrie, as Connie Phoebe enjoys SAVAGE NIGHT, Paul Brazill reviewsTWO-WAY SPLIT and The Morrison Pen Review escapes into SLAMMER. Dorte looks at Ian Rankin's KNOTS AND CROSSES, and the Winnipeg Free Press reviews THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD. Paul Brazill reviews Val McDermid's THE RETRIBUTION, and Declan Burke enjoys Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON for the Irish Times.
The Telegraph calls Aly Monroe "a gloriously defiant individualist." And here she is talking about WASHINGTON SHADOW.
Conan Doyle and the case of the vanishing football trophy. And more on the new Anthony Horowitz Sherlock Holmes.
The delicious Christa Faust and the dastardly Ray Banks interview each other brilliantly over at Crimeculture.
And another interview - Philip Kerr in The Scotsman.
You can win stuff over at Blasted Heath by guessing who their new columnist, Weird Sister, is.
Finally, if you read this blog regularly, you know that I love the book sculptures that have appeared in Edinburgh over the past months, so I was interested to read this article about what to do with books. I'm going to be doing a creativity project working with young women as part of my university placement. I think I'll do some altered books with them. I really like the idea of making poetry from random words on the page and then decorating the rest of the page.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
I got a garbage brain, It's driving me insane...
Post title courtesy of The Cramps' Human Fly (which also happens to be the only thing I can play on the guitar).
Catch Russel McLean at Dundee University on October 28th, talking about Scottish crime fiction. And Alexander McCall Smith is in Norfolk on October 24th and in Bridport on 20th November. Russel is free, Alexander McCall Smith will set you back £15 and £12 respectively. It's official - Russel is chea..errr...very good value.
And there's lots of Scottish crime at the Reading Festival with Denise Mina, Stuart MacBride, M C Beaton and Quintin Jardine. Denise and Stuart will also be appearing at the Toronto International Festival of Authors, along with Ian Rankin. And the Vancouver Sun asks Denise Mina some questions.
How Ian Rankin infiltrated police college. And he tells the National Post that he's a frustrated musician and how he's awaiting the volleys for THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD. And here he is, talking about Cromarty. I wonder whether he ever gets fed up of people asking him about anything and everything...maybe I should ask him.
Denise Mina's FIELD OF BLOOD actors up for Scottish BAFTAs. And, in other awards news, congratulations to Gordon Ferris whose THE HANGING SHED is up for the CWA's Ellis Peters Historical Award. And he's not Scottish, but huge congratulations to Declan Burke for his nomination for the Irish Book Awards.
Kate Atkinson on Jason Isaacs as Jackson Brodie. And a review of the show.
Conan Doyle's lost first novel is to be the highlight of the Portsmouth Literary Festival.
Peter May on his French award.
Irvine Welsh gets cut from his own film.
And now I am off for the best part of the week - a virtual creative writing class via Skype with a class of 4th and 5th graders in Alaska. The next best thing to being there. Today I'm giving them feedback on some brilliant and hilarious Halloween stories they've written.
Catch Russel McLean at Dundee University on October 28th, talking about Scottish crime fiction. And Alexander McCall Smith is in Norfolk on October 24th and in Bridport on 20th November. Russel is free, Alexander McCall Smith will set you back £15 and £12 respectively. It's official - Russel is chea..errr...very good value.
And there's lots of Scottish crime at the Reading Festival with Denise Mina, Stuart MacBride, M C Beaton and Quintin Jardine. Denise and Stuart will also be appearing at the Toronto International Festival of Authors, along with Ian Rankin. And the Vancouver Sun asks Denise Mina some questions.
How Ian Rankin infiltrated police college. And he tells the National Post that he's a frustrated musician and how he's awaiting the volleys for THE IMPOSSIBLE DEAD. And here he is, talking about Cromarty. I wonder whether he ever gets fed up of people asking him about anything and everything...maybe I should ask him.
Denise Mina's FIELD OF BLOOD actors up for Scottish BAFTAs. And, in other awards news, congratulations to Gordon Ferris whose THE HANGING SHED is up for the CWA's Ellis Peters Historical Award. And he's not Scottish, but huge congratulations to Declan Burke for his nomination for the Irish Book Awards.
Kate Atkinson on Jason Isaacs as Jackson Brodie. And a review of the show.
Conan Doyle's lost first novel is to be the highlight of the Portsmouth Literary Festival.
Peter May on his French award.
Irvine Welsh gets cut from his own film.
And now I am off for the best part of the week - a virtual creative writing class via Skype with a class of 4th and 5th graders in Alaska. The next best thing to being there. Today I'm giving them feedback on some brilliant and hilarious Halloween stories they've written.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Back to your regularly scheduled Scottish crime fiction
First week of my Masters Degree this week. It's been really good, although I may not be reading for fun any time soon. Everyone on the course is really friendly. It was also my first week of tutoring a new creative writing class. I was nervous, but it turned out to be loads of fun (for me, at least...)
The mystery of Edinburgh's wonderful paper sculptures has been solved...but no-one's telling us who it is yet.
The Crime Time Cafe review's Russel McLean's THE LOST SISTER and sympathises with Russel about his missing L. And Oline Cogdill at the Sun Sentinel reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK.
And Val talks about the influence of Elinor M Brent Dyer's Chalet School books. And here's the link to the actual programme, which is excellent. I loved those books. I also loved Enid Blyton's Mallory Towers boarding school books. My Mum was very upset when I told her I wanted to go to boarding school and change my name to Wilhelmina. However, she finally worked out it was because I rather liked the idea of midnight feasts. Looking back, I am very glad my family were too poor to send me to boarding school. I still like midnight feasts though.
The Belfast Telegraph interviews Ian Rankin.
Dan Heap talks to Tony Black, Lin Anderson and Caro Ramsay about why Glasgow and Edinburgh are such great settings for crime fiction.
Get the benefit of Iain Banks' experience at a creative writing course. Or you could catch him at this event in Edinburgh next Wednesday.
The Dinner Detectives Book Club features M C Beaton.
Helen Fitzgerald - joint Queen of Scotland - with a heap of good news.
The always brilliant Douglas Lindsay on to tweet or not to tweet.
And, finally, happy birthday to the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library - 20 years old this week, and the place where I'm lucky enough to be doing my placement. It's the friendliest place imaginable, full of joy and excitement and I love being there.
The mystery of Edinburgh's wonderful paper sculptures has been solved...but no-one's telling us who it is yet.
The Crime Time Cafe review's Russel McLean's THE LOST SISTER and sympathises with Russel about his missing L. And Oline Cogdill at the Sun Sentinel reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK.
And Val talks about the influence of Elinor M Brent Dyer's Chalet School books. And here's the link to the actual programme, which is excellent. I loved those books. I also loved Enid Blyton's Mallory Towers boarding school books. My Mum was very upset when I told her I wanted to go to boarding school and change my name to Wilhelmina. However, she finally worked out it was because I rather liked the idea of midnight feasts. Looking back, I am very glad my family were too poor to send me to boarding school. I still like midnight feasts though.
The Belfast Telegraph interviews Ian Rankin.
Dan Heap talks to Tony Black, Lin Anderson and Caro Ramsay about why Glasgow and Edinburgh are such great settings for crime fiction.
Get the benefit of Iain Banks' experience at a creative writing course. Or you could catch him at this event in Edinburgh next Wednesday.
The Dinner Detectives Book Club features M C Beaton.
Helen Fitzgerald - joint Queen of Scotland - with a heap of good news.
The always brilliant Douglas Lindsay on to tweet or not to tweet.
And, finally, happy birthday to the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library - 20 years old this week, and the place where I'm lucky enough to be doing my placement. It's the friendliest place imaginable, full of joy and excitement and I love being there.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
A veritable plethora
The Drowning Machine with an excellent review of Allan Guthrie's TWO-WAY SPLIT. And Allan Guthrie interviews Nigel Bird over at Criminal-E.
Peter Rozovsky on comic crime fiction and why Chris Ewan's humour works.
Lots of crime fiction appearances coming up. First of all, Russel McLean is at Blackwell's in Edinburgh tonight, Ian Rankin is appearing at the Morley Literature Festival on October 13th, and Val McDermid will be at the Ilkley Literature Festival on October 2nd. Before that, Val's at Waterstone's Deansgate, Manchester on September 12th. And remember, if you're in Edinburgh tomorrow, you can take part in a world record attempt.
Savidge Reads reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK, The List on Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED, a review of Nicola Upson's Josephine Tey mystery, AN EXPERT IN MURDER, a reviewlet of Ray Banks' most excellent BEAST OF BURDEN, Criminal Element enjoys Catriona McPherson's DANDY GILVER AND THE PROPER TREATMENT OF BLOODSTAINS, and Murder By The Book looks at Chris Ewan's THE GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO PARIS.
A review of the stage version of Alexander McCall Smith's THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BERTIE and the print version of 44 SCOTLAND STREET: BERTIE PLAYS THE BLUES. And if you want to see where the 44 Scotland Street novels are set, you can do that very thing here. Finally, on the AMS front, you can listen to him being interviewed on Real Radio at the EBF.
An interesting interview with Gavin Knight about HOOD RAT covering crime fiction (I don't agree with all the points, needless to say), true crime, and feeling out of his depth in Glasgow.
A couple of reviews of the William McIlvanney event at the Edinburgh Book Festival where he takes a swipe at London publishers.
In another book festival event review - the careful Lin Anderson and the louche Tony Black. He is rather rakish.
And, finally, Scottish cow in freak ladder accident.
Peter Rozovsky on comic crime fiction and why Chris Ewan's humour works.
Lots of crime fiction appearances coming up. First of all, Russel McLean is at Blackwell's in Edinburgh tonight, Ian Rankin is appearing at the Morley Literature Festival on October 13th, and Val McDermid will be at the Ilkley Literature Festival on October 2nd. Before that, Val's at Waterstone's Deansgate, Manchester on September 12th. And remember, if you're in Edinburgh tomorrow, you can take part in a world record attempt.
Savidge Reads reviews Val McDermid's TRICK OF THE DARK, The List on Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED, a review of Nicola Upson's Josephine Tey mystery, AN EXPERT IN MURDER, a reviewlet of Ray Banks' most excellent BEAST OF BURDEN, Criminal Element enjoys Catriona McPherson's DANDY GILVER AND THE PROPER TREATMENT OF BLOODSTAINS, and Murder By The Book looks at Chris Ewan's THE GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO PARIS.
A review of the stage version of Alexander McCall Smith's THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BERTIE and the print version of 44 SCOTLAND STREET: BERTIE PLAYS THE BLUES. And if you want to see where the 44 Scotland Street novels are set, you can do that very thing here. Finally, on the AMS front, you can listen to him being interviewed on Real Radio at the EBF.
An interesting interview with Gavin Knight about HOOD RAT covering crime fiction (I don't agree with all the points, needless to say), true crime, and feeling out of his depth in Glasgow.
A couple of reviews of the William McIlvanney event at the Edinburgh Book Festival where he takes a swipe at London publishers.
In another book festival event review - the careful Lin Anderson and the louche Tony Black. He is rather rakish.
And, finally, Scottish cow in freak ladder accident.
Monday, 25 July 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
News, Reviews, and How My Mum Was Right
A great blog post from Helen Fitzgerald on her speech for the Oscars sparked this equally great post from Douglas Lindsay. (By the way, Douglas, I totally agree with you about the annoying Squealapova. She sounds as though she's auditioning for a part in Deliverance.)
The always brilliant Allan Guthrie's Ten Rules To Write Noir. Fantastic stuff.
Nigel Bird reviews Russel McLean's THE GOOD SON, and a review for Karen Campbell's PROOF OF LIFE. Over at Crimesquad, July's reviews include a couple for Scottish authors - the lovely Michael Malone reviews Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON, and G.S. (who I'm sure is equally lovely) reviews Craig Russell's A FEAR OF DARK WATER.
And Denise Mina reviews a true crime book. Not only is it a great review, but it's also an interesting and funny look at the appeal of true crime. Talking of true crime, right at this moment there is a woman being huckled into the back of a police van just along the road...
An interview with Lin Anderson.
My Mum gets the proof she needs for her theory that women shouldn't swear. Bugger.
Finally - please could we have our enormous bobble hat back?
The always brilliant Allan Guthrie's Ten Rules To Write Noir. Fantastic stuff.
Nigel Bird reviews Russel McLean's THE GOOD SON, and a review for Karen Campbell's PROOF OF LIFE. Over at Crimesquad, July's reviews include a couple for Scottish authors - the lovely Michael Malone reviews Denise Mina's THE END OF THE WASP SEASON, and G.S. (who I'm sure is equally lovely) reviews Craig Russell's A FEAR OF DARK WATER.
And Denise Mina reviews a true crime book. Not only is it a great review, but it's also an interesting and funny look at the appeal of true crime. Talking of true crime, right at this moment there is a woman being huckled into the back of a police van just along the road...
An interview with Lin Anderson.
My Mum gets the proof she needs for her theory that women shouldn't swear. Bugger.
Finally - please could we have our enormous bobble hat back?
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Wednesday Randomness
The lovely Russel McLean has news of some events in Dundee:
"As part of the whole series of crime events, Dundee Waterstones now has Denise Mina on Thursday 19th, Quintin Jardine’s only full event (he’ll be doing stock signings elsewhere) for the new Bob Skinner – GRIEVOUS ANGEL - on the launch date (9th June) and of course Chris Brookmyre on the 22 June. All at 7pm, all at the Steps Theatre, Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee. All free, too, with tickets at the library and of course at Waterstones, 35 Commercial Street. "
Tony Black is doing an event at Stonehaven Library on 19th May. They do, however, have the name of his protagonist wrong. And Tony features a story I'd rather my Mum didn't see, over at Pulp Pusher.
Yvonne Klein reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY at reviewingtheevidence.com.
The Big Issue talks to Denise Mina about FIELD OF BLOOD. Excellent stuff.
Ian Rankin treats students to a scholarship and lunch.
"As part of the whole series of crime events, Dundee Waterstones now has Denise Mina on Thursday 19th, Quintin Jardine’s only full event (he’ll be doing stock signings elsewhere) for the new Bob Skinner – GRIEVOUS ANGEL - on the launch date (9th June) and of course Chris Brookmyre on the 22 June. All at 7pm, all at the Steps Theatre, Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee. All free, too, with tickets at the library and of course at Waterstones, 35 Commercial Street. "
Tony Black is doing an event at Stonehaven Library on 19th May. They do, however, have the name of his protagonist wrong. And Tony features a story I'd rather my Mum didn't see, over at Pulp Pusher.
Yvonne Klein reviews Philip Kerr's FIELD GRAY at reviewingtheevidence.com.
The Big Issue talks to Denise Mina about FIELD OF BLOOD. Excellent stuff.
Ian Rankin treats students to a scholarship and lunch.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Move on, move on, no royal wedding to see here
The Stage reviews Alexander McCall Smith's opera, The New Statesman has an exclusive short story, and Seattle Pi reviews THE DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB.
Metro Pulse reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica blog wishes Ian Rankin a happy birthday.
Congratulations to Val McDermid - to be honoured at the 23rd Lambda Literary Awards.
Russel McLean over at My Book, The Movie talking about THE LOST SISTER.
An interview with Gordon Ferris.
And, finally, a weekend treat - the new issue of Plots With Guns. I've only read one of the stories so far - Luke Nineteen Twenty-Seven. I came to the conclusion some time ago that Jimmy Callaway is a genius. Now I think Cameron Ashley is one too. Brilliant stuff. Have a lovely weekend, Dear Reader.
Metro Pulse reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica blog wishes Ian Rankin a happy birthday.
Congratulations to Val McDermid - to be honoured at the 23rd Lambda Literary Awards.
Russel McLean over at My Book, The Movie talking about THE LOST SISTER.
An interview with Gordon Ferris.
And, finally, a weekend treat - the new issue of Plots With Guns. I've only read one of the stories so far - Luke Nineteen Twenty-Seven. I came to the conclusion some time ago that Jimmy Callaway is a genius. Now I think Cameron Ashley is one too. Brilliant stuff. Have a lovely weekend, Dear Reader.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Still Playing Catch-Up
Val McDermid is interviewed over at Droemer Knaur (but don't worry, it's in English). And Val will be on BBC World Service's World Book Club on 4th May.
Catch Denise Mina in Dundee on 19th May.
Alexander McCall Smith takes more risks in his new book and says that getting into Mma Ramotswe's head is easy.
BND.com on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS. Another review, in the MCHerald, and an interview with the man himself over at WYSO. And Rebus may be coming back to a TV near you - but who will it be?
And the Calgary Herald looks at both Ian Rankin and Russel McLean.
J Kingston Pierce interviews Philip Kerr. And a review of FIELD GRAY.
A review of Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. And another one. And a third.
I Meant To Read That... loves Allan Guthrie's KILLING MUM.
The Guardian talks about the forthcoming Sherlock Holmes novel, written by Anthony Horowitz.
Have a lovely weekend, Dear Reader.
Catch Denise Mina in Dundee on 19th May.
Alexander McCall Smith takes more risks in his new book and says that getting into Mma Ramotswe's head is easy.
BND.com on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS. Another review, in the MCHerald, and an interview with the man himself over at WYSO. And Rebus may be coming back to a TV near you - but who will it be?
And the Calgary Herald looks at both Ian Rankin and Russel McLean.
J Kingston Pierce interviews Philip Kerr. And a review of FIELD GRAY.
A review of Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG. And another one. And a third.
I Meant To Read That... loves Allan Guthrie's KILLING MUM.
The Guardian talks about the forthcoming Sherlock Holmes novel, written by Anthony Horowitz.
Have a lovely weekend, Dear Reader.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Post-Berlin Catch Up
Hello, Dear Reader. Berlin was wonderful. We did loads of walking, eating, sightseeing. The Kills were great live, we went to a comedy club where we discovered the differences between the British and German sense of humour and I discovered Bratkartoffel. I didn't get to drive a tank as we ran out of days, and when we got to the Erotic Museum it was shut (I think the batteries had died). I may do a longer post about it at some point, just so I can bore you with my holiday snaps.
But for now, back to Scottish crime fiction.
Paul Brazill interviews Russel McLean.
And if you're in Dundee on Thursday, why not give yourself a wee treat and go and see Tony Black and Ray Banks. I believe they'll be naked-custard-wrestling.
Seattle Pi reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB. And here's an audio interview with him.
The Chronicle Herald reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.
My adopted son, Chris Ewan, with a little video on lock picking. Me and his granny are so proud of our wee boy. He used to practise on the neighbour's shed. Oh, by the way, does anyone want to buy a lawnmower and a pair of secateurs? Incidentally, what Chris fails to mention is that I can use a shim with great aplomb.
Ian Rankin loves the Rolling Stones.
And, finally, any crime writers fancy buying a mortuary?
But for now, back to Scottish crime fiction.
Paul Brazill interviews Russel McLean.
And if you're in Dundee on Thursday, why not give yourself a wee treat and go and see Tony Black and Ray Banks. I believe they'll be naked-custard-wrestling.
Seattle Pi reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE DOUBLE COMFORT SAFARI CLUB. And here's an audio interview with him.
The Chronicle Herald reviews Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG.
My adopted son, Chris Ewan, with a little video on lock picking. Me and his granny are so proud of our wee boy. He used to practise on the neighbour's shed. Oh, by the way, does anyone want to buy a lawnmower and a pair of secateurs? Incidentally, what Chris fails to mention is that I can use a shim with great aplomb.
Ian Rankin loves the Rolling Stones.
And, finally, any crime writers fancy buying a mortuary?
Monday, 28 March 2011
Cheerless, chippy, sozzled and tight-fisted? Us?
I hope you had a lovely weekend, Dear Reader. It's my last week of work this week - thanks again to all of you for your good wishes - I got on the Masters in Community Learning and Development course I wanted so, come September, I will be a student (pushing up the average age of the student population of Glasgow University quite considerably). I'm really looking forward to it, and to my placement at the wonderful Glasgow Women's Library, where I'm looking forward to becoming involved in all sorts of literacy and community projects. Before that, a few months to do some writing. I feel like the luckiest person in the world!
And now, on to the Scottish crime fiction round-up.
The Scotsman reviews Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG and Nigel over at Sea Minor enjoyed Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS.
Talking of Doug Johnstone, he's talking about books over at Untitled Books.
Kate Atkinson appears on 3rd April at Book Passage in Corte Madera. And Helen Fitzgerald is appearing at the Ramshorn Theatre in Glasgow this Wednesday (interviewed by the aforementioned Doug Johnstone, I do believe). Wine and twisted filth is promised. Excellent.
Russel McLean with a really interesting post on becoming a writer over at Musings of An All Purpose Monkey and Elizabeth - the blog's host - loves THE LOST SISTER.
Ian Rankin on structuring a crime novel.
And, finally, the depiction of Scottish people on the big screen. "Unkempt attire, wild-eyed aspect and eccentric haircut"? I do believe that's how my mother usually greets me when I go down for a visit.
And now, on to the Scottish crime fiction round-up.
The Scotsman reviews Gordon Ferris' THE HANGING SHED, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG and Nigel over at Sea Minor enjoyed Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS.
Talking of Doug Johnstone, he's talking about books over at Untitled Books.
Kate Atkinson appears on 3rd April at Book Passage in Corte Madera. And Helen Fitzgerald is appearing at the Ramshorn Theatre in Glasgow this Wednesday (interviewed by the aforementioned Doug Johnstone, I do believe). Wine and twisted filth is promised. Excellent.
Russel McLean with a really interesting post on becoming a writer over at Musings of An All Purpose Monkey and Elizabeth - the blog's host - loves THE LOST SISTER.
Ian Rankin on structuring a crime novel.
And, finally, the depiction of Scottish people on the big screen. "Unkempt attire, wild-eyed aspect and eccentric haircut"? I do believe that's how my mother usually greets me when I go down for a visit.
Friday, 25 March 2011
It's That Friday Feeling
The latest stage of The Great Russel McLean Blog Tour sees the lovely Russel being interviewed by Steve Hockensmith. And it's great fun.
NPR on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
A look at the new Sherlock Holmes film.
See Iain Banks at Aberdeen's Word Festival on 28th March, Quintin Jardine's launching his new book at Tranent Library on March 31st and Alexander McCall Smith will be at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Eurocrime reviews Peter May's THE BLACKHOUSE.
Dominic West talks to Charles Cumming about THE TRINITY SIX.
And, finally, crime writers dominate the list of most borrowed books in Scotland.
The Bookpage would like you to meet Philip Kerr. And The Daily Beast talks to Kate Atkinson about not taking her characters too seriously.
NPR on Ian Rankin's THE COMPLAINTS.
A look at the new Sherlock Holmes film.
See Iain Banks at Aberdeen's Word Festival on 28th March, Quintin Jardine's launching his new book at Tranent Library on March 31st and Alexander McCall Smith will be at the Fayetteville Public Library on April 8th.
Eurocrime reviews Peter May's THE BLACKHOUSE.
Dominic West talks to Charles Cumming about THE TRINITY SIX.
And, finally, crime writers dominate the list of most borrowed books in Scotland.
The Bookpage would like you to meet Philip Kerr. And The Daily Beast talks to Kate Atkinson about not taking her characters too seriously.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Fancy a quickie?
Because that's all you're going to get today. I am very behind (does my bum look big in this blog?)
I was at the CWA lunch in Glasgow last week - lovely lunch, even lovelier people. There was a wee bit of chat about the Scottish crime fiction convention Bloody Scots, which is all sounding very exciting. It will be held in mid-September 2012 in Stirling and some top Scottish names have already signed up. More in due course. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it develops.
And now a wee bit of Scottish crime fiction news.
Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS is now out and there's a great article on him in The Skinny. And, in a conversation on Twitter with Russel McLean, Doug mentions that he was asked about swearing in his books. The comment was - can you believe this - "I think your book is disgusting." Actually, if I hadn't already bought the book, that comment would make me rush out and buy it. Incidentally, Russel's response was that someone once spoke to him about his book, without realising he was the author, saying "I couldn't have such filth in my house. So I burned it." Reporting a Twitter conversation makes me feel like some creepy eavesdropper, standing behind a wall, while all the cool kids chat. But there you go.
Talking of Twitter, Ian Rankin gives his views on the subject.
Val McDermid talks about Irish crime fiction.
And Ian Rankin again - this time he's asked 7 questions by Book Page, Crime Watch interviews Liam McIlvanney, and Quercus interviews Peter May.
Alexander Mc Call Smith's THE MEMORY OF LOST THINGS is reviewed in The Herald.
I was at the CWA lunch in Glasgow last week - lovely lunch, even lovelier people. There was a wee bit of chat about the Scottish crime fiction convention Bloody Scots, which is all sounding very exciting. It will be held in mid-September 2012 in Stirling and some top Scottish names have already signed up. More in due course. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it develops.
And now a wee bit of Scottish crime fiction news.
Doug Johnstone's SMOKEHEADS is now out and there's a great article on him in The Skinny. And, in a conversation on Twitter with Russel McLean, Doug mentions that he was asked about swearing in his books. The comment was - can you believe this - "I think your book is disgusting." Actually, if I hadn't already bought the book, that comment would make me rush out and buy it. Incidentally, Russel's response was that someone once spoke to him about his book, without realising he was the author, saying "I couldn't have such filth in my house. So I burned it." Reporting a Twitter conversation makes me feel like some creepy eavesdropper, standing behind a wall, while all the cool kids chat. But there you go.
Talking of Twitter, Ian Rankin gives his views on the subject.
Val McDermid talks about Irish crime fiction.
And Ian Rankin again - this time he's asked 7 questions by Book Page, Crime Watch interviews Liam McIlvanney, and Quercus interviews Peter May.
Alexander Mc Call Smith's THE MEMORY OF LOST THINGS is reviewed in The Herald.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Berlin Calling
I've been investigating things to see and places to visit for our forthcoming trip to Berlin - so far my list includes an abandoned amusement park, some mechanical monsters, a cinema in a squat, and a sex museum. Plus I'm wondering how Ewan feels about a tank driving experience. For me, not him, of course.
I've always said that Ian Rankin is one of the most generous people in crime fiction and this just proves it.
A few interviews. First of all ten minutes with Irvine Welsh, a video interview with William McIlvanney, an excellent interview with Tony Black over at Crimeculture, and Craig Robertson talks about RANDOM.
And, talking of Tony Black, he and the equally lovely Russel McLean will be at Cowdenbeath Library on March 17th.
Here's Doug Johnstone in the Scottish Review of Books. And he's having a launch party for SMOKEHEADS (which I've just received - woohoo!) on Thursday 3rd March in Edinburgh. And here's the unofficial trailer. And he's all over the place, the floozy. I'm hoping to make the Aye Write event on the 8th.
Milo of Milo's Rambles reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Alexander McCall Smith's opera - The Okavango Macbeth - has its first UK airing in Edinburgh on 20th and 21st April.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader. More on Sunday.
I've always said that Ian Rankin is one of the most generous people in crime fiction and this just proves it.
A few interviews. First of all ten minutes with Irvine Welsh, a video interview with William McIlvanney, an excellent interview with Tony Black over at Crimeculture, and Craig Robertson talks about RANDOM.
And, talking of Tony Black, he and the equally lovely Russel McLean will be at Cowdenbeath Library on March 17th.
Here's Doug Johnstone in the Scottish Review of Books. And he's having a launch party for SMOKEHEADS (which I've just received - woohoo!) on Thursday 3rd March in Edinburgh. And here's the unofficial trailer. And he's all over the place, the floozy. I'm hoping to make the Aye Write event on the 8th.
Milo of Milo's Rambles reviews Charles Cumming's THE TRINITY SIX.
Alexander McCall Smith's opera - The Okavango Macbeth - has its first UK airing in Edinburgh on 20th and 21st April.
Have a lovely weekend, dear Reader. More on Sunday.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Yet Another Top 10...errrr 12... of 2010
Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2011 is wonderful to all of you, bringing you everything you wish for yourselves, and much more besides.
Well, everyone else is doing it, so here is a round-up of my favourite books of 2010. No particular order but I've put the Scottish crime fiction first.
LOST IN JUAREZ - Douglas Lindsay
Published: 2008
Publisher: Long Midnight Publishing
Setting: Scotland and London
Protagonist: Lake Weston
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'The house stood on the side of a hill looking down over the glen, across the Ullapool Road, out over Ben Wyvis.'
Best known for his wonderful darkly comic Barney Thomson, barbershop death junkie series, LOST IN JUAREZ is a much more sinister proposition. Lake Weston writes children's books about a 7-year old boy called Fenton Bargus. Very successful books that have made him an award-winning millionaire and much in demand to give talks at schools. He does, however, have to be reminded not to swear in front of the children. He also has an addiction to Bob Dylan, two ex-wives, drinks far too much, and can't remember the names of the many women he sleeps with. He's cynical, jaded, and can't seem to get out of the cosy little rut he's in. However, when his latest manuscript - Fenton Bargus Take on The Prime Minister - gets into the hands of someone in the Government, his publishers are told to withdraw it, or else.
It's hardly a major political tract, but with terrorist threats on a daily basis and the Government using these threats as a means of trampling all over personal freedoms, they're coming down heavy handed and jack-booted - even on a children's book author. So that makes Lake a little bit peeved and he decides to write a book about heavy-handed Government trampling all over personal freedoms.And if you think that's going to get him in even more trouble than writing a book about a seven year old boy who takes on the Prime Minister then you would be absolutely correct.
It was a very timely read for me - what with the whole WikiLeaks thing. It's thrilling, sinister, and a fast and fascinating read. Great fun and a little bit scary.
THE OSSIANS - Doug Johnstone
Published: 2008
Setting: Scotland
Protagonist: Connor Alexander
Series?: I presume it's a standalone
First Lines: '"Connor, I don't know why I let you drag me to the stupidest places."'
Indie guitar band The Ossians are on the verge of signing a major record deal and their lead singer Connor decides that now would be a good time to tour Scotland, going to some of the dreariest, bleakest places - in winter. Connor - self-destructive and full of himself - spends most of the tour drunk or high on a cocktail of drugs. But this is definitely not what you would typically consider a rock and roll lifestyle with its series of tedious gigs in seedy venues. And, unlike most tours (I would hope!) the tension mounts with drug dealers, stalkers and gun-toting Russian sub-mariners. I didn't like Connor at all - he's got a chip on his shoulder the size of a bag of King Edwards - but I really loved reading about him and wanted to know what would happen to him. Connor has led a pampered, rather empty, middle-class life and the tour seems to be a search for the holy grail of his own identity, as well as that of Scotland. A thought-provoking and fascinating read. And really good fun. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
THE LOST SISTER - Russel McLean
Published: October 2009
Setting: Dundee
Protagonist: McNee
Series?: 2nd
First Lines: 'He doesn't waste a moment. Lets go of the axe, brings both hands round on either side of my head and slams them together.'
Hard-boiled Dundee PI McNee is called upon to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl. He's reluctant, since the girl is the god-daughter of David Burns - someone that McNee is not particularly fond of, and that's putting it lightly. McNee lets himself be beguiled by his dislike of Burns - as well as his desire to right some wrongs - as he investigates the secrets and lies that lead him to become more and more emotionally involved in the case. Brutal, chilling, pacy and dramatic, THE LOST SISTER is superb - but very sad. I felt melancholic from about half way through and burst into tears at the end (it seems a pattern is developing!) McNee is an excellent character - tough as nails on the outside, but much softer on the inside - something he does his best to hide. He is uncompromising about right and wrong, his moral compass is firmly set, and his prickly exterior hides a troubled and isolated person who just can't get close to people. You don't know whether to hug him or punch him. Russel McLean spins a fine and expertly told tale.
SHADOWPLAY - Karen Campbell
Published: 2010
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Setting: Glasgow
Protagonist: Chief Inspector Anna Campbell
Series?: 3rd
First Line: 'On a hill swept by oak, a single soft glow shines from a darker bulk.'
Anna Cameron has been promoted to Chief Inspector and moved to a new Division. A fresh start and a clean sheet should be just the ticket. Unfortunately, Anna discovers that she now has the worst boss in the world. On top of that her Mum - who she doesn't have a great relationship with - is seriously ill. Anna has plenty of work to keep her busy - the racially motivated attack of a young man, the disappearance of an elderly lady from a nursing home, added to the fact that someone is threatening one of her officers. Underlying everything in this book is the theme of motherhood. This is one of the best books I've read this year. The first two in the series were excellent but this is something else - gorgeous and atmospheric writing, a wonderful sense of place with a mix of darkness and humour that is the very heart and soul of Glasgow, an authentic depiction of police work that makes you wonder why anyone wants to join up, characters that you really get to know and an absorbing plot. Gritty, witty, and pretty bloody amazing. I was totally captivated from start to finish.
LONG TIME DEAD - Tony Black
Published: 2010
Publisher: Preface Publishing
Setting: Edinburgh
Protagonist: Gus Dury
Series?: 4th
First Line: 'The doctor was a no-nonsense west-coaster, type that called a spade a shovel and if you didn't like it would add, You got a problem with that?'
Gus Dury is back on the bevvy - and no bloody wonder after what happened in book 3. Not only is he back on the drink but he's in hospital and in a bad way after being run down by an old lady on a mobility scooter. When his best friend Hod visits and asks him to help him investigate the death of a student - son of a high-profile actress, Gus is reluctant - let's face it, his career as a PI hasn't turned out very well for him so far, has it? However, since he feels partly responsible for the cash-strapped state in which Hod currently finds himself, he agrees. One more bad decision in a whole string of bad decisions. Sometimes it feels as though nothing Gus does is ever going to be right. For me he's a thoroughly noir protagonist. He's constantly trying to dig himself out of a hole that's too big for him to scrabble out of. What's more, fate is standing giggling at the top, shovelling in more earth on top of him. And, when someone does finally throw down a shovel, it hits Gus on the head. This is a very dark book, but relieved by Gus' cynical, self-deprecating humour. After this entry in the series, I want a little gladness for Gus. Wonderful stuff.
THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE - Helen Fitzgerald
Published: 2010
Publisher: Polygon
Setting: London
Protagonist: Bronny
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'It was fifty-fifty. Mum had it, and had died in a pool of her own mad froth.'
When Bronny escapes Australia three weeks after her eighteenth birthday, it's because she doesn't want to find out whether she has the disease which killed her mother. So she decides to go to London and do some living. Living consists of cleaning the hair out of the drains in a female sauna and steam rooms, living in a squat, taking loads of drugs, trying to lose her virginity, and worrying about the noises coming from the basement. Less overtly humourous and with a darker feel than most of her other books, this one is a fast and furious read with plenty of heart-stopping moments and twists and turns. Helen - having met you at Crimefest last year, my Dad wants to know how much of this is autobiographical. I told him that I didn't think the bit about the basement was true, but that I couldn't vouch for the sex and drugs.
GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO VEGAS - Chris Ewan
Published: 2010
Publisher: Pocket Books
Setting: Las Vegas
Protagonist: Charlie Howard
Series?: 3rd
First Lines: 'Stealing a man's wallet is easier than you might think.'
Crime-writing thief Charlie Howard is having a not entirely enjoyable holiday in Las Vegas. He's lost at poker, and Victoria - his literary agent - is under the spell of the Fifty-Fifty Casino's superstar magician and illusionist, Josh Masters. Charlie's a bit miffed, not to mention a tad jealous. So he decides to pick Josh Masters' pocket and steal his wallet. And then use his keycard to break into his room. Which turns out to be an unwise move - mostly due to the nasty surprise he finds in the bathroom. This series just gets better and better with each book. It's funny, entertaining, exceedingly well-plotted and full of fascinating atmosphere. Charlie is a great character - Raffles meets Cary Grant meets The Saint meets Raymond Chandler. He's disarming, has his own - slightly offbeat - moral code, and is definitely someone you would want on your side. Of course, he's just as liable to get you into trouble as out of it - but he's so charming you wouldn't care. In fact, you'd relish the fact.
BAKED - Mark Haskell Smith
Published: 2010
Publisher: Black Cat
Setting: Amsterdam and Los Angeles
Protagonist: Miro Basinas
Series?: Standalone
First Line:'One bullet can really fuck up your day.'
Miro - a mild mannered botanist type - has invented a new strain of cannabis which he has named Elephant Crush. When it wins the prestigious Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, suddenly, all sorts of people are interested - not all of them nice - especially drug dealer Shamus Noriega (yes, really) and medical marijuana guru Vincent - the totally compassion-less owner of the 'Compassion Centers". I've waited far too long for another Mark Haskell Smith. As with his other books BAKED is full of mindless violence, black humour, and wonderfully absurd characters - in this one a paramedic with a strap on, a young Mormon both fascinated and scared by sex and assorted bad guys including one called Shamus Noriega - half Salvadoran and whose "father was an Irish merchant seaman turned construction worker turned bartender turned Latina impregnator turned deportation victim who was sent back to Cork when Shamus was only five". Wickedly funny and warped. Loved it - I felt as though I was inhaling when I got a fit of the giggles.
Well, everyone else is doing it, so here is a round-up of my favourite books of 2010. No particular order but I've put the Scottish crime fiction first.
LOST IN JUAREZ - Douglas Lindsay
Published: 2008
Publisher: Long Midnight Publishing
Setting: Scotland and London
Protagonist: Lake Weston
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'The house stood on the side of a hill looking down over the glen, across the Ullapool Road, out over Ben Wyvis.'
Best known for his wonderful darkly comic Barney Thomson, barbershop death junkie series, LOST IN JUAREZ is a much more sinister proposition. Lake Weston writes children's books about a 7-year old boy called Fenton Bargus. Very successful books that have made him an award-winning millionaire and much in demand to give talks at schools. He does, however, have to be reminded not to swear in front of the children. He also has an addiction to Bob Dylan, two ex-wives, drinks far too much, and can't remember the names of the many women he sleeps with. He's cynical, jaded, and can't seem to get out of the cosy little rut he's in. However, when his latest manuscript - Fenton Bargus Take on The Prime Minister - gets into the hands of someone in the Government, his publishers are told to withdraw it, or else.
It's hardly a major political tract, but with terrorist threats on a daily basis and the Government using these threats as a means of trampling all over personal freedoms, they're coming down heavy handed and jack-booted - even on a children's book author. So that makes Lake a little bit peeved and he decides to write a book about heavy-handed Government trampling all over personal freedoms.And if you think that's going to get him in even more trouble than writing a book about a seven year old boy who takes on the Prime Minister then you would be absolutely correct.
It was a very timely read for me - what with the whole WikiLeaks thing. It's thrilling, sinister, and a fast and fascinating read. Great fun and a little bit scary.
THE OSSIANS - Doug Johnstone
Published: 2008
Setting: Scotland
Protagonist: Connor Alexander
Series?: I presume it's a standalone
First Lines: '"Connor, I don't know why I let you drag me to the stupidest places."'
Indie guitar band The Ossians are on the verge of signing a major record deal and their lead singer Connor decides that now would be a good time to tour Scotland, going to some of the dreariest, bleakest places - in winter. Connor - self-destructive and full of himself - spends most of the tour drunk or high on a cocktail of drugs. But this is definitely not what you would typically consider a rock and roll lifestyle with its series of tedious gigs in seedy venues. And, unlike most tours (I would hope!) the tension mounts with drug dealers, stalkers and gun-toting Russian sub-mariners. I didn't like Connor at all - he's got a chip on his shoulder the size of a bag of King Edwards - but I really loved reading about him and wanted to know what would happen to him. Connor has led a pampered, rather empty, middle-class life and the tour seems to be a search for the holy grail of his own identity, as well as that of Scotland. A thought-provoking and fascinating read. And really good fun. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
THE LOST SISTER - Russel McLean
Published: October 2009
Setting: Dundee
Protagonist: McNee
Series?: 2nd
First Lines: 'He doesn't waste a moment. Lets go of the axe, brings both hands round on either side of my head and slams them together.'
Hard-boiled Dundee PI McNee is called upon to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl. He's reluctant, since the girl is the god-daughter of David Burns - someone that McNee is not particularly fond of, and that's putting it lightly. McNee lets himself be beguiled by his dislike of Burns - as well as his desire to right some wrongs - as he investigates the secrets and lies that lead him to become more and more emotionally involved in the case. Brutal, chilling, pacy and dramatic, THE LOST SISTER is superb - but very sad. I felt melancholic from about half way through and burst into tears at the end (it seems a pattern is developing!) McNee is an excellent character - tough as nails on the outside, but much softer on the inside - something he does his best to hide. He is uncompromising about right and wrong, his moral compass is firmly set, and his prickly exterior hides a troubled and isolated person who just can't get close to people. You don't know whether to hug him or punch him. Russel McLean spins a fine and expertly told tale.
SHADOWPLAY - Karen Campbell
Published: 2010
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Setting: Glasgow
Protagonist: Chief Inspector Anna Campbell
Series?: 3rd
First Line: 'On a hill swept by oak, a single soft glow shines from a darker bulk.'
Anna Cameron has been promoted to Chief Inspector and moved to a new Division. A fresh start and a clean sheet should be just the ticket. Unfortunately, Anna discovers that she now has the worst boss in the world. On top of that her Mum - who she doesn't have a great relationship with - is seriously ill. Anna has plenty of work to keep her busy - the racially motivated attack of a young man, the disappearance of an elderly lady from a nursing home, added to the fact that someone is threatening one of her officers. Underlying everything in this book is the theme of motherhood. This is one of the best books I've read this year. The first two in the series were excellent but this is something else - gorgeous and atmospheric writing, a wonderful sense of place with a mix of darkness and humour that is the very heart and soul of Glasgow, an authentic depiction of police work that makes you wonder why anyone wants to join up, characters that you really get to know and an absorbing plot. Gritty, witty, and pretty bloody amazing. I was totally captivated from start to finish.
LONG TIME DEAD - Tony Black
Published: 2010
Publisher: Preface Publishing
Setting: Edinburgh
Protagonist: Gus Dury
Series?: 4th
First Line: 'The doctor was a no-nonsense west-coaster, type that called a spade a shovel and if you didn't like it would add, You got a problem with that?'
Gus Dury is back on the bevvy - and no bloody wonder after what happened in book 3. Not only is he back on the drink but he's in hospital and in a bad way after being run down by an old lady on a mobility scooter. When his best friend Hod visits and asks him to help him investigate the death of a student - son of a high-profile actress, Gus is reluctant - let's face it, his career as a PI hasn't turned out very well for him so far, has it? However, since he feels partly responsible for the cash-strapped state in which Hod currently finds himself, he agrees. One more bad decision in a whole string of bad decisions. Sometimes it feels as though nothing Gus does is ever going to be right. For me he's a thoroughly noir protagonist. He's constantly trying to dig himself out of a hole that's too big for him to scrabble out of. What's more, fate is standing giggling at the top, shovelling in more earth on top of him. And, when someone does finally throw down a shovel, it hits Gus on the head. This is a very dark book, but relieved by Gus' cynical, self-deprecating humour. After this entry in the series, I want a little gladness for Gus. Wonderful stuff.
THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE - Helen Fitzgerald
Published: 2010
Publisher: Polygon
Setting: London
Protagonist: Bronny
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'It was fifty-fifty. Mum had it, and had died in a pool of her own mad froth.'
When Bronny escapes Australia three weeks after her eighteenth birthday, it's because she doesn't want to find out whether she has the disease which killed her mother. So she decides to go to London and do some living. Living consists of cleaning the hair out of the drains in a female sauna and steam rooms, living in a squat, taking loads of drugs, trying to lose her virginity, and worrying about the noises coming from the basement. Less overtly humourous and with a darker feel than most of her other books, this one is a fast and furious read with plenty of heart-stopping moments and twists and turns. Helen - having met you at Crimefest last year, my Dad wants to know how much of this is autobiographical. I told him that I didn't think the bit about the basement was true, but that I couldn't vouch for the sex and drugs.
GOOD THIEF'S GUIDE TO VEGAS - Chris Ewan
Published: 2010
Publisher: Pocket Books
Setting: Las Vegas
Protagonist: Charlie Howard
Series?: 3rd
First Lines: 'Stealing a man's wallet is easier than you might think.'
Crime-writing thief Charlie Howard is having a not entirely enjoyable holiday in Las Vegas. He's lost at poker, and Victoria - his literary agent - is under the spell of the Fifty-Fifty Casino's superstar magician and illusionist, Josh Masters. Charlie's a bit miffed, not to mention a tad jealous. So he decides to pick Josh Masters' pocket and steal his wallet. And then use his keycard to break into his room. Which turns out to be an unwise move - mostly due to the nasty surprise he finds in the bathroom. This series just gets better and better with each book. It's funny, entertaining, exceedingly well-plotted and full of fascinating atmosphere. Charlie is a great character - Raffles meets Cary Grant meets The Saint meets Raymond Chandler. He's disarming, has his own - slightly offbeat - moral code, and is definitely someone you would want on your side. Of course, he's just as liable to get you into trouble as out of it - but he's so charming you wouldn't care. In fact, you'd relish the fact.
BAKED - Mark Haskell Smith
Published: 2010
Publisher: Black Cat
Setting: Amsterdam and Los Angeles
Protagonist: Miro Basinas
Series?: Standalone
First Line:'One bullet can really fuck up your day.'
Miro - a mild mannered botanist type - has invented a new strain of cannabis which he has named Elephant Crush. When it wins the prestigious Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, suddenly, all sorts of people are interested - not all of them nice - especially drug dealer Shamus Noriega (yes, really) and medical marijuana guru Vincent - the totally compassion-less owner of the 'Compassion Centers". I've waited far too long for another Mark Haskell Smith. As with his other books BAKED is full of mindless violence, black humour, and wonderfully absurd characters - in this one a paramedic with a strap on, a young Mormon both fascinated and scared by sex and assorted bad guys including one called Shamus Noriega - half Salvadoran and whose "father was an Irish merchant seaman turned construction worker turned bartender turned Latina impregnator turned deportation victim who was sent back to Cork when Shamus was only five". Wickedly funny and warped. Loved it - I felt as though I was inhaling when I got a fit of the giggles.
RUT - Scott Phillips
Published: 2010
Publisher: Concord Free Press
Setting: Gower, smalltown USA
Protagonist: Bridget (but with fine support from a mad ensemble cast)
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'Her week's supplies purchased, Bridget walks the bicycle in lurching bumps over the shattered asphalt away from the center of the town of Gower until she reaches the ruin of an old commercial district glimpsed the week before, when she was too busy to take pictures.'
It's almost impossible to describe RUT and still sound sane. So here goes. Take some crystal meth. Now drink a bottle of tequila. And now imagine a post-apocalyptic novel but without the apocalypse. See what I mean? It's set in a dystopian near-future where wine is traded on the black market, religious fundamentalism is a must, toxic waste hasn't had a positive effect on the wildlife and Big Brother is most definitely watching. RUT is quirky, witty and funny but also thought-provoking and slightly unsettling.
RADGEPACKET 4: Tales From The Inner Cities - Various - short story collection
Published: March 2010
Publisher: Byker Books
Setting: Various
Protagonist: Various rapscallions, madmen and cutpurses
Series?: Luckily, yes, there are more
A collection of 22 short stories - gritty, funny, weird, warped and wonderful. Some of my favourites were Ray Banks' THE DEACON SHUFFLE about a robbery in a chemist's shop, Keith Gingell's REPO - a chilling tale of a man who values houses that have been repossessed, Danny King's IT STARTED WITH A DISS - a great story of a schoolboy crush, Steve Porter's creepy BLURRED GIRL DIARIES, Paul Brazill's THE NIGHT WATCHMAN and Blaine Ward's AN EYE FOR AN EYE. They're not all crime stories but many of them have a crime in, and all of them are deliciously nasty. An anthology for those who like their fiction twisted, profane and depraved. Me, I loved it.
SANCTUARY - Ken Bruen
Published: 2008
Publisher: Transworld Ireland
Setting: Galway
Protagonist: Jack Taylor
Series?: 7th
First Lines: 'Dear Mr Taylor, please forgive the formality.'
Jack Taylor is sober. That's worth mentioning because it doesn't happen very often, nor last very long. He was on his way to the airport, getting ready to leave Ireland, but his friend Ridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, so he stayed. He might live to regret that when he gets a letter from someone. It's a list: 'Two guards, one nun, one judge. And, alas, one child.' And it seems they're all going to die. Spare prose, dark humour. My addiction to Bruen is like Jack's addiction to the bottle. Only I'm never giving up.
SILENCE OF THE GRAVE - Arnaldur Indridason
Published: 2006 (first published 2002)
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Setting: Iceland
Protagonist: Detective Inspector Erlendur Sveinsson
Series?: 2nd
First Lines: 'He knew at once it was a human bone, when he took it from the baby who was sitting on the floor chewing it.'
As a decades old skeleton is slowly and carefully unearthed, so detective Erlendur Sveinsson slowly and meticulously uncovers the solution, fleshing out the bare bones of the story by painstaking detective work.Erlendur is lonely, miserable, and he doesn’t seem to have that much going for him. His ex wife hates him, his children avoid him, and his daughter is a pregnant drug addict. Indridason is one of those authors who do social realism really well. The main theme of SILENCE OF THE GRAVE is domestic violence – past and present. And a very compelling and sad tale it is too. It made me feel quite melancholy as I was reading it and heartsick for several of the characters.
And my favourite non crime fiction book of the year:
DISTURBING THE PEACE - Richard Yates
Published: 1975
Publisher: Vintage
Setting: USA
Protagonist: John Wilder
Series?: Standalone
First Line: 'Everything began to go wrong for Janice Wilder in the late summer of 1960.'
John Wilder sells advertising space and has a comfortable but boring life in Manhattan. He's disappointed - with his family, his job, his life, himself. To mask the disappointment and alleviate the boredom, he drinks and has affairs. Away from home at a convention he has a breakdown and, on his return to New York, he calls his wife from a bar and tells her that if he comes home he'll kill her and their child. As a result of his threats he's commited to Bellevue. This is a great tale of delusion and paranoia, which feels a lot like a cross between One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and Mad Men. The beginning, in particular, is depressingly wonderful and the book is heartbreaking, simple and raw. For god's sake don't read it if you're feeling miserable.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
"Like a lepidopterist mounting a tough-skinned insect with a too blunt pin"
The bad sex in fiction award has been...errrr...awarded.
A few days left to listen to Ian Rankin's favourite music of 2010. And Rebus' favourite pub is named as one of the Famous 100. While the pub featured in Trainspotting is up for a Pub Oscar.
News from Douglas Lindsay's blog that he's started work on a new non-Barney Thompson crime novel. Excellent news.
Charles Cumming in conversation with Dominic West.
A review of M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP, the Washington Times reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, and Laura Wilson in The Guardian reviews Aline Templeton's CRADLE TO GRAVE.
And a couple of reviews for Philip Kerr - one for A QUIET FLAME, and one for THE ONE FROM THE OTHER. And the man himself talks about writing, his office and yoga on the Sky Arts Book Show.
Jane Hammons goes to Bouchercon to see Kate Atkinson.
New Zealander Andrew Porteous wins an international publishing competition with his book A POLITICAL AFFAIR, about a half-Maori, half-Scottish detective. Congratulations, Andrew.
The lovely people at Five Leaves on Scotland's apparent shortage of names - citing both Russel McLean and the newly signed up Michael Malone as examples.
A few days left to listen to Ian Rankin's favourite music of 2010. And Rebus' favourite pub is named as one of the Famous 100. While the pub featured in Trainspotting is up for a Pub Oscar.
News from Douglas Lindsay's blog that he's started work on a new non-Barney Thompson crime novel. Excellent news.
Charles Cumming in conversation with Dominic West.
A review of M C Beaton's DEATH OF A CHIMNEY SWEEP, the Washington Times reviews Alexander McCall Smith's THE CHARMING QUIRKS OF OTHERS, and Laura Wilson in The Guardian reviews Aline Templeton's CRADLE TO GRAVE.
And a couple of reviews for Philip Kerr - one for A QUIET FLAME, and one for THE ONE FROM THE OTHER. And the man himself talks about writing, his office and yoga on the Sky Arts Book Show.
Jane Hammons goes to Bouchercon to see Kate Atkinson.
New Zealander Andrew Porteous wins an international publishing competition with his book A POLITICAL AFFAIR, about a half-Maori, half-Scottish detective. Congratulations, Andrew.
The lovely people at Five Leaves on Scotland's apparent shortage of names - citing both Russel McLean and the newly signed up Michael Malone as examples.
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