No Mercy Following the apparent suicide of a Highways Inspector, Environmental health Officer Kent Fisher wonders if everything is as clear-cut as it appears. When bolshy restaurateur Samson Capote is found dead in his own freezer, it seems too much of a coincidence, but…
Category: Writing
Reinventing Baker Street
Is it possible to transform two of the most famous characters in crime fiction into something new, without simply repeating what many others have done before? The popularity of Sherlock Holmes continually inspires writers to pay homage to the creations of Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as offering the opportunity to fashion new scenarios based…
‘Seeking Mr Hare’ by Maurice Leitch
Seeking Mr Hare Following the hanging of his partner in crime Willie Burke, William Hare (having been offered immunity from prosecution) is set free and put on a coach to Carlisle. But the people of Edinburgh are unhappy that such a vile individual has escaped his crimes and Hare soon recognises the need to disappear…
‘I Talk Too Much’ by Francis Rossi
I Talk Too Much I’ve been a Status Quo fan since the early seventies, and while I haven’t seen them live since 1980, I’ve always loved their music. Having said that, I did feel a little sceptical about reading this book, as whenever I saw them interviewed, Rossi often came across as a bit aloof…
‘The Clydach Murders’ by John Morris
The Clydach Murders (Audiobook) South Wales, 1999. Single mum Mandy Power, her mother and her two daughters are battered to death in the early hours of Sunday 27th June. Then, in a bid by the killer to destroy evidence, the house is set on fire. Unpopular builder David (Dai) Morris is tried twice for the…
‘The Green Bicycle Mystery’ by Antony M Brown
The Green Bicycle Mystery On a lonely country lane in 1919, a bicycle is found lying across the road, next to the body of a young woman. Utilising fresh evidence, witness statements and court reports, Antony M Brown suggests several possible solutions to a murder case that has remained a mystery for one hundred years.…
‘When Stars Will Shine’ by Emma Mitchell
When Stars Will Shine Compiled by Emma Mitchell, this short story collection delivers festive-themed tales with a twist. Featuring Louise Jensen, Graham Smith, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Lucy Cameron, Val Portelli, Alex Kane and many others, the proceeds will be donated to supporting our troops. As with all short story anthologies, this is a mixed bag, with…
‘On Writing Horror’ by Mort Castle
On Writing Horror Revised edition of the handbook with contributions from Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, Joyce Carol Oates and many others. Exploring everything from what horror is, to how to avoid falling into the trap of rehashing old tropes, there’s something here for everyone. I originally bought the paperback version of this, but due to…
‘The Hellbound Heart’ by Clive Barker
The Hellbound Heart Clive Barker’s superlative novella tells a gruesome tale of greed, love and desire, as the hedonistic Frank determines to explore the intricacies of a strange and magical box. Given that the book prompted a great movie series (Hellraiser et al) which Barker also directed, I’m puzzled that it’s taken me this long…
‘Couples who Kill: Elytte and Miranda Barbour’ by Kathryn McMaster
Couples who Kill: Elytte and Miranda Barbour Personal ads on Craigslist cover a whole range of subjects, but for Troy LaFerrara who enjoys casual sex, the young couple who answer his advert are seeking more than a bit of adult fun. After agreeing to meet Elytte and Miranda Barbour, LaFerrara is found in a dark…
