A.B. Patterson's Blog, page 5
March 5, 2021
PI Harry Kenmare heads for the American Library in Paris
Following in his footsteps to Kenmare Library in Ireland, Harry is expanding his international outreach program and has now headed for Paris: specifically the American Library in Paris, the largest English-language library in Europe.
Harry's creator wishes he was heading for Paris, too, believe me, but it'll be a while before we're allowed to travel again.
As Paris and France are special to me, I thought I'd let local English-speaking readers in Paris get a load of the dark and debauched world of PI Harry Kenmare.
Postal tracking says the box (pictured) with its donated three copies of each book has now arrived in French customs.
Next stop the library.
Cheers,
ABP
Harry's creator wishes he was heading for Paris, too, believe me, but it'll be a while before we're allowed to travel again.
As Paris and France are special to me, I thought I'd let local English-speaking readers in Paris get a load of the dark and debauched world of PI Harry Kenmare.
Postal tracking says the box (pictured) with its donated three copies of each book has now arrived in French customs.
Next stop the library.
Cheers,
ABP
March 4, 2021
New book - And now for something completely different...
My headline, of course, is courtesy of the immortal Monty Python (I'll love them until I die!).
But for me as a hard-boiled crime fiction author, this is the epitome of "something completely different".
It's also something so very personal.
Little-known fact about me as a person/author: as a young child (age 7) I was sent to an English boarding school.
The experience has left me scarred for life.
And I'm obviously not alone.
Over 10 years ago, I connected with a group in the UK, Boarding Concern, who provided a support network for boarding school survivors. Aside from slaying a few personal demons, I ended up with the honour and privilege of being able to be instrumental in putting together a book of accounts, of a very personal nature, from a wide range of men who had gone through the trauma of English boarding schools.
It is indescribably wonderful to this year, 2021, see Routledge publish the end result of a project that ran for about 8 years: from the initial canvassing of survivors to the final testament. It was a long road, believe me.
I'm so proud to be a co-editor of, and also a contributing author to, this immensely important collection of personal stories.
Special thanks to my two co-editors, Margaret and Allison, who did so much to steer this project to glorious completion. My main work was in the earlier stages, and in the last couple of years Margaret and Allison have tirelessly driven the project home.
My great hope is that, through this project, we have furthered the cause of combatting the insidious and inhumane business of boarding schools.
To all the men who contributed to this book, my thoughts and solidarity forever. I feel your pain, as I know you feel mine.
Cheers,
ABP
But for me as a hard-boiled crime fiction author, this is the epitome of "something completely different".
It's also something so very personal.
Little-known fact about me as a person/author: as a young child (age 7) I was sent to an English boarding school.
The experience has left me scarred for life.
And I'm obviously not alone.
Over 10 years ago, I connected with a group in the UK, Boarding Concern, who provided a support network for boarding school survivors. Aside from slaying a few personal demons, I ended up with the honour and privilege of being able to be instrumental in putting together a book of accounts, of a very personal nature, from a wide range of men who had gone through the trauma of English boarding schools.
It is indescribably wonderful to this year, 2021, see Routledge publish the end result of a project that ran for about 8 years: from the initial canvassing of survivors to the final testament. It was a long road, believe me.
I'm so proud to be a co-editor of, and also a contributing author to, this immensely important collection of personal stories.
Special thanks to my two co-editors, Margaret and Allison, who did so much to steer this project to glorious completion. My main work was in the earlier stages, and in the last couple of years Margaret and Allison have tirelessly driven the project home.
My great hope is that, through this project, we have furthered the cause of combatting the insidious and inhumane business of boarding schools.
To all the men who contributed to this book, my thoughts and solidarity forever. I feel your pain, as I know you feel mine.
Cheers,
ABP
March 3, 2021
Cops Writing Crime - 4 new members
Another 4 colleagues - all British - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 275.
That's 275 cops and ex-cops (and other law enforcement types, plus some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Sarah Cox - served with the London Metropolitan Police.
2. Matt Johnson - also served with the London Metropolitan Police.
3. Kim Booth - served with the Lincolnshire Police.
4. Sarah Flint - also served with the London Metropolitan Police.
Our Squad now consists of:
158 American, 59 British, 15 Australian, 15 Canadian
4 New Zealander, 3 Finnish, 2 Dutch, 2 Swedish
2 French, 2 Irish, 1 Bahamian, 1 Norwegian
1 Italian, 1 Czech, 1 Russian, 1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard, 1 Pakistani, 1 Chinese, 1 Brazilian, 1 Indian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 275 cops and ex-cops (and other law enforcement types, plus some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Sarah Cox - served with the London Metropolitan Police.
2. Matt Johnson - also served with the London Metropolitan Police.
3. Kim Booth - served with the Lincolnshire Police.
4. Sarah Flint - also served with the London Metropolitan Police.
Our Squad now consists of:
158 American, 59 British, 15 Australian, 15 Canadian
4 New Zealander, 3 Finnish, 2 Dutch, 2 Swedish
2 French, 2 Irish, 1 Bahamian, 1 Norwegian
1 Italian, 1 Czech, 1 Russian, 1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard, 1 Pakistani, 1 Chinese, 1 Brazilian, 1 Indian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
January 12, 2021
Cops Writing Crime - 9 new members
Another 9 colleagues - 1 French, 1 Irish, 1 Indian, 1 Canadian, 1 British, and 4 American - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 271.
That's 271 cops and ex-cops (and other law enforcement types, plus some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Olivier Norek - a serving officer with the French police in Paris.
2. Casey King - a serving officer with the Garda in Ireland.
3. Priyaneth Mukhopadhyay (deceased 1947) - an historical addition to The Squad, he served with the Indian Police in (then) Calcutta. Regarded as the father of crime fiction in Bengali.
4. David G. Ferguson - served as a conservation law enforcement officer in Canada.
5. Michael O'Byrne - served as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police and a couple of county police forces, after having served in the Hong Kong Police.
6. Keith Bettinger - served as a police officer with the Suffolk County PD in New York State.
7. Jay P. Farrington - served as a police officer with the San Diego PD.
8. Joe Sánchez - served as an officer with the NYPD.
9. Harvey Burgess - served as a police officer in the USA, I believe in North Carolina.
Our Squad now consists of:
158 American, 55 British, 15 Australian, 15 Canadian
4 New Zealander, 3 Finnish, 2 Dutch, 2 Swedish
2 French, 2 Irish, 1 Bahamian, 1 Norwegian
1 Italian, 1 Czech, 1 Russian, 1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard, 1 Pakistani, 1 Chinese, 1 Brazilian, 1 Indian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 271 cops and ex-cops (and other law enforcement types, plus some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Olivier Norek - a serving officer with the French police in Paris.
2. Casey King - a serving officer with the Garda in Ireland.
3. Priyaneth Mukhopadhyay (deceased 1947) - an historical addition to The Squad, he served with the Indian Police in (then) Calcutta. Regarded as the father of crime fiction in Bengali.
4. David G. Ferguson - served as a conservation law enforcement officer in Canada.
5. Michael O'Byrne - served as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police and a couple of county police forces, after having served in the Hong Kong Police.
6. Keith Bettinger - served as a police officer with the Suffolk County PD in New York State.
7. Jay P. Farrington - served as a police officer with the San Diego PD.
8. Joe Sánchez - served as an officer with the NYPD.
9. Harvey Burgess - served as a police officer in the USA, I believe in North Carolina.
Our Squad now consists of:
158 American, 55 British, 15 Australian, 15 Canadian
4 New Zealander, 3 Finnish, 2 Dutch, 2 Swedish
2 French, 2 Irish, 1 Bahamian, 1 Norwegian
1 Italian, 1 Czech, 1 Russian, 1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard, 1 Pakistani, 1 Chinese, 1 Brazilian, 1 Indian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
November 15, 2020
Cops Writing Crime - 6 new members
Another 6 colleagues - 3 British, 2 Australian, and 1 American - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 262.
That's 262 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Ed Church - served in the Metropolitan Police in London, UK.
2. D.L. Hicks - still serving with the Victoria Police, Australia.
3. Janice Cantore - served with the Long Beach PD, California, in the USA.
4. Bruce Venables - served with the Tasmania Police in Australia, and before that in the Hong Kong Police Force.
5. Craig Russell - served with the police in the UK, in Scotland I believe.
6. Robert F. Barker - served with the police in the UK, in the northwest of the country.
Our Squad now consists of:
154 American
54 British
15 Australian
14 Canadian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 262 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Ed Church - served in the Metropolitan Police in London, UK.
2. D.L. Hicks - still serving with the Victoria Police, Australia.
3. Janice Cantore - served with the Long Beach PD, California, in the USA.
4. Bruce Venables - served with the Tasmania Police in Australia, and before that in the Hong Kong Police Force.
5. Craig Russell - served with the police in the UK, in Scotland I believe.
6. Robert F. Barker - served with the police in the UK, in the northwest of the country.
Our Squad now consists of:
154 American
54 British
15 Australian
14 Canadian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
October 16, 2020
My book launch - Sold Out!
The official book launch for "Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service" is this weekend, Sunday 18 October 2020.
As with all Harry launches, it will be in the glorious Nude Bar, upstairs at the Glebe Hotel. Where else for Harry, really? Surrounded by nude art and alcohol.
And after all, my local pub is Harry's beloved Emerald Bar in the books!
The event, alas limited in numbers due to current COVID restrictions, is SOLD OUT, so sincere apologies to those who wanted to come but can't book in.
However, as for my previous launches, we will be recording the event and the video will go up on my website and YouTube sometime next week.
The event MC will again be my friend and fellow anti-corruption professional, Dr Allan Yates.
And I'll be giving a big plug to my favourite crime/pulp anthology magazines, hoping to get some more Aussies reading these gems.
I've even done up a juicy flyer (see attached) that everyone at the launch will be getting. And there'll be some giveaways of these superb magazines.
Here's looking forward to a sizzling Sunday afternoon!
Cheers,
ABP
As with all Harry launches, it will be in the glorious Nude Bar, upstairs at the Glebe Hotel. Where else for Harry, really? Surrounded by nude art and alcohol.
And after all, my local pub is Harry's beloved Emerald Bar in the books!
The event, alas limited in numbers due to current COVID restrictions, is SOLD OUT, so sincere apologies to those who wanted to come but can't book in.
However, as for my previous launches, we will be recording the event and the video will go up on my website and YouTube sometime next week.
The event MC will again be my friend and fellow anti-corruption professional, Dr Allan Yates.
And I'll be giving a big plug to my favourite crime/pulp anthology magazines, hoping to get some more Aussies reading these gems.
I've even done up a juicy flyer (see attached) that everyone at the launch will be getting. And there'll be some giveaways of these superb magazines.
Here's looking forward to a sizzling Sunday afternoon!
Cheers,
ABP
October 2, 2020
Cops Writing Crime - 6 new members join The Squad.
Another 6 colleagues - 3 Americans, 1 British, 1 Australian, and 1 Canadian - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 256.
That's 256 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Martin Malloy - served in the USA, I believe in Delaware.
2. Alan Sewart (Deceased 1998) - served with the Lancashire Police in the UK.
3. Edward Conlon - served with the NYPD in the USA.
4. Dustin Dodd - a still-serving officer in the USA, with the Napa PD in California.
5. T. J. Hamilton - another of my Australian compatriots - served with the New South Wales Police.
6. Michael Walton - a still-serving officer in Canada - with the Ontario Police.
Our Squad now consists of:
153 American
51 British
14 Canadian
13 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 256 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Martin Malloy - served in the USA, I believe in Delaware.
2. Alan Sewart (Deceased 1998) - served with the Lancashire Police in the UK.
3. Edward Conlon - served with the NYPD in the USA.
4. Dustin Dodd - a still-serving officer in the USA, with the Napa PD in California.
5. T. J. Hamilton - another of my Australian compatriots - served with the New South Wales Police.
6. Michael Walton - a still-serving officer in Canada - with the Ontario Police.
Our Squad now consists of:
153 American
51 British
14 Canadian
13 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
September 12, 2020
Cops Writing Crime - 5 new members join The Squad.
Another 5 colleagues - all Americans - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 250.
That's 250 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Dana Ridenour - served with the FBI.
2. Gary Dillman - served with the Metro PD in Washington DC, and then worked as a PI.
3. William M. Glenn - served with the Norwich PD in Connecticut.
4. Richard Rosenthal - served with the NYPD, and also the Wellfleet PD in Massachusetts.
5. Mark Mynheir - served with the Palm Bay PD in Florida.
Our Squad now consists of:
150 American
50 British
13 Canadian
12 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 250 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. Dana Ridenour - served with the FBI.
2. Gary Dillman - served with the Metro PD in Washington DC, and then worked as a PI.
3. William M. Glenn - served with the Norwich PD in Connecticut.
4. Richard Rosenthal - served with the NYPD, and also the Wellfleet PD in Massachusetts.
5. Mark Mynheir - served with the Palm Bay PD in Florida.
Our Squad now consists of:
150 American
50 British
13 Canadian
12 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
July 27, 2020
My short story collection is imminent - the manuscript headed for typesetting today.
A big day here in Sydney today...
I love it when you press "send" on the email with your manuscript on its way for typesetting, and then printing.
Yes, the manuscript for my first collection of short stories, "Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service", headed off today for its last stage before birth.
This is my third book now, and I always find the editing process seems to go on endlessly. Of course, you could edit forever, but you have to draw a line somewhere.
So, hopefully the paperbacks will be ready in about 4 weeks, with the ebook and POD versions a bit before that.
I'll keep you posted on the dates.
As for the official book launch at my favourite pub, upstairs in the Nude Bar and scene of both previous launches, we will have to wait and see. It was all set to go, but then the restrictions came back in and events are now off the cards.
Meantime, here's the great cover work by J.T.Lindroos, and a couple of the beautifully noir 8 internal artworks by Ran Scott. And the back cover blurb says it all - Harry is coming to town and it's going to get dirty, in more ways than one!
Since this is on Goodreads, you'll need to check out my website for the images instead.
Cheers,
ABP
I love it when you press "send" on the email with your manuscript on its way for typesetting, and then printing.
Yes, the manuscript for my first collection of short stories, "Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service", headed off today for its last stage before birth.
This is my third book now, and I always find the editing process seems to go on endlessly. Of course, you could edit forever, but you have to draw a line somewhere.
So, hopefully the paperbacks will be ready in about 4 weeks, with the ebook and POD versions a bit before that.
I'll keep you posted on the dates.
As for the official book launch at my favourite pub, upstairs in the Nude Bar and scene of both previous launches, we will have to wait and see. It was all set to go, but then the restrictions came back in and events are now off the cards.
Meantime, here's the great cover work by J.T.Lindroos, and a couple of the beautifully noir 8 internal artworks by Ran Scott. And the back cover blurb says it all - Harry is coming to town and it's going to get dirty, in more ways than one!
Since this is on Goodreads, you'll need to check out my website for the images instead.
Cheers,
ABP
July 14, 2020
Cops Writing Crime - 5 new members join The Squad.
Another 5 colleagues (including 2 historical entries) - 2 Brits and 3 Americans - join The Squad today, bringing its numbers to 245.
That's 245 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. John Nicholl - served in the police in the UK, although I'm not sure which Force.
2. Leslie T. White - (deceased 1967) - served with the L.A. County DA's Office as an investigator.
3. Maurice Procter - (deceased 1973) - served with the Yorkshire Police in the UK.
4. R. L. Link - served with the Ames PD in Iowa.
5. Colin Conway - served with the Spokane PD in Washington State.
Our Squad now consists of:
145 American
50 British
13 Canadian
12 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
That's 245 cops and ex-cops (and some PIs) who have taken to writing crime fiction. You won't get more realistic crime tales than those from this Squad!
We have joining us today:
1. John Nicholl - served in the police in the UK, although I'm not sure which Force.
2. Leslie T. White - (deceased 1967) - served with the L.A. County DA's Office as an investigator.
3. Maurice Procter - (deceased 1973) - served with the Yorkshire Police in the UK.
4. R. L. Link - served with the Ames PD in Iowa.
5. Colin Conway - served with the Spokane PD in Washington State.
Our Squad now consists of:
145 American
50 British
13 Canadian
12 Australian
4 New Zealander
3 Finnish
2 Dutch
2 Swedish
1 French
1 Bahamian
1 Norwegian
1 Italian
1 Czech
1 Russian
1 Hungarian
1 Spaniard
1 Pakistani
1 Irish
1 Chinese
1 Brazilian
2 "International" (listed as this due to current serving officer requirements)
I'll keep adding more as I come across them, and if you know of any others please feel free to drop me a line.
Check out The Squad:
Also: Cops Writing Crime
And please remember, my list is only for CRIME FICTION - not all the true crime and/or memoir writing by cops and ex-cops that's out there (as good as so much of that is).
Cheers,
ABP
