Chris Chan's Blog, page 19
August 5, 2022
More of My Reviews on The Strand Blog!
More of My Reviews on The Strand Blog!
Over the last couple of weeks, The Strand has published a lot of my reviews.
Here is my review of the first season of the new HBO series Perry Mason.
Here’s is my review of Shooting Script, a collection of short stories by the creators of Columbo.
And here’s my review of the 14th season of Murdoch Mysteries.
More will come soon!
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 31, 2022
Of Course He Pushed Him Review by David Marcum!
Of Course He Pushed Him Review by David Marcum!
David Marcum, who has written lots of great Sherlock Holmes mysteries and also edits The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories series, has just published this great review of Of Course He Pushed Him! Please take a look here!
He writes:
“These are worthy additions to The Great Holmes Tapestry, and fortunately Chris Chan has already been writing more stories since these were collected. I’m looking forward to seeing what makes up his next volume.”
If you are interested in reading some of Marcum’s fiction, particularly his novel The Eye of Heka, along with my thoughts on some other Sherlock Holmes pastiches, check out my review on Strand Magazine’s blog here.
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 24, 2022
Of Course He Pushed Him Promo Video
Of Course He Pushed Him Promo Video
MX Publishing has created a great promo video for Of Course He Pushed Him! Please take a look: https://www.tiktok.com/@sherlockholmesbooks/video/7119393648206187782
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 15, 2022
A Great Review of Sherlock’s Secretary
A Great Review of Sherlock’s Secretary
Dan Andriacco recently wrote about Sherlock’s Secretary on his blog Baker Street Beat. In his review, “A Funny Yet Mysterious Romp on Baker Street,” he writes:
One description of the book says that it is not only a whodunit but also a whydunit. I would call it a “whatsup,” which is my term for a story in which the central problem is not who or why but what—as in “what the devil is going on.” Many of the canonical Sherlock Holmes tales are like that (think “The Red-Headed League”), so the subgenre is quite appropriate for this story about Sherlock’s secretary.
Please check out the whole review! Thanks, Dan!
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 6, 2022
TWO Silver Falchion Awards Nominations!
TWO Silver Falchion Awards Nominations!
I would like to extend my thanks to the Silver Falchion Awards committee at Killer Nashville, one of America’s leading crime writing conferences. Every year, they give out awards celebrating the best in mystery writing in many categories. This year, two of my books were nominated. Sherlock’s Secretary from MX Publishing was nominated for Best Comedy, and Murder Most Grotesque from Level Best Books was nominated for Best Nonfiction! The awards will be announced next month.
Congratulations to all of the other nominees!
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
July 1, 2022
A Suggestion for New Crime Fiction Awards
A Suggestion for New Crime Fiction Awards
There are a bunch of crime fiction awards out there, honoring some of the best novels and short stories published in the preceding year. Some is specialize in specific subgenres, but with hardly any exceptions, they all cover complete works.
This is why I suggest some new awards, focusing on specific aspects of the works. I’ve noticed that many works may excel in some aspects, such as prose style, while failing in others, like plotting and cluing. Meanwhile, some books never receive award nominations despite triumphing spectacularly at some features of creative writing.
In these awards, authors or publishers would submit the whole book in some cases, or just a chapter or some pages, depending on the category. Here are some of my suggestions:
CHARACTERIZATION
One of the biggest problems with crime novels (and many other novels) is that the characters are flat or trite. Additionally, how many recent fictional detectives have become fixtures of the public imagination on a par with the great sleuths of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction? This is why there needs to be a Best New Detective award, for the first novel appearance of a great, original detective, and a Best Recurring Detective award, for the newest appearance of a detective in a series that has at least two entries. Memorability, originality, and uniqueness will be qualifying factors, as well as character development or general likeability of recurring detectives in series novels. Not only that, but the judges should ask the question, how would this book be different if an alternative sleuth were inserted in the existing detective’s place?
In a comparable vein, there would be a Best Sidekick or Assistant award for the best “Watson” character, and a Best Villain award, not just for the killer, but for antihero protagonists, master criminals, and generally unpleasant people who may not be actual criminals. I would also propose a Best Relationship award, celebrating not just romantic relationships, but friendships, family relationships, and even human/pet connections. This could also include antagonistic hero/villain relationships, boss/employee relationships, and any other great connection between two characters. I’d also push for a Best Character Arc for a single-appearance character in a novel.
PLOTTING
I’d appreciate an award celebrating the Most Original Premise, as well as Best Clue, honoring subtle, clever, or tricky pieces of evidence pointing in the direction of the killer. Best Denouement, featuring the reveal and explanation of the clues, would also be a worthy idea, as would Most Shocking Moment.
OTHER TECHNICAL SKILLS
Best Dialogue would go to the snappiest, wittiest, or most distinctive words spoken by characters, as would Best Action Scene and Most Gripping First Chapter, for first chapters that make readers really want to read the rest of the book. I believe the Edgars had a Best Cover Art at one point, and that really needs to be brought back. I also recommend a Best Cover Blurb for the paragraphs summarizing the book that most make readers want to read the book.
These are just a few ideas, as characterization, plotting, and other little details tend to be unappreciated, in my opinion.
What are your thoughts? Would you like to see these awards? Do you have any ideas for other categories?
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 24, 2022
Of Course He Pushed Him: The Complete Collection Has Been Published!
Of Course He Pushed Him: The Complete Collection Has Been Published!
Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 has just been published! It consists of thirteen Sherlock Holmes pastiches, including some historical figures and other fictional worlds in crossover. The hardcover edition came out this week, but Volumes 1 and 2 will be released later this fall in separate paperback editions. Special thanks to Steve Emecz and MX Publishing for making this possible! Please take a look!
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s anthology Of Course He Pushed Him and Other Sherlock Holmes Stories Volumes 1 & 2 was released on June 22nd. His first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released by MX Publishing. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 17, 2022
A Preview of Of Course He Pushed Him
A Preview of Of Course He Pushed Him
With my anthology Of Course He Pushed Him coming out later this year, I’d like to present a brief preview, coming from my introduction to the collection:
Sherlock Holmes has been a part of my life ever since I was a child. I have always loved the movie and television adaptations, the radio plays, and especially, the original stories. However, ever since I was about ten years old, I have been very disappointed in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, due to the fact that he got his work so incredibly wrong. By reading a book introduction, I learned that Conan Doyle believed that the Sherlock Holmes stories were beneath him, and he had grown to loathe his detective. I didn’t know what had happened to lead such a talented man so horribly astray, but even at the age of ten, I knew that Conan Doyle was horribly, inexplicably misguided. How could a seemingly intelligent fellow come to believe that these wonderful stories weren’t worth writing? How could he dislike such a brilliant character as Holmes? To this day, I still don’t have a convincing answer to those questions.
A few years ago, I saw an advertisement from Belanger Books asking for submissions to one of their anthologies. They were looking for new Sherlock Holmes stories, and I, having a bit of extra time, decided to try my hand at one. After my first tale was accepted, MX Publishing asked me to submit to another anthology, so I did, and I kept on writing.
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released on November 3rd. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books on September 7th. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 10, 2022
When Is It O.K. to Complain?
When Is It O.K. to Complain?
Lately, a lot of critics have taken some heat from major media outlets for disliking certain works. Some have criticized recent television shows, and have been singled out in prominent magazines and websites for being too negative, or for having malicious motives in complaining.
Some of the venues I write reviews for prefer that I write positive reviews that encourage people to go out and buy good books and DVD’s, though if I want to criticize a work that really deserves censure, that’s totally fine. Yet I’ve noticed when critics much more famous and influential than I am sharpen their knives, there are increasing numbers of public relations campaigns funded by major entertainment outlets, arguing that the negative feedback is unjustified, and just plain wrong.
I’ve noticed that increasingly, it’s hard for a critic to escape the allegation that negative criticism is toxic. There are Internet memes arguing that if you can’t say something nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all. The people who support this perspective may believe that they’re making the world a more positive place, but in reality, if we can’t turn a critical eye towards problems with creative works, what might that mean for how we address and confront real-world problems and injustices? If we can’t say that something is flawed, is our praise for what is good really genuine?
I’ll have more to say about this in a later post, but I want to close with this thought. Writing reviews about works I despise is easy. Writing reviews about works I love is fun. It’s writing reviews about works I’m largely indifferent to that’s really difficult.
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released on November 3rd. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books on September 7th. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
June 2, 2022
“Of Course He Pushed Him” – Not One, But THREE Books
“Of Course He Pushed Him” – Not One, But THREE Books
Following up on my previous post, my anthology Of Course He Pushed Him will be published as not just one, but three books. There’s a “Complete Collection” of thirteen stories, but it will also be published as two separate volumes.
Volume One will consist of seven traditional Sherlock Holmes pastiches:
Volume Two will contain six stories featuring crossovers and alternative histories:
The Adventure of the Villainous Victim
The Adventure of The Specious Spouse
The Search for Mycroft’s Successor
Volume One and Volume Two will be published as two separate books, and there will also be “The Complete Collection” of all thirteen stories. For more information, check out the MX Publishing website. Once again, the official release date will be announced soon!
–Chris Chan
Chris Chan’s first novel, Sherlock’s Secretary, was released on November 3rd. His Agatha-nominated book Murder Most Grotesque: The Comedic Crime Fiction of Joyce Porter was published by Level Best Books on September 7th. His first non-fiction book, Sherlock & Irene: The Secret Truth Behind “A Scandal in Bohemia” is available for sale at Amazon.com and the MX Publishing website, as well as at Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping there). It is also available in a Kindle edition.
