Mark Stevens's Blog, page 34
November 23, 2016
Lou Berney, “The Long and Faraway Gone”
Sometimes you find yourself so easily drawn into the story and the characters that you never even stop to think whether the events on the page are close to reality (if that’s a thing that matters to you). Writing recently … Continue reading →
November 20, 2016
Q & A #52 – Susan Berry Casey, “Appealing for Justice”
Was Colorado a hate state in 1992? Few people predicted the passage of Amendment 2. Gov. Roy Romer was seen as a moderate Democratic governor. Three cities (Aspen, Boulder and Denver) had approved gay rights ordinances. And then along came … Continue reading →
November 11, 2016
William Shaw, “She’s Leaving Home”
First, this bit of Beatles trivia. When the Fab Four recorded “She’s Leaving Home,” it was the first time a female musician was used on any Beatles track. Her name was Sheila Bromberg and she played the harp. So there. … Continue reading →
October 31, 2016
Manuel Ramos, “My Bad”
My review of My Bad by Manuel Ramos for the New York Journal of Books is posted here. Previous review of The Skull of Pancho Villa and Other Stories (including Q & A with Manuel) is posted here. Previous review of Desperado is posted here.Filed under: Books
October 27, 2016
James W. Ziskin, “Heart of Stone”
Intricately plotted and deftly layered with dicey issues of identity and status, Heart of Stone is another terrific entry in this spunky, energetic series featuring the likable Ellie Stone and that Cold War in-between-everything era of 1961. If you’ve read … Continue reading →
October 20, 2016
Lucia Berlin, “A Manual for Cleaning Women”
I think anyone interested in writing should read A Manual for Cleaning Women if only to realize that everyday life is observable and transformable as engaging prose. As art. As Elizabeth Geoghegan put it so beautifully in her piece in The … Continue reading →
October 13, 2016
Rachel Howzell Hall, “Land of Shadows”
One word: energy. Another: attitude. Rachel Howzell Hall’s writing has both. In abundance. Add a terrific issue (urban renewal), a likable and feisty detective (Elouise Norton) and a vivid setting (a glam-free L.A.) and you’ve got a winner. Land of … Continue reading →
October 7, 2016
Val McDermid, “Forensics”
Every crime scene tells a story. Don’t it? Answer: yes. In fact, in so many ways. In this beautifully written book, Val McDermid shows us the latest science and how far it has evolved in reading the story of what … Continue reading →
October 1, 2016
Q & A #51 – Barbara Nickless, “Blood on the Tracks”
Quite simply, Barb Nickless’ first book Blood on the Tracks is blowing up. Go ahead and check that big online book retailer; I’ll wait here. The e-book was released Sept. 1 and has already garnered over 900 reviews. 900! Note … Continue reading →
September 27, 2016
Q & A #50 – Stephen and Joyce Singular, “Presumed Guilty”
Utter the three syllables out loud—JonBenet—and you’re bound to get a reaction. Everybody has an opinion. If you haven’t studied the case, even in cursory fashion, a brief glance at the murder will hurt your head. Let’s say the murder … Continue reading →
