Roland Clarke's Blog, page 52

http://naturallysavvy.com/blog/yaupon-leaves-are-safe-but-dont-eat-the-berries

Kidney failure blaming laurel ingestion mirrors, notably, other poisons.

“Quixotic reasoning,” deduced Jamila.

Except her suspects traditionally cultivated unkempt vegetation with xyris, yaupon, and zebra grass.

Glossary:

Quixotic extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

Xyris a genus of flowering plants in the Yellow-eyed-grass family.

Yaupon a holly of the southern US. Sometimes dried and brewed as a tea, its bitter leaves contain caffeine and have emetic properties.

Zebra grass ‘Zebrinus’ is a deciduous grass with arching, linear leaves bearing transverse bands of cream or pale yellow

Toxic grass:

Yaupon toxicity: http://www.pawsdogdaycare.com/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/yaupon

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Kincsem was a Hungarian mare that won 54 races for 54 starts against female and male rivals in five countries. Backing the most successful Thoroughbred racehorse ever would have yielded 54 cool Kites.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Kissing bug (Triatoma species);

Distribution: Latin America, United States;

Toxic principle: unknown;

Symptoms: bite usually painless; later itching, edema about the bite, nausea, palpitation, redness; the bite is of relatively minor importance but spreads Chagas disease caused by a trypanosome (protozoan)

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 13, 2016 01:22

J for Jamila – #atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 10.

Jamila Knox’s CV lists many non-conformist occupations. Pathology quests reveal sinister truths, undoubtedly venenation.

Wielding a xyster, yellowed bones display zarontin injections. Except hematology gainsays fears.

Glossary:

Hematology the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood and bone marrow as well as of the immunologic, hemostatic (blood clotting) and vascular systems.

Venenation poisoning

Xyster surgeon’s instrument for scraping bones

Zarontin Trade name for Ethosuximide, an anti-epileptic medication.

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

John Henry to give some early 1980s “steel-drivin’ Juice from 39 career victories.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Jimsonweed or thornapple (Datura stramonium);

Distribution: temperate and tropical regions;

Toxic principle: hyoscine, hyoscyamine, atropine;

Symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, thirst, dry and burning sensation in skin, mental confusion, mania, loss of memory, convulsions, death; children are often poisoned by eating seeds or sucking flowers.

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 12, 2016 01:08

Talking to the Dead – a review

Time for another review of a novel linked to my own writing.

Some months ago, my character of D.S. Sparkle Anwyl began to emerge, becoming the detective embroiled in “Seeking A Knife”. However, I had some problems making her believably Welsh. It was no good just living in Snowdonia, I needed more to work with. So I embarked on extensive research. There was fiction reading as well, since I wanted to avoid plagiarising Welsh detectives, like Constable Evan Evans.

Then I discovered DC Fiona Griffiths and the bar was raised.

Talking to the Dead (Fiona Griffiths #1)

by Harry Bingham

The first novel in a powerfully original new crime series featuring a young policewoman haunted by her own dark past.

It’s DC Fiona Griffiths’ first murder case – and she’s in at the deep end. A woman and her six-year-old daughter killed with chilling brutality in a dingy flat. The only clue: the platinum bank card of a long-dead tycoon, found amidst the squalor.

DC Griffiths has already proved herself dedicated to the job, but there’s another side to her she is less keen to reveal. Something to do with a mysterious two-year gap in her CV, her strange inability to cry – and a disconcerting familiarity with corpses.

Fiona is desperate to put the past behind her but as more gruesome killings follow, the case leads her inexorably back into those dark places in her own mind where another dead girl is waiting to be found…

My review:

Fiona ‘Fi’ Griffiths might be a junior officer assigned to a fraud investigation, but she’s willing to manoeuvre herself onto the team investigating the murders in a dingy flat. Her intelligence, among other clever moves and clandestine activities, is a key factor in her unravelling the links between the two cases. I knew that she would struggle until the justice that she demanded was implemented; but I was never quite sure whether she would prevail.

Those brains have earned her a degree, and set her apart from many colleagues. [Note: The College of Policing has proposed that, “Every new constable from 2019 could be required to have a degree – or agree to work towards an equivalent qualification.]

This active mind is a facet of a complex character that is well described through her POV. That voice is distinctive, revealing and never feels like the author. The voice of Fi kept me reading, wanting her to battle through everything thrown at her, some from outside and some from in herself, or in her past.

But it becomes clear from Fi’s words that she struggles to be part of ‘Planet Normal’ and the author makes that part of her engrossing personality. Her weirdness worked for me, leading the reader down murky paths on Cardiff’s darker side, and in her mind.

Fi is not your conventional detective, nor are her methods. She is a complex character and she shoves the investigation in unexpected directions. The author weaves words and phrases with style, bringing this world of Cardiff alive, for me at least. This was a different Wales from the area I know – Snowdonia – and yet there were glimpses of the rural roots at the country’s heart, and those roots are an intrinsic part of Fi.

Some readers have criticised the writer for creating a policewoman that would fail her first psych test. But I’m with those that realise that her intelligence gives Fi the edge in working the system in her favour. There were moments when I felt she might be bending the rules precariously, but she has the ability – and luck – to evade crashing over the precipice, this time. And if she can confuse her colleagues, what chance have the criminals.

The novel is not just about an investigation – that would make this just another crime read. This is about Fi and her personal attitudes, demons, and questions, so I’m full of praise for the way that Harry Bingham pulls this off, especially in the final chapter. A superb read that compels me to read the rest of the series.

*

As for my own detective and similarities, Fi and Sparkle are… a whole country apart, and more. Fi is from South Wales, Sparkle from the North and Snowdonia. Both quirky yes but not in the same way. No University education for Sparkle, she’s got her experience on the beat…and with the bullies at school. Sparkle’s deductive techniques are not Fi’s, although they might work together. And their means of dealing with criminals is very different.

No real comparison, but a definite benchmark.

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Published on April 11, 2016 07:40

I for Insidious – #atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 9.

Insidious jealousy kindles lethal madness.

Negativity overwhelms practical queries. Recording statements takes unexcitable detection from veterans.

What clues evade xerography? Hoofprints? A barrel? Golden yellow zori?

Glossary:

Xerography photocopying

Zori Japanese thonged sandals

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Iroquois finished In the Money back in 1881, winning the prestigious Epsom Derby and the St. Leger Stakes.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Inky cap (Coprinus atramentarius);

Distribution: North America and Europe;

Toxic principle: unknown;

Symptoms: some people experience a peculiar type of intoxication after eating this mushroom and then drinking an alcoholic beverage: giddiness, gastrointestinal upset, prostration, and tachycardia (rapid heart action); the alcohol is believed to increase the solubility and absorption of the poison.

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 11, 2016 01:53

H for Healthcare – #atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 8.

Healthcare, insists Jamila, keeps life meaningfully noble.

Obtaining perpetrators’ quiddity easily, requires forensic DNA sequencing techniques unrivalled by victimology.

Accusers weakly crack, “Xanthippe, yet zaftig goddess.”

Glossary:

Quiddity 1. Philosophy – the inherent nature or essence of someone or something.

2. a distinctive feature; a peculiarity.

Xanthippe ill-tempered woman

Zaftig having a full, rounded figure

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Hickstead allows me some Hedging, with a showjumper changing the House rules. [After finishing a round, Hickstead died of an aortic rupture]

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Honeybee (Apis species);

Distribution: worldwide;

Toxic principle: neurotoxin, hemolytic, melittin, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A, histamine, and others;

Symptoms: sting produces acute local pain or burning sensation, blanching at the site of the sting surrounded by a zone of redness, and itching; local symptoms usually disappear after 24 hours; severe cases may develop massive swelling, redness, shock, prostration, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, respiratory distress, trembling, coma, and death; it is estimated that 500 stings delivered in a short period of time can provide a lethal dose to a human; bees kill more people in the United States than do venomous reptiles.

Word Links

http://www.wordfind.com/

http://phrontistery.info/glossaries.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 09, 2016 01:33

G for Gamblers – #atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 7.

Gamblers hate interlopers jeopardising killings.

Lurking means needing obscure protection. Quirky rational steps to unleash veneniferous canine fatalities with xylitol.

Yearling deaths, analysed by zoiatrics, exist.

Glossary:

Veneniferous carrying poison

Xylitol a chemical substance – Xylitol is often fatal to dogs.

Zoiatrics veterinary surgery

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Gainsborough would have been the basis of a Goliath, if that was possible in 1918.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum);

Distribution: southwestern United States;

Symptoms: heloderma venom, primarily a neurotoxin;

Symptoms: all of the teeth are venomous; bite causes local pain, swelling, weakness, ringing of the ears, nausea, respiratory distress, cardiac failure; may cause death; no antiserum available

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 08, 2016 01:35

F for Fingerprints – #atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 6.

Fingerprints generally help inform jurists. Kindred liars mislead novices. Obfuscation precipitates quandaries.

Realisation shows Archibald that united villains wanted equine butchery.

“Xenophilia conceals your deadly zabernism.”

Glossary:

Obfuscate to obscure; to darken; to confuse

Xenophilia love of foreigners

Zabernism misuse of military authority; bullying

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Flyingbolt is today’s Favourite after his stablemate Arkle.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea);

Distribution: Europe, North America;

Toxic principle: glycosides, digitoxigenin, and others;

Symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, slow pulse and irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, drowsiness, convulsions, death

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 07, 2016 01:23

E for Eleven Essentials – #IWSG

Insecure Writers Support Group Badge

This Epistle is brought to you as part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group monthly post-thingie. And as it’s Blogging from A to Z Challenge month, everything arises from E.

So Eleven Essentials (for my take on Writing of course).

Entrances: everything needs a good beginning, even if the idea arises mid-stream.
Enterprise: I choose bold and difficult challenges, plotted at every stage. Episodes?
Edge: conflict and tension is crucial to get eager readers turning pages.
Emotions: extensive scope as many facets of characters to explore and expound on. Extra inspiration at https://onestopforwriters.com/
Erudition: inspiration, facts and relaxation. E-reading and e-research?
Errata: we all mistakes, hopefully short-lived ephemera.
Efficiency: especially with temporal energies. Also scheduling decisions.
Endurance: each novel/assignment is a long haul, so I need to pace myself to avoid exhaustion.
Editing: for me the tough stages, but expected and inevitable. Crucial too, and it may take eons.
Endings: often worked out at my plotting/outlining stage. Means I know where I am going. But dead ends on the trail are not always evaded.
Escapism: a stage that may come… when I need to rekindle my energy, when I need to enliven my imagination, or when I’ve written THE END. And come the end of September, I aim to be escaping/emigrating to the US – as long as our Escrow house purchase goes through.

Of course, there are exceptions to every essential edict. But I say “enough is enough”.

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.

Lao Tzu

*

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. We post our thoughts on our own blogs. We talk about our doubts and the fears we have conquered. We discuss our struggles and triumphs. We offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling.

Please visit others in the group and connect with my fellow writers.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG

And be sure to check out our Facebook group –https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/

The awesome co-hosts for this April 6 posting of the IWSG are Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, and Patricia Lynne!

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Published on April 06, 2016 07:29

E for Equestrian-#atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 5.

Blurb & other Episodes

Equestrian fatalities garner hacks’ interest. Jump kings land more notable obituaries.

Dedicated profilers quote rival studs touting unimpeachable verities.

“But whoever creates xysti, you are zelophobic.”

Glossary:

Xystus covered walkway for exercises

Zelophobia extreme fear of jealousy

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Easy Goer was more than a safe Each-Way bet. [Died of allergies]

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Endrin A white, crystalline solid, endrin is an avicide, insecticide and rodenticide. It can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through eye and skin contact;

Distribution: The compound became infamous as a persistent organic pollutant and for this reason it is banned in many countries, including the US.

Symptoms: headache, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and convulsions. Acute endrin may result in seizures, or even death.

Word Links

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adverbs.shtml

https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm

*

The Challenge runs over 26 days – with Sundays off for good behaviour – and each day will be based on the alphabet, from A through to Z.

Read more about the Challenge I set myself in my Theme Reveal:

Blogging from A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal 2016

For more on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge and to visit the other brave bloggers, go to the official site and this linky list.

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Published on April 06, 2016 01:08

D for Destroyed-#atozchallenge

“A Brilliant Conspiracy” Episode 4.

Destroyed electrified fencing generates horse injuries. Jamila kneels, logically measuring nineteen oak posts.

“Quite reasonable, suspecting tools utilising venom. Wounds betrayed xiphoid cuts, yielding a zootoxin.”

Glossary:

Xiphoid shaped like a sword

Zootoxin poison derived from animal

Archibald’s ‘Horse of the Day’

http://www.britannica.com/science/poison-biochemistry/Types-of-poison#ref396648

Dawn Run pulled off two great Doubles at Cheltenham in 1984 and 1986.

Jamila’s ‘Daily Poison’

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides);

Distribution: North America, Europe

Toxic principle: amanitine, phalloidine;

Symptoms develop slowly, about 6–15 hours after eating: extreme abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, anuria (absence or defective excretion of urine), prostration, weakness, jaundice, cyanosis, convulsion, death; fatality rate about 50 percent; no known antidote but some treatment available.

Word Links