Lucy V. Hay's Blog, page 41

Best of 3: Indie Crime Fiction

I love my Kindle because it’s so easy to access books I’m interested in, but I also love the fact it’s pulled barriers right down … Now anyone can upload their work and all that’s necessary is a DAMN GOOD STORY!

It also means there are more short stories and novellas out there – some of them FREE! My fave price – than ever before. I love shorter forms too because they’re great ‘tasters’ of what writers can do, plus as mentioned last week, sometimes we can get reading fatigue.

So here’s a selection of indie crime writers to watch out for — enjoy!

1) BLACKWATER LAKE by Maggie James 

I read this recently in one sitting on a train. The perfect journey read, BLACKWATER LAKE follows the fates of a man who discovers his parents have been hiding a dark secret … Under layers and layers of detritus hoarded in their house! This was a fascinating insight to hoarding, with appealing characters. Well worth a read. Check out my full review, HERE.

2) THE LONDON STORIES (EMILY CASTLES) by Helen Smith 

This is an enjoyable box set of short stories that benefit from Smith’s trademark wit. There’s a surreal element to the stories, with a real visual potential that sucks you in. I was reminded very much of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and other such classic tales.  If you enjoy ‘cosy crime’, you’ll definitely enjoy these stories which are convoluted yet clever, without being OTT. Read my full review, HERE.

3) A HOUSE WITHOUT WINDOWS by Stevie Turner

Turner does an admirable job here of bringing forth a terrible crime and its aftermath. The characters are three dimensional and authentic, with the reader asked some uncomfortable questions on the nature of ‘sins of the father’. What most impressed me however was the resolution: even though our antagonist has done heinous things, he is not a comic book villain. Recommended. Read my full review, HERE.

How do you handle your TBR pile?

If you are friends with me on Goodreads or follow me on social media such as instagram, you’ll know that like most writers and authors, I LOVE to buy books!!

I love a good 99p (or less) deal on Kindle, but my favourite thing to do is buy books from charity shops. As a result I always have a VERY large TBR (‘to be read’) pile. Though I have the odd romance, YA or literary fiction novel in there, the vast majority are crime/mystery – mostly psychological thriller, though also police procedural and dystopian/apocalyptic.

Whilst I’ve written before about reducing your TBR pile, now I’m wondering how OTHERS tackle theirs. So, without further ado, here’s mine:

Route A: I’m very specific about what I like, which is *generally*:

High concept stories
Female protagonists preferred
Diverse casts preferred
As many new authors as possible

That’s not to say I don’t read books outside my above remit, but the ones on my TBR list like the above get preferential treatment, ie. ‘bumped up’ the list quicker.

Route B: If everyone is talking about a book (ie. on Twitter, via my friends in  Goodreads, or in groups like THE Book Club on Facebook, or it has a big presence online, trains stations etc), then I’ll read it too. This means new books often get read before older ones.

Route C: If I’m friendly online with an author and/or meet one in real life and/or hear him/her speak at an event, I’ll read their book. I also like to try and read other Devonian authors. I try and read as widely as possible, so even if I think someone’s book may not be my ‘cup of tea’, I will still give it a go.

Over to you, now:

Do you have a system, or do you pick books at random?
If you have a system, what’s yours?

Best of 3: Crime Short Stories

Even though I love love LOVE reading, sometimes it can be a Busman’s holiday – I read screenplays all day at work, plus I’m writing (and rewriting!) chapters, articles and reports all day … So sometimes, the LAST thing I want to do is go and open a book for relaxation too.

This is where short stories come in handy. The great thing about the Kindle is that your favourite authors are often releasing short and (not so) sweet crime stories, sometimes free, but often low cost. When I’ve got ‘reading fatigue’, they’re just the ticket! Here’s 3 of my recent faves …

1) NO REMORSE by Paula Daly

As I’ve mentioned before, I am a HUUUGE Paula Daly fan, so couldn’t resist this short set in the same story world as her DC Joanne Aspinall series. What I love about Daly’s work is how she’s unafraid to take on big issues, but she always does it without judgement and even, where appropriate, a gentle humour. See my full review, HERE and Paula’s great writing article here: 5 Things To Remember When Writing A Mystery Or Thriller

2) CONTROLLED EXPLOSIONS by Claire McGowan

I love the Paula McGuire series and this serves as a GREAT intro to the series if you’ve not read them before. A prequel to when Paula was just a teenager (and around the time of her mother’s disappearance), this is evocative writing that really paints the 90s backdrop SO well … Impulse body spray, anyone?? Read my full review, HERE.

3) THE GROWN UP by Gillian Flynn 

Flynn was the crime fiction/ thriller author who really switched me on to the genre and made me feel like I could have a go, so I’m always all over her work … THE GROWN UP is actually her funniest work yet, it had my laughing out loud. There’s a solid mystery element but as ever, it’s the characters that really catch my attention. Check out my full review, HERE.

CRIMINALLY GOOD: Interview with author Mari Hannah

1) So, who are you & what have you written?

My name is Mari Hannah. I’m a Northumberland based author/screenwriter, published by Pan Macmillan, best known for my Kate Daniels series of police procedurals – now five books in.

My debut The Murder Wall won the Polari First Book Prize and my second book Settled Blood won a Northern Writers’ Award. Both were adapted from my own screenplays. In 2014, I was shortlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library and I’m currently the reader-in-residence for Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. My Kate Daniels crime series is in development with Stephen Fry’s production company, Sprout Pictures. Gallows Drop is the next in that series and will be published on 17th November 2016.

My latest novel – The Silent Room – is a standalone conspiracy thriller introducing Special Branch Detective Sergeant Matthew Ryan. This one is out now in hardback and e-book; the paperback is published TODAY, 6th October 2016!

I can be found at marihannah.com or on Twitter at @mariwriter.

2) Why do you write crime fiction?

I like puzzles. Solving them is the way I relax and crime fiction is what I love to read. Plotting a new book is what really fires my jets.

3) What informs your crime writing?

I’m a former probation officer with a background is in law, psychology and sociology. It was my job to get inside the heads of criminals. I’ve prosecuted offenders for non-compliance and supervised them across the whole spectrum of offences, anything from theft to drug dealing, rape and murder, both in and out of prison. I’ve also lectured to Northumbria CID on my work with sex offenders.

My partner is a former DI on a Murder Investigation Team with thirty years of policing under her belt. Between us we have a wealth of experience. I’m the writer, she’s the consultant. From brainstorming ideas to checking authenticity through to the final proofread, it’s a productive and satisfying collaboration.

4) What’s your usual writing routine?

When I’m writing, I’m very disciplined. It consumes me. I work for too long and don’t take enough time off. I’m up and at it from first thing in the morning and find it hard to stop. Given that I have to produce a book every year, and edit one, I’ve come to realise that I must section off three or four months (January through April) to get the words down. There are just too many festivals and events in the summer to get any meaningful writing done. I tend to plan, research and hunt for locations between appearances. In my head, I’m always working.

5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?

The Black Echo by Michael Connelly. It was the book that got me into crime fiction.

Top 10 Gifts For The Book Lover In Your Life

1) One-Of-A-Kind Journals 

I love these notebooks in the shapes of letters. They remind me of the alpha-blocks babies play with. Remember them?!? Awww.

And like a typical GIRL I can’t resist a unicorn … And I love stationery … so UNICORN STATIONERY is a big winner. Wooden cover too?? I’m in heaven!!!

2) Unusual Book End

This is fun … Though I fear it wouldn’t be big enough for *my* TBR pile … just sayin’.

3) Fairytale bag 

Red Riding Hood is my total favourite fairytale … there’s something about a young girl going into the woods and being propositioned by a wolf that’s dark and intriguing. In fact, I actually put a literary allusion to the story in my book, The Other Twin, out next year. I’ve been dropping hints like mad so hopeful my husband will get me this bag for Christmas!!

4) Typewriter Key Necklace

I actually learned to type on a typewriter and have always felt ever since there’s something much more ORGANIC about them than boring laptops. I love the idea of wearing the keys as a necklace.

5) Miniature Book Charms

I adore these, they’re so clever. Every book lover should have one — OR TEN!!!

6) Library Kit

This is a fun kit — I can see my middle child really going for this. She already has her own library in her bedroom … Her only customer is her little sister, but everyone has to start somewhere!

7) Library Card Socks 

Socks are normally a DULL present, but they *are* practical, so these socks will brighten up someone’s day and be useful … Two for one.

 

9) Bronte Sisters Tape

I don’t really know what you’d use this for. BUT I MUST HAVE IT NOW. NOW!!!

9) Maya Angelou ‘Phenomenal Woman’ Tights

‘Phenomenal woman’ is one of my favourite poems by Angelou – she was a huge inspiration to me when I was a teenage mother … I read every volume of her autobiography and promised myself I would be a pro writer like her. Plus, it’s winter – so these tights are a MUST!

10) Literary Lucky Dip Box

Aaaaand if you’re REALLY stuck (or you’ve bought all sorts of literary gifts for your bookish beau already), why not try a MYSTERY load of gifts?? Apparently, this lovely lucky dip haul contains a variety of bookish jewellery, stationery and accessories, such as necklaces, notebooks, pocket mirrors and bookmarks. Nice!

INFOGRAPHIC: Awesome Authors’ Day Jobs

Following  my book deal news yesterday, I fully expect to be on one of these ‘famous authors’ infographics very soon, haha! (For those interested, back in the day before I became a script editor and blogger, I was a teacher – A Level & GCSE English Lit/Lang and also English as a Foreign Language).

Some obvious ‘writerly’-type jobs here – we writers often start out from the same places – so I think my biggest surprises on this list were Nicholas Sparks and Joseph Conrad, though I’m guessing their experiences were big inspirations to them. Check it out!

by Adzuna.

From Visually.

‘Dark, Sexy Debut’ sells to Awesome Orenda Books

So, I’ve got a book deal!

I’m delighted to tell you all my psychological thriller, The Other Twin will be published by Orenda Books.

Orenda is one of my favourite publishers, so to say I am delighted is an understatement. Head honcho Karen Sullivan is a powerhouse and best of all, she really GETS the book. Here’s what she says about THE OTHER TWIN, so you can get a flavour of what it’s about:

‘This is a book whose premise grabbed me from the outset, and the writing, sublime and complex plotting, and very contemporary setting and storyline made it stand out from the rest. The Other Twin focuses on twenty-something Poppy and her quest to find out the truth behind the death of her sister India, who has fallen to her death from a bridge over the London to Brighton railway. Taking the reader into the lanes of Brighton, into the city’s gay scene and well-heeled families, The Other Twin is not just a fabulously layered, dark and twisty psychological thriller, but also an expose of the social media generation, where resentments, attachments and accusations are all played out online and identities are made and remade according to what is convenient or expedient at the time. This is an exceptionally relevant thriller, with an unforgettable cast of characters, a relentless tension and a chilling denouement, and Lucy is an unbelievably talented writer. I am looking forward to see her soar in the Orenda stable, and could not be more excited to welcome her to the team.”

If you follow me online on Twitter and Facebook, you’ll know how I’m interested in mental health issues, as well as LGBT matters and social media use/misuse, so hope I can do these subjects justice … But more than that, I hope you’ll find it a DAMN GOOD YARN!!!

Many thanks of course to my wonderful agent Hattie Grunewald and to Karen – as well as all of you!!!

Thanks so much for being on the journey with me so far!

DON’T FORGET:

Fellow crime fiction/mystery & thriller authors – I always want to hear from you for my CRIMINALLY GOOD feature. I’m happy to tie in with your book releases, appearances, blog tours and events too. For full details, CLICK HERE and/or contact me – but be quick, ‘cos slots fill up fast!

Rampant readers – I LOVE to hear your ‘Best of 3’ crime fiction reading recommendations. Pick them at random or theme them if you like … FULL DETAILS HERE. Everyone welcome (including authors, as long as you don’t recommend your own books!).

 

Best of 3: Bad Guy Leads

We hear a lot about ‘likeable’ leads – but what if a book’s protagonist is just plain BAD? We’re talking a domestic abuser, a paedophile, or a serial killer … That would be too difficult to read, surely — never mind WRITE! Yet somehow, these novelists manage it — wow!

1) TWISTED RIVER by Siobhan Macdonald

‘A holiday home swap FROM HELL’ is an awesome premise, but it’s the characters that really make TWISTED RIVER stand out in my opinion. Each one is well drawn, even the vile Oscar, a wife-beater who indulges his violent whims and excuses himself on the basis of his crappy childhood. From the pen of a lesser writer, Oscar would come off as a comic book villain, but you even find yourself *sort of* seeing things HIS way!! Horrifying, yet all the more powerful for it. Read my full review, HERE.

2) FIRST ONE MISSING by Tammy Cohen

A story of child abduction and murder, FIRST ONE MISSING is a dark and distressing read, with authentic characters and portrayals of grief. But it’s our male lead, our would-be paedophile, who really lights up the page in my view. His justifications make sense to him and whilst we don’t condone his behaviour, we begin to understand why society churns out monsters like him! Read my review, HERE.

3) FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD by Barbara Copperthwaite

I’ve read LOTS of stories told from the POV of a serial killer, but none quite like this one. Adam, our serial killer in FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD is a tragic figure — something usually afforded only for female killers in literature. Sexually abused as a child by his mother, his understanding of relationships is deeply flawed. Even the genuine kindness of his grandmother only serves to feed into his confusion of what love really means, leading to his warped actions in the book. Somehow, reading this I even empathised with Adam and wanted him to find happiness! Yikes! Definitely worth a read. Read my full review, HERE.

Top 10 Reading Spaces To Curl Up With A Book

All these reading spaces found on Pinterest.

1) Rose Tipi

I adore this, but fear I’d rather just look at it, than read an actual book inside. Also, I know one – or possibly ALL – of my six cats will take up residence in it.

2) Deluxe window seat

Again, cats would take this over. Or my kids. Harrumph. also, being a total MUM I can’t help but think that fabric’s gonna show up clllllllll the stains …

3) Bed canopy

Now THIS I might have a chance of doing. Some fabric, some fairy lights and Bob’s your uncle. Plus I do most of my reading in bed and I’m under the eaves in my house … !!

4) Attic spot

I’d need an attic. It’s the one desperately uncool thing about new houses – lack of attics. I remember going to friends’ houses when I was growing up … Many of them lived on farms and had awesome attics. They were freezing, but swings and roundabouts and all that.

5) Understairs space

This is a really clever usage of the space under your stairs … provided you don’t have a cupboard underneath them already, of course.

6) Bed Nook

Looks a bit squished to me, but perfect for a child under ten.

7) Shabby chic window seat

I guess it means you’re old when you start liking shabby chic. This is lovely though and kids aren’;t as likely to take it over.

8) Pink window seat

A nice, functional place – looks like a landing too, so might be quieter than those downstairs.

9) Understairs nook

Another clever use of understairs space. Particularly useful for a child’s playroom if you’re one of those lucky people with a gigantic house (or not many kids or cats, unlike me).

10) Corner space

I think I like this one the best because you could put it literally ANYWHERE you’ve got a bit of corner space. It’s functional and could be taken doing easily if needs be, but it also would feel special.

Now where’s my book …

All these reading spaces found on Pinterest.

Criminally Good: Interview with author Caroline Mitchell

1) So, who are you & what have you written?

A former police detective, I’ve worked in CID and specialised in roles dealing with vulnerable victims, high risk victims of domestic abuse, and serious sexual offences. I now write full time.

I’ve written Paranormal Intruder, Don’t Turn Around, Time to Die and The Silent Twin. My first psychological thriller, Witness is on pre order and due for release on 20th December. My new DS Ruby Preston crime thriller series is based in Hackney, London and due for release very soon. As you can see, I’ve been busy! Here’s my AMAZON PAGE, plus you can check out my website, HERE. Follow me on Twitter as @Caroline_Writes and/or LIKE my Facebook page.

2) Why do you write crime fiction?

They say write what you know, and after nine years in the police I’m no stranger to crime. I have worked in many departments during my role as a detective constable. Writing about crime has been very therapeutic, a way of dealing with the more negative aspects of the job.

3) What informs your crime writing?

Personal experiences. I focus very much on characters in my books. Obviously I can’t write about real life experiences, but I am well informed on certain situations and the type of people you are likely to come up against. I’m very interested in psychology too and spend a lot of time researching the subject. I particularly enjoy writing about serial killers, and in most of my novels you are introduced to the killer and their personal motivations very early on.

4) What’s your usual writing routine?

Life has changed immensely since leaving the police. Working full time in such a demanding role and writing to tight deadlines was tough. Now, I get up at seven thirty, get the kids out to school, and spend the next few hours writing. I have a very short attention span so I break up my day by answering emails and responding to social media. After I pick up the kids from school I spend a bit of time with family stuff, and spend most of my evening either plotting or writing. I’m very lucky because I love what I do.

5) Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?

Ooh that’s a tough question. I love Stephen King so anything by him. He may be the king of horror (no pun intended) but he’s also written some good crime novels too. Mr Mercedes is my favourite to date. It was very cleverly written so I’d gladly lay claim to that.