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                       Granite Noir Crime Writing Festival
                                       Aberdeen Scotland



I had an amazing time in Aberdeen at the Second Annual Crime Writing Festival. As one of the few Americans in attendance, I had the opportunity to gain perspective on writing from authors and mystery fans from "across the pond."

Among the highlights were interviews with one of the UK's most popular actor/authors, Hugh Fraser. If you are a fan of PBS's Mystery series, you will undoubtedly recognize Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings, Hercule Poirot's straight laced sidekick. [image error]
In his first novel, Harm, Fraser's protagonist, lesbian contract killer Rina Walker, is about as far from Captain Hasting as one could imagine. He told an amusing story...

Fraser was at a book fair mingling with fans when he was approached by an elderly lady who was quite thrilled by her opportunity to meet the charming and reserved Captain Hastings.


                                                                  [image error]
She purchased copy of Harm, and began reading it as she waited at the bus stop. Fraser and another lady attending the book fair watched the elderly woman through a window. She got to about page three and promptly threw the book into a nearby trash can. The woman watching with Fraser was astonished! Why would she do that? Fraser surmised that the lady reached page three where he used the "C" word. His companion considered. "Well, in that case can I buy two copies?"