An Interview with Ed Lynskey, author of ASK THE DICE

I was first drawn to Ed Lynskey's work by THE BLUE CHEER, a piece of crime writing that features his hard-boiled, but all too human, P.I. Frank Johnson. The novel was set in the Appalachians, a part of North America I can't get enough of, and it made frequent mentions of bluegrass music, something else I can't get enough of, when I'm not listening to Opera or Algerian country music.




Since I read the final page of THE BLUE CHEER, the novel has continued to resonate. In the end, were the murders really to be attributed solely to a racist group with terrorist plans, or were the motives for killing a couple, that had dared to cross a color line, even uglier than that? 




I decided that it was worth getting to know Ed. Lynskey a little better, and that is why I invited him to do a short, sharp interview and tell us something about his favorite writers and his new novel, ASK THE DICE.

Below are my questions and Ed's replies.




What have you been able to do better in ASK THE DICE than in all your previous novels, and how did you do it? 

ASK THE DICE is my second stand alone novel I published after writing my private investigator series. So, I had to create a new cast of characters from scratch instead of relying on the same troupe that populated the PI series. I did a lot of outlining and note-taking over a week trying to flesh out each main player in the ASK THE DICE. I'm pleased with the results. 




The reviews I've seen so far also seem pleased with the results. It was interesting to see that Ed Gorman picked up on the noirish roots of the title, "a Marilyn Monroe quote to the director John Huston at the Reno craps table in Spring 1960, during the filming of The Misfits". 




In your opinion, what book, that you loved reading, or that really influenced you, has never got the fame and readers it deserves?

I've always admired Harry Crews' Southern Gothic novels, in particular the early titles from the 1960s and 1970s (THE GOSPEL SINGER, A FEAST OF SNAKES). He attracted a cult following and a literary critical reception, but he never reached a larger reading audience. I'm not at all sure why that is. I read an interview done with him a few years ago where he said he's not writing any future books. I guess he's said everything he wants to say.




Thank you for telling me about Harry Crews. He has just gone onto my reading list. On the other hand, what supposedly classic piece of writing sent you to sleep after the first few pages?

Anything written by Henry James gave me the instant nods in graduate school. On the other hand, Edith Wharton, his contemporary and friend, I love reading and even rereading.




I totally agree with you about both Henry James and Edith Wharton. Her Ethan Frome is one of my all-time favorites, but with Henry James I've never been able to get past the first ten pages. 




Who's the writer you'd like to have a few drinks with?

Since I usually don't have much to say, I'd better pick a colorful guy who tells a good story. Otherwise it'd be a rather dull affair, I'm afraid.




Sounds as if Joe Konrath could be a good candidate. What book published recently do you most want to read?

I got a Kindle for Christmas, so I've been catching up on the ebooks TBR stack I've been accumulating. Not long ago, I finished a top-shelf noir, DUST DEVILS, by South African writer Roger Smith. Les Edgerton writes a mean crime novel. Patti Abbott reminds me of the great Margaret Millar. My favorite genre, the Western, is making a spirited comeback by writers like Wayne Dundee, Heath Lowrance, Ed Grainger (aka David Cranmer). So, I'll look for their next titles as they become available.




Thanks for the recommendation about Dust Devils. I noticed a few weeks ago that Irish crime writer Rob Kitchin recommended Roger Smiths Mixed Blood very highly on his blog, The View from the Blue House. What's your preferred place for writing?
I sit in an old cafeteria chair at an even older desk. That spot seems to work the best for me even with a laptop computer. Anywhere else like in a coffeehouse or library just doesn't get it done for me.




If there are no copyright problems, what excerpt from ASK THE DICE, do you think will give readers a good idea of the book?

Sure. Here are the opening lines narrated by Tommy Mack Zane, middle-aged hit man thinking about his retirement from the bloody business. 

Chapter 1, the first scene

The alcohol fumes were singeing my nose hairs. My lip snarled. All morning had been a bust. For a diversion while seated in the waiting area, I'd tried writing a poem in my head. Only the scary needle imagery stood out as clear. Right now, I sat here, dealing with my fear.

"Are you a vet, sir?"

A bit surprised, I wagged my head. "No. Why?"

"Buzz cut. Trim build. Stoic face. Just my read, mind you."

I gave him a curt look. "Wrong read." what

"Just making conversation, Mr. Zane."

"Uh-huh. Just finish it."

"Just relax. Haste makes waste."

My back muscles banded tight as I watched my blood—a deep crimson ink—slurp out to fill the glass tube. The rubber tourniquet encircling my arm two inches above my elbow squeezed away. The hypo needle, carbon steel, pierced my plumped vein. If the hypo needle sheared off, or if he jabbed me any damn sharper, I'd treat him to a knuckle croissant.

Ed, thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions.  Good luck with ASK THE DICE.