Mole Creek is not far from where I live, and as I enjoy Tasmanian crime fiction I thought I’d give this a try. What to Expect Expect a fast-paced thriller, taking place in modern day Australia and during the Vietnam War. Most of the novel is from the point of view of the protagonist, Xander […]
Mystery
Poor Dead Larry
This is the first short case from DI Jack Finkel (back when he was still a DS), while I’m working on his first full length novel. There are a few more shorts to come — though fear not, I haven’t abandoned Felix😉 DI Jack first appeared on my mailing list back in October, and there […]
More Outback Noir (4 reviews in one!)
As mentioned on my previous post on the subject, I’ve been somewhat binging Outback Noir (crime fiction set in rural Australia) with a view to writing a Magical-Realism novel along similar lines. Below are condensed reviews of two novels and a TV show, all being excellent examples of the genre. Quick aside: did you know […]
The Who, the How, and the Why of Literary Murder
While I was rereading my own novels as a prelude to finishing In Victrix, I was reminded of an old adage about genres: Mystery is solving a crime, while thriller is racing to prevent the crime. Horror is watching the crime happen (If anyone knows the origins of this quote, please tell me!) We are […]
Book Review: An Evil Planned, by Theo Faurez
A murder mystery in Roman times but outside of the usual backdrop got me intrigued. What to Expect The story takes place outside Antioch, the capital of the Roman province of Syria. Early in Trajan’s reign, a girl is murdered on the road outside the town and the vigiles are called to investigate. Asking the […]
Book Review: Crime Wave 2: Women of a Certain Age: A Canada West Anthology
Sometimes one is in in an uncertain mood, unsure of what to read next and wishing to try several things. Anthologies offer a selection of quick samples, showing windows into what might be worth exploring further. What to Expect Sixteen short stories, written by women and with female protagonist, all involving and revolving around a […]
Book Review: The Signet Ring: A Trouvères Adventure, By Ellis Knox
I loved Knox’s AltEarth blend of historical-fantasy since I first saw (the excellent Goblins at the Gate), so I was very keen to try this latest installment, especially as it’s promising a mystery. What to Expect Expect a classic tale of mystery, where the protagonists – in this case, a band of actors – are […]
Hard-boiled detectives: Then and Now (a philosophical review of The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler)
It’s been a while since I read the classic hard-boiled detectives, and felt like revisiting the pillars of the genre. The Big Sleep is one of those genre-defining works, but a lot has changed in the 80+ years since its publication. Following is a review of the novel, with a summary that is waxing philosophical […]
TV Series Review: Miss (and Ms) Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
Double whammy (and a half): review of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, the sequel series Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and a note about the book series that sparked them. First, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Yes, I’ve watched the TV series before reading the books. However, that is how I found out about […]
Book Review: A Hag Rises from the Abyss, by Douglas Lumsden
I adored the previous Alex Southerland novels, so when I got the ARC for this one I practically squealed with joy. It was worth the wait! What to Expect Another paranormal case in the wonderful urban fantasy series of Alex Southerland, PI. This time time he gets hired (coerced, more like) into helping the mayor […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 