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 […]
Mystery
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 […]
Book Review: A Witch Steps into My Office, by Douglas Lumsden
Lumsden’s previous novel left me wanting more, so it didn’t take me long to delve into this second book in the series. Nor was I disappointed – this is an excellent sequel, even better than the previous. What to Expect Expect a story that reads like Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett, but with mobile phones […]
Action Choreography for Novels
This post arose out of my review of Six of Crows. I complained that many action sequences were problematic. I didn’t provide examples, to avoid spoilers and in fairness to Bardugo, but I think this subject deserves a full post. There were a few scenes in the novel, more than a passing oversight, where the […]
Spring Showers Sci-fi, Fantasy, Mystery Thrillers Box Set Giveaway
You’re here because you like reading, right? Right now, over thirty authors (yours truly included) are giving away novels, short stories and previews for you to read at no cost to yourself, except the time it takes to download this huge boxed-set. You pay nothing and they work for days, weeks and sometimes years to […]
Book & Series Review: Erast Fandorin by Boris Akunin
I’ve recently finished reading the latest (to be translated) Erast Fandorin mystery – All The World’s A Stage. I’ve talked about this series before, so it’s a good opportunity to review both the series and the latest volume. Overall, this is one of the best historical-detective mystery series out there. It is intelligent, engaging, and […]
Book Series Review: Medicus Roman Mysteries, by Ruth S. Downie
I strikes me that while I have mentioned Ruth Downie‘s writing before, have interviewed her protagonist Gaius Petreius Ruso, and have even used him for a guest appearance – with permission! – in In Numina, I have never actually wrote a full review of her books. I’ve read the first two books a couple of years […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 