Daz's Short Book Reviews

The Killing Moon by Rod Glenn (Story also by Jamie Mitchell)

2012-03-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

I hold my hands up and freely admit that I am a sucker for a post apocalyptic tale. To have one set in the North East of England near where I live? You have me “hook, line, sinker and copy of Angling Times” to quote the writers of Red Dwarf.

Now you can’t be hyper critical with this kind of tale. It’s very much an overdone genre and almost anything you write will have to cross a few clichés. It’s just the way the genre is. That never stopped any of those folk writing the bloody awful romantic vampire tales now did it? So having taken that on board I sat down to enjoy the novel.

Having read some of Rod Glenn’s work before I knew that I would more than likely enjoy the read. I wasn’t wrong. Rod’s fast and pacy style doesn’t so much lead you as drag you along by the scruff of the neck. The initial scenes deal with the release of a virus that leads to the breakdown of society as we know. Fast forward twenty years on and we see a very small community of ordinary folk trying to carry on as normally as possible. Well I won’t put any spoilers in this review but as you might expect things don’t remain idyllic for very long.

Tragic events soon lead to five young friends having to journey to the mysterious Black City or Middlesbrough as we know it. Not only is this an adventure tale but also a coming of age tale as the author charts the destinies of the friends. With strong adult language and themes throughout this is a tale for the older reader. Whilst there are bloody events and scenes of a gratuitous nature I don’t believe these are over done as some reviewers suggest. With a city full of warring factions and sub-human “crazies” you have to expect a little blood and guts don’t you?

A cracking read that I would recommend particularly for fans of the genre.

Genre: Post Apocalyptic Adventure
Publisher: Wild Wolf Publishing
Format: E-Book Novel
Price: £1.98
Rating: 5/5

Author Interview: R.Thomas Brown

2012-02-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

Tell us about your novel Hill Country

Gabriel Hill stumbles home to find a mutilated corpse on his porch. A man who had beat him earlier. After puking, he finds a makeshift animal sacrifice behind his house. The next day, his life got complicated.

His home is broken into. He's beaten by a stranger. Seduced by another. Threatened unless he can find the valuables his dead brother supposedly sent to him.

Ignoring advice to run, Gabe searches for answers. He finds a brother unlike the drug addicted young man he forgot. He finds new threats, new enemies, more dead bodies, a courage he didn't think existed, a love that he didn't expect and a truth that he feared.

What inspired you to write it?

It was a strange path to this novel. It started as what became my horror novella, Merciless Pact. But there were elements that weren’t working and the story evolved. In the end, I tried to tell a high octane story that held some of the charm of the Maltese Falcon. Not the story style, but the notion of people who would give anything, and betray anyone for a prize.

You seem to enjoy writing about the frailties and flaws in the human condition. Why do you think this is?

I try to create characters that feel real to me. I don’t much care to write the Jason Bourne’s of the world. I like that stuff sometimes, but it’s not what’s in my head. I am drawn to stories about normal people who are forced to deal with things that don’t make sense. Be it a gun to the head or a voice that no one else hears, it’s the reaction that I care about.

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your novel what songs would you pick?

I listened to several Texas artists while writing the book to keep my head in the place I was when I lived in San Antonio and my cousins had property in the Hill Country. Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keene, Pat Green, Stevie Ray Vaughan, some old ZZ Top, others as well.

Where can our readers find you online?

I blog about various fiction things, including my writing at Criminal Thoughts, rthomasbrown.blogspot.com. I’m also the flash fiction editor at Spinetingler and occasionally do a review at Crime Fiction. I tweet as @rthomasbrown and you can find me on facebook and Google +. That seems like a bit much, but I pick and choose where I post and my activity on each of those can be sporadic. Twitter is most reliable.

What do you most like about writing?

It’s damn fun. I love creating characters from my imagination, doing horrible things to them, and crafting ways for them to succeed, or fail. It really is fun. I love telling stories.

What do you dislike about writing?

It’s isolated. Even doing writing at home means that I’m not doing something with someone else. That’s hard and is a tough balance for me to keep with a wife and three kids. I want to write, but it can feel like a selfish pursuit. And there’s so little feedback though much of the process that, at times, I doubt if the time is worth it.

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?

Do what works best for you, but try it all to be sure. Outline or don’t, but try it to see. Revise as you go, or blast through a draft, but be sure you’ve made the right choice. Chuch Wendig blogged about this once in one of his 25 things that are really important but I’m going to curse up a fucking swarm while I tell you lists. Others have as well.

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?

It’s common to say, but certainly Stephen King is one of the reasons I write, and there is so much I admire, and used to ape, in his writing. I find I am more influenced now by Joe Lansdale. His characters, and his setting for the Hap and Leonard stories are a nice mix of generally nice place, where some not so nice stuff still happens.

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?

I think I plot well. I think my longer works tend to move well and follow and arc that makes sense. That’s partly because that’s how I envision a story. First is what happens, second is what do the characters do about it, which leads to another what happens. I also generally have a feel for how the climax will work out, so I have that in mind.

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?

Oh gosh, everything else. And plotting. Seriously, I need to get better at all aspects of storytelling. Hill Country is a better story that what I had written before. Both because of good editorial work and my improvements as a writer. The book I am writing now, feels better as well. I think we always get better, and need to.

Describe for our readers the genre(s) you write in and why they appeal to you as a writer.

I describe myself as a thriller writer. Sometimes that’s noir. Sometimes crime. Sometimes horror. The uniting thread is that the stories are about characters who are forced into a situation that presents danger, and they must through their own actions find a way out. They won’t always succeed, and they’ll need help, but that is always the driving force behind a story I write.

This can be a subtle in short fiction, where at times I am just writing a scene or character. The short form allows that. But for the most part, that’s a constant in my writing.

What are you reading at the moment?

Far too many things. With reviews and story submissions, it can get a bit backed up. I just finished The Dispatcher by Ryan David Jahn. Good stuff. I’m just starting Carpathia by Matt Forbeck. I’m also going through the stories in Julie Madeleine’s Stick a Needle in My Eye.

Opportunity Knocks & Beyond Reason by Craig Douglas

2012-02-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

Opportunity Knocks
Dave Cresswell is old school. A brawler who knows his place and his standing within his social circles. Woe betide anyone who messes with him. Yes, of course, someone eventually does but is Dave in as much trouble as he thinks?

Craig Douglas once more impresses me with this well written character piece. A very strong voice from the outset Douglas has really gotten into the mind of his character which adds to the story greatly. A cracking short read.

Beyond Reason
George is disconnected from reality. We are given strong hints of religious fervour in George's character. His mother seems to also be a zealot. Craig Douglas uses short descriptive passages written by George to get us inside the characters head.

A fascinating short tale. Is it about mental illness? Is it about alienation? Is it about inspiration? I'll leave you to decide what the author's message is. However, I can promise you a great short read with a unique feel to it and some excellent descriptive writing.

Genre: Crime
Publisher: Indie
Format: E-Book Short Stories
Price: Both at 77p
Rating: Both 5/5

Author Interview: Malcolm Holt

2012-02-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

Tell us about your short story collection Hard Drive and the inspiration behind it.
I had two new crime stories ready to release into the wild and following Trestlegate and my disassociation with TP, I wanted to find a way to get the three Crime Tyne Shots stories back on Amazon as soon as possible. I also wanted to hook up the first story featuring my character Slinger with the others, so I put the six stories together and ‘Hard Drive’ was born. It’s a mixture of old and new, with nothing borrowed and nothing blue.

Do you prefer to write about your home town?
Newcastle, like most cities, has a dark side away from the tourist areas and the stag and hen parties and it’s easier for me to write about where I live. Ian Rankin was very successful writing the Rebus books based in Edinburgh, so I thought...why not? Having said that, I’ve got two books coming out soon that were not based in Newcastle.

Is any of your writing drawn from real experience?
I hope not. I would like to think that my life is very different from the people in my stories. My writing is drawn from my vivid imagination or is inspired by a real event or just a good headline in a paper.

What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished reading ‘Hit and Run’ by the talented Edinburgh writer Doug Johnstone. I recently re-read all the Rebus books in chronological order. Next up, all the books from my fellow ex-TP writers, of course.

Are you working on a new story or novel at the moment?
I am juggling with two books at the moment and I am planning a double launch at Easter. ‘27’ is a crime novella set in a fictional town. I started it before the short stories were first published. ‘Bulldozers and Dirt’ is a dark comedy that started out as a draft television script and I am adapting it for a book. It’s a story about two dysfunctional dairy farming families at war. Further down the line, I will be publishing ‘Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats’, a fun travel book about my quest to find and experience the old cowboy spirit in Texas. I am also writing a book over the Summer about getting up close and personal with nature. It’s another fun travel book called ‘Fishing for Gators’. That one was inspired by a real guy in Florida who I stayed next to. He used to go fishing in a lake full of alligators. 2012 is shaping up to be a busy year.

Where can our readers find you online?
I am on Facebook and Twitter (@Tynewriter) and I have my blog ‘A Bit on The Side’. The Side is actually a well-known street in Newcastle.

What do you most like about writing?
It gives me the opportunity to get all the imaginary people out of my head without medication. It’s a lonely world at times because you are on your own, but it can be quite cathartic. If I’m having a bad day, I’ll have someone killed in a story. It’s also a lot of fun.

What do you dislike about writing?
Nothing really. Now that I am self-publishing I am my own boss. No deadlines to meet, no contracts to negotiate and you get to meet a lot of other great writers out there. So, there are now no real negatives.

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?
Get a decent laptop. Being serious, I would say just write what is in your head. You can always edit it later. Your writing, not your head.

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?
I have been fortunate to have been able to share a pint or two with Ian Rankin in the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh on a few occasions. Allan Guthrie is also a favourite Edinburgh writer. I have all Kinky Friedman’s books. He once told me that you are never too o-l-d to start writing, so I did. He made me an honorary Texan. I’ve been to the Lone Star State a few times so I feel that I do qualify for the honour. I am hooked on the television series ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and like ‘The Shield’ before it, the writing for those series has been very sharp and inspiring.

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?
I have always had a vivid imagination and that helps. If people are happy to read my work then I must be doing something well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?
Too many doughnuts from Greggs. I think most writers will agree that your writing improves with age, like a good wine. You develop your own style of storytelling. Hopefully it will continue to grow.

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your novel what songs would you pick?
Anything by the Drive-By Truckers. Their songs tell great stories, often with dark undertones. I have all their albums. I also like the White Buffalo who I discovered from watching my favourite television series ‘Sons of Anarchy’.

Describe for our readers the genre(s) you write in and why they appeal to you as a writer.
I guess I now fall into two distinct genres. The crime fiction stories are one side of my writing and humour is the other. I’ve always valued the benefits of humour. It doesn’t have to be slapstick. Humour can be quite dark at times and it can work well, even in the darkest of stories. Maybe if I’m successful I will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Show No Mercy By Julie Morrigan

2012-02-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Julie Morrigan once again proving without doubt a that she is a stunningly versatile writer. This collection has something for everyone. There are tales of ancient curses - Black Dog. Old style wise cracking detective stories - Star, Wish Upon A Star. Gritty violent urban gangster tales - The Loan Arranger. There are even Christmas revenge tales – Cold, Cold Christmas, White Christmas.

I’ve come to expect a very high standard from Morrigan’s writing. As usual she delivered in spades. A great value five star collection.

Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher: Indie
Format: E-Book - Short Story Collection
Rating: 5/5

Author Interview: Stuart Ayris

2012-02-18T02:13:00.000-08:00

In the first few weeks of release the novel Tollesbury Time Forever by Stuart Ayris has had over forty five star reviews on Amazon. See an earlier post on this blog for my review of this excellent novel. I hooked up with Stuart and interviewed him about his writing and inspiration.

Describe your novel Tollesbury Time Forever in 25 words or less.

The redemptive tale of a Beatles-obsessed alcoholic with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a love of cricket. It's a novel of love and hope.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the novel

There are several inpirations I think. Probably easier if I list them:

· all the people I have met over the years who have had their lives taken from them by the mental health system

· 'Here, There and Everywhere' by The Beatles

· The 1981 Headingly Test against the Australians

· My three boys, Matthew, Daniel and James

· Tollesbury

· The King's Head, Jack Daniels and Mr Aspall

The novel has had some great reviews and seems to strike a chord within the readers. Why do you think that is?

I honestly don't know. The fact that it had been turned down flat by every publisher and agent I sent it too made me think that there just wouldn't be an audience for it. I knew it was the sort of book I would like to read, but that was about as far as it went.

The things people have been saying about Tollesbury Time Forever in their reviews (the fact that people are even bothering to review it still astounds me) makes me well-up every time I read them. It just seems everybody that reads it 'gets' it – and that is the most wonderful surprise because, as you know, it's a bit unusual!

I think perhaps is that everybody needs hope and to be able to see hope in difficult times.

How much of your writing is drawn from real experiences?

In Tollesbury Time Forever, the places I describe are real – The King's Head, the salt-marshes, the various streets, the Village Lock-Up and Mo's Café. In terms of the people, the characters are all based, facially and physically, an people I have seen in Tollesbury. The characteristics are based on people I have met over the years. And all Simon's thoughts come and views are mine.

People who have read TTF may want to know your views on "mental illness". Would you like to share them?

I guess the best way to answer that would be to quote a passage from the book. It's a first person narrative, so these are the words of Simon Gregory:

There is no schizophrenia and there is no depression; no bi-polar disorder, personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. There is just life and trying to get through it. That is all. Look past the drugs and past the diagnosis, look deeper than the despair and higher than the highs - and what you have is a soul that needs embracing, a mind that needs cradling and a heart that needs to beat it’s beat without condemnation

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carre. I have always loved his books and would urge anyone to read them. His prose his beautiful, his characters haunting and his plots wonderfully complex. If you're not sure, start by watching 'The Spy Who Came in From The Cold' – 1966 film with Richard Burton!

Are you working on a new story or novel at the moment?

I have three things on the go at the moment. Currently I am revising my first novel, A Cleansing of Souls. I wrote it when I was twenty-two and, although it certainly has merit, can stand some gentle revision. I'm about a third of the way through that at the moment and when I'm done I will be releasing it as an e-book in March.

After that, I will get cracking on the novel I started last summer called The Bird That Nobody Sees. I'm about thirteen thousand words in but haven't touched it since about October 2011. I hope to finish it by August and release it as an ebook in September.

Then finally, I will be writing four short stories for young teenagers, about a girl called Tremble. The first of these will be called Tremble, Peanut and The Boy.

Where can our readers find you online?

www.tollesburytimeforever.blogspot.com
www.stuartayrisbooks.co.uk
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
UK Kindle Forum
Dagenham and Redbridge Unofficial Forum

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?

Jack Kerouac:

1. Wild typewritten pages, for yr own joy
2. Submissive to everything, open, listening
3. Be in love with yr life
4. Something that you feel will find its own form
5. Be crazy dumbsaint of the mind
6. Blow as deep as you want to blow
7. Write what you want bottomless from bottom of the mind
8. The unspeakable visions of the individual
9. Remove literary, grammatical and syntactical inhibition
10. The jewel center of interest is the eye within the eye
11. Write in recollection and amazement for yourself
12. Believe in the holy contour of life
13. Struggle to sketch the flow that already exists intact in mind
14. Dont think of words when you stop but to see picture better
15. No fear or shame in the dignity of yr experience, language & knowledge
16. Composing wild, undisciplined, pure, coming in from under, crazier the better
17. You're a Genius all the time

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?

John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?

16. Composing wild, undisciplined, pure, coming in from under, crazier the better

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?

I am entirely undisciplined and rely entirely on intuition – I have tried to plan a book but it just hasn't felt right. I guess that may trip me up one day. Also the feeling that I write better after a few drinks. That too may one day be my undoing.

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your novel what five songs would you pick?

Fine question! Perhaps, in the order the story progresses, that would be:

1. Train Song by Tom Waits
2. One Too Many Mornings by Bob Dylan
3. Strawberry Fields by The Beatles
4. Here Comes That Rainbow Again by Kris Kristofferson
5. Blooming Heather by Kate Rusby

Dead Money by Ray Banks

2012-02-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Les Beale is a ticking time bomb. His best friend Alan Slater is his personal bomb disposal unit. When Alan fails to accompany Les to a poker game all hell breaks loose and Alan finds himself at the centre of the blast radius.

Ray Banks excellently deconstructs Alan’s life one body blow at a time. In his usual straightforward fashion Banks tell the tale of a cocky double glazing salesman whose choice of friend will cost him dear.

Like all of the fiction that I have read thus far by Ray Banks Dead Money can be summed up in three words: Simple and compelling. I highly recommend this riveting read.

Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher: Blasted Heath
Format: E-Book Novel
Price: Amazon UK - £1.99
Rating: 5/5

Author Interview: Rosalind Smith-Nazilli

2012-02-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

What can you tell me about your short story collection Fourteen Flashes of Fiction?

It really is just a random gathering of short and flash fiction from my files. Although I have written for a great number of years I have never actually done anything with the results and thought if I was going to take the plunge then this was as good a way as any to test the water. There will be five collections in total bringing together new and old stories alike.

What inspired you to write it?

Taking up social networking on a much larger scale than I previously was gave me an almighty kick up the butt. Suddenly I was interacting with people who were putting out ebooks on a par to what I knew I was capable of, and sadly, in some cases I observed some very inferior efforts that helped prompt me to give it a go.

What or who inspire you?

When the muse kicks in my inspiration is just there. Give me a word or two and I will give you something back. Quite often a sentence comes in to my head which I know will make a great opening line.

What are you reading at the moment?

Have had quite a lot on the go of late and have just finished 'A Scattering of Ashes' by Craig Douglas and 'Tollesbury Times Forever' by Stuart Ayris. I have a list as long as my arm and next will be 'The Office of Lost and Found' by Vincent Holland-Keen.

Are you working on a new story or novel at the moment?

Currently I am collating further collections of FOURTEEN and at the same time working on a longer piece with the working title 'Tread Gently in my Blood'. This basically is a tale of betrayal that results in kidnap and a not too pleasant outcome.

What do you most like about writing?

Well I love the expression it brings and the scope to use language that would never normally pass my lips. I am very fond of dialogue and really enjoy creating characters who quite often don't need a physical description, you can picture them by what comes out of their mouths.

What do you dislike about writing?

I hate to feel pressured. Deadlines are a pain (just missed an important one) I don't really dislike anything about actually writing, but I do dislike interruptions when I am.

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?

Over the years I have scoured everywhere for advice, taken courses, followed blogs and so on. At the end of the day I think the best advice came from a tutor who told me to always be true to myself. To write what I wanted and not bow down to any conventional form if it didn't fit what I was trying to say.

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?

Oh where to start. There are many that I aspire to, my all time favourite being Sidney Sheldon but I don't really think they greatly influence my style. Thriller/Mystery/Psychological genres are the ones that do it for me but I am not naive enough to think I could ever emulate any of the greats.

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?

Dialogue and twist endings. I do think I am able to take you down a path that doesn't lead where you expected it to.

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?

Grammar. Every time. Even when I know I have it right I still have to check it..

What is your opinion on the rise of the ebook and ebook publishers?

Now I know that some traditionally published authors find the concept a huge bug bear but for me, and the likes of me, it has opened a door that would never have been there without it. Maybe in time readers will become over saturated with second class writing which is slipping through because there is of course, no net to catch it. For now though it continues to be an exciting journey.

Describe for our readers the genre(s) you write in and why they appeal to you as a writer.

I am not totally sure I write in any one genre but I do enjoy an element of mystery in my stories and I really do aspire to becoming a great thriller writer.

If you were to suggest a soundtrack for your book what should people listen to whilst reading it?

OK.. No laughing. I gave this a lot of thought over the past couple of days and the one soundtrack that keeps coming back to me is Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield. The reason being that it carries a lot of highs and lows, gentle and crashing rhythms that reflect the stories in FOURTEEN really well.

Where can my readers find you online?

My blog 'Nazilliville' is at this link - http://rosiesmith-nazilliwrites.blogspot.com/ and my other work is scattered around cyber space.

With Love And Squalor by Nigel Bird

2012-02-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

With Love and Squalor is a great introduction to the dark fictional world of Nigel Bird. The author’s fiction has featured in such places as The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime Volume 8, A Twist of Noir and Pulp Metal Magazine. This collection features stories from a range of these publications and serves to give the reader a good idea of what he’s about. This also includes a sample from Nigel’s novella, Smoke. Bird’s style is indefinable. He is drawn to the quirk and different aspects of life. He takes a sidelong view at things and then puts pen to paper.

Some tales like Fisher Of Men will leave you with more questions than answers. A Whole Lotta Rosie, I suspect inspired by the AC/DC song, had heart like much of Bird's fiction and a sad almost melancholic edge to it.

No Pain, No Gain took the interesting concept of siblings that can't feel pain and ran with it. Yet again we have the darker aspects but interwoven that sense of emotional depth that makes you care for the characters even in short fiction. This makes for compelling reading. He has that rare talent of great characterisation in a limited word count. This gives his stories more punch and an extra dimension.

If this is this first title of Nigel's that you read I have no doubt that you will explore more of his work.

Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher: Sea Minor
Format: E-Book - Short Story Collection
Rating: 5/5

Author Interview: Graham Smith

2012-02-01T23:08:00.000-08:00

Tell us about the Harry Charters Chronicles

The Harry Charters Chronicles are a collection of short stories and flash fiction featuring a 1950’s gumshoe detective who is haunted by a case which went terribly wrong. Each story sees him climb out of the bottom of his self pity bottle to mete out his own brand of justice.

What inspired you to write it?

Kate Pilarcik invited me to submit a Noir piece for her blog and I wrote the first Harry Charters story Detecting Malicious Murder. In my naivety I thought Noir was exclusive to the old black and white movies which is why whenever I write Harry Charters I have Humphrey Bogart doing the voiceover in my head. This is very cool and as soon I hear that voice I’m ready to fly at the keyboard.

Unlike writers such as Nick Quantrill and Ray Banks who write about places they know you favour a US setting for much of your writing. Can you tell us why?

I tend to be undiscriminating when it comes to locations. I will set the story wherever it feels best for the characters. Most of the stories in 11 The Hard Way are without named locations. They would fit in London, Canberra, Paris, New York or Leighton Buzzard. The one I did set in my home town of Gretna Green is called There Goes the Bride and location is very important to the story.
With Harry Charters I have striven to create a nameless, faceless and locationless character. Kate Pilarcik bullied me into giving him a name but he is not getting a face or a fixed location. He lives, drinks and occasionally works in an American city called Mariscoper which has a river, docks and a college. Mariscoper does not feature on any map (I’ve actually checked on Google maps) Mariscoper was created because I needed to name the college that Sarge’s son attended when I was writing The Smell of Perfume. I was too enthused with the story to stop and do proper research so a quick look at Google maps gave me ideas for the name of his city. This also allows me to do whatever I want both to and in the city without ever getting it wrong, provided of course I don’t contradict my previous references to the city.

How much of your writing drawn from real experience?

Very little is drawn from my real life although the story Honeymoon Hassle which is in 11 The Hard Way is a based on events which happened to my wife and I on our honeymoon. Watching her read if for the first time was fantastic as she realised it was our story. The characters have our middle names. As for all the rest of it, I’m a writer, I make shit up!

What are you reading at the moment?

Lucifer’s Tears by James Thompson. It’s the first of his I’ve read and I’m loving it.

Are you working on a new story or novel at the moment?

I’m finishing off draft one of my novel and then I’m gonna have a month away from it and then go back and start on the massive edit it needs. In the month off I plan to knock out a number of short stories which I’ll share around the interweb. I also plan to write a Harry Charters novella at some point fairly soon.

Where can my readers find you online?

I have a few pieces up at places like the ones listed below and a blog or website of my own will be coming soon.
Shooting Stars
http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.com/2011/11/shooting-stars-by-graham-smith.html?zx=fde569de31e41252
Lonely Nights
http://a-twist-of-noir.blogspot.com/search/label/Graham%20Smith
The Mourning After and Pursuit
http://www.close2thebone.co.uk/wp/?cat=17
The Whine Cellar
http://www.lucaveste.com/search/label/Christmas%20Short%20Story%202011%20Graham%20Smith
Mathematics of Humanity
http://storiesfromtomorrow.tumblr.com/
Detecting Malicious Murder + All A Broad
http://at-the-bijou.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-goes-noir-at-bijou-presents_04.html

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?

Knowing that I write by the seat of my pants, Zoe Sharp advised me to write a short synopsis after writing each chapter so that I would have notes about events, characters etc.

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?

None especially and all of them collectively. Whether the book has been good or bad I’ve learned something from it, even if it is what not to do.

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?

I think my strengths of my writing are the twists I put in and the little details which flesh things out. I also think that I am fairly good at creating tension for both reader and character.

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?

Editing is my biggest weakness and I have to be really strict with myself to not give it a quick once over and consider it done. Dialogue is an area where I feel I could do with improving along with the whole general I want to write better feeling every writer has.

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your novel what songs would you pick?

I would have a bluesy jazz soundtrack for Harry Charters Chronicles as it fits the era and the atmosphere.

Describe for our readers the genre(s) you write in and why they appeal to you as a writer.

I write mostly crime fiction from the hardboiled / noir end of the spectrum. Sometimes I dip my toe into the murky waters of psychological thrillers and I’m quite comfortable with ironic or satirical pieces so long as there is still a crime element in there somewhere.

Drunk On The Moon (Story 8) - Blood And Alcohol by Frank Duffy

2012-01-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

The eighth instalment of Drunk On The Moon - Blood and Alcohol comes from Frank Duffy. For those that have yet to come across this series of short stories they feature a private eye, Roman Dalton, who happens to be a werewolf. The genre has been dubbed werewolf noir by lovers of the series. Each story is written by a different author but all feature the hapless, if somewhat deadly, Roman Dalton as he is thrust from one dangerous adventure to another.

The diversity of authors has led to a wide range of exploits but all have been, for me, very enjoyable. Paul D. Brazill has picked his contributors with care. The authors have treated his creation with respect and kept the style and theme of the stories within the dark, gritty style of the original story.

What most impressed me about Frank Duffy’s interpretation is the life he breathes into the city. His descriptions really fire the imagination and you imagine yourself trudging alongside Roman and seeing the dangerous city through his eyes. Here is an example:

Men who dance on the decaying underbelly to the staccato beat of its nightly violence. Men like Roman Dalton.

The threat to Dalton in this instalment comes from a most unexpected source. The legend of Roman Dalton continues to grow in fever and intensity. A thoroughly enjoyable short story and a series I would recommend highly to lovers of dark fiction.

Genre: Werewolf Noir!

Publisher: Trestle Press
Format: E-Book - Short Story
Price: Amazon UK - £0.77, Amazon US - £1.18

Author Interview: Pete Sortwell

2012-01-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

Pete Sortwell is a friend of mine and a blog mate from the now defunct Close To The Bone blog. After spending his childhood lying to his mother about eating all the crisps Pete now lives with his wife and on top of lying about eating all the crisps he has put his habit of lying to good use and started writing fiction.

Enjoying success in the short story world, Pete’s first short story was published by Bykerbooks in March 2011. He was runner up in the 2011 Lightship publishing flash fiction competition. and has featured in charity anthologies, Brit Grit Too and Off The Record. In 2012 his work will be animated in US E-zine ‘Yellow Mama’ Pete will also feature in Radgepacket 6. He speaks two languages, English and Bullshit and is fluet in neither. He has just finished his debut novel and is in the process of finding an agent or publisher.

What is the title of your forthcoming novel?

I've struggled with choosing a title for it. I think It might have been better to have chosen one before I got to the point of submission. However I am 95% certain it will be called So low, So high. Yes, all you avid fans will know, I have already named a short story that, but it's a great title, right? I nicked it from my friend (name drop time) James 'Maps' Chapman. Who is actually a mercury nominated musician. He was nominated the same year as Amy Winehouse for the new comer award. He agreed to let me use the title if I agreed to stop looking through his letterbox and following his Mum around Co-op.

Can you tell me about your novel?

I can.

Go on then.

Oh, you want me to continue....? My novel is about the last year of Simon Brewster's class A drug use. Simon's a mess, He can't stop using, doesn't know if he wants to. His life is crap, family hate him, his ex best mates a copper who has to arrest him for stealing legs of lamb on a regular basis. One way or another Simon will stop using- he prays for the blessed release of death but he's such a loser he can't even get that right.

It's all written in first person and present tense, so you, the reader, will be with him as he crashes his way through police cells, crack den's and display cases.

I've tried to make Simon humorous and a guy that people will like, he says things regular people might think but would never say. His brain is screwed into a really selfish outlook on life. Which is so tragic It's amusing.

Was it difficult writing about these issues?

Not really. Being a recovered addict/alcoholic I find it easy to get the inside monologue on paper. I will say now though, that although I have had a past, this is not an autobiography or anything close. The sad fact is, my life isn't that interesting. So I thought I would make one up. Which is the joy of fiction. I know a few people that have got well so it's been fairly easy using the droll stories I've heard and letting Simon live them out.

What inspired you to write it?

I've always wanted to write since I was at school and a book my father wrote was in the school Library. I was hooked after seeing that.
I read the Burglar Diaries by Danny King, ten years ago. I love it and the diaries that followed it. I thought it would be nice to write then but all the weed and drink stopped me doing little more than thinking about how great it would be to have written something of that standard. I'd never read anything that had made me laugh of the page before. It was also about someone who most people wouldn't like and would take pleasure in slagging them off down the pub (behind their backs). Once I sorted myself out and decided an autobiography would be crap I went for fiction and although different to Burglar Diaries I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been influenced by Danny.

What or who inspire you?

Anyone who is getting on with life no matter what shit it throws at them. I am constantly amazed at how much crap people can actually deal with without hitting the valium for a lifetime of checking their own pulse and not dealing with anything.

Is your writing drawn from real experience?

Nearly always. Whether or not it's mine or not is a different thing.

What are you reading at the moment?

Facebook, hotukdeals.com, the back of a bottle of bleach if I'm really stuck for material and I've just read the first few pages of Stuart Ayris's book. I am look forward to his brother’s book Abide With Me and Danny King's next release.

Are you working on a new story or novel at the moment?

I have been working on my novel for two whole years in April. considering before that I had written little more than my name on every desk, I’ve ever sat at, I feel I've done OK. Mind you finding a publisher/agent seems to be as much work (certainly more thinking time) than the writing took. Everyone wants different things so it's getting everything together and making sure I read the submissions guidelines. So the work at the moment its crossing the t's and dotting the i's.

I also have a short that I'll be releasing for free on kindle at some point. It Kinda relates to the book so once/if I hear I've got a publisher, I'll release it in the build up to release of the book. I have also written just under 10K words of book two- working title 'Die Happy, Die Smiling' (also borrowed from Maps).

What do you most like about writing?

When people tell me they laughed out loud from reading something I wrote. As long as it's not because it was diabolically shit.

What do you dislike about writing?

Doing it. I like having the finished product but sitting and trying to motivate myself is a bitch sometimes. I try and tell myself if I did it full time it would be easier but deep down I know I'm pissing in the wind on that one. I'd just have more time to pace the house, fly little helicopters and anything else that isn't typing.

What is the best piece of writing craft advice you have been given?

Stick to 1000 words a day and make them count. I wrote 3500 once and couldn't look at the book again for five months. It was a dreadful day. I see some people writing that amount daily, maybe they can do it and it works out. I haven't really read anyone's work that does that, but The chapter I wrote in a day needed a lot of work in the second draft. 1k a day is still 30k a month. Although I've never stuck to it for more than a month. I'm lazy.

Which author(s) would you say have most influenced your writing?

Sue Townsend, Danny King, and too many TV comedy writers to mention.

What are your strengths as a writer? What do you feel you do well?

I squirm thinking about that. Erm... I'm a good story teller. I had a lot of practise as a child. Did I ever tell you I swam the channel in an hour aged 6?

What are your weaknesses? Where do you feel you could improve?

Spelling, grammar and all that jazz. I'm dyslexic and pretty good at using that as an excuse but I can learn these days. Now I want to and I am learning slowly. However I do use a great editor who is worth her weight in gold. If you need an editor I can refer you to her, My finders fee is very low.

How low?

Five grand.

If you had to pick a soundtrack to your novel what songs would you pick?

It would pretty much all be Maps' as that's what I've listened to whilst writing it. He has two albums out at the moment, 'We Can Create' and 'Turning The Mind' They is a third coming soon but I've only heard that through his bedroom window and it was hard to hear it through the glass, balancing on a ladder and not getting caught.

Describe for our readers the genre(s) you write in and why they appeal to you as a writer.

I have no idea. Can I call it 'Sortwell' Genre? No? Shit. I don't know.

Fourteen Flashes of Fiction by Rosalind Smith-Nazilli

2012-01-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

Effective flash fiction should be like a punch to the gut. It should be the sudden wrench as you trip and suddenly you are looking skywards. It's the slice of lemon in your drink. It’s the finger in your pork pie. You can nod to yourself knowingly like you know where this story is going but then it hits you. That is flash fiction. Rosalind Smith-Nazilli accomplishes this impact and more.

This collection has a bit of everything for you it has debt collectors, serial killers, gangsters, prostitutes, fugitives and van drivers on unexpected errands. It has action, suspense, heart and soul.

My favourite tale is Remember Yesterday. An emotional story that captures a sad moment perfectly. The warmth of the nostalgia blends with the melancholy theme beautifully. Crafting an effective story with a limited word count is extremely tricky, however, the author succeeds time and again. A cracking collection that kept me entertained from start to finish.

Genre: Crime
Publisher: Independent
Format: E-Book Short Story / Flash Fiction Collection
Price: Amazon UK - £1.33
Rating: 5/5

Tollesbury Time Forever by Stuart Ayris

2012-01-23T04:14:00.000-08:00

Right from the outset Tollesbury Time Forever is a wondrous and uplifting novel with a fable like quality to it. Ayris's use of beautiful descriptive writing is nothing short of breathtaking. Ayris turns a simple game of Cricket into a lesson. He makes a meal into an observation on life. Every conversation is fraught with meaning.

Tollesbury Time Forever is a story of redemption. Simon Gregory is a man who, for reasons unknown at the outset, has selfishly failed to live up to his responsibilities. He pays a high price for this as he continues to do so throughout his life. This ultimately leads to his disconnection and exclusion from society, withdrawing into himself. This is the story of that withdrawal and of the underlying "illness" behind it. A delightful soundtrack of Beatles songs pepper the novel and lots of other musical references and quotes add splashes of vibrant colour.

The melancholy "truth" of this fairy tale world is revealed in part two. I have no wish to spoil anything so I'll be deliberately vague about aspects of part two of the book. Part two deals with matters of a more concrete and less ethereal nature. We see some of the characters from part one in a more grounded setting. We learn more about the real Simon and the problems he has been facing and indeed will continue to battle.

As Simon strives to "improve" and he feels he must Ayris reminds us that "labels" used to describe mental illness are simply that and they speak nothing about a persons true perception and feelings.

Although this is a serious novel there are moments to make you smile. There is a supermarket scene that will have you howling with laughter. A deeply affecting novel that lands lightly like a butterfly upon the beauty of life and not just the hardships.

I now yearn to visit Tollesbury to see if my imperfect perception has done it justice. I doubt it. I don't know what liberties the author has taken with the facts and frankly that isn't important. Rarely have I read a novel that has affected me so deeply. It moved me to tears at its conclusion. Sublime. Wonderful. I should like to have a pint in the Kings Head and let the world fade into the background.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Publisher: Independent

Format: E-Book Novel

Price: Amazon UK - £0.98

Rating: 5/5

Ayris vs Ayris - A Battle Royale

2012-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

Ever since the first primitive man crawled from his cave, with club in hand, and found something to bash man has contested. First we contested with nature and discovered fire in order to keep warm. We contested with beasts in order that we might eat and be clothed in their furs. Finally, we discovered how much fun it was to battle our fellow man for such things as territory, a mate or even just for fun.

If you have religious views you may believe in the story of Kane and Abel. Perhaps the ultimate contest is that between brothers. Sibling rivalry is one of the strongest forms of contest there is. This is the tale of two brothers. They don’t cross swords. They don’t swing battle axes. These brothers contest over words.

In the blood red corner we have Ian Ayris. Ian looks honed and focused and ready for battle. Ian’s first novel Abide With Me published by Caffeine Nights will be out on March the 19th. This novel is one of the most anticipated novels of the year. Ian is no rookie writer. He has a large fan base and has had over forty short stories published online. His distinctive, strong literary voice is one his readers don’t forget in a hurry.

You Can Pre-order Abide With Me HERE

In the hazy incense filled blue corner is Stuart Ayris twin brother of Ian. Stuart is having a massage and contemplating the meaning of life. Stuart has an interest in Buddhism and a fascination for the Amish lifestyle. He is listening to the Beatles on an old windup gramophone and reading a cricket biography. Author of A Cleansing of Souls and the just released Tollesbury Time Forever his musings on life differ from Ian’s stark tales.

You Can Download Tollesbury Time Forever HERE

In the ongoing battle for readers which sibling will triumph? Who will win on the intellectual battleground? Why not enter the fray by reading these books and making your own mind up?

Speaking for myself – I like Ian’s dark voice. However, I like Stuart’s contemplative musings. But which is better? There’s only one way to find out…

FIIIIGGGGGHHHHTTTTT!!!!!!!!!

Pain Eaters by William Tooker

2012-01-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Pain Eaters is perhaps best described as a cross between X-Men and Hellraiser. In other words an action horror tale with more emphasis on the action aspect. We are plunged straight into the action as Jack Fugazi is caught bang to rights surrounded by bodies. However, all is not as it seems and Jack gets the chance to tell his story from an interrogation room. It is clear that Tooker knows how to spin an excellent story.

The only very minor negative I have to offer is that for me it seemed perhaps a tad too short. I felt that we could have had a little more of the back story behind Jack and the villain known simply as the German. However, take this as a complimentary statement it shows that the author had engaged me completely in his world. I wanted to explore more of this strange world where good and evil sorcerers with strange incredible powers contest for supremacy.

Tooker had me hooked with his strong descriptive writing and I'm hoping that he takes the hint from this reviewer and sets a few more stories in this fascinating world that I'd love to see more of. If you like an interesting blend of action, magic, horror and superheroes then you'll enjoy Pain Eaters as much as I did. A very enjoyable read that I would recommend. A five star read for me as I felt it was original, very engaging and compellingly told.

Genre: Action/Horror
Publisher: Trestle Press
Format: E-Book Novella
Price: Amazon UK - £2.17, Amazon US - $3,35, Barnes & Nobles - $2.99
Rating: 5/5

The Society of Dirty Hearts by Ben Cheetham

2012-01-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Society of Dirty Hearts is the story of a young man's descent into obsession, addiction and depravity. Julian is a lad born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father owns a long-standing shoe manufacturing company that has recently fallen on hard times. Julian wants for nothing and all should be well in his world.

At the start of the story he is a personable and pleasant youth who you can't help but like. However, following a traumatic event in his childhood he is a troubled soul who is plagued by dreams in which he commits unspeakable acts of violence. Julian bumps into Mia, a fifteen year old girl that he feels inexplicably drawn to. In an attempt to understand this connection he spends time with her. She is a wild child with a dark past and events soon spiral out of control for both Mia and Julian.

I am rapidly becoming a big fan of Cheetham's very accomplished narrative. This is the second of his works that I've read and I quickly became thoroughly immersed in the plot. Ben Cheetham has much in common with Allan Guthrie in that he seems to enjoy systematically destroying his characters one chapter at a time and like Guthrie he does this in a credible, believable and exciting fashion.

I'm quite a canny reader and often guess the twist before it comes, not so with this novel. Cheetham kept the tension and suspense up right until the very last word. A thrilling exploration into the darkness that is held within us all. This is very much an adult novel in theme and content. I was left satisfied in the knowledge that I’d had a great read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this novel to others.

Genre: Crime/Thriller
Publisher: Indie
Format: E-book novel
Price: Amazon UK - £0.77, Amazon US - £1.20, Barnes & Noble: $0.99
Rating: 5/5

Deadland, USA - Ballroom Blitz (Volume 2) by Heath Lowrance

2012-01-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ballroom Blitz is the second in Heath Lowrance’s ongoing zombie series. We travel back to a time at the beginning of the zombie troubles and learn more about the character, Sammy, who writes the journal from which the narrative is told. The author again impressed me with his wise cracking comments.

Heath has the mentality of a cocky late teen down pat and we never doubt for a moment that the narrative is coming from a youth. Alcohol, music and clubbing are the things that are of interest to most late teens and, as it is Sammy’s birthday, it seems fitting that most of the story takes place in a club or ballroom as the author calls it. Here is where things go darker. Zombie genre lovers will enjoy the grisly and descriptive gore that the author uses to bring an extra dimension to the story.

As a fan of zombie fiction I enjoyed this second story and am ready to get my teeth into the third tale as fast as the author can release it. Heath Lowrance is a writer of some considerable talent and he brings several elements to the genre that makes it a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Genre: Horror
Publisher: Trestle Press
Format: E-Book (Short Story - Serialisation)
Price: Amazon-UK - £0.86, Amazon-US - $1.34, Barnes & Noble - $0.99
Rating: 5 / 5

Das Slap by Charlie Wade

2012-01-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

Having read some of Charlie Wade's excellent fiction online I had some idea what to expect from Das Slap. Wade brings you dark deeds and tense plot lines but almost always with his trademark dark humour. Das Slap is no exception.

When Sally's friend Josie is beaten and hospitalised Sally goes out to seek revenge on those responsible. Being a capable woman she leaves behind her a trail of devastated and bruised male egos. You can't help but smile at some of the nasty ways in which she seeks her vengeance.

In the story we learn where the intriguing title originates from. Wade seems to be conveying a deeper meaning about Sally's prejudices and the truth when she discovers it surprises her and will you the reader. Das Slap is the first part in an ongoing series. If this sublime tale is anything to go by then Charlie Wade will send us on a heck of a ride. I have no problem giving Wade's effortless, funny and satisfying prose a solid five stars.

Genre: Crime.

Publisher: Trestle Press.

Format: E-Book.

Price: Amazon-UK - £0.86, Amazon-US - $1.38, Barnes & Noble - $0.99

Rating: 5 out of 5

NazilliVille: 100 for Harry

2011-12-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

NazilliVille: 100 for Harry: There is now a Facebook page for 100 For Harry - Please come and show your support. https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/30235...

California by Ray Banks

2011-12-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Ray Banks has done it to me yet again. A straightforward linear tale. No intermingled plot lines. No unexpected surprises. Yet once again I felt totally compelled to finish this novella in one sitting.

Banks totally captivated my attention. Ask my opinion as a reviewer how does he do it? Buggered if I know! It's just top notch and totally immersive, addictive prose. The secret I think is in the voice. His characters come out of the page at you raging and frothing in Blu-Ray 3D HD and demand your attention.

California is the tale of one man's fight to keep his cool. Of course he fails at this spectacularly and yet he is provoked time and again. The logic Banks uses to justify his characters actions is irrefutable. Banks doesn't so much tell a story as he drags you along to experience the action. An absolutely first class read.

Download California HERE

Off The Record - A Charity Anthology edited by Luca Veste

2011-12-28T00:51:00.000-08:00

Luca Veste should be applauded for putting together such a huge charity project that encompasses thirty Eight writers from the USA and the UK. All profits are going to benefit two children’s literacy charities in the UK and the US. Check out the links below and show them your support:

http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/
http://www.cliontheweb.org/

There are not one but two Forewords. To represent the UK is Matt Hilton. To represent the US is Anthony Neil Smith.

Off The Record’s content is inspired by, as the name might suggest, classic song titles. There is every spectrum of music represented in fictional form including such classic songs as: Stairway To Heaven, Comfortably Numb, Light My Fire, Sheila Take A Bow, Free Bird, Venus In Furs, Life On Mars, Behind Blue Eyes. An eclectic range of choices if ever there was one. Thirty eight voices all putting their unique slant on these classics titles.

This review could be several thousand words long to be honest. Such a huge range of talent is represented. I’ll reign in my gushing enthusiasm and give you a few words about each tale.

Neil White’s Stairway to Heaven brings us a prisoner whose desperation and despair leads him to a fateful act. Col Bury’s Respect features a vigilante who the reader can’t help but root for. Steve Mosby’s God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters is beautifully told and deliciously melancholic and tells of a deep connection with the sea. Les Edgerton's Small Change made me smile with its interesting twist.

Heath Lowrance brings a violent and disturbing but intelligently told tale with I Wanna Be Your Dog. AJ Hayes writes his prose with the mindset of a poet his Light My Fire is no exception to this. Redemption Song by Sean Patrick Reardon gives you a lot of detail for the minimal work count afforded. A tale well told. Ian Ayris blends violence and thoughts of literature in they way only he can in Down In The Tube Station At Midnight.

Nick Triplow's A New England brings us stark social commentary and a humane act. Charlie Wade brings us humour with a violent edge in the Smiths inspired Sheila Take Bow. Iain Rowan's Purple Haze an adeptly told tale of some lads out of their depth on the wrong side of town was believably told. Thomas Pluck brings us Free Bird and outlines that sometimes you just have to do something regardless of the consequences.

Matthew C. Funk brings obsession and S&M to the table with Venus In Furs. R. Thomas Brown at his intelligent and thoughtful best brings us revenge in Dock Of The Bay. Chris Rhatigan doesn’t waste a single word in the intense Shadowboxer. In Roll Me Away by Patti Abbott brings us sadness and irony.

I Wanna Be Sedated by Chad Rohrbacher a haunting tale in every sense of the word. Court Merrigan brings Back In Black (A Hiram Van Story). A dark tale with a darker conclusion. Paul D. Brazil does what he does best and entertains in that way only he can. Humour and dark deeds mixed deliciously in the blender of his imagination. Nick Boldock master of the clever ending brings us Superstition a tale of one man fortunes.

Bye, Bye, Baby is Vic Watson’s excellently told melancholic tale. Blood On The Dancefloor by Benoit Lelievre is a dark tale of competition and perhaps also jealousy. American Pie by Ron Earl Philips was reflective and ultimately heart warming. Detroit Rock City by Chris La Tray has an expansive emotional feel to it. Exceptionally well drawn characters. Super Trouper by Nigel Bird zooms in to the minutiae then expands effortlessly to the big picture. Classic Nigel Bird.

Pete Sortwell's So Low, So High seemed to almost perfectly encapsulate the title. I greatly enjoyed Julie Morrigan's Behind Blue Eyes a good old fashioned gangster tale. David Barber with Paranoid takes the straw that broke the camels back and uses it to violent effect. McDroll brings us Nights In White Satin and a tale of quiet despair, the kind of tale she does so well.

Be My Baby “Killing For Company is by Cath Bore. Excellent descriptive writing and with a well constructed unexpected conclusion. California Dreamin’ by Eric Beetner feels so realistic you can almost feel the sun beating down upon you. A classic revenge tale. A Day In The Life “How Many Holes” by Steve Weddle a cautionary tale: Don’t mess with folk you don’t know. My own Karma Police is a Sci-fi tale. Good taste prevents me from reviewing my own work.

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Simon Logan a very stylish feel to it. One of my favourites. Luca Veste picks Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb for his selection. A gritty tale that also manages to encapsulate it’s title nicely. Nick Quantrill never disappoints and Death Or Glory is yet another strong well detailed tale from the Hull writer. Two Little Boys by Helen Fitzgerald gave me a good chuckle or two. A tale of an alternative therapy that is an accident waiting to happen. Ray Banks tells the tale of a worthless character who we feel no sympathy for. A tale with a most satisfying conclusion.

I could gush about this collection but then you’d get bored and I really only want to convey a simple message: Buy this book not only is it a great value uplifting read but it is for worthy causes. A fantastic mix of up and coming talent and some established names all of whom I am proud to feature along side. There really isn’t a bad story on it. Mr Veste should rename his blog which is called Guilty Conscience. His own conscience is clear he’s done sterling work here.

UK: Download Off The Record HERE
US: Download Off The Record HERE

Deadland,USA-Mindless Consumerism-Vol. 1

2011-12-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Heath Lowrance brings us the first in a new zombie series – Deadland USA – Mindless Consumerism. The more I read by Lowrance the more I enjoy his writing. He writes in a strong, clear and distinctive voice.

I know from my own efforts that Zombie fiction is a cliché ridden minefield. One has to be original or at the very least interesting to stand out from the herd. Lowrance has opted to start with interesting in this ongoing serial. A cynical, wise cracking, street smart young man is voice of the narrative in the form of a journal. This allows Lowrance to talk to his audience and add a little black humour into the mix.

There's plenty of action in this opening episode. The dialogue is excellent and believable. I'd say this is an exceptional start to a series I'm going to enjoy reading.

Download Deadland Vol. 1 in the UK HERE

Download Deadland Vol. 1 in the US HERE

A DECEMBER SPECIAL OFFER WHICH CAN’T BE BEATEN!!!

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have lost our marbles! Our sanity has gone up in a flash of smoke. An offer so good it won’t be beaten.

If you purchase Nigel Bird’s critically acclaimed novella SMOKE which is on special offer at just 86p/$1.34 we will give away a PDF copy of my flash fiction collection absolutely FREE for nowt, zilch, nothing, gratis.

(This offer also works in reverse. If you purchase my own Flashes of Revenge I will send you a FREE PDF copy of Nigel's novella)

Offer ends 31/12/2011.

Here’s what some very talented people say about Nigel Bird’s Smoke:

“So this is how it went for me last night. I went to bed thinking I'd make a start on Nigel Bird's brand new novella SMOKE and then hopefully manage to get some sleep in. Two hours later I was still reading. Feeling guilty that it was 3am I turned off the light, only to switch it back on at 4.30am to finish reading this superb tale about the high jinx that two young lads get up to in Tranent.” - McDroll.

“Being familiar with Nigel Bird's bitter-sweet short-stories, I was fascinated to see how trying his hand at a longer piece would turn out. This novella is a little different from many of the aforementioned short-stories in that the writing voice is unashamedly Scottish. And brilliantly so. I think of all the UK short-story writers plying their trade at the moment, along with the inimitable Mr Paul D. Brazill, Bird is the one writer that has most successfully found a voice for the US market. That being so, I loved the fact he's returned to his Scottish roots for 'Smoke'.” – Ian Ayris.

“It's no secret for crime fiction fans that Nigel Bird is the real deal.

Smoke features all of his strengths -- complex characters, a well-constructed story and very fine writing. Working-class Scotland comes to life here, from chip shop wars to dog fighting rings. Violence is a way of life for the characters in Smoke, which makes the moments of humanity all the richer.

Jimmy emerges as the most likable character. He's trying to rise above his disfigurement and the general s*** life he's had. I hope Bird continues to write about him.” – Chris Rhatigan

Nigel Bird's debut novella, Smoke, is the story of a town, Tranent, and the rough edged characters that live there.

Smoke is a spin off from Bird's great story An Arm And A Leg-which was included in this year's Mammoth Book Of Best British Crime.

The main characters are Carlos, who actually lost an arm and a leg at the end of the aforementioned story and is hell bent on revenge, and Jimmy, a young kid with a good heart who has drawn the short straw in life. And they have a mutual hatred of the Ramsey brothers, who are making their fortune organizing dog fights.

Smoke is reminiscent of Allan Guthrie's Savage Night in the way it cleverly interweaves different strands of the story and its great mixture of colorful characters, absurdest humour and hard boiled crime.

It's a funny, gripping and moving book which left me desperate to read a follow up! Recommended. – Paul D. Brazill.

Download Smoke in the UK HERE
Download Smoke in the US HERE

Download Flashes of Revenge in the UK HERE
Download Flashes of Revenge in the US HERE

Gun by Ray Banks

2011-12-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

I like to discover new authors with as few preconceptions as possible. I don’t read up on them. I don’t read reviews. I just dive into the icy waters of a new writers imagination. However, everyone I know in the crime writing fraternity, which I am new to, raves about Ray Banks. Still I bided my time and read his novella Gun when I was good and ready.

On the face of it the plot was a simple one. A guy just out of prison wants to earn some cash without the drudgery of the 9 to 5. Who can blame him eh? He runs an errand for a dodgy character that he feels owes him a favour. Things pretty much go downhill for Richie from there on in.

The dialogue throughout the story is absolutely spot on. It is never overdone nor underdone. I have discovered a great secret. The most powerful adhesive in the world: Ray Banks. Try as I might I could not put down my kindle. It was stuck fast to my hand. I was absolutely captivated. Gun had realism, grit, wit, violence and given the tone of the story, surprisingly also hope. Yes you were right my crime writing friends Banks the master has sucked in another one.

Download Gun HERE

13 Shots of Noir by Paul D. Brazill

2011-12-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in a small dark room, possibly in an underground bunker, there is a man. This man studies, with an intelligent gaze, a bank of video screens. He sips slowly at polish vodka and watches. This man sees all human life. He sees parading before him a cast of serial killers, priests, kids with dogs, old curmudgeons and hen pecked husbands. When he’s done observing human life on special monitors he also sees vampires and werewolves. Occasionally he’ll push a button or scribble a line of text and like a master puppeteer he makes them all dance to his tune. He takes in all he sees and then drinks more vodka. When he has computed the results a little ticker tape spews from a console before him. He looks briefly at this and frowns unhappily. He then turns it upside down, smiles and burns it with a zippo lighter. He switches off the screens and begins to write.

13 Shots of noir is a tonic akin to Lilly the pink's medicinal compound. If you are suffering from S.A.D you'll be G.L.A.D you downloaded this dark and witty chucklefest. Paul D. Brazill masters irony and makes telling a clever tale look easy. His use of misdirection is employed elegantly in one tail in particular. Paul has all the tools of the master storyteller at his disposal and he is not afraid to use them. You’ll find a bit of everything here including werewolf noir in the sublime Drunk On The Moon. A story that has spawned a hugely successful series. You’ll find the straw that broke the camels back in first story The Tut. A tale for all the married fellows out there.

The Ballad of the Kid is a very touching short tale that I enjoyed possibly even as much as Drunk On The Moon. Paul if you are reading this please make The Ballad Of The Kid into a novella or something. An incredibly powerful and emotional story. To me anyway.

The Friend Catcher had one of the best opening lines I’ve read in a very long time. A tale I greatly enjoyed and that craftily brought home a more powerful message than you might at first realise.

The pun Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder alone makes this collection worth buying. Paul’s work is always enjoyable and always a pleasurable read. There are even now folk on my morning bus that won’t sit near me for fear of small sudden explosions of random laughter as I read a kindle app on my phone and make them jump. Thank you Mr Brazill I now have plenty of space on the bus.

In my reviews I often make a big deal about Paul’s humour. However, there is much more to his stories than humour. PDB is not above a bit of crafty social commentary, why not discover that for yourselves whilst playing a Judas Priest record backwards? 13 Shots of Noir is a collection I am more than happy to give five enthusiastic stars to.

Download 13 Shots of Noir HERE

Drunk On The Moon: It's A Curse (Story 7) by K.A. Laity

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

I had a fever. Cold sweat stood out on my forehead like molten lava. I shuddered involuntarily. A need to feast consumed every fibre of my being. My nerve endings coursed with need throbbing, pulsating, and yearning. My unholy desire must be quenched. My lust MUST be sated. My fingers jangled on the keyboard as with expert strokes I opened a screen and behold. There it was filling my screen craving my attention:
Drunk On The Moon by K.A. Laity.
Like any true addict I was only too happy to oblige. I clicked download with 1-Click and my need was fulfilled. All was well with the world.

K.A. Laity brings us a contender for my favourite of the Drunk On The Moon stories. I have read nothing by Laity prior to this and so I did not have any preconceived expectations. What she brought was an exceptionally strong voice to the character of Roman. There is less action in this episode than some of the others and yet I felt totally fulfilled with the story. Laity has done Paul D Brazill’s creation justice with this tale. Snappy dialogue, great one liners and a larger role for Duffy all helped make this an episode I could really get my teeth into. I’m not going to define it any clearer than that, other than to say that Laity has tuned into Paul’s creation perfectly. It’ll be my pleasure to give this howling good read 5 silver tipped stars on Amazon.

Download Drunk On The Moon: It's A Curse HERE

That Damned Coyote Hill by Heath Lowrance

2011-12-13T04:42:00.000-08:00

Ever since childhood I've been a fan of the westerns starring Clint Eastwood. They seemed less clichéd and the central character the mysterious "man with no name" was so much more interesting than some random good guy dressed in white.

So it is with That Damned Coyote Hill. Lowrance brings us an interesting and enigmatic lead character who is cast firmly in three dimensions. He uses strong descriptive writing and the weather perfectly to bring added atmosphere into the story. That Damned Coyote Hill might have been a fairly standard western revenge tale, however, by adding the supernatural element Heath gives the reader so much more value. An inspiring mix of genres that had me hankering for more.

A well spun tale in which the author avoided the usual pitfalls and kept up a great atmosphere throughout. You have a bit of everything action, strong characters, mood, and atmosphere. I look forward to reading more fiction by Heath Lowrance.

Download That Damned Coyote Hill HERE

Kick It Again by McDroll

2011-12-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Another great collection of stories by McDroll. Some of the tales although very short managed to capture the imagination perfectly. The first story A Straight Game started off the collection playfully with a couple of humorous characters chewing the fat in a game shop. Things soon degenerate and the tale takes a violent turn for the worse.

No More Choices the second tale is bleaker, starker and tinged in gritty realism. Desperation this time is a motivating factor for a dark deed. The Return Journey is a reflective, haunting and cleverly executed tale that is perhaps my favourite of the collection. McDroll shows a real storyteller’s eye for detail and the backdrop for this story is harsh, stark and believeable.

In The Trip the tension builds surely throughout before reaching an explosive climax.
The use of descriptive language on occasion in this collection was breathtakingly effective. Here's an example from the final tale Unrest: Military helicopters hung overhead like bulky metal dragonflies glinting in the sun.

A very enjoyable 5 star read for lovers of short fiction.

Download Kick It Again HERE

Old Man Coyote by R.Thomas Brown

2011-12-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

Old Man Coyote is the first in a series of stories by R.Thomas Brown. This series will explore ghost stories and folklore but in a modern setting. I found that Brown succeeded in giving the story an interesting fable like quality to it. A grandma frightens her grandson with stories about the charismatic old man across town. The stories couldn’t be true could they?

The author manages to captivate the reader with the fairy tale like feel of this story. Strong descriptive writing and good characterisation make this story stand out above the average. A great short read.

Download Old Man Coyote HERE

11 The Hard Way by Graham Smith

2011-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

This is Smith's debut collection and I have to say I am impressed. Short stories are difficult to write and getting the right ending can be particularly tough. However, this is where Graham excels in adding that twist or trick ending that really makes a story shine. Some of his endings are surprising whilst others are plain quirky but all are cleverly executed.

Another thing I enjoyed about this collection was the “voice” of some of the characters within the stories. This voice was very strong particularly in the first story Under The Cover of the Streets and stood out well also in Bobby’s Bar.

A quirky and interesting collection that contains all the necessary ingredients for an entertaining read. Smith gives us humour, wit and plenty of action. He manages to get a surprising amount of story within a few words. Some of his tales convey precise descriptive detail and a clear sense of irony such as Shooting Stars. Other stories like the Kansas Kindred Killer showed good deal of plot development for a such short story.

The only negative is that a couple of the stories have a plot kink or two that with closer editing could have easily been ironed out. A great value collection that I would recommend.

Download 11 The Hard Way HERE

Heartbreaker by Julie Morrigan

2011-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Julie Morrigan is one of the most prolific indie writers out there. In the last year I have read two novels and two short story collections penned by Julie. The versatility and ease with which she switches between genres is enough to leave most writers green with envy.

I eagerly await each new release by Julie, as I am now a huge fan of her work. Some writers are natural storytellers and like an expert musician they make it look easier than it is. Julie is such a writer. She never wastes a word and never includes words that don’t belong. Her prose flows along at a great pace but is never rushed, always measured and considered.

Heartbreaker is Julie’s latest novel. I am a huge music fan so I was keen to see what Julie did with the fictional band Heartbreaker. When Alex Weston is hired to ghost write a book about lead singer Johnny Burns and his band she couldn’t predict what effects this would have on her own life. The story is told from the perspective of ghost writer Alex. The story is nicely layered with flashbacks to events in the bands past. These flashbacks help us build up a picture of the band. Believability is something Julie always gets right and you find her insights about the band to be totally credible. I could just as easily be reading about Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin.

If someone else had written this it might have been quite a sedate story. However, Julie always keeps her prose interesting with humour, heart and soul – the stuff of life. With any tangled web of a band there are always secrets and you can expect the same of Heartbreaker but I’m not about to give anything away. You will just have to read this excellent book for yourselves. If you like fictional rock biographies such as Espedair Street by Iain Banks then you will surely enjoy Heartbreaker.

Another triumph for Julie Morrigan the master storyteller who deserves to be a household name. A great five star read.

Download Heartbreaker HERE

More Liverpool Five by Luca Veste

2011-11-29T01:01:00.000-08:00

In More Liverpool Five Luca Veste's voice seems stronger and more assured than in his first excellent collection Liverpool Five. The stories in this collection are more narrative in style than in the last collection which were more reflective in nature.

It's fair to say he's found his feet and planted them firmly on Terra Nova with this collection. He's planted his flag whilst he's at it and if you were wondering his flag is red with a Liver bird on it.

His first offering Night Vision features some superb characterisation and dialogue as two heavies chew the fat before a job. A great thought train conveyed here. I suspect we may see more of at least one of these guys in the future.

The second story Time had me picturing a constantly zooming camera each shot revealing a slice of story until the conclusion. Well written with a lot of plot detail for such a short story.

Uninspired the third tale is Veste at his thoughtful, reflective best. A sad tale that shows how mental illness can creep up on us slowly and stealthily.

Fate is a chilling tale. You never know who is watching when you are out in public.

Nightmares is a sequel tale to my favourite story from Liverpool Five. Where Liverpool Five tells a story from one perspective we get the other characters story. Whilst the first tale is uplifting this first tale is a sad melancholic reflection of the times.

I enjoyed both collections and particularly the themes that Veste explores. This newcomer to the scene has hit the ground running with his own unique style. Both collections are well worth a read. I suspect Luca Veste will go on to write intense psychological thrillers, his stories show an emotional depth that I have rarely seen in the genre.

Download More Liverpool Five HERE:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Liverpool-Five-ebook/dp/B0062DGL98/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322557121&sr=8-1

Off The Record - A charity Anthology edited and compiled by Luca Veste

2011-11-27T05:58:00.000-08:00

Available for download from today is Luca Veste’s (Guilty Conscience Publishing) charity anthology Off The Record. The proceeds from this anthology will benefit literacy charities in the UK and the US:

In the UK, National Literacy Trust:
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/

In the US, Children’s Literacy Initiative

http://www.cliontheweb.org

The many talented authors, 38 in total, were given a simple brief: Write a story inspired by a classic song title. The result is a hugely varied line up of stories. Please show your support to this most deserving of causes. Available at only £2.29 in the UK the featured authors are:

1.Neil White - Stairway To Heaven
2.Col Bury – Respect
3.Steve Mosby – God Moving Over The Face Of Waters
4.Les Edgerton - Small Change
5.Heath Lowrance - I Wanna Be Your Dog
6.AJ Hayes - Light My Fire
7.Sean Patrick Reardon - Redemption Song
8.Ian Ayris - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
9.Nick Triplow - A New England
10.Charlie Wade - Sheila Take A Bow
11.Iain Rowan - Purple Haze
12.Thomas Pluck - Free Bird
13.Matthew C. Funk - Venus In Furs
14.R Thomas Brown - Dock Of The Bay
15.Chris Rhatigan – Shadowboxer
16.Patti Abbott - Roll Me Away
17.Chad Rhorbacher - I Wanna Be Sedated
18.Court Merrigan - Back In Black
19.Paul D. Brazill - Life On Mars?
20.Nick Boldock – Superstition
21.Vic Watson - Bye Bye Baby
22.Benoit Lelievre - Blood On The Dancefloor
23.Ron Earl Phillips - American Pie
24.Chris La Tray – Detroit Rock City
25.Nigel Bird - Super Trouper
26.Pete Sortwell – So Low, So High
27.Julie Morrigan - Behind Blue Eyes
28.David Barber – Paranoid
29.McDroll - Nights In White Satin
30.Cath Bore - Be My Baby
31.Eric Beetner - California Dreamin'
32.Steve Weddle - A Day In The Life
33.Darren Sant - Karma Police
34.Simon Logan - Smells Like Teen Spirit
35.Luca Veste - Comfortably Numb
36.Nick Quantrill - Death Or Glory
37.Helen FitzGerald - Two Little Boys
38.Ray Banks - God Only Knows

As if that wasn’t enough there are forewords from UK writer Matt Hilton, and US writer Anthony Neil Smith.

UK Download link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-Record-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006EU1E7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322400171&sr=8-1

US Download link:

http://www.amazon.com/Off-Record-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006EU1E7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322401838&sr=8-1

Find out more about Luca Veste over on his blog: http://www.lucaveste.com/

Inside by Victoria Watson

2011-11-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

Victoria Watson has written another reflective and sensitive piece. This I believe is “her thing” what she does the best. Strong characters with deep emotional content that makes a good connection with the reader. A very nostalgic warm tale or so I thought just before the darkness hit me. I’m not going to give away any plot points here just read and enjoy!

Once more Victoria shows her talent for characterisation and strong descriptive writing in a cracking short story that I really enjoyed. It worked on several levels and spoke volumes about the complexity of human nature. Another five star story from Victoria Watson.

Download Inside HERE

A Scattering of Ashes by Craig Douglas.

2011-11-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

I first came across Craig Douglas in Byker Books Radgepacket series of gritty anthologies that pride themselves on being industrial strength fiction. Craig’s stories stood out as having more emotional substance. That I think is the nub of Craig’s talent for writing. I don’t know how he does it is so subtle but you feel a connection with his writing, with his characters it’s both magical and rare.

His descriptive writing is second to none. He pretends to be a Radgey character but underneath he has the soul of a poet not a squaddie. I know he’d deny this with fervour so here’s an example:

Dappled flashes played on the bed between the shadows of boughs. Dust rises from the windowsill, something displaces it.

I could fill this blog post with more examples but I’d rather you read them for yourselves in the fantastic collection. If you need any further encouragement he is donating 50% of the proceeds to the BLESMA charity for limbless veterans.

I’ve written a little something about each of the stories below to further whet your appetite:

Murder Among Comrades - Mistrust, suspicion & paranoia define this exciting tale as bullets fly overhead.

The Last Veteran - A touching tale told with emotion & beautifully descriptive writing.

Trial Of Meat - Short. Brutal. Real.

The Trouble With Milkmen - A strangely touching ending. Men no matter how tough are still hurt little boys at heart.

Thunder on the horizon -
Scarily prophetic, sharp incisive brilliant social commentary.

Digging Up The Past - A simple act brings back memories of the past.

Flesh & Blood - Douglas writes melancholy so well. This story set in the Falklands is so sharply realistic that it could be a documentary. A sad tale that speaks true to the heart.

Welcome Home - The harsh reality of war

Scargill’s Man - A very sad tale that Craig brings to life expertly. A world weary melancholy atmosphere that is almost off the page it's so tangible.

The Incident At Wedzendorf Woods - Hollywood never tells the full story of the things that go on in war. Craig Douglas does here.

British Pride: A Nazi's Tale - A bigot released from prison finds the world a very different place. His crimes unforgivable

Rejoice In Thy Youth - Could there be hope for the future with a new life?

Homecoming - A cracking realistic story that could easily be expanded into a novella.

Time Split - An interesting little sci-fi tale very different to the rest of the collection

Magic in the Land of the Pathans - A bittersweet tale of magic & murder

Equal in his Eyes - a cursing shell shocked preacher shows great compassion.

Download A Scattering of Ashes HERE

Infection by Mark Cooper

2011-11-22T04:09:00.000-08:00

With Infection Mark Cooper has created a credible zombie story. Mark doesn’t overdo it as is so easy with zombie fiction. His dialogue, characters and plot are all believable, at least as believable as any zombie fiction can be.

Cooper’s work flows very nicely and you soon find yourself rattling off the pages and with a thirst for more of the plot twists. Mark’s descriptive writing isn’t forced and again slides along nicely with the plot. Even with the excellent pace of Infection Mark leaves room for some fantastic descriptive writing. It’s obvious that Mark is an accomplished storyteller. The characters in the story were interesting and well rounded. You found yourself rooting for them.

The author has left plenty of scope for a follow up and as I’m a bit of a “dead head” I really hope he writes one.

Download Infection HERE

One Dead Hen by Charlie Williams

2011-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

A serial killer is stalking the shadowy streets of Mangel. Who can stop this killer they call the Reaper? Who is man enough to track him down? Who could possibly take on this beast? What manner of man can contend with this fiend? Step forward Royston Blake Mangel needs your swede on the case. Mangel needs YOU!

One Dead Hen is the first novel I have read by Charlie Williams. I enjoyed the character of Royston Blake immensely. I found the telling of the story from his perspective to be both fun and entertaining. However, this single character perspective did become just a little bit wearing after a while. I enjoyed the added few snippets of journalistic articles at the end of some of the chapters. These helped to break up the story a little. I feel that maybe another perspective mixed into the plot on occasion would have made it a more engaging read.

That said there was ready wit and humour throughout. Unlike some reviewers of this story I did not find the language off putting. It was relevant and in character and added to the humour at times. The character of Blake has a very strong voice and is an interesting well rounded creation. I’m a big fan of Robert Rankin and found some parallels of his Brentford books in One Dead Hen. Overall a very enjoyable read and told in a fairly unique way. I will certainly be reading more by Charlie Williams I can tell that Blake will have me chuckling at every turn.

Kick It by McDroll

2011-11-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

A collection of five short stories which all have one thing in common: no frills. These tales cut right to heart of the matter they don’t meander along with unnecessary flowery language or page filling meaningless unwanted description. This collection bypasses the pleasantries and goes straight for the jugular. How refreshing! The endings when they come are usually sharp, stark and a shock to the system. McDroll’s stripped back style is interesting and unique.

If asked to pick a favourite it would have to be Drowning. McDroll conveys the internal dialogue of a desperate woman excellently and ends the story with a flourish of brilliance.

Three of the five stories deal with character DC Gemma Dixon. A wise cracking young woman working hard to survive and thrive in the man’s world that is modern policing. McDroll’s collection of stories is set in Scotland and her use of language reflects that giving extra realism to the stories. A great value collection that is well worth downloading.

Download Kick It HERE

Drunk On The Moon Volume 6 - Silver Tears by John Donald Carlucci

2011-11-12T01:12:00.000-08:00

One of the things I am enjoying the most about the Drunk On The Moon series is the fresh perspective each author brings to each new instalment. Carlucci's interpretation is an action packed tale that barely leaves the reader time to breathe before we are plunged with Roman into each gripping scene.

Other writers for the series will have to go a long way to beat the opening line that I won't spoil for you here. Carlucci's hooks you faster than a politician fills up his expense account.

There is some excellent descriptive writing:
It felt like a mini sun had exploded in my chest and I was ready to combust in the flames.

The author provides us with a believable and credible reason for Roman's excess drinking. Regular readers of this blog will know I am a fan of this fantastic series. Carlucci has added another cracking instalment with style, flair and a little humour. We also see the introduction of another character in the form of a back street surgeon. As the series progresses we start to see Paul D. Brazill’s fantastic creation in fantastic high definition technicolor. Another must read short story.

Download SIlver Tears HERE

Reprisal Volume 4 - She'll Get Your Engine Started by Sam Lang

2011-11-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Sam Lang's Reprisal series has had a promising start. We have now reached the fourth instalment of the Reprisal story arc which is proving to be a slow burner of a series. Lang is taking his time and bringing us delicious little mini stories to develop the Reprisal universe and introduce its deadly denizens. This tale and the previous one have dealt with two convicts who will no doubt be travelling though the town of Reprisal in the near future. Rather than be frustrated by the slow start I am really enjoying the build up.

Sam has another dark tale this time from the point of view of another prison inmate. The prisoner in question is in the next cell to the convicts who feature in Reprisal 3 - Shadow Boxing. If you enjoy Sam's dark and interesting narrative as much as I do then you’ll find him an entertaining writer with a great eye for detail. A natural yarn spinner. He crams in lots of little details that pique your interest and make you want to keep on reading. A subtle humour is ever present. I'm not sure how conscious this is for the author it seems so natural. However, this is not silly slapstick humour but dark as tar black humour.

Another great read from Sam Lang in this increasingly intriguing and gripping series.

Download Reprisal Volume 4 - HERE

Drunk On The Moon - The Story So Far

2011-11-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

Trestle Press have set out their stall using the freedom of the ebook to do new and innovative things. Ever since I first read Paul D. Brazill’s writing in one of Byker Books early Radgepacket anthologies I’ve been a fan. Paul’s humour and wit are what captivate me and everything he writes is extremely entertaining throughout. When I heard that he had a new series about a werewolf private investigator I knew I’d enjoy it.

Now as this is Paul there was, of course, a twist in the tail. Paul set up the stall of the series by writing the initial instalment entitled Drunk on The Moon. The inspiration for the story is the Tom Waits song of the same title. Brazill described a world of hard drinking, violent characters which he peppered with his usual witty one-liners and running gags. Music references litter the story like jewels waiting to be discovered. The descriptiveness of the writing is sublime and a tangible atmosphere is created expertly by the author. I read the story in one sitting and was hooked on this dark world so excellently conveyed. I couldn’t wait for the next instalment. Paul has carefully picked writers that he believes will bring a certain unique something to the series and I can honestly say that he has chosen well. Each writer has left their own mark on the series and we have seen the character of Roman Dalton grow through these first six stories.

I hope that I have sold the idea of the series to you because it really is well worth a read. I’ve put a download link and timeline for the series for you so that you can explore the stories in order. Get high this week, get Drunk On The Moon.

Drunk On The Moon by Paul D. Brazill – Release Date 4^th July 2011.

Volume 1 - Download HERE.

Drunk On The Moon: Fear The Night by Julia Madeline – Release Date 24^th July 2011.

Volume 2 - Download HERE

Drunk On The Moon: The Darke Affair by Allan Leverone – Release Date 10^th August 2011.

Volume 3 - Download HERE

Drunk On The Moon: Insatiable by B.R. Stateham – Release Date 5^th September 2011

Volume 4 - Download HERE

Drunk On The Moon: Getting High On Daisy – Release Date 4^th October 2011.

Volume 5 - Download HERE

Drunk On The Moon: Silver Tears by John Donald Carlucci – Release Date 2^nd November 2011.

Volume 6 - Download HERE

The Buzz around Byker Books

2011-11-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

Byker Books Radgepacket series is what started me writing again and I owe them a debt of thanks. Their own special brand of industrial strength fiction has a broad ranging appeal to fans of gritty, dark and urban fiction. Byker cite their influences as the likes of Irvine Welsh, Danny King, Kevin Sampson. That gives you some idea of the kind of ground breaking fiction they put out.

I have been lucky enough to appear in volumes four and five of the Radgepacket series. The sixth volume in this excellent series is due out next March and will feature such talented writers as: Paul D. Brazill, Peter Sortwell, Nigel Bird, Craig Douglas, Col Bury, Ian Ayris, Nick Quantrill, Luca Veste, Danny Hill and many more including myself.
Byker have made their entire back catalogue available to download on ebook at bargain prices. Please take the time to look at the excellent catalogue of anthologies all available for under £1 in the UK or under $2 in the US.

Radgepacket 1 - download HERE

Radgepacket 2 - download HERE

Radegepacket 3 - download HERE

Radgepacket 4 - download HERE

Radgepacket 5 - download HERE

Other Byker Publications:

Maxwell's Silver Hammer by Andy Rivers - download HERE

I'm Rivelino A Life of two halves by Andy Rivers - download HERE

More Burglas Diaries by Danny King - download HERE

Dumb Luck by Tom Arnold - download HERE

Manchester 6 by Col Bury

2011-11-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is the first I have read of Col Bury’s writing and I was impressed from the start. Col has a knack for squeezing a lot of action into few words. Writers have a habit sometimes of not trusting a reader to make a logical leap during a story. Not so with Bury, he trusts you to follow his thought train without a huge neon arrow pointing the way. This is in a word refreshing. A great collection and I’m looking forward to a follow up title. I’ll say a few words about each of the stories and try my best not to give anything away.

Lucky Shit - A jobless guys has a run of good luck which you just know is going to end badly...

Fists of Destiny - A gripping and tense story. A tale that gives an idea of the kind of narrative we could expect from a novel by Bury. An excellently related piece of fiction and my favourite of the collection.

Mr Curly Top - A playful tale with a sense of humour to it.

Forum Of Fury - A stark reminder that all actions have consequences.

Snakes 'N' Ladders - An aptly titled revenge tale.

Gallance - An action packed story and a character I'd love to see again.

Download Manchester 6 for just 86p HERE

The Facebook page for Manchester 6 HERE

Keeping Quiet by Victoria Watson

2011-10-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

This is a doleful and melancholy tale. Victoria Watson charts the life of a woman born before the war. She manages to convey the details of a sad, lonely and sheltered life excellently. The main character is always caring and constantly keeping the peace between warring family members. Her domineering mother takes away her finest years day by painful day.

As downbeat as the story is, you are left feeling uplifted and grateful for what you have got in your own life. An extremely strong and reflective story from the author. If you read it in an environment that allows you to concentrate on the minutiae of the story it is a powerful and emotive exploration of the characters life. Victoria Watson continues to delight and surprise with the depth and variety of her writing. She is most definitely an author to watch out for.

Download Keeping Quiet HERE
You can find Victoria's blog HERE

Smoke by Nigel Bird

2011-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ever since I first read Dirty Old Town by Nigel I have been a fan of his short stories. The collection which followed it Beat On The Brat only reinforced this feeling. When I heard that Nigel had a novella out I was excited at the prospect of reading it. I wanted to see how Nigel would handle longer fiction and he didn’t disappoint me.

Bird brings us a unique flavour in the setting of the town of Tranent. Like most writers of his considerable talent you can’t quite put your finger on the singular thing that makes his writing unique. Smoke is Brit Grit at its very finest. Think in terms of Layer Cake or Snatch.

The story starts with Jimmy being humiliated at school and vowing revenge against his nemesis Sean Mulligan. Things go downhill for Jimmy very quickly from there. This is also the story of Carlo who we first saw in Nigel’s story An Arm And A Leg which appeared in The Mammoth Book Of Best British Crime 8.

The story is set in the middle of a huge dog fighting tournament and one or two scenes excellently convey the brutality of this horrendous pastime. I won’t grace it with the word sport. Nigel’s writing often deals dark settings and damaged characters and this is particularly true for Smoke. The two main characters in Smoke are physically damaged in different ways. However, don’t let this put you off, always with Nigel’s fantastic writing there is humour and a nugget of hope. There is always a shot at redemption for these characters. The story is left open and we could possibly see the return of one of the characters in the future. I do hope so it would be great to see the setting of Tranent again.

I started off as a fan of Nigel Bird’s and my admiration for his work has only increased with the addition of Smoke to his portfolio.

Download Smoke HERE

The Longcroft Estate needs YOUR Talent!

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Writers do you dare step into the shadowy alleyways of the Longcroft Estate? Will you go for a drink in the dingy Red Lion or the Rampant Horse? Maybe you could have a drunken snack in Kebab King. If you have been inspired by my tales from the Longcroft Estate you now have the opportunity to write your own story in this challenging setting. Trestle Press will publish your story as the fourth in the series. The third story Rowan’s Folly will be out in the very near future.

Stories ideally must be 2,000 words or preferably longer. However, shorter stories will be considered if they are excellent. A well as myself there are two independent judges who will read the submissions and judge the best. Those judges are talented writers Nick Quantrill and Nick Boldock so you know these guys have an eye for a great story.

If there is more than one story that really shines for us then we will consider also integrating it into the series at a later date with the author's permission.

I’d encourage writers to reuse places and/or characters that have already appeared or at least been mentioned in the series but it is by no means mandatory. Let your imagination roam the litter strewn streets of the Longcroft and hit us with your best shot.

Please send all submissions to: dazzasaint@gmail.com

Please put LONGCROFT STORY in the subject line. Closing date for submissions is 19th December 2011. If you have any questions then please address them to me via email.

If you are new to the Longcroft series you might like to download them to familiarise yourself with the setting. Please see the links below for information. Both stories are only 86p / $1.34 downloads.

Info on A Good Day HERE

Info on Community Spirit HERE

Blood Guilt by Ben Cheetham

2011-10-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is the first novel I have read by Ben Cheetham and it won't be the last. Blood Guilt is a cracking page turner of a thriller. I found it well written, suspenseful and above all believable. Cheetham whilst cranking up the tension never once over does it. The dialogue is snappy, clever and again totally believable.

Blood Guilt is, I feel, as well as being an excellent story an exploration into the what if. By this I mean what if your own life turned to crap due to one event? What if you had nothing to lose and let the darker side of your character roam around and seek vengeance where in order to atone for guilt? Cheetham managed to engage me totally with the story

Harlan is desperate to make amends for killing a man and he puts aside everything else in his life in his quest to help the widow. He crosses the line again and again. I found my frustrations mounting with Harlan, the central character, as he felt the need to punish himself time and again. I felt sympathy for his partner, Eve, as she was knocked back again and again by Harlan's self-destructive actions and yet despite this remains devoted to him. Ben Cheetham proved himself a fine story teller and I became a fan after reading this novel.

The author doesn’t bog down the text with too much descriptive dialogue. He chooses instead to add it when it is needed most and this makes Blood Guilt a gratifying read.

On the whole a fine tale well told and one I would recommend to lovers of good thrillers. Cheetham is an author to watch and I hope he gets the success he deserves with this excellent thriller.

Download Blood Guilt HERE

Find out more about Ben on Good Reads HERE
Find Ben on Twitter as @Ben_CheethamUK

The Writing On The Wall By Julie Morrigan

2011-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Julie Morrigan once again proves that not only is she talented but she is also versatile. I've read three titles by Morrigan this year and quite frankly any of them is worthy to have pride of place on the shelves of a major book retailer as opposed to the tiny digital coffin that is the modern e-reading device.

Morrigan deserves all the success that a major publishing contract might bring. However, as with Andy DuFrane from the Shawshank Redemption some birds should not be caged as their feathers are just too bright. The diversity Morrigan has brought us with her titles this year would not be allowed by a dollar obsessed traditional publisher that is of course totally their loss and our gain. This reader for one is overjoyed that she self-publishes her work. Released in time for Halloween the Writing On The Wall brings us several chilling tales.

Shadow Man - A straightforward chiller that does a great job of suggesting more than it shows in classic horror tale style.

The Black Dog - A contender for my favourite of the collection. Artefacts such as books contain power as we learn from this brilliantly told tale.

Chocolate Button Eyes - One to make you shudder and proof if ever it were needed that danger does not always emanate from a masculine source.

So Many Summers - A story that left me melancholy as it did a great job of reinforcing the brutality of life. As always with the best stories a clever twist ensures you remain captivated throughout.

The Project - A short intelligently told tale in which we learn that torment can come from unlikely and distant sources.

Seasons Of The Witch - A tale that is written in the style of a modern fairy tale and proves very effective indeed. Fabulously compelling.

The Writing On The Wall - The set piece of and title story for the entire collection. I read this and found that it was so well written it was almost 3D HD. A very "cinematically" written story which frankly could be made into an excellent movie. I am in awe of Morrigan's talents.

Frigid Air - A guest appearance by Steven Miscandlon who edited, proof read and carried out graphic design work on the cover. He proves to be a fine writer too in this great tale. I most liked the wit and humour that he carefully wove into the narrative like little chuckle mines in a minefield awaiting a hapless foot to step on them. A fine story well told.

Download The Writing On The Wall HERE

If you haven't already check out the following titles by Julie Morrigan:
Gone Bad - A collection of short stories featuring dark deeds.
Convictions - Julie's Debut Thriller Novel
Heartbreaker - Julie's latest novel released in October 2011.

I Should Have Seen It Coming by Victoria Watson

2011-10-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Victoria Watson is one of Trestle Press’s newest signings. She impressed me greatly with this excellent story. Written in the first person Watson unveils the story of a woman who has fallen upon hard times.

The woman finds a deck of tarot cards and the next thing you know she is called Jacqueline Stargazer and is making plenty of money fraudulently. If you mess with karma you soon find things don’t go your way. So it is for our central character.

Watson has most definitely found a strong voice for this story and we find that we are sympathetic with the main character throughout. She managed to pack plenty into this short story and it is clear that she is an accomplished and very competent writer. This tale although told in the first person never for one moment became dull or uninteresting she keeps it real and believable.

You would be hard pressed to find fault with the internal dialogue described by Watson it struck a chord as being a genuine thought process and as any writer knows that is a hard thing to achieve. I’ll be looking out for more from the talented Victoria Watson.

Catch Victoria's blog HERE
Download her story (Only 86p!) HERE

Liverpool 5 by Luca Veste

2011-10-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Luca Veste sprang onto the writing scene earlier this year like a scouse gazelle on steroids. He very quickly established a good name for himself with his excellent blog Guilty Conscience

Liverpool 5 is a collection of five flash fiction stories. The stories are set in and around the great city of Liverpool. The stories are about life, death and the wafer thin relationship between the two to quote Luca.
I’ll discuss each story in the order it appears in the collection. As this is flash fiction I’ll try to generalise so that I don’t give anything away.

Dreams – This story is perhaps my favourite of the collection. Luca makes a great point about life, friendship and relationships in this story. A heart warming and beautifully melancholy tale.

Model Behaviour – Social networks come under a lot of scrutiny. On the news you hear mainly negative things. But what if someone used it to reach out to you in a time of crisis? A fantastic observational story that makes you think.

Heavy Sleeper – Now a couple of years ago I slept through an earthquake. This story sent a chill down my spine because I am a heavy sleeper. An excellent and darkly chilling tale.

Peeling Spuds – A tyrant of a husband. A selfish pig who cares about nothing and no one but himself. Everyone has their breaking point right? Eloquently related from the start and with a very clever twist.

He Ain’t Heavy – A tale of two brothers whose lives take them in two different directions which could turn out to have potentially dire consequences.

What Luca Veste does best is give you everyday situations and make them interesting. He has the gift of the storyteller and you find yourself racing to get to the end of each story to see how it turns out. He has an uncomplicated style of writing and that is not a criticism. He uses this style to great effect to engage and hook the reader expertly.

Trestle Press have once again signed up a cracking writer who I have no doubt will turn out to be the Steven Gerrard of their squad. Strong, solid always reliable and a great finisher.

Download Liverpool 5 for only 86p HERE

Drunk On The Moon (Vol. 5) - Getting High On Daisy by Richard Godwin

2011-10-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Roman Dalton wakes in a flat with no memory of how he got there. Ton Ton Macoute's men are after him and millionaire Harry Nero is engaged in kidnapping and zombification. All Roman knows is he has to find Daisy before it's too late. The only problem is, he can't remember who Daisy is.

In this the fifth instalment of Paul D. Brazill's Drunk On The Moon series Richard Godwin explores the wild, feral, sexual side of Roman. We percieve, at times, Roman for the first time more as wolf than human. With strong sexual language throughout it's not one for a pensioners book club. However, as ever Godwin's writing is a powerful and descriptive metaphorical cudgel to the head. It’s hard to pick stand out language in this fabulously descriptive short story but here are a few lines that stood out for me:

He looked at the early diners, their grey faces a pattern of weakness.

He envies him for a moment wonders what such continuity must feel like, and remembers he is what this savagery has made him.

The silver light streams across the waxed immaculate bodies of Fords.

He uses deliciously erotic language at times and whilst some (not me) might find it a tad strong it does add a kind of realism. I’d imagine that anyone who has enjoyed the tone of the rest of this series will get where Richard is coming from and enjoy it as much as I did. Wolves are after all wild and primal animals. We have discovered that werewolves too feel not only the call of hot tasty flesh but also the call of their loins.

Richard also deftly fills in some of Roman’s back story adding more flesh to the bones of this already fascinating world.

This is the second darkly erotic short story of Richard's that I have read. His blend of intelligent meaty descriptive writing is a joy to read and a great addition to Paul D. Brazil's Drunk On The Moon Series.

Pulp Ink Anthology edited by Nigel Bird and Chris Rhatigan

2011-10-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

PULP INK is the bizarre, chaotic side of crime fiction. From an ass-kicking surfer on acid to an idiot savant hitboy, these tales are dark, funny, action-packed and told with all the gleeful insanity of a Tarantino flick.

It was obvious to me by the time I had read the first three or four stories of this anthology that I had a problem. Writing an effective review of Pulp Ink would be like trying to clean the Humber Bridge with a toothbrush. Why? Quite simply because each story is like a sparking gem in the mud that is the e-book market. This anthology shone so brightly to me that I felt I had to wear shades when reading it. The editors deserve great credit for putting together such a fine collection. This is up there with the best of them and possibly my most enjoyable read this year.

Anyone who regularly reads my reviews knows that I am not a critic. I write positive reviews. I know what I like and I read what I enjoy. However, I am having to rein myself in from gushing like a school girl in the presence of a boy band. This anthology is THAT good. I very early on decided that I would say a little something about each of the stories. I felt that I owed it to the authors of this collection to say at least at little something about each of these excellent stories. So here it is:

Requiem for Spider by Reed Farrel Coleman
A hugely enjoyable hard boiled tale with humour entwined within its very soul. Poetic.

Jack Rabbit Slim's Cellar The $5 Mil Hak by Jodi MacArthur
McArthur's character Shasta Star is both fascinating and playful. Witty from the start, wise cracking and multi-layered. A great setting and a fantastic ending. Sublime.

Padre by AJ Hayes
You could lose yourself in the midnight black worlds AJ creates. This tale screamed across my synapses in cinematic high definition. A story of justice done told only the way AJ can.

The Creation of Ice by Sandra Seamans
You are plunging straight into the desperate end game as a cold hearted killer tries to charm her way out of the clutches of the law.

Zed's Dead, Baby by Eric Beetner
A debt collector cuts a bloody swathe in his attempt to find Zed. Beetner pulls no punches in this bloody tale with a surprising ending.

Your Mother Should Know by Allan Guthrie
A tale of god fearing folk & childhood innocence with that dark cloud of menace hanging over it that only Guthrie can conjure.

You Never Can Tell by Matthew C. Funk
Brilliantly descriptive. Laced with delicious atmosphere, the air hangs heavy with menace and the threat of violence.

A Whole Lot of Rosie by Nigel Bird
Nigel takes a classic song by AC/DC and turns it into a fantastic atmospheric story with heart and soul.

The Lady & The Gimp: A Peter Ord Investigation by Paul D.Brazill
Another great story in another fantastic seedy setting. Stuffed to bursting with vintage Paul D. Brazill wit and humour. His PI Peter Ord never disappoints.

A Night at the Royale by Chris F. Holm
A story that is pregnant with an air of menace. However, you find yourself with no sympathy at all for Mr. Black's hapless victims. An outstanding and clever ending.

Clouds in a Bunker by David Cranmer
A sad little tale that injects humour into a difficult subject.

The Wife of Gregory Bell by Patricia Abbot
An excellent tale confirming that one shouldn't mess with karma.

If Love is a Red Dress - Hang Me in Rags by Michael J. Solender
Eloquently descriptive. The author does so much with so few words.

A corpse by Any Other Name by Naomi Johnson
A brilliant and hilarious short crime caper. Great characters. Steinbeck is smiling from the great beyond at the tribute.

Surf Rider by Ian Ayris
Solid gold from Ian. He takes us through the doors of perception and shows us the darkness within.

The Slicers' Serenade of Steel by Gary Philips
A story that started one way then went off at a fantastic action packed tangent. Great pace and wit throughout.

The October 17 Economic Development Committee Meeting by Chris Rhatigan
You can’t help but empathise with some of the views created by Chris’s character here! A brilliantly woven tale told at a fast tense pace.

Threshold Woman by Richard Godwin
A beautifully descriptive and erotic tale of our desire to quench forbidden thirsts.

Redlining by Jim Harrington
A little impatience leads to a dark deed and a gritty ending.

Jungle Boogie by Kate Horsley
A tale filled laden and heavy with the threat of impending doom.

This Little Piggy by Hilary Davidson
A cleverly told tale with a great twist.

Comanche by Jason Duke
Revenge served in a suitable fashion. Some great descriptive lines in this one.

Misirilou by Jimmy Callaway
A fun caper with great humour throughout & snappy dialogue

The Only One Who Could Ever Reach Me by Matt Lavin
A dark and UTTERLY compelling read.

UK Download Pulp Ink HERE
US Download Pulp Ink HERE

You can find out more about the editors here:
Nigel Bird
Chris Rhatigan

Black Betty by William Tooker

2011-10-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wade and Eliza were through. The love was gone and the fighting was non-stop. Desperate as they were to get away from each other neither of them was ready for how they would finally part. The death with a thousand faces had reached up from the Downs to harvest yet another victim. Heart broken and driven by revenge one of them would come face to face with the otherworldly terrors lurking in the Downs and eye to eye with the remorseless Black Betty.

A dark horror tale by William Tooker. The sinister town of Veil mentioned in his previous story Bad Angels features in this dark tale. It’s difficult to discuss the start without giving anything away. However, I’ll say that a young couple has an argument and a car journey from which one of them will not return.

Tooker’s dialogue between Wade and Eliza is very believable and the interplay between these two characters impressed me a lot. I found the way he described Wade’s thought processes smacked of realism. The author has a true story tellers flair and I very quickly raced through this one as he built up the tension I found the descriptive writing to be of a high standard throughout. Here are a couple of examples of great stand out lines:

Gnats swarmed in clouds everywhere humming a chorus that sounded like distant whispers.

A fallen crystal chandelier looked like the mummified remains of an ancient crystal snowflake beneath the dust on the floor.

All in all a great story well told. The tension is excellently build up and just when you think it can’t get any darker you are plunged head first into the abyss. Great stuff from Mr. Tooker.

Download Black Betty HERE.

The Willow Spring Killer by Molly Edwards

2011-10-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

Molly Edwards is a writer and an accomplished book reviewer. You can find her book reviews here:
Reviews by Molly

What do you do when your find your best friend of 15 years hanging, lifeless, from a rope in an abandoned school house?
That's what Willow Spring Police Officer Josie Summerville was about to find out. When she finds blood in the abandoned school house, she has no idea what she's about to find. Or, that she's being watched. Then, a mysterious note on her front door, sets her mind into overdrive. Will she figure out the puzzle before it's to late? Or will she be the cause of another killing by the Willow Spring killer?

The Willow Spring Killer jumps straight into the action and we are faced with a dark scene almost as soon as we have cleared the first page. This is a short story that really hits the ground running. The author cranks up the tension and within a few short pages we have more dastardly crimes being committed.

Edwards writes in a tense, descriptive and thoughtful way. She sets the scene in such a way that my appetite was whetted for the small town setting where the story takes place. Happily I will get my wish as this is the first story in a series.

A thoroughly enjoyable short story that will lead into an enjoyable, interesting and well written series. As with any short story it is difficult to say too much about the plot without giving away vital story details. I will say that if you like tense and atmospheric thrillers you could do a lot worse than download the Willow Spring Killer.

Download the Willow Spring Killer HERE

Call Me Smitty - The Beginning by B.R. Stateham

2011-10-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

About the author B.R. Stateham

From the mind of B.R. Stateham, author of Death of Young Lieutenant, comes Call Me Smitty. This is a digital short story series that is dark, violent, emotional and heart wrenching. As our story starts Smitty gets a severe dose of reality, decides to take matters into his own hands and becomes a different person. He says goodbye to one life, and begins another.

B.R. Stateham considers himself a writer. A writer of speculative fiction. His reading tastes run toward Fantasies, Histories, Mysteries, and Science-Fiction. But really, it doesn't matter. He’ll read just about anything. Writing, however, revolves around the four genres mentioned.
"My goal is to blend the modern with the old; bring more 'color' back into the art of writing--to stimulate the imagination, yet leave free enough room for each reader to paint that verbal portrait all their own.

Join me in this endeavor. Let us be stalwart heroes and walk the dark alleys and back streets of murder and mayhem together. Or soar into galaxies unknown in search of adventures unparalleled."

B.R Stateham is the author of several ebook releases. His publishing credits include Insatiable which is the fourth instalment in the highly successful Drunk on the Moon series which is the brain child of Paul D. Brazill.

Stateham has a gritty feel to his fiction. I liked the style of this ebook right from the beginning. This first instalment starts with the birth of the character that becomes Smitty and the death of the person who was Johnny. Betrayed by two people he held dear this drives our character to become the cold blooded killer that is Smitty.

We are given tantalising glimpses of what this series will hold by the author. This first tale is essential a number of mini-stories that give us a good glimpse into the mind of the man with the dark eyes. I really am a sucker for this kind of fiction and Stateham has me hooked with his dark and descriptive writing. There are several episodes of Call Me Smitty to download and enjoy and I’m going to follow Smitty’s adventures with relish as he deals death to those that deserve it.

Bad Angels (Slouching Towards Bethlehem) – Volume 1 by William Tooker

2011-10-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

About the author William Tooker:
Will is Writer and co-creator with Kevin Gentilcore for Creephouse Comics and also the writer for Matt Campbell’s Mythica Comics series. He is living in Columbus, Ohio and diligently working on horror with every keystroke.

I’d strongly urge you to read the full product description for this download before buying. It outlines background information to the story and is relevant to what happens in this first instalment.

A young girl is preyed upon by those she trusted. Yet into the night comes an unlikely saviour. A dark start for a premise that could have led the reader down a sci-fi avenue but which goes very much into the horror genre and plunges you quickly into some very shadowy places indeed. You need a torch for this one to illuminate the dark corners but do you really want to see what manner of creature lurks there?

The author wastes no time at all in getting to the action. Despite it being a serialisation Tooker gives us a lot to go on in this first part. Two plot lines are well developed and we see them diverge into a dramatic end scene. He also starts to weave in some ideas about the past that have brought us to this point. I enjoyed reading this first tale and am looking forward to reading the next part.

Diary of A Menopausal Woman by Cheryl Reid

2011-10-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

Why I hear you cry is a 41 year old bloke reading this? Well, firstly Cheryl, the author, is a friend. Secondly almost everything I have thus far read from her, mainly poetry, is filled to bursting with wit and heart and humour. It is "real" and not contrived. However, don't let her fool you for a second! This woman is very clever with words. She plays with words for comic effect. A device she uses again and again. A device that never fails to make me laugh. She has also mastered the art of running gag that the likes of Harry Hill use so effectively. Her discussion about the distilled water that goes in irons will have you hooting with laughter.

Cheryl uses a straight matter of fact delivery to convey a lot of her humour and ideas. This is done in such a way that it injects a lot of humour and she uses language in such a way that you cannot help but chuckle. Remember this is a diary and not a work of fiction but despite this Cheryl adds heart and soul to it at every possible opportunity. This is not some bland account of endless details.

Underneath the humour is a real woman struggling through the daily grind and all that life can throw at her. If you have a heart and a funny bone you could do a lot worse than read Diary of A Menopausal Woman. A real diary from a larger than life character and a five star read. Move over Bridget Jones no one cares about your big pants Cheryl Chezza Reid is in town.

Living on a Prayer by Sheila Quigley

2011-09-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

A week before Christmas Debbie Stansfield's life falls apart. Her son - her funny, cheeky, kind Richard - has been found hanging from a tree at the Seven Sisters. The police think it's suicide but Debbie won't - can't - accept it. Her son would never kill himself. Not her Richard. No way.
Richard's four friends know something about his death. Detective Inspector Lorraine Hunt can feel it. The teenagers are clearly terrified about something - something that scares them more than the police. But they're not about to tell…

As the days tick down to Christmas, Lorraine, increasingly overworked and under pressure, can't ignore her suspicions that there's more to Richard's death than meets the eye. And when Richard's friends start going missing, her worst fears are confirmed. Just who is preying on the young people in Houghton-le-Spring? And will Lorraine be able to stop them, before another vulnerable teenager is found dead?

Sheila Quigley is on top form with her third novel Living on a Prayer. She paints a darker picture than we have seen in her previous novels. This novel tells the tale of how some of the most vulnerable in society are at the most risk of the predators in society and how this can have deadly consequences. However, despite this we also have some humorous playful moments courtesy of Jacko and his friends on their dashes across the channel to get duty free goods.

Quigley juggles a number of plot lines here and it is clear that as the series progresses we will see these characters fleshed out still further. We see more development on Lorraine and Luke's relationship. Luke has a personal crisis which comes out of the blue and which threatens not only his relationship with Lorraine but also his job.

In another gripping page turner Sheila Quigley is doing what she does best; creating believable three dimensional characters. This is perhaps her most involved and complex novel so far in the series yet she still delivers the aspects I enjoy the most. Interesting interplay between characters I am growing increasingly fond of as the Seahills books progress.

One of the things I’ve always liked about Sheila Quigley’s writing is that she has the common touch. Her stories are not set in drafty old manor houses with suspicious butlers. They are set in believable everyday settings with characters that we can all relate to.

Mina's Daughter...The Harker Chronicles by S.L. Schmitz

2011-09-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Like most people I’ve always been a fan of the classic novel by Bram Stoker. Schmitz gives us an interesting take on the subject here introducing the character of Mina’s daughter and her friends.

From the very start of this piece we get an excellent juxtaposition from a cosy picnic setting to the sense of deep foreboding and immediately a feeling that things are not quite what they seem with Mina’s daughter. When something goes awry at the picnic and the girls picnicking find themselves suddenly in very real danger.

Schmitz sets the initial scene very well within these first couple of chapters and we learn more about Katie. I found this first instalment to be well written and interesting throughout. I very much look forward to the next.

Insatiable (Drunk On The Moon) by B.R. Stateham

2011-09-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

In B R Stateham's Insatiable, PI Roman Dalton gets a request from an old friend to help him solve a murder. A murder so horrible, so brutal, it had to be caused by a werewolf! Dalton is approaching his 'change' and at the same time trying to solve a vicious crime. How does he stop himself from leaping onto his friend, when the time comes, and making his old buddy an evening snack? How does he find and remove from the city a werewolf who happens to be much older, and far stronger, than he is--and not create a panic among all the potential meal tickets walking around? Find out in Drunk On The Moon Four: Insatiable by BR Stateham based on characters created by Paul D Brazill.

For the first time in this series a writer concentrates on the feelings Roman has in the run up to a full moon. The author explores the nature of the changes using strong descriptive writing that really gets you into Roman’s head. We also get a more solid sense that Roman might actually be a good and talented PI who knows his job. In short a more serious story but with, as you would expect for this series, a few laughs along the way. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. I was left with the satisfying feeling you get when you have really enjoyed a good story well told.

The Devil’s Music – Volume 1 Raised in Hell by Julia Madeleine

2011-09-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

It’s the late 1930s in Memphis Tennessee and “The King Of The Delta Blues Singers” is reigning in the dingy juke joints. Sadie, the daughter of the Devil himself, has a signed contact with him that’s come due. She’s got a soul to collect. In a blues club on Beale Street, Sadie finds him on the stage and waits for him with a bottle of bourbon, ready to take him to hell. But what happens if he doesn’t want to go?

Daddy’s little girl, Sadie, like all spoilt children always gets her way. Except that Daddy is the Devil so her games tend to be deadly. Sadie is a dangerous and curvaceous chameleon that stalks through time and place to collect her chosen prey, the talented musicians of the world. Performers that would sell their very soul to achieve the success they yearn for.

Trestle Press author Julia Madeleine brings us a deliciously descriptive tale. She sets the scene well and entertains throughout this enjoyable tale. A Great read.

Reprisal Part 3 - Shadow Boxing by Sam Lang

2011-09-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

Trestle Press author Sam Lang sets the scene for the Reprisal series nicely with the first two episodes: Making Plans, Making Memories (Reprisal) and Impeccant (Reprisal). This third episode switches over to another setting, the Edgar King Federal prison. Unlike Impeccant that was playful in parts this third instalment is dark throughtout but also atmospheric as we get a glimpse inside a killers mind. We are introduced to prison inmate Devin “De’Light” Lighter. A nasty piece of work who finds himself with an unexpected visitor.

Another enjoyable episode of this serialisation. I am looking forward to the next thrilling episode. As with any multi-part story this is building slowly, patience is required just enjoy the ride as Sam Lang slowly builds the tension.

Byker Books: The Radgepacket Series of Anthologies

2011-09-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

Several years ago one man had a vision. It was a bold vision. It was an ambitious vision.

** Cue inspirational music **

It was a world dominating, Lily the Pink's medicinal compound, universal panacea of all that is good, pure and right kind of vision. A bold man, hero if you will, strode out of the mists among the bodies, rubble and detritus. In his hand he held aloft a Newcastle Brown bottle. In his other hand he held a shining pen. Over his shoulders he wore a Newcastle United scarf….

** The sound of a record being removed from a turntable and thrown loudly against a wall **

That vision was called Radgepacket and right now writers from across the Country are without fingernails as they nervously wait to find out if their story will be included in Radgepacket 6.

I don't know if Byker Books mysterious head honcho, known only as Ed, envisioned that his drive and passion would bring together such a range of talent when he started out but I suspect he did. Radgepacket has launched more writing careers than the Queen (Gawd bless her) has launched ships. Including my own. Byker Books showed me that I could inflict my own brand of fiction on the world and that there were others who wrote this kind of fiction. It is described as industrial strength fiction on Byker Books website, which is a pretty accurate tag lane. The Radgepacket series brings you stories with swearing, sex and violence. Some of the fiction has a hard edge to it, a gritty feel that resonates with the nasty things that sometimes happen in the real world. Radgepacket authors don’t seek to shock, they seek to entertain. These are great stories told in urban environments. Nasty or sometimes unfortunate characters are brought kicking and screaming to life within the Radgepacket books. Why not check out what they get up to?

Byker have been on the go quite a few years now but I write this article now because Byker have now made the whole Radgepacket series available for digital download. Each of the five titles is UNDER A POUND. These publications feature writers such as Danny King, Ray Banks, Sheila Quigley, Rod Glenn, Ian Ayris, Paul D. Brazill, Lee Kelly, Nick Boldock, Nick Quantrill, Andy Rivers, Steven Porter, Pete Sortwell, Craig Douglas, Carol Fenlon, Martyn Taylor and many, many more.

Many apologies if I have missed anyone out but if I have it only highlights my point that there has been such a vast array of talent within the Radgepacket series of books.

Now a call to arms addressed to the Radgepacket authors and avid readers of the series. You can directly help Byker Books in this tough and competitive marketplace and also yourselves (authors) by doing the following: “Like” each of the publications on Amazon and Good Reads. Leave a review, even if it is only a few lines, for each of the publications. These small tokens of appreciation help to show readers what is out there and that others have found it worthwhile. Otherwise they won’t stand out like the shining beacon they are against the bland masses of homogenised Tesco shelf fillers that are out there. You could also share this review on your Facebook pages and Twitter accounts.

If you want to check out all of Byker Books titles, including the critically acclaimed Maxwell's Silver Hammer simply type Byker Books into your amazon search box.

Find Byker Books website HERE

Slammer by Allan Guthrie

2011-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Slammer is a gripping novel by the man behind the fantastic Criminal-E blog and author of the critically acclaimed novels Hard Man and the 2007 Old Peculier Crime novel of the year Two-Way Split. Slammer is now available as a digital download.

Slammer continues the theme of some of his other novels, which is that of flawed characters. Allan Guthrie does to his characters what major car manufacturers do to crash test dummies and then some. That’s not to say that they don’t sometimes deserve being put through the mincer. Guthrie delights in bringing us protagonists that for one reason or another are not functioning on all levels. The major character Nick Glass is a weak individual who is easily exploited and most definitely not the kind of person who should be working as a prison officer. Your whole world can shatter if you make the wrong decisions and so it is for Nick Glass, an individual who it is crystal clear has chosen the wrong career. When Glass turns to drugs for solace his life starts to go downhill rapidly.

A very fast paced novel that is most definitely for adults only featuring graphically described dark scenes. However, I’d point out that they are in keeping with the setting and never overdone. Slammer is a gritty psychological thriller, which as you come to expect from Guthrie is the kind of tightly written novel you race through. A roller coaster ride of a novel and like any good roller coaster you are thrown around with all the twists and turns. Allan Guthrie remains tartan noirs master of the nasty surprise. His plots are never predictable which is one of the things that make his novels such a thrilling read. Cracking stuff with Guthrie at the height of his writing prowess.

Download the kindle version HERE

Nowhere To Go by Iain Rowan

2011-08-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

During the month of September the talented short story writer Iain Rowan has reduced the price of his excellent collection of eleven crime stories entitled Nowhere To Go to just 86p.

About Nowhere To Go:

An ordinary man who finds himself caught up in a bank raid gone wrong. A murder caught on security camera where the victim doesn't exist. A man with just months to live, who is already living in hell but decides to take on the devil. A mob accountant babysitting a hired killer on a trip to the countryside, and a burglar on an easy job who finds it might not be so easy after all. A con-artist conned, and what a man will do when in the grip of an obsession more important to him than his own life.
Eleven crime stories first published in Alfred Hitchcock's, Ellery Queen's, and elsewhere by award-winning writer Iain Rowan. Eleven stories of what people do when there is nowhere left to go.

Iain's short fiction has been reprinted in Year's Best anthologies, won a Derringer Award, and been the basis for a novel shortlisted for the UK Crime Writers' Association's Debut Dagger award.

Here's what folk say about Nowhere To Go:

"I loved the nuances and true heartfelt emotion that Iain filled his stories with, and Iain quickly became a must read author for me--everything I read of Iain's had this tragic, and sometimes, horrific beauty filling it, and was guaranteed to be something special."
(Dave Zeltserman, author of Outsourced, and Washington Post best books of year Small Crimes and Pariah)

"A short story writer of the highest calibre."
(Allan Guthrie, author of Top Ten Kindle Bestseller Bye Bye Baby, winner of Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year)

"Iain Rowan's stories never fail to surprise and delight, and just when you think you know what will happen next, you realize how much you've been caught unaware."
(Sarah Weinman, writer, critic, reviewer, columnist for the Los Angeles Times and News Editor for Publishers Marketplace)

"Iain Rowan is both a meticulous and a passionate writer, and these stories showcase his ample talent wonderfully well. You owe it to yourself to discover Rowan's fiction if you haven't already had the pleasure."
(Jeff Vandermeer, author of Finch, Shriek:An Afterword, City of Saints and Madmen; two-time winner of the World Fantasy Award)

You can download Nowhere To Go HERE

Brit Grit (kindle edition) by Paul D.Brazill

2011-08-23T04:19:00.001-07:00

Spinetingler award nominee Paul D. Brazill is a prolific writer and blogger. His short stories have appeared in a wide variety of print and online publications including the prestigious Mammoth Book of Best British Crime where he keeps company with such names as Ian Rankin, Nigel Bird, Ray Banks, Nick Quantrill, Sheila Quigley and Allan Guthrie.

Brit Grit is a collection of his short stories from the various publications. This download represents great value giving you nine hard hitting stories for under a pound. Paul’s trademark is perhaps the humour he manages to inject into his stories. Paul peppers his tales with hilarious metaphors and jokes:

Jim was as much use as a condom in a convent.

Lines like this come thick and fast in his stories. The dialogue too is dripping with good humour:

“You sound like a Shetland Pony.”

“Eh?”

“A little hoarse.”

“Eh?”

“Never mind.”

The characters that populate his worlds vary greatly from booze sozzled private eyes (In his Drunk on The Moon series), criminal transvestites and even a PI who is also werewolf. The antics of his many and varied characters who all have varying degrees of incompetence in the dark deeds they perform within his stories. Aside from the humour and the colourful characters Paul weaves some fantastic descriptive writing into the mix. Like a good steak dinner this collection of stories leaves you full to bursting and like a good meal you know you will never tire of it.

Holy Chrome Bocce Balls on Fire by Giovanni Gelati

2011-08-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is a story about balls. Not any old balls you understand. Big balls, special balls. These balls are so shiny you could use them to signal SOS from a desert island. These balls my friends are chrome balls. I see that perplexed expression on your face. I see the frown. I see the lack of understanding. Well let me be your Mr Miyagi. Let me be your Yoda. Perhaps I can be your guru in enlightening you as to what manner of man such a fine pair of balls belong to.

There is only one man who could wield such a fine pair of perfect spheres. Who you cry, who can it possibly be? You are guessing now I can hear you. What dude or hero you are musing could possibly have such pristine artefacts? Is it perhaps Indiana Jones? Is it Batman? Is it Captain America? Doc Savage? Perhaps it is Roland Deschain? Maybe just maybe it is Iron Man or the Cape. A hint you say? You want a hint? Well okay I’ll give you a hint. If I tell you they are Bocce balls is the mist clearing? Yes, I see that you are nodding. That’s right it’s the man for the moment. He is stepping up even now drawing himself up to full height. His shadow cast long and large across the beach. Let the unjust quiver in fear. Let the cheats and low lives run from his long arm. That’s right folks the man now stepping into the richly deserved spotlight is none other than Giovanni “G-Man” Gelati. Marvel at his chrome balls.

Holy Chrome Balls On Fire! Is the next instalment in Gelati’s series of stories set in the intensely competitive sporting world of Bocce tournaments. Expect puns and humour but most of all expect fun. Will the Russians win? How about the Chinese? Will our boys from USA in their tournament uniform of Hawaiian shirts do it for the USA? What would you do if your balls caught fire? Find out all this and more in the latest thrilling instalment of the chrome balls series.

The Darke Affair (Drunk On The Moon) by Allan Leverone

2011-08-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

I had the cold sweats and like any addict that has gone without a fix cold turkey had a grip of me. With feverish hands I pressed the buy now with 1-click button and all was right with the world. I had my instalment of Drunk On The Moon to read.

Who is this silent watcher in town? Why is Roman being tailed? Who is driving the mysterious black car? Will Ton Ton Philippe get the revenge he seeks? Roman must battle mortal enemies when there is no full moon which will stretch his resources to the very limit.

Volume 3 of Paul D Brazill's Drunk On The Moon is written by Allan Leverone. Snappy dialogue and witty banter are the order of the day. Leverone uses great imagery that really made me chuckle. For example:

My business had been drier than a 90 year old nun in the Sahara.

The story is liberally sprinkled with gems like this. Great action and sparkling wit has become a trademark of this series and Allan Leverone does not disappoint. Funny, interesting and a great read.

Convictions by Julie Morrigan

2011-08-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

When 12-year-old Tina Snowdon and her little Sister Annie accept a lift from a stranger it proves to be a decision that alters the entire course of her life. She doesn’t realise that only one of them will be going home that night.

Convictions is a story about what happens when people take an idea too far. When a belief system takes over rational thought and logic. If I were to put Convictions into a genre I would call it a police procedural. However, I would hate myself for pigeon holing it. Frankly the book is too good to just throw into a category willy-nilly. Convictions is a thrilling read from start to finish. It’s a tale of the bravery of one girl and the dogged determination of those that want to see justice done. The book is one that can be read on many levels. Julie Morrigan doesn’t over do it. It’s a believable novel at all times. There is no need for suspensions of disbelief the story carries you along and you are powerless to resist its charms as Julie’s narrative guides you. It’s a story of how bitterness can destroy lives. A story of how predators target and exploit the vulnerable.

Convictions is a riveting read and the most enjoyable novel I have read all year. There are some writers who you know will go on to be hugely successful. They have that little something in their writing that you know will have you coming back again and again. That indefinable spark of the storyteller that all writers aspire to attain. Some have it naturally Julie Morrigan is just such a writer.

Download Convictions HERE

Julie's blog can be found HERE

Paul D. Brazill's Brit Grit - A Crime Fiction Collection

2011-08-14T03:15:00.000-07:00

“America may well be the official home of pulp and noir but the United Kingdom, long perceived as the land of Dame Agatha cozies and stuck up, Latin quoting police detectives, also has a grubby underbelly which has produced plenty of gritty crime writing. And there is a new wave of Brit Grit writers leaving their bloodstained footprints across this septic Isle too.”

So writes Spinetingler Award nominee Paul D.Brazill at the beginning of this eagerly awaited collection of his short stories released by Trestle Press. This collection has been much anticipated by those involved in the genre and fans of the gritty, witty writer. A full review of will follow but this is a Clarion call for you download this excellent collection. Paul is already romping up the kindle chars faster than Usain Bolt on speed so please help this ambassador for British crime fiction achieve the success he richly deserves.

You can download Brit Grit HERE

Posh Girl by Jim Higo

2011-08-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Talented Hull poet and comedian Jim Higo has just had some publishing success. His excellent poem Posh Girl has been published in the fifteenth edition of the excellent magazline The Delinquent.

With 132 pages the magazine represents great value and frankly is worth buying for Jim's excellent poem alone. Jim Higo's poetry will surprise, shock and make you laugh sometimes all at the same time.
Jim has a keen political brain and this is often reflected in his poetry. Yet he is not just another bitter poet trying to ram home a political point. His poems come in a variety styles and guises all with one thing in common they make you think

Check out Jim's website HERE

The magazine is available for immediate digital download at only 99p HERE

You can check out The Delinquent's home page HERE
Details for people in the UK to buy a hard copy are available on the magazines home page.

How I Met Your Mother by Mark Cooper

2011-08-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

Horror writer Andrew Hargreaves is driving to school to pick up the kids. He is rushed and late. His wife, Leah, is just arriving home but as she is hustled into the house by a stranger with a gun in her back she knows that she will have to fight for her very life. What does this mysterious stranger want? How will she stop Andrew from blundering into this dangerous situation with the kids in tow? How will she overpower the stranger? Will she survive?

These questions and more will be answered in this short story. Mark Cooper’s narrative is fast paced which is just what you want from a story with plenty of action. A good old fashioned enjoyable spy thriller which fits in plenty of action within a relatively short story. A tale you can read in a single sitting.

Download it HERE

Weighing Fate by Chantal Boudreau

2011-08-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

How would you live your life if you thought that every good event that happened was measured out by a bad event? This is the intriguing question asked by Chantal Boudreau in Weighing Fate. Karma would become a curse surely sucking all the joy from life and leaving only dread and unhappiness. You’d actually come to enjoy the bad events knowing that perhaps shortly things would turn upwards.

We see the story’s heroine Adella trying to regulate and balance all aspects of her life. When a colleague makes what seems to be a harmless gesture of kindness it could have disastrous consequences for Adella.

An interesting short story and a story you will be able to finish in a single sitting. I enjoyed this tale, it was a nice easy read. Boudreau left me thinking about fate and karma for a while after I finished the story. Some fiction is more than the sum of its parts and has a deeper effect on you than you might expect. This is one of those stories. An enjoyable and though provoking read.

Download Weighing Fate HERE

Impeccant (Reprisal Volume 2) by Sam Lang

2011-08-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

Reprisal Volume 2 Impeccant starts on the morning that the town is due to be evacuated. Everyone is in a playful mood ready for a short exciting adventure/vacation. Eddie as a reporter is naturally excited for the coming of the days events and eagerly leaves his apartment camera in hand.

This volume starts of playfully with a funny scene in the cafe which has our hero blushing like a beacon. However, as the bad weather draws in the sense of foreboding returns. The carnival atmosphere evaporates as quickly as water on a hot sidewalk. Yet again the author carefully sews into the text the idea that Reprisal has more than it's share of secrets. Sam Lang hints at events to come with some considerable skill. Eddie's musings guide the reader expertly through the narrative. Eddie remains unsettled and troubled by his vision like dream from the night before.

Eddie's research into the history of the town brings some surprising discoveries and he is left wondering about the dark events in his own past. The author has me well and truly hooked now! I await the next instalment with excitement.

Download Impeccant HERE

Reprisal: Making Plans, Making Memories by Sam Lang

2011-08-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

A small town Police Chief holds a press conference for the benefit of some reporters. The subject is the town’s evacuation during the impending transit of some dangerous prisoners through the town.

The story is told from the point of view of the town’s cub reporter, Eddie. The character of the Police Chief, Matt Canton, is drawn as a larger than life aged septuagenarian chauvinist with a love of cigars. Although cantankerous and old fashioned it is clear that he loves the town and has its best interests at heart. The Chief describes some of the inmates who will be passing through town and their crimes to the reporters and the reader gets a sense of foreboding about what might come.

The author sets the scene well with this first volume. He hints at secrets the Chief might be keeping. He describes events in Eddie’s childhood which may later turn out to be relevant. Overall it’s a great opener that made me want to read on. I found Reprisal to be well written and the author’s strength seems to be in creating good characters. I’m looking forward to the story developing further. Another great series brought to you by Trestle Press.

Download this story HERE

A Good Day by Darren Sant

2011-08-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

A new story by yours truly. The first in my series "Tales from the Longcroft Estate."

Available for download HERE

Beat On The Brat and other stories by Nigel Bird

2011-08-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Beat On The Brat is the second short story collection released by Nigel Bird on kindle. The author’s first collection Dirty Old Town has been one of my reading highlights of the year. Reading a short story collection by Nigel Bird is like being stuck in an alley with Freddie Krueger, Jason from Friday the 13th and Michael Myers from the Halloween movies all at the same time. You know you’re going to get hacked to bloody pieces but you’re not sure which direction the pain is coming from. Dark characters inhabit these stories.

Those who have read Dirty Old Town will know that in the worlds Nigel creates the unthinkable happens. The author meddles with your emotions masterfully mixing in the melancholy and toying with your emotions as a cat plays with a mouse. There are nine stories within this collection. Tales of revenge, deceit and of nasty and violent crimes. However, within most of these stories there is a small kernel of hope. Many of those that meet a sticky end deserve it. You reap what you sew. Nigel doesn’t preach he spins tales and treats the reader as an intelligent entity that can decide for themselves what is right, what is wrong and where the shades of grey lie. I raced through this collection as I always do with fiction that I enjoy. Another impressive collection from the talented Nigel Bird.

Download Beat On The Brat HERE

Download Dirty Old Town HERE

Cocooned in Darkness by Leona DeRosa Bodie

2011-08-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Claude Pelletier has a bitter row with his wife, A relationship that has soured. Everything he held dear has turned to poison. He storms off to his sailboat for some peace and quiet and awakens with the cold steel of a pistol pressed to his temple. Pelletier must despatch this would-be assassin and seek revenge on whoever wants him dead.

Cocooned in Darkness is a roller coaster ride of a short story. All action from start to finish and a tale that you can read in a single sitting. The author combines fast action with interesting and atmospheric descriptive writing as Claude battles his enemies, personal demons and all that Mother Nature can throw at him. A great read that will have me looking out for more work by this author.

Black and Blue by Ian Rankin

2011-08-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

Detective Inspector John Rebus once more finds his back against the wall. He juggles four cases in the hope of nailing the infamous serial killer Bible John. As if that's not enough he finds himself subject to an internal inquiry headed by a man he has just accused of being of taking back handers from Glasgow’s Mr Big – Uncle Joe. Rebus must fight for his job and his very life. Add in bent cops, environmental protestors, gangsters and you have Rankin on his finest form. Rebus's obsessive terrier like tenacity is really highlighted in Black and Blue as are all of his flaws as he battles not only his obsession but also his addictions.

I know it’s a cliché but once I started reading this book I almost could not put it down. I’ve read a few of Rankin’s novels now and Rebus only becomes a more compelling character the more I read of him. Rankin has that rare skill of blending multiple plot lines without ever confusing the reader. A thoroughly enjoyable read that has left me clamouring for the next Rebus novel.

Fear the Night by Julia Madeleine

2011-07-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

This review first appeared as a guest blog post HERE

A Roman Dalton story from Paul D. Brazill’s Drunk on the Moon Series

In the second instalment of the Drunk on the Moon Series - Fear the Night Roman Dalton travels to L’Isle-Verte near Quebec City in order to help a father find his missing daughter. Despite his initial reluctance to take on the case Roman finds he is soon swayed when a thick wad of cash is promised. Of course, as is usually the case, nothing is ever quite so simple or straightforward as it appears to be and Roman is soon up to his neck in trouble. He is tested to the limit by uncooperative locals, a town full of secrets and creatures of the night. As a full moon looms will Roman be able to use his powers to combat the forces of darkness? Will he be strong enough? Can he keep his powers in check until they are needed? What dark secret does the club l’Emotion conceal? Will he have to stop halfway through for a drink of Jim Beam? You will find answers to all these questions and more within Fear the Night.

An atmospheric, tightly written story and like Drunk on the Moon one to enjoy in a single sitting. I found that once I started reading I didn’t want to stop until I had reached the conclusion. The author puts the emphasis on the action and there was a real sense of speed and excitement in the fight scenes. Fast becoming a trademark of this excellent series is the snappy dialogue and Julia Madeleine, like Paul D. Brazill before her, had put a lot of thought into this. Here’s a line I particularly enjoyed:
“Listen here, George is it?” I said, staring at a solitary ice cube floating in my glass like a miniature full moon in a galaxy of alcohol.
The story is liberally spiced with this kind of excellent imagery. So spicy is it that you will be reaching for a glass of chilled beer before the story is out. Why have a boring korma when you can have a vindaloo? Fear the Night is a vindaloo. If you enjoyed Roman’s exploits in the first story you will not be disappointed by this second chronicle of the PI-come-Werewolf. An enjoyable and fun hard-boiled action romp that you will find hugely entertaining.
Download it HERE

ePocalypse: emails at the end by Pill Hill Press

2011-07-30T03:11:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the world... but there's still time to send out a quick email. This collection features 33 apocalyptic collaborative short stories, written entirely in email format. The end is near, so you better read while you can!

Featuring the author of this blog and his good friend Nick Boldock (Nick's website here)

Download the book HERE

Drunk on the Moon by Paul D.Brazill

2011-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

This post first appeared as a guest post on the blog Gelati's Scoop HERE

The very first thing that strikes you about this book is the excellent cover designed by Giovanni Gelati of Trestle press and the author of the blog that has published this post. The author describes the concept of Drunk on the Moon as something he came up with after a few beers. However, those that know, Spinetingler award nominee, Paul D. Brazill’s work will know there is no need to worry about the quality of the story. Many people out there will recognise the title as a Tom Waits song and what an apt title for a tale in which the PI, who is an ex-cop, is also a werewolf.

The author describes the PI as a metaphor for the perhaps clichéd idea of the “lone wolf” battling diversity yada yada. Paul has fun with this idea & makes it flesh, so to speak, and werewolf PI Roman Dalton is born. This of course works out as a great device, where you have werewolves you can have other fantastic creatures inhabiting the same universe. This of course also allows for some genre crossing. Some might have tried to put a horror slant on this but Paul, who favours noir, is cannier than that. He pokes fun at the whole PI and hard-boiled scene by using humour. A trademark of Paul's writing is his great sense of humour and you must keep up with the gags, which at times is tricky as they come in thick and fast, like bites from a rabid werewolf. An enjoyable romp that pokes fun at several of the genres clichés: The beautiful babe with a problem that sends our hero on a thankless errand and is quite likely to (I ain’t telling) have her own secret agenda. There is the evil big boss with his goons, in this case zombies. Then there is the boozy dive where the characters meet up, get drunk and generally cause mayhem which is of course also a must.

I have a lot of reading on the go at the moment so I told myself I would get around to reading Drunk on the Moon in a week or two. No chance - as soon as I read the first few lines and chuckled to myself I was hooked and read it in a single sitting. An immensely enjoyable romp. Go on buy it and let Roman Dalton go for your jugular. Look out for other books in this series coming soon from Trestle Press featuring a glittering array of guest authors including Jason Michel, Frank Duffy, Cormac Brown, Richard Goodwin and others.

I Have Chrome Balls Don’t You? (In Between the Collaborations) by Giovanni Gelati

2011-07-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

A short story set during a Beach Bocce tournament. Will Giovanni “The G-Man” Gelatti the reining champ defeat “Big Balls” Cannoli in the grand final?

I was in a pretty upbeat mood when I read this short story. However, had I not been this would have been just the tonic to pick me up. Actually as I laughed out loud at a couple of the double entendres cunningly woven in by the author I thanked god that I was not sat on the bus. This is just the kind of humour that floats my boat and I’d have laughed out loud and the old lady that seems to always sit next me would have shuffled away with that look on her face. Again.

Well written, descriptive and above all fun. Go on read it and put a smile on your face. Reading this story has also made me to play Beach Bocce. I’m going to go buy some shiny balls from eBay right now!

Frankenrabbits a novella by John Tait

2011-07-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

A scientist performs illegal experiments with human and rabbit genetic material under the thinly veiled guise of IVF research with surprising results. Set against the backdrop of a downbeat London in the midst of a recession John Tait's interesting tale of the Frankenrabbits or "mixies" is a fascinating read. As the structure of London’s society starts to change the main characters life starts to fall apart.

The title is, perhaps arguably, a little misleading. I wouldn't consider this a horror tale and I suspect neither does John. It came across very well indeed as a social commentary. John's insights into what might happen if a hybrid race were to be integrated into our society were both thoughtful and in depth.

An interesting, enjoyable and very thoughtful dark tale with flashes of humour. There may be a moral message about our meddling science within the story but the author doesn't put it across in a preachy way. I liked that about it. John turned what could easily have been a quite daft suspension of disbelief into a thought provoking tale that asks WHAT IF? In bold letters. If you fancy a break from anything that is set within a specific genre you could do a lot worse than download Frankenrabbits.

Bad Moon Rising by Sheila Quigley

2011-07-18T23:44:00.001-07:00

In the second Seahills novel we see DI Lorraine Hunt and her team pushed to the limit with a serial killer on the loose. Due to the imminent Houghton feast resources are already at breaking point. Lorraine soon finds there is another serious crime to deal with coupled with some worrying family news. Could this all be too much for Lorraine?

In this novel Quigley further develops not only her Seahills setting but also the characters. We see a return of some of the Lumsden's and their upbeat friend Mickey. A well developed plot and a breakneck final few chapters make for a riveting read.

I am now seriously hooked on this series. Once more Quigley's down to earth setting and interesting characters hold great appeal to the reader.

Close to the Bone: Weddings All they're cracked up to be?

2011-07-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

New blog by guest blogger Victoria Watson over at Close to the Bone.

Weddings: All they're cracked up to be?

Two-Way Split by Allan Guthrie

2011-07-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

There’s a good reason this novel won the 2007 Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year award. The reason being that it has everything. You have Robin Greaves a man who believes his wife has been cheating on him and hires a PI to confirm it. The interaction between the PI and his assistant Kennedy adds a lot of humour into the novel. There is Pearce the ex-con who dotes on his mother forced to work as a debt collector to pay off his own debt. Guthrie adds a large dash of mental illness, a heavy dose of violence. He masterfully blends all these ingredients together with fast paced and gritty descriptive writing. He simmers several plot lines until boiling and mixes them all together to create a fantastically enjoyable novel. Another great creation from one of Scotland’s finest crime writers.

Buy it here (Kindle Edition

Short Fiction: The Cage

2011-07-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

Short Fiction: The Cage

Ice Age by Iain Rowan

2011-07-12T13:40:00.001-07:00

Iain Rowan brings together an excellent mix of eclectic stories in Ice Age. He is a master of the short tale, an art form that is under appreciated by some of the big publishers. Iain's work here is enough to make you fall in love all over again with short stories.

All eight stories bring something different to the collection. Iain manages to drag you kicking and screaming into the worlds he crafts. His moody and atmospheric descriptive writing immerses you deeply into the dark tales he weaves.
In some stories, such as the title story, Ice Age, he conveys a deep sense of melancholy that is so tangible you can almost feel it. In tales such as Sighted you are given a glimpse into a city torn about by war where one man takes his revenge one bullet at a time. His endings will often leave you asking questions, as a good short story should.

You can read each tale at a single sitting on a bus or a train journey but don't expect these stories to leave your head that quickly. You will be thinking about some of these tales a while after you finish them. An immensely enjoyable and thought provoking read.

Drunk on the Moon by Paul D. Brazill - Available NOW on Kindle

2011-07-08T01:27:00.000-07:00

A funky tale about a werewolf PI....

Mr Brazill steps up to the plate with murderous intention like a slighted prize fighter. He comes out of his corner swinging blows and you know you're in for one hell of a fight. Armed with wit and humour he pounds you with this deadly combo. He jabs away at convention. He delivers a knockout blow to mediocrity. He upper cuts tradition and has irony down on the canvas and out for the count.

Slicker than a bag full of snails. More hard boiled than a bon bon factory. Grittier than a gravel sandwich. Darker than the heart of a politician.

Hugely enjoyable, massively entertaining.

Reviews for Drunk on the Moon can be found here

Sinema 2 by Rod Glenn - Kindle Version

2011-07-03T02:16:00.001-07:00

The Yin & the Han.

This is a sequel novel to Rod Glenn's 2007 novel Sinema: The Northumberland Massacre. I'd recommend you read that prior to reading Sinema 2. Although the two books can be read seperately it'll give you a better insight into the character of Han Whitman. Not to mention that fact that it is also a great book.

Han Whitman returns! He shows a duality to his nature that is deliciously orchestrated by the author. There's a little something in here for everyone. I enjoyed spotting the film lines amongst the grisly deeds. There was even a red dwarf reference included if I’m not mistaken. There is no doubt that the author manages to create a fast paced story, with several plot strands leading into one another. He also manages to do it with humour and heart. This is not just another soulless serial killer novel.

The chapter headings all had quotes and adapted film covers making it the most illustrated kindle novel I have read. The end result is a very slick and polished novel indeed. A greatly enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone. I read this one quickly because I simply could not put it down.