Val McDermid - 1979 1979 author Val McDermid Published by Little, Brown, hardback £20 (also available in ebook and audiobook). I received a proof copy of the novel from the publisher as I chaired an event at the Portobello Book Festival featuring the author. Many thanks to Joanne Baird at PBF and Laura Sherlock for facilitating … Continue reading Review: 1979
Category: Tartan Noir
Feature: Bloody Scotland 2021
Bloody Scotland returns with the best of both worlds Welcome to Stirling... Craig Russell wins the McIlvanney It would be rude not to! After the pandemic pushed Bloody Scotland online in 2020, it was a relief to hear that it was going ahead this year as a hybrid event, with writers and fans returning in … Continue reading Feature: Bloody Scotland 2021
Review: The April Dead
Alan Parks - The April Dead Alan Parks, author of the Harry McCoy series Published by Canongate Books, hardback £14.99. I received a copy of the novel from the publisher as I chaired a panel at Bloody Scotland 2021 that included the author. Many thanks to Jamie Norman for facilitating this. First, the official blurb: In a … Continue reading Review: The April Dead
Interview: Sharon Bairden
The Five By Five Interview with Sharon Bairden Author Sharon Bairden “Five By Five?” Um, well… I wanted a name for this (hopefully regular) feature, and as well as being a big crime fiction fan I am also a big Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan, with a soft spot for “rogue slayer” Faith, who uses … Continue reading Interview: Sharon Bairden
Review: The Great Silence
Doug Johnstone - The Great Silence (Blog Tour) Author Doug Johnstone (Portrait: Duncan McGlynn) Published by Orenda Books, paperback £8.99. I received a proof copy of the novel from the publisher for review purposes. Many thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. First, the official blurb: Keeping on … Continue reading Review: The Great Silence
Interview: Douglas Skelton
The Five By Five Interview with Douglas Skelton Author Douglas Skelton “Five By Five?” Um, well… As well as being a big crime fiction fan I am also a big Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan, with a soft spot for “rogue slayer” Faith, who uses the phrase constantly – though she never explains what it … Continue reading Interview: Douglas Skelton
Review: Sight Unseen
Sandra Ireland - Sight Unseen Published by Polygon Books, paperback £8.99. I received a copy of the novel from the publisher for review purposes. First, the official blurb: 1648. Alie Gowdie marries Richard Webster during a turbulent time in Scotland’s history. Charles I is about to lose his head, and little does Alie know that she … Continue reading Review: Sight Unseen
Review: Mirrorland
Carole Johnstone - Mirrorland (Blog Tour) Mirrorland author Carole Johnstone Published by Borough Press, hardback £12.99. I received a proof copy of the novel from the publisher for review purposes. Many thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. First, the official blurb: No. 36 Westeryk Road, an imposing … Continue reading Review: Mirrorland
Review: Still Life
Val McDermid - Still Life Published by Sphere, paperback £8.99. My review is of the Little Brown hardback edition (£20), which I bought new. Still Life is the sixth Karen Pirie novel and Val McDermid's 34th novel, and who knows what number crime novel I've read, but opening the covers I know that I will face … Continue reading Review: Still Life
Review: The Cut
Chris Brookmyre - The Cut Published by Sphere Books, hardback £18.99. Many thanks to Fiona Brownlee at Brownlee Donald Associates for sending me a proof copy of the novel for review purposes. First, the official blurb: Millie Spark can kill anyone. A special effects make-up artist, her talent is to create realistic scenes of bloody violence. Then, … Continue reading Review: The Cut
The Girl With All The Crime Books 