There's nothing more disappointing as a reader than picking up a book you're excited about, and strongly disliking the read. Unfortunately, my experience with BEST DAY EVER was not one I'd wish to repeat. What seemed intended to deliver a twisty domestic thriller with an unreliable narrator turned out to be dissatisfying at best, and at worst a simplistic and forced attempt at the psychological complexity a crime novel can offer. Newcomers to crime fiction might be, through no fault of their own, convinced that this kind of read is exemplary of the genre; I would welcome the opportunity to steer them in another direction. Crime fiction can offer readers true insight into human nature and the capacity for evil we all carry within us—BEST DAY EVER attempts, and fails, to achieve this.
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Throwback Thursday Pick: ENDLESS NIGHT by Agatha Christie
While on vacation last weekend, I decided I was long overdue for a re-read of my favorite Agatha Christie novel, ENDLESS NIGHT. After posting about this book on Instagram, I was thrilled to hear from so many readers who had never heard of this book before! This Throwback Thursday, I want to take the opportunity to share with you why I consider ENDLESS NIGHT my favorite book written by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.
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Bloody Scotland Q&A: Bob McDevitt
I’m eagerly counting down the days until I make my first trip to Scotland for Bloody Scotland 2017! I’ll be packing my bags and hitting the road for this festival in early September, and I can’t wait to cover the festival on CBTB. In preparation for Bloody Scotland 2017, I’m thrilled to share a Q&A with Bob McDevitt, Director of the festival! In our Q&A, Bob shares a bit of background information about Bloody Scotland, recommends Scottish crime fiction authors, and much more. Many thanks to Bob for graciously taking the time to answer my questions!
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Book Review: WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins
Every so often, readers will come across a book that’s just the right kind of offbeat—something unexpected, envelope-pushing, and perfect in its oddities. WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins was exactly that kind of read for me. This is a psychological thriller that marches to the beat of its own drum: twisted, shocking, quirky, and addictive, WHITE BODIES is an utterly unputdownable story of the blurred line between obsession and love. While this won’t be the right choice for readers looking for a crime novel grounded wholly in reality, the drama of this thriller is part of its undeniable (and disturbing) charm. From its disarming first pages to its shocking conclusion, WHITE BODIES is original and inventive - a breath of fresh air in a crowded genre, and a 2017 must-read.
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Book Review: THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING by Vidar Sundstøl
Scandinavian crime fiction readers, listen up: THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING by Vidar Sundstøl is the must-read you haven't heard of yet. One of the most fresh and original takes on the Nordic Noir genre I've read in ages, Sundstøl's exceptional standalone crime novel weaves together ancient folklore and a modern investigation to brilliant effect. Atmospheric and laced with menace, the story's small-town setting is a character unto itself, while the story's human characters are equally complex and engaging. THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING is masterfully written, intricately plotted, and wholly immersive; in short, it's a must-read for Nordic Noir fans.
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