Showing posts with label Martin Edwards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martin Edwards. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Summertime, and the reading is...a bit of everything! by Cathy Ace

Any tips for summer reading?

First of all - have you read ALL the books by our bloggers here? Why not check out our titles - we write across a range of styles and sub-genres, so I bet there's something here for you, whatever your taste.

Then, depending on where in the world you live, you might fancy reading something with a setting that can keep you cool, as opposed to what’s commonly referred to as “a quick beach read”…which, these days, could mean a large book that’s big enough to give a decent amount of shade. However, here are some reads I think are worth it at ANY time of the year:

TRADITIONAL CRIME – TRUE GOLDEN AGE:



Martin Edwards: The Rachel Savernake series (currently 4 books) Martin is not only a true afficionado of Golen Age detection fiction, but a talented author, and this series is a delight. The fourth in the series, SEPUCHRE STREET, is just out, and is my own summer read. I’d say these books stand on their own very well, but why not start with book 1, GALLOWS COURT?

HISTORICAL CRIME - SLEUTH:



Ovidia Yu writes a wonderful series set in 1930s Singapore, and I heartily recommend it to you. Yes, I think this one’s worth starting at the beginning, so THE FRANGIPANI TREE MYSTERY (Crown Colony series book 1) would be my recommendation here. My summer reading is book 6, THE MUSHROOM TREE MYSTERY.

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRIME – TRADITIONAL SLEUTH:



If you haven’t read the Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly Griffiths…I envy you, because you have so many books to enjoy! I have been hooked since book 1, THE CROSSING PLACES, and have the “final” book in the series, THE LAST REMAINS, ready for my summer reading. Dive in wherever you can, but if you’re new to this series, do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. Elly is a talented author and she knows how to build and develop characters and relationships throughout a series, as well as delivering a satisfying closed-circle mystery within each book.

 

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRIME – DARK/THRILLER/POLICE:



I have fallen for the Washington Poe series by MW Craven. Each book in the series of five (so far) delivers an engrossing (and not too, too graphic) dark case for the wonderfully hermit-like DS Poe to tackle, more than ably supported by the delightful Tilly Bradshaw. Craven’s writing is stellar, his voice a delight. I cannot get enough of these books! Sadly, I have read them all, but – if you haven’t – catch up now, because book 6 is coming next year – and I bet it will be up for ALL the awards, as have all his previous titles.

CONTEMPORARY BRITISH SPY THRILLERS:



By now you MUST have heard of The Slough House books by Mick Herron. Yes? Excellent – but have you read them? You might have enjoyed the TV adaptation on Apple, but the books? Oh – Mick Herron’s ability to make me laugh is second to none…even while I'm on the edge of my seat, or horrified. This comes through in the dialogue captured in the series’ screenplays, but if you haven’t read the books you’re missing the way Herron’s descriptive text captivates and engages. Yes, I think it’s worth starting at the beginning with SLOUGH HOUSE.

 

CONTEMPORARY ACTION – INTERNATIONAL SETTINGS:



Kevin Wignall writes standalones that have sort-of common threads: a professional assassin/action-orientated operative, who’s in a bit of a pickle/on the cusp of/definitely decided to get out of the “game”. They have other common threads, too – a break-neck pace, excellent settings, compellingly written action. Truly unputdownable – dive in anywhere, and drink your fill.

 

CONTEMPORARY COP THRILLER USA:



Robert Dugoni is a prolific author, so I’ll plump for my favourite series – the Tracy Crosswhite series. Tracy is a cop in the Pacific Northwest – wonderful settings, compelling plots, pacy writing – nothing to not love here! Dive into the 10 book series anywhere, or start at the beginning (my preference, when I can). My summer reading includes book 10, ONE LAST KILL, but maybe begin at the beginning with MY SISTER’S GRAVE.

Finally, a shout out for my latest book - THE CASE OF THE UNINVITED UNDERTAKER - which was published on 24th July. If you fancy traveling to Wales this summer, but can't quite manage it, why not go in the company of the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency? 

Full details here: https://www.cathyace.com/wise-enquiries-agency-mysteries



Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Out and about...but not in a boat! by Cathy Ace

Business: How have you changed the way you promote and support your work, and generally go about the business of being an author, since “Lockdown Life” began a year ago? Anything you’ve learned that will remain in place as we move forward?

This month we’re talking about THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM…indeed, we’re examining it in detail. March 13th will mark my personal one-year anniversary of being at home. I cannot recall a time in the last thirty years of my life when I’ve gone two months without someone handing me a boarding pass, so – yes – my life and way of working has changed significantly over the last twelve months. Just like millions of others.

At least a part of my office is tidy now - because the world gets to see it quite often! (NOTE: the paintings on the far right of this photo were all done by my late father - he's with me as I go out and about around the world!)

However, I’m luckier than most: I have an office in my home, and we live on acreage…so I can continue my writing quite easily. And I’ve been doing that (as well as decorating the house!). But this week’s question is specifically about the BUSINESS of being an author which – to me – is all the bits that aren’t writing/editing.

And I’d say that this has been a year of downs, and ups.

Promoting my work has never been more difficult – nor “easier” at the same time. No face-to-face events in bookstores or libraries, no conventions or festivals, which is a great shame…but access to so many more online opportunities to reach readers/potential readers around the world that just never existed before. (As an aside – as a reader I am LOVING the access I am getting online to authors I admire!)

A fabulous example of NEW channels to reach readers: it's free to join the Facebook group, and you get to hear Hannah and Hank read the first chapter of a possibly-new-to-you book twice a week!

I’ve participated in free-to-view events like panels and more social “noir at the bar” type events, as well as some that have required a payment. Oddly, the not-free ones have been better attended than the free ones – not sure what that says, except that, maybe, if a person commits even a small payment to attend an event they actually attend. I know I’ve intended to watch panels, but something’s come up at the last minute (as things do when we’re all at home all the time!) and I’ve had to watch later. That element – the being able to watch at my own convenience – has been the biggest thing for me. So maybe the “watch later” attendance for the free events is where the numbers have crept up.

I’ve been invited to contribute to more podcasts and radio interviews than in the past, which is great, and I have some wonderful events lined up throughout April and May (check my website for details!) where I can at least “mix” with some old friends. To be honest, it’s been bittersweet watching Zoom sessions with people I wish I could be hugging at conventions, but I also know I’ve seen people more often online than I could have done in real life, so that’s wonderful.

Fellow Criminal Mind Catriona McPherson interviews me at Left Coast Crime 2019
(photo thanks to Dru Ann Love)

I think the inaugural Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival – taking place online from April 26th to May 3rd – is an excellent example of me grabbing an opportunity that might not have been possible otherwise: I am pinching myself to know I’ll be taking part in the first ever panel for Wales’ first ever international crime writers’ festival. Not something I could have imagined – and you’re invited! Check out the fabulous authors who’ll be taking part here: CLICK TO CONNECT

At Malice Domestic: I interviewed Martin Edwards when he was the recipient of the prestigious Poirot Award in 2017. Here we're being served afternoon tea by our maid - the wonderful Verena Main Rose. Martin and I will be on the inaugural panel of Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival in April this year, with GB Williams

I, personally, would like to see all future conventions and festivals retain the digital access they’ve had to create for their 2020 and 2021 iterations – every author wants to reach their WORLD of potential readers, and these online opportunities are great at doing that.

If you're not familiar with my work, you can check it out BY CLICKING HERE.

Also - please consider signing up for my newsletter - then you'll be the first to see my new cover...Cait Morgan #10 is coming in June 2021! Sign up is on the opening page of my website: CLICK HERE




Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Perfect reading choices for...by Cathy Ace




With Thanksgiving coming up in the USA – please take the chance to give us five titles or criminally good books you think would make great gifts…and tell us for whom they’d be suitable.

For lovers of cozy mysteries: THE MARSH MADNESS by Victoria Abbott. This book is the fourth in the book collector series by mother and daughter writing team Mary Jane Maffini and Victoria Maffini. The book won the 2017 Bony Blithe Award for best Canadian Light Mystery, and I’ve had it since then…but have only just got around to reading it. Light, bright and using the Ngaio Marsh canon as frequent reference points (I love Ngaio Marsh!) it’s a fast, fun read. 


 



For those who enjoy police procedurals: THE SEAGULL by Ann Cleeves. The not inconsiderable figure of DI Vera Stanhope has inhabited the world of crime fiction since Ann’s first book in this series (THE CROW TRAP, 1999) and she’s far from done (thank goodness). Ann’s writing style makes me a) want to try harder and b) give up writing altogether…pretty much in equal measure. A joy to read (you experience the book, rather than read it) and an excellent story, well told. I enjoy all the Stanhope books, this is the most recent…but you might want to treat yourself by starting with the first book and reading from there (this is the 8th in the series). 




 

For those who enjoy anthologies: MOTIVES FOR MURDER edited by Martin Edwards. This anthology was put together to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of my favourite authors, Peter Lovesey. From the blurb: Members of London's famed Detection Club have joined together to honor Peter Lovesey, winner multiple times of the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger and Silver Dagger, and Cartier Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement. He has also won the Mystery Writers of America Edgar for Best Novel, as well as Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. He is the creator of Victorian sleuths Sergeant Cribb and Constable Thackeray, Inspector Peter Diamond, and the almost true-to-life Bertie Prince of Wales. Honestly, there isn’t a bad story in the entire collection, and that’s saying something!





For those who like a bit of international terrorism:
DEATH BY DESIGN by Barbara Nadel. This was published in 2010 and is the 12th in what is now a 19 book series featuring Çetin İkmen, a member of the Istanbul police force whose chain smoking and heavy drinking don’t seem to impact (usually!) his ability to grapple with complex cases. Always an interesting read, this particular title takes İkmen to London – a trip I probably enjoy more than he does. Excellent plots, well-drawn characters, and never a dull moment. 










 
For those who want a change from crime: MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING (2 volumes) by Julia Child. I love to eat, thus I love to cook. This boxed set was a Christmas present years ago, but it doesn’t matter how you get your hands on these two volumes, just get them, and read them. There’s so much inspiration, so many useful tips, and such wonderful recipes you and all those for whom you might ever cook will be grateful you did! 










Cathy Ace is the Bony Blithe Award-winning author of The Cait Morgan Mysteries and The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries.  You can find out more about Cathy, her work and her characters at her website, where you can also sign up for her newsletter with news, updates and special offers: http://cathyace.com/