Fragile is a modern Gothic psychological thriller with a contemporary twist on the classic novel Rebecca from award-winning and critically acclaimed writer Sarah Hilary
Everything she touches breaks . . .
Nell Ballard is a runaway. A former foster child with a dark secret she is desperately trying to keep, all Nell wants is to find a place she can belong.
So when a job comes up at Starling Villas, home to the enigmatic Robin Wilder, she seizes the opportunity with both hands.
But her new lodgings may not be the safe haven that she was hoping for. Her employer lives by a set of rigid rules and she soon sees he is hiding secrets of his own.
But is Nell’s arrival at the Villas really the coincidence it seems? After all, she knows more than most how fragile people can be – and how easily they can be to break . . .
Fragile is available in ebook and hardback now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.
I’ve been a huge fan of this author’s Marnie Rome series for ages so I was very intrigued to read Fragile, a new psychological thriller from her.
The two main characters are interesting creations who I enjoyed finding out more about throughout the book. Nell has obviously had a hard childhood which the reader slowly gets to know more about. Her time in foster care has had a big impact on her and I did feel a great deal of sympathy with her. The synopsis of the book hints at her having some dark secrets that’s she hiding and I found myself very curious about what they might be. I kept wondering whether she was at Roberts house by accident or design so had to keep reading to find out. Robert was a very sinister character who I disliked the moment I met him. I kept hoping Nell would leave his employment and I felt very nervous about her safety when she was with him. His wife was another chilling character who I loved to hate. The two of them soon had me reading faster as I wanted to find out what would happen and if Nell would be ok.
I felt drawn into the story from the start and soon found the book hard to put down. It is a bit of a harrowing read at times but there are moments of hope scattered within too which stops it becoming too much. The author slowly increases the tension in the book until I could almost not bear it and I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat as I read. (Quite literally at one point as my husband had to ask me if I was ok). This author’s books always leave an emotional mark on me, whether it’s not being able to leave my kid in the car anymore while I put the trolley away to making me creep into my kids rooms to give them a huge hug as they slept. She makes the scenarios seem so real that I feel very invested in the story and think I can imagine how they are feeling.
I’d definitely be interested in reading more of this type of book from her in the future, though I am also keeping my fingers crossed for another Marnie Rome book soon.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Pan Macmillan for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Sarah Hilary’s debut novel, Someone Else’s Skin, won the 2015 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and was a World Book Night selection. The Observer’s Book of the Month (‘superbly disturbing’) and a Richard and Judy Book Club bestseller, it has been published worldwide. No Other Darkness, the second in the series, was shortlisted for a Barry Award in the U.S. Her D.I. Marnie Rome series continues with Tastes Like Fear, Quieter Than Killing, Come and Find Me, and Never Be Broken. Fragile is her first standalone novel.
An important novel that is as compassionate as it is eye-opening, The Exile and the Mapmaker is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
Theo, an aging Parisian cartographer, is desperately searching for the woman he once loved before Alzheimer’s takes his memories of her.
Elise, his estranged daughter, moves in to take care of him. She still blames him for the tragic loss of her mother and is struggling with this new forced intimacy.
Nebay, an Eritrean refugee, becomes Theo’s carer and friend. Unbeknownst to Elise, Nebay does not have a visa for France and is working illegally in order to support his sister.
Each one is living a life of questions and secrets in a world where Nebay’s very presence in the France of Theo’s maps is steeped in uncertainty.
The Exile And The MapMaker is available in ebook, paperback and audiobook now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.
The Exile And The MapMaker is a beautiful, captivating story about love, friendships and strength.
Firstly I hadn’t read much about what’s it like to be a refugee, so I found it very interesting to follow Nebay on his journey to Algeria. It is definitely a harrowing tale at times and my heart hurt from all that he had to endure, especially other people’s reactions to him. However amongst all the hardship there was also some moments of light which were lovely to read about. The wonderful friendships and sense of camaraderie that existed between the refugees were truly heartwarming, particularly when you learn how they share the little they have and look after each other.
All the main characters were fantastic creations that I enjoyed following throughout the book. They are all very different from each other but are united by one special thing. As well as shining a light on the experiences of refugees the author also tells the reader a little bit about dementia which I found fascinating as well as a bit of French and Albanian history which I found very interesting.
Overall i really enjoyed this thought provoking, special book which I will be recommending to everyone. In my opinion it would make a great book club read as there would be lots to discuss.
Huge thanks to Legend Press for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Emma is an editor and writer with Are You Syrious?, an independent daily news digest which chronicles news from the ground regarding the refugee situation in Europe. She is also a freelance consultant for Refugee Rights Europe. Twitter: @EmmaMusty.
Harrogate, Tuesday 22 June: The undisputed ‘Queen of Crime’ Val McDermid today reveals her top four ones to watch of crime fiction – all of whom will join her coveted ‘New Blood’ panel at the Theakston Old PeculierCrime Writing Festival on Saturday 24 July.
The hotly tipped emerging ‘New Blood’ authors are:
· Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan (Mantle)
· One Night, New York by Lara Thompson (Virago)
· The Colours of Death by Patricia Marques (Hodder)
· Tall Bones by Anna Bailey (Doubleday)
Since 2004, best-selling Scottish author of the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series Val McDermid has curated an annual celebration of the most formidable debuts taking the crime and thriller genre by storm at the world’s largest and most prestigious crime fiction festival.
The unveiling of McDermid’s selection has become one of the most anticipated moments of the publishing calendar, with readers on the lookout to uncover their new favourite author and add the ‘next big thing’ to their bookshelves.
This year, Greg Buchanan has been selected for his dark and haunting debut novel Sixteen Horses; Lara Thompson is on the list for her atmospheric portrait of crime in the Big Apple during the Great Depression titled One Night, New York; Patricia Marques is recognised for her genre-bending fantasy-crime crossover The Colours of Death;andconcluding this year’s New Blood contingent is Anna Bailey with her nuanced thriller exploring the depths of male violence against women, Tall Bones.
Val McDermid said: “Murder and mayhem – on page and on screen, have become our staple diet during the past year-and-a-half of lockdowns. The world’s love of crime fiction has continued to go from strength to strength so I take this opportunity to share my tips for who to read next very seriously! It’s with genuine pleasure that I invite these four extraordinarily talented authors to join me to discuss not just their unique stories and styles but also what makes a good crime novel great and why do we turn to this genre in times of trouble?”
Former ‘New Blood’ alumni include Clare Mackintosh, SJ Watson, Stuart MacBride, Liam McIlvanney and Belinda Bauer, as well as two of the authors vying for the title of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2021: Abir Mukherjee and Trevor Wood.
As part Harrogate International Festivals’ year-round programme of events, each year the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival welcomes the world’s famous authors each year to Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel – the scene of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance in 1926 – for a celebration of the crime genre like no other.
This year’s instalment will take place from 22- 25 July with a stellar programme from Rebus author Ian Rankin OBE. Special Guests for 2021 include producer and presenter Richard Osman with the second instalment in his record-breaking cosy crime caper TheThursday Murder Club series; espionage expert Mick Herron, author of the highly acclaimed Slough House series; mystery maestro Elly Griffiths and her latest Ruth Galloway whodunnit; fan favourite Vera and Shetland author Ann Cleeves; the masterful Mark Billingham with his Tom Thorne prequel Cry Baby. The festivities will continue with four days of unmissable talks and panels from crime writing royalty – such as the queens of domestic noir Clare Mackintosh and CL Taylor in conversation.
For further information about how Harrogate International Festivals will deliver a safe Festival in line with the government regulations at the time, please visit www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com.
PRAISE FOR THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
“The Best Crime Festival in the World and I should know I’ve done them all” Lee Child
“Harrogate is a must. With beautiful locale, smart fans and superb author interaction, it’s one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended” Michael Connelly
“Incredibly well run and such a friendly group of authors and punters” J. S. Monroe
“Turning a small corner of Yorkshire into paradise” Val McDermid
“Amazing Event, great company” Robert Scragg
“There are so many Festivals in the world, but this is the one I keep coming back to” Andrew Taylor
“The crime Festival is the best in the country, and it shows no sign of ever changing” Barry Forshaw
“Famous amongst crime readers all over the world” Ann Cleeves
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to another Music Monday. Today I’m featuring the lovely Joey Collins and his new single The Abyss. Joey was kind enough to answer my questions so I have an interview with him below where you can find out more about him!
Joey is a singer songwriter from Nottingham in the UK. I first discovered him on twitch and was blown away with his amazing songs that always featured wonderful melodies and fantastic lyrics. Joey is alway a joy to watch preform as he puts his all into his music. He’s a lovely guy who’s always extremely welcoming to his streams and likes a laugh with his audience.
If you would like to follow Joey on twitch or social media please click on the links below.
There isn’t a video for the Abyss yet but you can listen to it by clicking on one of the links below. There are videos of some of his other music though and I have included my favourites below.
Seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers live at Slane Castle DVD at my Dad’s house when I was around 6 years old.
Who inspired you to make music?
All of my musical heroes such as the Chili Peppers, Jeff Buckley, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Jimi Hendrix and an endless list of more.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I make quite a variety of songs stylistically speaking, but generally I just say it’s Alt Rock.
What is your creative process like?
These days it’s usually me composing an instrumental in my home studio then I’ll write lyrics to suit the theme of what the song feels like.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
John Frusciante
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Red Hot Chili Peppers
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Be kind to yourselves and others.
What is the most useless talent you have? I can bellydance.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Sometimes, whatever is stuck in my head at the time I guess!
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Probably delivering pizza.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’ve performed in a lot of places. All over the UK and quite a few parts of Italy. I think one of my favourite shows ever was playing a castle in South Tyrol (Italy), which was just a dream come true. I think playing various venues, indoor and outdoor keeps things refreshed. I actually can’t recall the worst venue I’ve played…
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
How long do we have? Haha. Hugely. I’ve wrote an essay on this sort of question when I studied Popular Music at Middlesex University for my bachelors. It’s incredible how we can connect so easily with people all over the world at any given time. It’s also challenging as anyone can be a musician these days, so there’s an oversaturation of artists that are all trying to do the same thing. But, I believe if you work hard, you’ll connect and find your audience regardless.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Probably Desolated // Elevated live with my full band.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Jeff Buckley, John Frusciante, Richard Ashcroft of The Verve.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Ask my mum haha.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Never give up.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
How manufactured mainstream music is. It all sounds the same and it’s all about money, not the art. Music itself should always come first.
What’s next for you?
Keep on doing what I’m doing! Writing more music, gigging as much as I can and hopefully spread a little light and love along the way.
Thanks so much for answering my questions Joey, good luck with Abyss!
Music Monday Playlist:
You can now listen to Joey Collins and all other previously featured Music Monday artists on a special playlist I’ve created on Spotify.
Anne’s life is rushing to an unexpected and untimely end. But her diagnosis of terminal cancer isn’t just a shock for her – and for her daughter Sigrid and granddaughter Mia – it shines a spotlight onto their fractured and uncomfortable relationships.
On a spur-of-the moment trip to France the three generations of women reveal harboured secrets, long-held frustrations and suppressed desires, and learn humbling and heart-warming lessons about how life should be lived when death is so close.
With all of Helga Flatland’s trademark humour, razor-sharp wit and deep empathy, One Last Time examines the great dramas that can be found in ordinary lives, asks the questions that matter to us all – and ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, in an exquisite, enchantingly beautiful novel that urges us to treasure and rethink … everything.
For fans of Elena Ferrante, Maggie O’Farrell, Mike Gayle, Joanna Cannon, Sally Rooney and Carol Shields.
One Last Time is available in ebook and paperback now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.
Wow Orenda have published some beautiful, tear jerkers this month. One Last Time is a beautiful, powerful and emotional book that I can’t stop thinking about.
The book follows Anne and her daughter Sigrid as they try and cope with their fraught relationship when Anne gets diagnosed with cancer. As the story unfolds the reader learns more about what happened in their past to affect their relationship and how much they love each other still.
The characters are beautiful creations and the chapters switch between their point of view which helps the reader to understand them more. Anne was a very interesting character and I admired her resounding bravery in a difficult situation. She is a bit stubborn at times but this actually made me love her more as it showed how strong she was, especially as she is able to keep her humour in the darker moments. Her love for her family just shine through and was lovely to read about. I wasn’t so sure about Sigrid though she did grow on me and I felt I started to understand her more as the book went on.
Overall I thought this was a fantastically written book which shines a light on how difficult a terminal illness diagnosis can be on a family. Despite the subject matter it’s not a book full of doom and gloom, there are some lighter moments and some heartwarming moments which helped make the book more uplifting. The ending was beautiful and has stated with me long after I have finished reading. I think this would make a great book club read as I feel there would be lots to discuss.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orenda for my copy of this book.
About The Author:
Helga Flatland is already one of Norway s most awarded and widely read authors. Born in Telemark, Norway, in 1984, she made her literary debut in 2010 with the novel Stay If You Can, Leave If You Must, for which she was awarded the Tarjei Vesaas First Book Prize. She has written four novels and a children s book and has won several other literary awards. Her fifth novel, A Modern Family (her first English translation), was published to wide acclaim in Norway in August 2017, and was a number-one bestseller. The rights have subsequently been sold across Europe and the novel has sold more than 100,000 copies. End of Life was published in 2020 and is currently topping bestseller lists in Norway.
About The Translator:
Rosie Hedger was born in Scotland and completed her MA (Hons) in Scandinavian Studies at the University of Edinburgh. She has lived and worked in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and now lives in York where she works as a freelance translator. Rosie was a candidate in the British Center for Literary Translation s mentoring scheme for Norwegian in 2012, mentored by Don Bartlett. Visit her website: rosiehedger.com and follow her on Twitter @rosie_hedger
I picked up the phone after watching the show. Some people had push button phones now, Clara even had a cordless one, but not us, no, we had a regular old-fashioned avocado phone with a dial. I dialled Clara’s number. As the phone rang I sat down in the hallway, having pulled the phone cord under the lounge door – not the easiest thing to do as Dad still hadn’t got around to planing the bottom of the door off since the arrival of the new, thicker carpet nearly a year ago. Shutting the door took some effort.
‘Did you see the news?’ I asked as she answered, slightly out of breath.
‘Yeah, the scientist guy.’
‘So it was spontaneous human combustion…?’
‘Fuck off. People don’t just burst into flames – they just don’t. And why wasn’t her nightie or bed clothes burned too? Nah, something’s not right. Well, apart from someone being dead not being right, of course.’
∞∞∞
For days, TV crews raced around the village trying to interview as many people as possible – anyone who’d ever spoken to Mrs Grimshaw, as we now more respectfully referred to her, now that she was dead. We watched all of this from the outside – occasionally they’d try and speak to us but we avoided them like the plague. They didn’t know that we’d seen more of the case up close than anyone other than the police on the scene, and we could’ve told that story, but it didn’t interest us. Besides, in the back of my mind I was still worried we’d get into trouble if they found out we’d been snooping in her garden. The naivety of youth. Instead we followed them, watching from afar, sitting on our bikes around a corner as herds of journalists migrated from one lead to the next.
Interest in the story started to wane after that. A few journalists did longer pieces about the village or Mrs Grimshaw – one particularly nasty piece of lazy journalism in the local paper ripped off Professor Lankham’s interview and suggested that she’d had a drink problem and had fallen asleep pissed with a cigarette in her hand. Lankham stayed around for a couple of days, speaking in turn to both ITV and the BBC as well as the various freelance magazine journalists who’d stayed.
About The Author:
Mark Brownless lives and works in Carmarthen, West Wales, UK. He has been putting ideas on paper for some years now but only when the idea for THE HAND OF AN ANGEL came to him in the autumn of 2015 did he know he might be able to write a book. Mark likes to write about ordinary people being placed in extraordinary circumstances, is fascinated by unexplained phenomena, and enjoys merging thriller, science fiction and horror. Mark’s new novel, The Shadow Man is a terrifying horror thriller imagining what would happen if you found out the memories of your childhood were untrue, and that something sinister was lurking behind the facade of your life. Could you face what had happened back then? Could you face The Shadow Man. Mark is also fascinated by myths and legends such as those of Robin Hood and King Arthur. This has culminated in the release of his short story series, Locksley, a Robin Hood story.
Daniel is the perfect husband. Rory is the perfect brother. Serena is the perfect sister-in-law.
And Rachel? Rachel is the perfect nightmare.
When Helen, finally pregnant after years of tragedy, attends her first antenatal class, she is expecting her loving architect husband to arrive soon after, along with her confident, charming brother Rory and his pregnant wife, the effortlessly beautiful Serena. What she is not expecting is Rachel.
Extroverted, brash, unsettling single mother-to-be Rachel, who just wants to be Helen’s friend. Who just wants to get know Helen and her friends and her family. Who just wants to know everything about them. Every little secret…
Masterfully plotted and utterly addictive, Greenwich Park is a dark, compelling look at motherhood, friendships, privilege and the secrets we keep to protect ourselves.
Greenwich Park was a compelling and taut thriller which will be hard to review as I don’t want to give anything away.
The story centers mainly around two expectant couples and an interesting lady called Rachel who Helen befriends in antinatal classes. The mention of pregnancy and anti natal classes always makes me anxious so I was immediately on edge from the beginning of this book. It becomes obvious from the start that nothing is as perfect as Helen thinks which I thought very intriguing. I found I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
The story is told from each of the characters point of view which allows the reader to get to know more about them. I enjoyed slowly learning more about them and their past as the story goes on. None of the characters are particularly likeable and I found I didn’t warm to any of them through the book. I felt maybe slightly sorry for Helen at times but she also annoyed me with her niavity and clinginess. I felt like giving her a shake at times as she just didn’t seem to be getting what was going on.
The tension in the book slowly creeps up as the story goes on until I found it impossible to put the book down. There are definitely some odd things going on and I think I thought of every scenario in my head as I tried to unravel what was happening. There are quite a few false leads, especially towards the end which I always enjoyed and I definitely didn’t guess the ending which is always a sign of a well plotted book. The ending was very well done and I liked the way it ended. One particular bit had me cheering as I was so pleased things had ended up that way. I did have a few questions about what happened but I think if the author has tried to answer everything it would have seemed too perfect.
This is the author’s debut novel and I’d definitely be interested in reading more from her in the future.
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for my copy of this book via netgalley.
About The Author:
Katherine Faulkner, an award-winning journalist, studied History at Cambridge. She has worked as an investigative reporter and an editor and was formerly the joint Head of News at The Times (London). She lives in London, where she grew up, with her husband and two daughters. Greenwich Park is her first novel.
The uplifting, original new novel from the award-winning author of The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder.
TWO PEOPLE
Simon Sparks is the man you know from behind the counter at the local Prince Burger (‘hold the gherkin!’), fry shovelling, shelf stacking, hiding away from the world. And Jodie Brook is the single mum you see crossing the street with her son Zak – always chasing a dream she can’t reach.
ONE LIFE
What if life could be so much more? When Simon and Jodie’s worlds collide, it upends everything they know. But in chaos comes opportunity. And for every person who’s ever doubted them, they find someone who’ll finally believe…
ONE ORDINARY DAY AT A TIME
From the award-winning author, Sarah J. Harris, comes a warm, uplifting story about ordinary people, extraordinary tomorrows, and all the ways that life can surprise us…
One Ordinary Day At A Time is available in hardback, ebook and audiobook now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.
One Ordinary Day is a beautifully written, uplifting and heartwarming read with characters you’ll just fall in love with!
Firstly Simon and Jodie are two fantastic main characters who were a joy to follow throughout the book. Both of them have some heartbreak in their past which makes them a bit vulnerable and cautious with each other at first. A beautiful friendship soon develops though which was wonderful to see! The author has cleverly written the characters so they seem very real and I felt like I really got to know them throughout the book. I was cheering for them every step of the way and kept hoping they’d get the happy ending I felt they deserved.
This is a book that draws you into the story from the first page and soon has you in its grip. I think I went through every emotion whilst reading crying one moment and then smiling the next as something really beautiful happened. As you can probably imagine things don’t go according to plan and there’s lots of twists along the way which kept me guessing as to what would happen. The ending was perfect though I felt very sad to have finished the story and leave the characters behind.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper for my copy of this book via netgalley.
About The Author:
Sarah J. Harris is an author and freelance education journalist who regularly writes for national newspapers. She became fascinated by synaesthesia and face blindness during her work as a journalist. THE COLOUR OF BEE LARKHAM’S MURDER is Sarah’s debut adult novel. She lives in London with her husband and two young children.
Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday! Today I’m very excited to be able to reveal the Old Peculiar Crime Novel Of The Year Short List.
Harrogate, 15 June 2021: The six authors shortlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year are today unveiled after being chosen by a public vote and the prize Academy. Now in its 17th year the most coveted prize in crime fiction – presented by Harrogate International Festivals – celebrates crime writing at its best, transporting readers around the world from Calcutta to California to the frigid North Sea.
The Short List:
The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths (Quercus, Quercus Fiction)
Everything has changed for Dr Ruth Galloway. She has a new job, home and partner, and is no longer North Norfolk police’s resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this, and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried – but only if Ruth will do the digging. Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travellers to their deaths. Is Ivor March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?
Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist, are set in Norfolk. The series has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, and has been shortlisted four times for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Her Brighton-based mystery series is set in the 1950s and 1960s. Elly has also written two mysteries featuring Detective Harbinder Kaur, The Stranger Diaries, which was a Richard & Judy bestseller and won America’s most coveted accolade for crime fiction, the Edgar Award, and The Postscript Murders. Elly lives near Brighton with her husband, an archaeologist, and their cat, Gus.
Death in the East by Abir Mukherjee (VINTAGE, Harvill Secker)
Death in the East by Abir Mukherjee (VINTAGE, Harvill Secker)
Calcutta police detective Captain Sam Wyndham and his quick-witted Indian Sergeant, Surrender-not Banerjee, are back for another rip-roaring adventure set in 1920s India. 1905, London. When Bessie Drummond, an old flame of Sam Wyndham’s, is attacked in the street, he is determined to get to the bottom of it. But the next day, Bessie is found dead in her room and Wyndham soon finds himself caught up in her murder investigation. The case will cost the young constable more than he ever imagined. 1922, India. Leaving Calcutta, Wyndham heads for the hills of Assam, ready to put his opium addiction behind him. But when he arrives, he sees a ghost from his life in London – a man thought to be long dead, a man Wyndham hoped he would never see again. Wyndham knows he must call his friend and colleague Sergeant Banerjee for help. He is certain that this figure from can only be after one thing: revenge…
Abir Mukherjee is the bestselling author of the award-winning Wyndham & Banerjee series of crime novels set in Raj-era India. He has won the CWA Historical Dagger and the Wilbur Smith Award for Adventure Writing, and has been shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger, and HWA Gold Crown. His novels, A Rising Man and Smoke and Ashes were both selected as Waterstones Thriller of the Month. Smoke and Ashes was also chosen as one of The Times’ Best Crime and Thrillers since 1945. Abir grew up in Scotland and now lives in Surrey with his wife and two sons.
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton (Penguin Random House UK, Viking)
In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. Children and teachers barricade themselves into classrooms, the library, the theatre. The headmaster lies wounded in the library, unable to help his trapped students and staff. Outside, a police psychiatrist must identify the gunmen, while parents gather desperate for news. In three intense hours, all must find the courage to stand up to evil and save the people they love.
Rosamund Lupton is the author of Sister, a BBC Radio 4 “Book at Bedtime”, a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, winner of the Strand Magazine critics award and the Richard and Judy Bookclub Readers’ Choice Award. Her next two books Afterwards and The Quality of Silence (also a Richard and Judy pick) were Sunday Times bestsellers. Her books have been published in over thirty languages.
The Last Crossing by Brian McGilloway (Little, Brown Book Group, Constable)
Tony, Hugh and Karen thought they’d seen the last of each other thirty years ago. Half a lifetime has passed and memories have been buried. But when they are asked to reunite – to lay ghosts to rest for the good of the future – they all have their own reasons to agree. As they take the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland the past is brought into terrible focus – some things are impossible to leave behind. In The Last Crossing memory is unreliable, truth shifts and slips and the lingering legacy of the Troubles threatens the present once again.
Brian McGilloway is the author of eleven crime novels including the Ben Devlin mysteries and the Lucy Black series, the first of which, Little Girl Lost, became a New York Times and UK No.1 bestseller. In addition to being shortlisted for a CWA Dagger and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, he is a past recipient of the Ulster University McCrea Literary Award and won the BBC Tony Doyle Award for his screenplay, Little Emperors. He currently teaches in Strabane, where he lives with his wife and four children.
We Begin At The End by Chris Whitaker (Bonnier Books UK. Zaffre)
Thirty years ago, a teenage Vincent King became a killer. Now he’s been released from prison and is back in his hometown of Cape Haven, California, where not everyone is pleased to see him. Like Star Radley, his ex-girlfriend and sister of the girl he killed. Duchess Radley, Star’s thirteen-year-old daughter, is part-carer, part-protector to her younger brother, Robin – and to her deeply troubled mother. But in trying to protect Star, Duchess inadvertently sets off a chain of events that will have tragic consequences not only for her family, but for the whole town.
Chris Whitaker is the award-winning author of Tall Oaks and All The Wicked Girls. Both books were published to widespread critical acclaim, with Tall Oaks going on to win the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award. We Begin At The End has been optioned for film and is currently in development. It was an instant New York Times bestseller. Chris lives in Hertfordshire with his family.
The Man on the Street by Trevor Wood (Quercus, Quercus Fiction)
It started with a splash. Jimmy, a homeless veteran grappling with PTSD, did his best to pretend he hadn’t heard it – the sound of something heavy falling into the Tyne at the height of an argument between two men on the riverbank. Not his fight. Then he sees the headline: GIRL IN MISSING DAD PLEA. The girl, Carrie, reminds him of someone he lost, and this makes his mind up: it’s time to stop hiding from his past. But telling Carrie, what he heard – or thought he heard – turns out to be just the beginning of the story. The police don’t believe him, but Carrie is adamant that something awful has happened to her dad and Jimmy agrees to help her, putting himself at risk from enemies old and new. But Jimmy has one big advantage: when you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Trevor Wood has lived in Newcastle for twenty-five years and considers himself an adopted Geordie. He’s a successful playwright who has also worked as a journalist and spin-doctor for the City Council. Prior to that he served in the Royal Navy for sixteen years. Trevor holds an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from UEA. The Man on the Street, his first novel, was published to widespread critical acclaim and won the 2020 CWA New Blood Dagger. One Way Street is his second novel.
Voting:
The public are now invited to vote for the winner via www.harrogatetheakstoncrimeaward.com and the winner will be announced on the opening night of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 22 July, and will receive £3,000, and a handmade, engraved beer barrel provided by Theakston Old Peculier.
Executive director of T&R Theakston, Simon Theakston, said: “This is it: the crème de la crème of crime. This shortlist really does showcase the breadth and depth of the genre. It’s going to be a fiercely fought prize this year so make sure you vote for your favourite. Until then, I look forward to raising a glass of Old Peculier at the winner’s announcement on 22 July!”
The award is run by Harrogate International Festivals sponsored by T&R Theakston Ltd, in partnership with WHSmith and the Express, and is open to full length crime novels published in paperback 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021 by UK and Irish authors. The longlist was selected by an academy of crime writing authors, agents, editors, reviewers, members of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Programming Committee, and representatives from T&R Theakston Ltd, the Express, and WHSmith.
Good morning everyone and welcome to another Music Monday. Today I am featuring Whiskey Rider which is the new Single from Rooks.
“ROOKS is a 3 piece rock band which formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in July 2018. The band features Jay Bowcott on guitar and vocals, Darryl Swart on drums and and Brent Rossall on bass. Their sound is unapologetic guitar rock, drawing influences from bands like Thin Lizzy, The Rolling Stones and The Black Keys.”
I first discovered Rooks through Jay’s twitch stream and he quickly become one of my favourite streamers. His down to earth nature and fantastic guitar playing makes his streams very easy to watch. He has helped introduce me to lots of new music, not just Rooks, which I have really enjoyed as I always love discovering new music.
Jay was kind enough to answer some questions for me and you can find his answers in the post below.
You can follow Jay and Rooks on social media by clicking the links below.
Rooks Music has a very classic rock feel to it and their songs are very easy to get stuck in your head. I drive my husband mad by singing bits of their song Fire when I first heard it as it was so good! Their latest single is whiskey Rider which I’ve featured below but I’m also a huge fan of their song Fire so have included the video for that below too.
I’m a full time musician from Calgary / Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. I love folk music and outlaw country, it’s always been a fixation of mine since I was in my teens. It’s my life long goal to make a record that is a staple in people’s record collections. I’m still working on it! 🙂
What first got you into music?
My parents had some good pals that made them mix tapes when I was kid. They’d put things like, Neil Young, Dylan, The Byrds, Blue Rodeo, Tom Petty and Dire Straits on there.. So they sent me on a good path from a really early age. I’m grateful for that influence.
Who inspired you to make music?
Three big important letters. MOM. My mom was a big help, she used to encourage me to sing constantly and had me singing for the neighbours and my parents pals regularly.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I write about my life generally. I love folk and pop blues and bluegrass.. So it all comes out now and then. My songwriting as a result can be rather random genre wise because of the range of influences I draw from. I don’t like to be put in a box with it.
What is your creative process like?
I have a few different approaches when I’m writing. One of them is just to blindly start playing chords and making a song from nothing. The other approach is looking up performances from random artists I love and only listen to 1 or 2 chords of a song and then build on the direction that “intro” of a song was taking me. It’s crazy to see how different my song ends up than the song I was building from. There’s so many approaches to writing I’ve found over the years. Another approach is to write poetry and then build music overtop of the words.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo or Willie Nelson.. (one can dream)If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?WILCO! ❤️
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you! I don’t think I realized how important external validation is, but the pandemic really proved to me that just loving music isn’t enough. Without others listening I would have absolutely no drive or inspiration. I work with the people who are listening. They’re my muse. So it’s a big resounding THANK YOU.
What is the most useless talent you have?
MarkioKart champion over here..
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Surprisingly I don’t.. that’s when I rest the vocal chords haha.. I just listen to the water.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I’d be dead. Not to be morbid or anything, but music is the most positive thing in my life and is my depression medication. The industry itself is a burden, but the music is a powerful antidepressant.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Performed all over Canada. My favourite venue is the Medicine Hat Esplanade. Beautiful 750 person theatre. Love it. And MIKEY’S ON 12TH in Calgary Alberta.. They’ve been really great to me over the years. My band ROOKS is doing some Stampede stuff in Calgary but Canada is still coming out of the COVID situation so it’s a slow resurgence in the gig department.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Twitch is a genius medium in my opinion. It’s really something. I have a hard time comprehending whether I like what the internet has done or hate it.. hahaha.. There’s just so many changes so fast. It’s a huge learning curve, but as streaming evolves I’m learning to love gigging within that medium. Right now there’s a lot of hoops to jump to have a good setup, but it’s bound to get easier, and it generates a great community.
What is your favourite song to perform?
All of them. Just LOVE playing.. but if I HAD to pick one.. I’d say it’s my song Ghosts.. or as far as covers go.. probably “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” by Bob Dylan.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
RIP: Tom Petty, John Prine, Tony Rice.
ALIVE: Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I don’t rock the boat that often.. haha
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Being comfortable means you’re making no progress… and the days when your guitar sounds the worst are the days you should practice the hardest. You make the most progress when you fight you brains desire to give up.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Get rid of the big wigs and keep it about the art. The people who control art that aren’t artists are the biggest problem.
What’s next for you?
Taking it one day at a time. It’s about the journey and not the destination. 🙂
Thanks for answering my questions Jay!
Music Monday Playlist:
You can now listen to Rooks and all other previously featured Music Monday artists on a special playlist linked below. Alternatively you can listen to the songs in Jays Twitch playlist which his lovely mod Criss has out together which I’ve also linked below.
Over The Rainbow Blog 