For readers/listeners of a certain age, this book is a trip down memory lane. Otto Penzler has assembled a sterling selection of short stories from the years between the two world wars. Each story is preceded by a potted biography of the author, many of whom have legendary film credits to their name – aContinue reading “GOLDEN AGE SUSPENSE STORIES: Edited by by Otto Penzler “
Tag Archives: writer
Death in Soho: Shiv Saywack
Alexandra Raven is intelligent and brave, as befits a woman who served her country and survived World War II. She’s also on her uppers, struggling to make a success of her late father’s investigative agency. In 1950s London, she’s an anomaly and clients aren’t beating a path to her door. Having received nothing for herContinue reading “Death in Soho: Shiv Saywack”
World Book Day
World Book Day seems the ideal time to reveal the new cover for Albert’s Garden, A Binky Earle Cosy Mystery – the story of an. opinionated old woman, a murder, a knitting circle and the faithful Phoebe-cat.I also asked my Meta AI glasses to recommend an audiobook for the occasion and, after a bit ofContinue reading “World Book Day”
Whodunnit?
In the days before publication, Fatal was advertised as a whodunnit. Entirely accurate. There is indeed a murder and many suspects to keep the reader guessing until the culprit is finally revealed. So far, so conventional. But what the author, Laura Lyndhurst, does is take the reader deep into each person’s life, laying bare theirContinue reading “Whodunnit?”
Meet Pinky and Binky
On the left is Pinky. She’s set up for my writing with every visual aid I can find, both from Apple’s native apps and those I’ve added – large text, dictation apps and voice over etc. I’ve even got Siri set to an Irish accent. It has had a customised nano screen fitted to itContinue reading “Meet Pinky and Binky”
Iris I – III
As part of my preparation for my forthcoming podcast, I commissioned a few small pieces of music. My specification was very simple – soft, folksy and with a hint of Irish – and I was pleasantly surprised with the results. These are a few of them – Iris I, Iris II and Iris III.
Of Books and Blind Spots
As my sight has now deteriorated to the point where I no longer recognise faces and can’t hull strawberries or butter bread. I’m embarking on a podcasting adventure so I can still involve myself in the world of books and bookish things. With the aid of modern technology, I am still writing – albeit slowly andContinue reading “Of Books and Blind Spots”
My December listens
Don’t Forget Me, Little Bessie, James Lee BurkeFor many years, I looked forward to James Lee Burke’s latest book being published towards the end of the year. His blend of rich, evocative backgrounds, deeply flawed yet inherently decent main characters and the subtle inter-weaving of supernatural elements meant I was in for a great storyContinue reading “My December listens”
Christmas Drinks
A piece of flash fiction fun, written for Bare Books podcast and aired on Christmas Day One minute past midnight. Christmas Day.Barry nudges his wife. “You ready, Cheryl?”No answer. Snoring gently, Cheryl is fast asleep.“Oh well,” says Barry. “Looks like it’s up to me. As usual.”Reluctantly, he gets out of the warm bed, pulls onContinue reading “Christmas Drinks”
In November, I listened to …
Geneva, Richard Armitage I was attracted to this book by the prospect of listening to the two main narrators, Nicola Walker and Richard Armitage himself and I wasn’t disappointed in their delivery. The plot sounded a bit James Bond-ish, well out of my wheelhouse, but I’m always open to a new experience, so I paidContinue reading “In November, I listened to …”
Jacqui Jay 