Tennison by Lynda La Plante
Jane Tennison, a young policewoman fresh out of Hendon Training College, makes the daily journey from her parents’ comfortable flat in Maida Vale to Hackney. It’s a grim place and resolutely working class. Being a woman police constable in 1972 – the gender distinction was…
Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand
Having received 5-star reviews on CFL for her crime novels featuring rock photographer and noir anti-hero Cass Neary, a new release from US author Elizabeth Hand is always worth investigating. Wylding Hall also features photography as part of its plot, while music is integral to…
The Forsaken by Ace Atkins
This crime thriller series featuring Sheriff Quinn Colson of Jericho, Mississippi has been widely praised for raising the standard in Southern crime novels. It’s a puzzling characterisation. Perhaps it’s inevitable, as cultural homogenization and Wal-Mart have taken over this country, but the people didn’t behave,…
Oblivion by Arnaldur Indridason
Translated by Victoria Cribb — Released in Iceland as Kamp Knox last November, Oblivion is the second of Arnaldur Indridason’s ‘young Erlendur‘ books. Similar to the way in which ITV gave us Endeavour – a look at Morse before he became a dour, old detective – here…
Blood on Snow
Norwegian author Jo Nesbo is well-known for his Harry Hole novels. This is not one of them. Instead, Nesbo is trying something new and here we have a short noir novel with a remarkable plot and a very dark and cold atmosphere. The anti-hero of…
Blood on Snow by Jo Nesbo
Translated by Neil Smith — Ever since the ambiguous ending of Police in 2013, Jo Nesbo’s fans have been waiting. Waiting, and wondering if there will be another Harry Hole thriller. The wait continues but in the meantime the Norwegian author, and flag bearer for Scandinavian…
The Comedy is Finished
When comedian Koo Davis is kidnapped by The People’s Revolutionary Army, a terrorist group, he’s forced to re-evaluate his life and achievements. Is there anybody who cares enough about Koo to pay his ransom? With a mixture of sadness and bitterness he realises there isn’t….