Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows
Written by James Lovegrove — Sherlock Holmes remains an enduring literary phenomenon. He is an iconic character that continues to capture the imagination of readers, writers and TV viewers alike. This undying popularity seems to make Holmes’ original creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, unique. However, crime fiction…
Abigale Hall by Lauren A Forry
Written by Lauren A Forry — London, spring 1947. Bombed out houses stand like rotten teeth in an old man’s jaw, and the city is recovering from the harshest winter in memory. Youngsters have returned from the countryside to which they were sent during the War, but some…
The Quiet Ones by Betsy Really
As Mark Billingham pointed out in an insightful essay a few years ago, the key to genuine suspense is to be found in character rather than relying on twists and cliffhangers. That ability to make readers empathise with a protagonist is part of the craft…
It came all wrapped in black...
It’s a busy time for postmen. In addition to the usual weighty padded envelopes sent to us by publishers, at this time of year presents and Christmas cards are arriving by the dozen. This particular delivery was quite small, and didn’t threaten our postman’s hernia too much, but when…
NTN: Bedlam by BA Morton
BA Morton’s second novel published by Caffeine Nights is a crime and horror hybrid focusing on a battered detective, reeling from the disappearance of his wife 12 months ago, and his relationship with a young woman he saves after a violent crime. The story takes…
Interview: Conrad Williams
Hailing from Warrington, in the North West of England, Conrad Williams has made a name for himself in the areas of horror and dark fantasy. While his latest novel retains the dark, instead of fantasy Dust and Desire is the author’s first stab at detective…