Guilty Conscience

Guest Blog from Victoria Watson

2012-02-22T19:41:00.001Z

You know what's great about social networks? Getting to know people you may not have without them, and discovering the talent that's lurking away out there. One such person is Vic Watson, a terrific writer, who can write one hell of a psychological tale. Destined to write a fantastic novel soon, she recently released an excellent bunch of short stories in the collection 'Letting Go'. She graciously agreed to be a guest blogger for Guilty Conscience, so without further ado...I present Victoria Watson.

Why I write miserable stories.

My boyfriend mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that every story of mine he’s ever read has had a sad ending. He asked if I could write something a bit lighter.

After he’d mentioned this, I started to think about my stories and why they all seem to have a depressing theme.

As a kid, I loved Disney films and musicals where you can overcome anything – from being turned into a beast to being chased by the Nazis. As I got older, I read a lot of chick lit and saw chick flicks. I thought that, no matter whether the object of your affection was getting married to someone else or he/she was a complete cad, you’d end up happily ever after. Case in point: Carrie and Mr. Big from ‘Sex and the City’.

Unfortunately I realised that real life doesn’t always mean a happy ending. A marriage doesn’t necessarily mean a happy ending, as divorce statistics prove. Even if you do manage to live happily ever after, you’ve gotta go sometime! I guess I want my stories to be realistic and sadly what I’m interested in seems to be the darker side of life.

I think my choice of reading material also influenced the way I write. Since I was a little girl, I’ve adored Roald Dahl and no matter what else I was reading, I’d always go back to him and his dark stories. Likewise, Alan Bennett tells it how it is. One of my favourite in the ‘Talking Heads’ series is ‘A Cracker under the Settee’ is about an old lady who’s taken a fall who then subsequently dies. That story breaks my heart whenever I think about it. Bennett’s writing is so on the spot. Although it’s a sad story, it’s sadly realistic.

Some of my favourite stories that I’ve read recently have been uncomfortable to read but have been better stories due to the honesty with which they are written. Both of Khaled Hosseini’s books are up there as my favourites but neither is particularly palatable. Another writer I really rate is Augusten Burroughs; he usually writes memoirs of his somewhat unconventional life. He writes intelligently and manages to turn embarrassing or tragic stories into humorous anecdotes. I think he has a very unique knack – seeing the comedy in tragedy. I’d like to try that sometime.

Maybe some people have a happy ending but I don’t think I’m the one to tell those stories. I’m currently writing a love story but, as always, it will have a twist…..

You can buy Vic's recent release in the UK here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Letting-Go-ebook/dp/B007A6VAVA/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1

And in the US here - http://www.amazon.com/Letting-Go-ebook/dp/B007A6VAVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329939656&sr=8-1

And visit her personal blog here - http://elementaryvwatson.wordpress.com/

Guest Post - Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson

2012-02-13T16:24:00.000Z

Joining us today for a guest post, is the incredibly generous, and fantastic writer Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson. The part brain behind THE LOST CHILDREN ANTHOLOGY, which has raised hundreds of pounds for charities in the UK and US. Her recent releases, KICK IT TOGETHER and THE WRONG DELIVERY, are both excellent and necessary purchases...

ALWAYS by McDroll

Life just doesn’t seem to be getting any easier these days. Constantly there’s something that shocks me to my core, today it’s been the death of Whitney Houston who promised that she’d ‘always’ love me but ‘always’ turned out to be a very difficult word to achieve. Made me wonder if there can be an ‘always’ anymore for anyone or anything. Look at the world news; the Syrian government is murdering its own people; children are dying in their own homes as the missiles rain down. People in Athens are rioting in the streets because of austere budget cuts and closer to home The Sun newspaper is deep in its own doo-doo, who would have believed that?

It’s hard to hang onto what you believe in when day after day you get knocked sideways not just by world events but also by your own personal hiccups and tragedies. I was listening to an interview with Leonard Cohen today on the car radio and what he said made a lot of sense. It went something like when we are young we are full of plans, hopes and excitement for our futures then suddenly one day you wake up and find that those hopes and dreams have been sidelined and you realise that you are no longer going to achieve them. He called this ‘life’ and said that there is no one alive who doesn’t know sadness, no one who grew to see those youthful plans work out exactly as they imagined. We all get knocked sideways at some point, derailed and find ourselves making a detour. Mr. Cohen speaks a lot of sense. I call this the journey of life. It’s got highs and lows, that’s for sure, and we might not end up where we thought we were going but the journey itself is surely worth the effort.

I published a book myself this week. I’ve learned lots of new skills and even designed my book covers. A couple of years ago I never thought I’d be doing that. Where am I going with this writing lark? Don’t know, I’m just happy to go along for the ride, see what opportunities pop up along the way and when and if they do, I’ll grab them with both hands. I decided that I wasn’t going to wait until I retired to ‘write the book’ because who knows what lies ahead? Remember ‘always’ can’t be trusted anymore.

My new book is called THE WRONG DELIVERY and tells the story of a young couple who, to their friends and family, have it all; a lovely house, a business, a great lifestyle and two lovely kids. These are the ‘always’ people whom everybody expects will never split up and everybody believes is happy. Wrong! Actually nobody knows what goes on in a marriage expect the couple them self and sometimes they can even hide their plans and dreams from each other.

I decided to publish this as a serialization so this is part one and is called ‘Corrin’s Eyes.’ Hopefully when you’ve read the first part you’ll want to come back for more! That’s the idea anyway. So here’s what happens…Morna arrives home from work one day to a gruesome discovery but can’t find her husband anywhere even though his van is parked in the drive. She calls for him and searches the house but he’s not there. Gordon’s business is fish; he smokes fish and has a delivery van that tours around the small villages of Argyll, not the most exciting of jobs but one that suits him. Morna runs outside and heads for the little smokehouse and when she opens the door she finds out why Gordon didn’t reply to her call…

I really hope you’ll give my book some love; it’s crime with a slosh of Scottish humour. It’s been fun writing it and hopefully I’ll ‘always’ be able to have fun!

About The Author

McDroll writes crime fiction with a strong hint of noir and a slosh of humour. She lives with her family in Argyll, Scotland. Her stories have appeared in Shotgun Honey and the Flash Fiction Offensive. She has been published in the charity anthologies Brit Grit Too, Off the Record and The Lost Children. She has two new indie published books, Kick It Together and The Wrong Delivery.

Her book reviews can be found at http://imeanttoreadthat.blogspot.com/

Nick Quantrill Interviews Graham Hurley - Guest Post

2012-02-03T18:46:00.000Z

Following on from yesterdays review and look back at the DI Faraday series by Graham Hurley, Nick Quantrill continues his two day takeover of Guilty Conscience. In the second and final part, he interviews Graham Hurley about his series...

Graham Hurley - Author of the DI Faraday Series

NQ - “Happy Days” brings a definite conclusion to the series – how easy was it for you to draw a line under it? Did you always have an exit plan in mind?

GH - Under the circumstances, easier than you might think. To be honest, I never expected the series to survive beyond the first contract (for three books). The fact that it did, and went from strength to strength, has been a surprise and a deep pleasure. But my lead guys were starting to show their age and because I’ve always tried to keep the series as authentic as possible, there came a time when they had to step off the page. We’d also bailed out of Portsmouth (after thirty very happy years) and several visits to the Old Bruiser (aka Pompey) simply confirmed how quickly a city – and its police force – can change. So it was curtains, alas, for Farrars and the gang.

NQ - As a reader, the characters (I’m thinking Faraday and Winter) seem to develop and change in such a believable manner. Was this the result of deliberate planning, or was it a more organic process?

GH - Nothing deliberate, I’m afraid. Part of the novelty of this little adventure lay in the fact that I’d never written series before. What that boils down to, aside from a whole load of technical challenges (like backstory), is the company you keep on the page. These characters – thank God – grew and deepened from book to book until they became alarmingly real. By mid-series, I was starting with an idea, or a proposition, or a title, or a half-heard conversation on a bus, and literally handing it over. That, I freely admit, was an act of faith. But the guys never let me down. One postscript, of course, is the decision Faraday himself made in “Borrowed Light”. I’ve yet to get over it.

NQ - Would it be fair to say that your experience of working on television documentaries gives you an edge when it comes to writing crime novels? Did the television experience bleed into the writing process?

GH - Very much so. I came to crime fiction with some reluctance and was in a muddle about what to do. Should I read everything ever written (and end up penning thin pastiches), or should I go back to my TV documentary days and invest a lot of time and effort in trying to work out what it feels like to be a sharp-end cop (or villain)? The latter option turned out to be the hardest research ask of my entire life, especially as far as the cops were concerned, but I sense from reader and reviewer reaction that it’s paid off in spades. The other TV bonus lay in the writing itself. TV makes you think in pictures: vividly rendered scenes anchored in punchy dialogue. This approach has definitely impacted on the books. Hence, I suspect, the eagerness of the French to go full circle and put Faraday on the screen.

NQ - A lot of police novels seem to feature serial killers and all manner of unlikely crimes. The Faraday series very much bucks that trend and seems so much more vivid for it. For example, Bazza Mackenzie, the bad guy, seems all the more disturbing because he understands the power of legitimising himself. Is that fair comment?

GH - Totally. After the twelve Pompey books, as you might imagine, I have a contacts file brimming with coppers. These are guys whose collective experience you’d probably measure in millennia but not one of them has ever met a serial killer. This was a bit troubling at the research stage but the harder you look beneath the surface of the Pompey cop’s working day (or night), the more you realise where the drama lies. These are stories in the minor key - families in crisis, kids off the leash, everyone on the piss – but this is stuff that pretty much everyone can relate to and – says me – help make the books a credible read. As far as Baz is concerned, his journey from the drug baron to parliamentary candidate has been a real fascination, not least because – once again – it mirrors real life. Totter round a selection of National Trust stately piles, huge spreads the length and breadth of the kingdom, and you quickly realise that the seed fortune often came from piracy, or slavery, or smuggling, all of them deeply unrespectable. Bazza survives in the rich tradition of robber barons. Bless him.

NQ - Did you have any involvement in the recent French adaptations of the Faraday novels? As European crime programmes seem to be popular, are we likely to see these in the UK any time soon?

GH - The answer to any involvement on my part is no. They chose the books to adapt themselves and simply got on with it. I had early sight of the scripts and was delighted. They made a real effort to capture the spirit and essence of the series, and were generally faithful to the characterisation. This kind of respect is rarer than you might think. The production itself was – to me – magnificent. They spent a lot of money, and it showed on the screen. The viewing figures were excellent (and climbed for the second adaptation) and they plan to start shooting on two more books next month. Will their work ever make it over the Channel? Stay tuned…

NQ - In “Happy Days”, DS Jimmy Suttle is again to the fore and will soon star in your next novel, “Western Approaches”. What made you decide on Suttle to carry the new book?

For a number of reasons. Firstly, he’s younger rather than older and could easily survive another dozen books. Secondly – and importantly – because he’s recently married, with a young daughter, and must cope with the kind of contemporary relationship pressures that weren’t really a part of the Faraday books. This new series, set in the West Country, will have a tighter personal focus than the Pompey books which – for me – is a real challenge. Fewer acronyms. Less of an emphasis on policework and procedures. More exploration of what these giddy times are doing to us all. Not least, to Jimmy Suttle. “Western Approaches” is now complete in First Draft and will publish in either 2012 or 2013. Once again, stay tuned…

Happy Days is available now from all good bookstores and the link below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Days-Faraday-Graham-Hurley/dp/1409101258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328182500&sr=8-1

BIO: Nick Quantrill is a crime writer from Hull, East Yorkshire. His Joe Geraghty novels, ‘Broken Dreams’ and ‘The Late Greats’ are published by Caffeine Nights. His short stories have appeared in volumes eight and nine of ‘The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime’.

Nick Quantrill's Guest Review of Happy Days by Graham Hurley

2012-02-02T11:46:00.000Z

Today marks the publication of 'Happy Days' by Graham Hurley, the final book in the DI Faraday series. To celebrate this, I'm turning over the site for two days to the crime writer Nick Quantrill. He brings us a review and look back at the series today, and tomorrow an interview with Graham Hurley himself...enjoy!

Graham Hurley – Portsmouth and the police procedural (by Nick Quantrill)

With the publication of “Happy Days”, Graham Hurley brings his critically acclaimed Portsmouth-set police series to a close. Opening with “Turnstone”, originally tagged solely as a “DI Faraday” novel, it’s a mark of how Hurley’s multi-narrative viewpoint widened, that by the series’ conclusion, the roles of former DS Paul Winter and the police’s long term target, Bazza Mackenzie, are every bit as integral.

Throughout the twelve books, DI Joe Faraday remains a lonely man, doomed to destroy the relationships he craves. Bringing up his deaf son, JJ, as a lone parent following his wife’s death, Faraday is a man who feels the world, even if he doesn’t necessarily understand it. The other side of the coin is DC Paul Winter. Winter is brash and loud, and although he recognised that he has to play by the rules, he also knows that those rules sometimes have to be bent a little. If this makes it sound like an identikit police series, and that’s not the intention as Faraday and Winter are fine creations who develop and change in the most believable of ways, then Hurley’s trump card is the introduction of major league criminal, Bazza Mackenzie.

From “Cut To Black” onwards, Mackenzie is the police’s long term major target and they only have one shot to bring him down before he’s beyond their reach, his money invested in regeneration projects around the city. But Mackenzie remains one step ahead of the police, leaving them empty handed and red faced. With the stakes increasing, “The Price of Darkness”, sees Winter go undercover to bring Mackenzie down, but a dangerous job becomes even more so as Winter, not unsurprisingly discovers he has a taste for the dark arts of the criminal world. At the start of the following novel, “No Lovelier Death”, Winter, disillusioned with the police force and seeing Mackenzie now part of the city’s elite, leaves to work as his right hand man. This reveals the true moral complexities inherent within the series. Although Mackenzie is a man of violence and crime, his true terrifying nature comes from the fact that he understands the power of being legitimate, a paradox Winter is painfully only too aware of.

The final essential character in the series is Portsmouth itself. A claustrophobic island city on the south coast of England with a proud sea-faring history, Hurley’s pulls no punches in a frank assessment of a city that now has multiple social problems, but remains a place where pockets of hope can be found. Hurley’s trump card is allowing the city’s belligerence and unique identity to bleed into the characters, making them products of their environment. The location and characters come together to create an unrelenting sense of grim realism with no gimmicks. The series stands an overview of the UK over the last decade – feral children running amok, the war in Iraq, the economic meltdown, immigration, even the changing nature of Premier League football – it all features. Although the series features extreme violence and death, it’s entirely fitting with the world the characters inhabit. Portsmouth is both unique and typical.

With “Happy Days”, Hurley ties all the major characters and themes to a satisfying close. Mackenzie, with his business empire crumbling to dust in the recession, seeks real power by running for Parliament in the local elections. As this become all-encompassing and he continues to lose his business grip, Winter sees this as the opportunity he needs to leave his employment. Except you don’t leave the employment of people like Mackenzie by politely handing in your notice. The price to be paid is certain to be high. For Hurley and his characters, there’s only certainty, and that’s there will be no going back.

www.grahamhurley.co.uk

Happy Days is available to buy below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Days-Faraday-Graham-Hurley/dp/1409101258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328182500&sr=8-1

Why it matters...

2012-02-01T21:01:00.003Z

As many of you will be aware, yesterday saw the unpublishing of my short story collections 'Liverpool 5' and 'More Liverpool 5' from online retailers. Following some disturbing news last night, and some woeful explanations from the publisher, Trestle Press, it was an easy decision to make. I wasn't going to take this as publicly as this, but it seems some people are being duped by an individual into believing this is no big deal, and that it doesn't really matter.

It does matter. Here's why.

I began to hear rumblings a few weeks ago about possible issues over the covers Trestle Press was using. No one was publicly naming specific images which could be problematic, so I glossed over it. That changed yesterday when I was made aware of this link...

http://doodle777.deviantart.com/journal/Art-theft-It-s-good-news-it-really-is-282415361

This details the issues with certain covers, from the supposedly small infringements...

Cover for Brit Grit. Original image by J Jasso at Deviant Art

Cover for Forsaken. Original image by Bleed-Black-Sheep

To the potentially bankrupting...

Cover for Call Me Smitty series Image of HITMAN videogame by Square Enix

Cover image for Clone Zone Image from poster for film 'Creep'.

Cover image for Misery Unleashed Image from movie Ghost Rider, Marvel

Speaks for itself...

I asked about one image in particular. The above 'Hitman' image used for the Call Me Smitty series. I was told the image had been paid for, and I should be trusting. I'm afraid I find it difficult to imagine a company as large as Square Enix would license an image from one of their perennial titles, for use on an Ebook cover. When you also consider there are images copyrighted by Marvel and another film title 'Creep', the idea a small publisher could afford to buy rights to use these images is quite patently ridiculous. What compounds this, is the fact that some of these covers have now been changed, which supports the assertion that these images were not paid for.

I immediately asked for my two titles to be withdrawn from sale. I have no wish to be associated with someone who takes copyright so lightly. A number of other writers have also withdrawn their titles, whilst others have stayed with Trestle Press and had there covers redone. And others are just staying and hoping there covers are not the next to be outed as being stolen.

Recently there's been a few instances of plagiarism being discovered and either clamped down immediately, or ignored. Whilst this may be images instead of words, there is no difference for me in stealing words or images. Some of the images used may be from big corporations who possibly wouldn't lose any money over this. However, a lot of these images seem to be from smaller artists. This is not acceptable. What is also unacceptable, is setting up a publisher and not finding out the proper way of procuring images for covers. This matters for that reason. Stealing other peoples work is dishonest and downright disgusting.

Trestle Press' position is this...

We stand by the fact that if we have used any copyrighted artwork that we have contacted the artist or made every possible attempt to contact the artist. In many cases, we have requested usage permission and made payment when asked.

In cases where no contact was made or no copyright holder found, we apologize for the usage and have removed the identified images.

It is and always will be our intent and desire never to never infringe on anyone’s intellectual property without their consent.

I genuinely wasn't going to comment any further about this, other than the small update I posted on Facebook and Twitter last night, yet that statement is not telling you the whole picture. I'm hoping Trestle Press and Giovanni have acted out of naivety rather than malice, but if that is the case, the best way to deal with it is not by lying and attempting to cover it up. Trestle Press has a lot of authors involved with them, and ultimately it will be them who will be tarnished. It'll be there names on the covers which are shown up to be stolen, it'll be there names discussed. I believe Trestle Press, and Giovanni Gelati in particular, need to be clear and concise with the writers who have decided to stay with them, about the extent to which they have used images they had no legal right to use. The above statement does not own up to using images from major companies without permission, or using images from smaller known artists without permission. This needs to be done as soon as possible, otherwise those who choose to stay with Trestle Press will have to question the motives behind it.

What is saddening about this, is some of names involved. Paul D. Brazill is well known writer amongst us, a highly respected member of the crime fiction community. He does not deserve to be treated in this way at all. No one does. He, along with all of us involved, placed his trust in someone. This has sadly been broken. I'd urge anyone reading this to not blame the writers who have been tarnished with cover images potentially stolen. They had nothing to do with them at all. These were the actions of one man.

In an article posted today, noted cover designer Steven Miscandlon discussed the issue of image copyright and says...

As an author, you wouldn't be happy if someone took your writing and used it without your permission, would you? Photographers and graphic artists have the same rights — always remember that just because an image is on the Internet doesn't necessarily mean it is public domain. Downloading an image and using it as an ebook cover constitutes commercial use, and could leave you open to legal action by the copyright owner. Most reputable publishers will credit the cover photographer or designer on the book’s title and copyright page.

Which pretty much covers it!

If you're an author who has decided to stay with Trestle Press, I'd love to know your reasons. If you are pleased to be associated with plagiarism, simply don't care as long as your Ebooks are available, or a completely different reason altogether, I'm all ears.

Well, not *all* ears...I'm not some strange human/elephant hybrid.

And a personal message to one man. GG, own up. Take your medicine, and learn from it. You're intelligent enough to know what you have done is wrong. Own your mistakes, learn from them. This matters. The projection you are showing of Trestle Press is that of a shoddy, unprofessional, and potentially illegal business. You have many people relying on you to present their work in a certain way. Face up to that responsibility and tell your writers the truth. You appropriated many images which you had no rights to use. I, and many others have now pointed this out. You can't stick your head in the sand and hope it will go away. If telling the truth is too hard, withdraw every book you have published, and disband Trestle Press quietly. The many writers you have published deserve better than this.

***Thanks to L.Vera for bringing this to the attention of everyone. For all your hard work finding the cover images which have been discussed. Hope this does not put you off sharing your writing with the world***

Flash Fiction/Short Story - James Everington - A Romantic Comedy

2012-01-29T21:26:00.000Z

One of things I love about starting this site up, is being able to share some great stories from other writers out there. A great example of what is possible with flash fiction is on the menu today. James Everington presents 'A Romantic Comedy'. Enjoy...

A Romantic Comedy

It wasn’t a relationship, but a rehearsal. We weren’t really boyfriend and girlfriend, but just trying out those roles for future reference. We were very young. I don’t know why you picked me, out of all the boys who auditioned. You were considered very pretty, with your long brown hair and startling hazelnut eyes, the kind that would look good on movie posters.

We would walk around the park holding hands, while the light fell on us from different angles. Or we would kiss, learning how it was done. We never went any further than that, because ours wasn’t that kind of film. We were too young to have seen films that went further.

But what script would stop there? There was another boy, waiting in the wings. He had been learning his lines, getting into character. He was very good; I didn’t know what was happening. Suddenly I was being out-staged. You barely wanted to hold my hand anymore, let alone kiss me. You told everyone kissing me was “disgusting”, just when I thought I had got the hang of it. My first bad review.

I was forced into a different role. I happen to think I played it rather well. I took long, lonely walks, kicking at dead leaves and not letting myself cry. I wrote letters to you that I never sent. I brooded and listened to sad songs late at night. Everyone saw how well suited I was for the part, but I knew there would be other films later. I never meant to become typecast.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be just a rehearsal with you, when all the doors were still open and we thought we had time to explore them all. We were just seeing which roles we would want to play later. But the doors seem to have shut behind us.

Every script I get offered seems to be the same, with the same ‘surprise’ ending that doesn’t surprise me anymore: dead leaves and late night radio. And I can’t help but thinking that maybe it wasn’t a rehearsal, back then with you, but something far more important and fundamental, that set the scene for all that followed.

I’ve played my part with many girls, although sometimes not for long. And I just wanted to tell you that none of them have seemed as beautiful as you seemed then. I still think of you, every time the film ends, and I watch the credits with tearful eyes. I always watch until the very end, in case anything changes. It never does. I still think of you. My writing this to you when I’ve not seen you for ten years is perfectly in character.

What more is there to say? It all remains the same, the same long slog through the same lonely scripts. My film career has failed to take off. I’ll probably end up in some dull pantomime, making do with one of the ugly sisters. While your face beams down on us from the billboard of your latest blockbuster, your romantic comedy, your happy ending.

***

Bio: James Everington is a writer from Nottingham who mainly writes dark, supernatural fiction (the story posted here being something of a departure). Despite what you have just read he is happily married, although he still likes sad songs more than happy ones. You can find out more about him at his Scattershot Writing site (www.jameseverington.blogspot.com). He drinks Guinness, if anyone is offering.

An update of sorts...

2012-01-28T20:19:00.001Z

It's been a little quiet here this month. After a bumper showing in December, just a few posts in January has resulted in a deluge of emails to my inbox making sure I was still alive, or if I'd finally died of exhaustion. Well, actually, I only received one email. But it was nice, and I hope the Western Union transfer has gone through okay, as I stand to make a tidy profit. I never even knew the guy, but apparently we're related. I just have to pay legal fees, and I stand to make a fortune. Go me!

Anyway, the reason for the Guilty Conscience silence...exams. As most of you constant readers (Fuck King, he never emails me back so I'm nicking his term) are aware, I started a Psychology and Criminology degree full time last September. Turns out being a student is actually quite difficult if you want to do well. Since the beginning of January, I've had a 2000 word essay on Marxism, and three exams. So, 16 hour days, a few large whiskys and sleepless nights have been the order of the month. Having been over 12 years since I last sat in a exam hall (and promptly walked back out again as I wanted to play footy instead), it was a very alien experience for me. Sitting there with my eight pens, six pencils, four erasers, and my lucky answer sheet (I'm joking on that last part, just in case any lecturers stumble across this post!), I felt out of my depth, repeating I'm too old for this over and over. Got through it though. So that's a plus.

Away from the boring studenty stuff, I've also been writing. Not as much as I'd like, but enough. Plotted out most of the novel now, just getting the words on screen. It's going to be dark, and a bit psychological. Write what you enjoy reading is my new motto, makes the whole thing more enjoyable. I'm about a quarter of the way into it, hoping to have it finished in a few months. Will keep you updated.

Anyway, an update of sorts. Primarily this site has been a review and interview based blog of sorts. Well that's going to be changing. I've been doing most of my reviewing for the excellent site www.crimefictionlover.com so it makes sense to do most of my reviews over there for now. All the crime ones anyway. If I read any horror, or sci-fi stuff, which does happen occasionally, it'll be here. Same goes for interviews, if they're with crime writers they'll be on CFL, otherwise they'll be here.

I am still open to short stories however. Up there is submission guidelines, so if you have anything you'd like to share, get involved.

The Off The Record competition is still going on. Win a whole bunch of books, some of the signed! Go here ---> http://www.guiltyconsciencepublishing.com/p/off-record-competition.html and enter now. All for charity!

Another couple of things charity orientated...Brit Grit Too is available now. Contains my story SMOKED, and all profits go to charity. Available on Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brit-Grit-Too-ebook/dp/B006N7YAUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327782087&sr=8-1

Also, still available is The Lost Children Anthology, put together by the inimitable pairing of Thomas Pluck & Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson. My little tale, WAITING is in the collection, and all profits go to charity from this as well. I got my print copy before Christmas, and it looks sweet. Get it now! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Children-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0061HAG6Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327782165&sr=1-1

This site will now be a more blogging sort of thing. If I have thoughts, or want to ramble a bit, I'll do so here. And the first one of these bumbling, unreferenced, and generally misrepresented posts is coming up soon.

REVIEW - Dominion - Matt Hilton

2012-01-28T18:45:00.000Z

Spec-Ops soldier, First Sergeant Ellis Kirby leads a JSOC unit into the Tora Ghar cave system in Afghanistan in search of WMDs, but finds something much worse. Infected by an ancient power summoned by an evil cleric Kirby and his companions are whisked back to secret military laboratories in the US. The plague of creatures - known as rakes - that is subsequently unleashed threatens to wipe out the entire population of the United States and perhaps the world. Kirby wakens in his room to discover that everyone in the lab has been slaughtered, and the monstrous flesh-eating creatures are loose and rampaging throughout the land, killing and propagating their species with abandon. Bree and Jill Adams, sisters at odds, who must face their past to survive the future, and three misfits collectively known as the Ruby gang are also on the run. Each must endure their travails before all of them are thrown together, and then with Kirby, in a race to the eastern seaboard where the final conflict between man and beast is destined to play out in a battle encompassing modern warfare and ancient magic.

Dominion is a complete left turn to Matt Hilton's usual fare. Whilst he is best known for his Joe Hunter novels, firmly in the action thriller genre, with Dominion he tackles something totally different. Self-published (for now, I can't imagine it'll stay that way for long), it contains all of Hilton's skill for pace and action, whilst also building on his talent for building characters throughout the story, something alien to his contemporaries in the action thriller genre.

An apocalyptic story set in various locations in the USA, it shares its heart with Stephen King, rather than Lee Child. Building on a great premise, it expertly unravels a suspenseful tale of the supernatural, horror, and page turning plot. As each character is introduced, Hilton shows his talent for weaving just enough backstory into the plot, without detracting from the breakneck pace which is set from the first page.

The enemy in this book, the 'Rakes', are a great creation. Just the right amount of unstoppable, yet killable beasts, they hold all the hallmarks of a classic horror creation. The scenes towards the end are incredibly well written, epic in their stature, and completely absorbing.

With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing all the way to the last page, Dominion has all the hallmarks of Matt Hilton at his best. Available as an Ebook primarily, you can also pick it up on paperback as well. But hurry, word on the street is that won't last long...

A great story, recommended highly!

Available from Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dominion-ebook/dp/B006GT3NPI/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1327774320&sr=8-1

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Dominion-ebook/dp/B006GT3NPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327775561&sr=8-1

And trade paperback from Lulu - http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/dominion/18742971?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

Leon Steelgrave - Carbon - Short Story

2012-01-06T19:48:00.000Z

Here at Guilty Conscience, we showcase your short stories. Joining us today is writer Leon Steelgrave, with his story 'Carbon'. A delightfully dark tale...Enjoy!

CARBON BY LEON STEELGRAVE

Wayne had been channel surfing for over an hour, flicking through the seemingly endless succession of cable programmes and advertising. A Zen-like trance descended on him as wave after wave of bland, anodyne sales pitch washed over him. This was the sound of one hand clapping; the noise that issued from the lips of eternally youthful bit actors. Some of their surgeons were so good you could almost detect expression in the stretched, flawless skin. The adverts rolled on.

Here at Carbon Forty-Two Laboratories we offer a unique service for you and your loved ones - a lasting memorial to the deceased full of inherent beauty. After cremation, the ashes of the dearly departed are heated to extract the carbon and then pressed in our laboratories to form a brilliant diamond. Where nature requires millennia, our industrial presses take only months, depending on the size of the stone required.

All the diamonds produced by Carbon Forty-Two are fully authenticated and can be laser etched with a personal inscription along the girth of the diamond. This is a unique memorial that will be treasured by you and your family for generations to come. Our monthly payment plan allows you to take advantage of our services at today’s prices, allowing you to plan comfortably for the future!

Further details and prices are available on our web site, and don’t forget to check out our new service for pets!

Wayne crumpled his beer can and reached for another. A quick reconnaissance of the area surrounding the couch turned up only empties. ‘Kathleen, fetch us some more beer, honey.’

Repent all you sinners and step into the light of Jesus!

I know many of you folks out there are probably thinking what would the Lord want with the likes of me? But I am here to tell you that Jesus is willing to accept all of you, as long as you are prepared to listen to the Word!

I know it’s hard to imagine looking at me now, but there was a time when the Reverend John Brown was just plain ole Joe Brown. And I was much conflicted, yes sir, I was! I drank hard liquor, I smoked marijuana, and I got myself in trouble with the law! Yes, I was a bad man, a misguided man, I don’t mind admitting that to you now. But then the light of Jesus came into my life and I listened to the Word, His Word, and I was saved! Yes, saved from a life of evil. Now that once wretched and pitiable man is a good husband and the devoted father of two beautiful girls, for whom I give thanks to Jesus daily. They are my little angels for none are so precious as the children - they are our future!

And now I am here to tell you that you too can be saved! But salvation has to start with giving. Only in giving do we free ourselves from greed and possessiveness. Entry into the spiritual realm has to start by freeing yourself from the material, so call now and make a donation on…

What was taking that fat lazy bitch so long? He ought to take off his belt and give her a good whupping. Or maybe he should just throw her worthless ass out on the street. Better still, in the dumpster with the rest of the garbage. ‘Didn’t you hear me, woman? I need a beer.’

When you buy a used car you want reliability and here at Alamo Motors we aim to make sure you never find yourself in a last stand situation! That’s why all our vehicles come with a six month guarantee that covers all parts and labour. That’s six months free parts and labour! Subject to terms and conditions. So don’t let yourself get bushwhacked - remember the Alamo!

Wayne stabbed his finger down on the standby button. ‘Kathleen!’ he shouted, ‘How many times do I have to ask you if we got anymore beer?’

Kathleen threw down her bag of chips and swivelled round from where she’d been watching a portable television set in the kitchen. ‘How the hell should I know? I’m busy. Get your ass up off that couch and go look in the icebox yourself.’

‘You’re in the kitchen, why can’t you look?’ That damned woman always had some excuse for ignoring him. ‘You’re closer.’

‘God damn it! Do I have to do everything in this house?’ Kathleen stormed. ‘No, we’re out of beers. You’ll have to go down to the mall.’

‘Can’t - I’ve been drinking.’

‘And when’s that ever stopped you before? Take the back roads. You can drive real slow. And make sure you take the coupons and get some groceries. Some of us here need to eat - we can’t all live on beer and chips.’

‘And don’t it show,’ Wayne muttered under his breath, adding, ‘Can’t you do the shopping? I hate using coupons - the grocery clerks all look at you like you’re some kinda insect. Bunch of pimply-faced no-hopers!’

‘You’re a fine one to talk, Wayne. If you’d get your lazy ass off that couch and get a job I wouldn’t need to clip coupons!’

‘Kathleen, you know that’s not fair, honey. I have me a bad back. The doctor said so. You were there, remember?’

‘If you didn’t have that big jelly-belly straining it, it might get better a damn sight quicker! And don’t forget to see the supervisor on your way out. I’ve already told the fat jerk that he needs to look at the fire. I keep getting those headaches. Tell him I’m gonna sue if he don’t fix it soon.’

‘Fine. Whatever.’

Wayne kicked his empties aside and grabbed his cut-off denim jacket from the hook by the door. Kathleen appeared as he was pulling the various bolts on the door. She handed him a wad of coupons, which he stuffed into his jeans’ pocket before slamming the door behind him. He took the back stairwell down to the ground floor. They stank of stale urine and vomit as usual. Reaching the bottom, he remembered Kathleen’s instruction and knocked on the supervisor’s door. ‘Mr Sipowitz, it’s me, Wayne, from three-thirteen.’

There was the sound of mumbling, the jangle of keys and then the door opened to reveal a balding, swarthy-skinned man. ‘What d’you want, Wayne?’

Wayne looked apologetic. ‘It’s Kathleen, Mr Sipowitz. She keeps going on about the fire. Would you look at it? Just to put her mind at rest. You know women, when they get an idea in their head, they just can’t shake it. It’s not like you can’t smell gas, is it?’

‘All right, I’ll see what I can do. But,’ Sipowitz wagged an admonishing finger, ‘this is the last time. She ain’t happy after this, she can find herself another apartment. Is that clear?’

Wayne put the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway. It was winter and the sun was already low in sky as he turned onto the freeway and headed towards town, driving with the exaggerated care of the inebriated. Early Sunday evening, light traffic and no sign of any cops. All the same, he felt safer cutting across country on the old road. Nice and quiet on the back road, just wilderness on either side as far as you could see. A man could be alone with his thoughts here. And Wayne was a man who needed to be alone, his thoughts being of the criminal variety.

Kathleen had to go. He couldn’t recall when he first thought about killing her but the idea had been maturing for several months now. When you weighed it all up, there wasn’t much he was going to miss. She wasn’t much of a cook or a homemaker and the sex had all but dried up. Not that he was interested in her anymore. She’d really left herself go over the last couple of years. He patted is beer gut. Different with men, everyone expected you to spread out a little. Only natural, a sign of prosperous living. But a wife, well surely she had a duty to keep herself looking sweet? A man wanted a woman he could show off to his friends. You didn’t ask her to be smart and you certainly didn’t want her earning more than you, so the least she could do was keep herself pretty, right? Her welfare cheque was hardly worth the bother and certainly not the aggravation, but her life assurance was fully paid up. Yeah, once Kathleen was out of the way the good times would come around again. He would get himself some new duds, a new truck and have himself a vacation. With a bit of folding green to spread around he’d have no trouble finding some sweet little thing to see to his needs. What Kathleen didn’t seem to realise was that there was always someone younger, prettier and dirtier. The bars were full of hotties looking for a man with a bit of experience, the kind of man that could throw a decent hump into them. Yes siree, once Kathleen was gone there would be plenty of fresh pussy for him to enjoy. All he had to do was make it seem like an accident.

Poisoning? Good for someone with experience but he didn’t feel confident enough to risk it. It might show up at an autopsy or someone at the drug store would remember him. He needed something cleaner, something surer. They hadn’t been out hunting for a while; accidents happen all the time. Beer and rifles, whatever the NRA might try to tell you, were never a good combination. No, too risky. Somebody might see, or worse, the cops might not believe him. They’d beat a confession out of him and for once they’d be correct. Shooting was good, but he needed something less direct. A burglary could work - make it look as if Kathleen had been shot after disturbing an intruder. He could easily get another gun off somebody from out of town. As long as the cops never found the murder weapon, he’d be in the clear. Wayne slapped his thigh. Boy, he sure was one smart sonuvagun!

Wayne found the apartment empty when he got back from the mall.. The fire was on in the living room, creating welcoming warmth after the cold of the stairwell. He shouted for Kathleen and made his way to the kitchen when there was no reply. Kathleen wasn’t there either, but there was a note. It said she’d gone round to Carrie’s and would be back soon. Yeah, right, he thought. She would be drinking, bitching and gossiping half the night. He had half a mind to go round and drag her home to cook him something decent, like a good wife ought to, but the thought of souring things with Carrie held him in check. Now that woman was a fine piece of ass, even if she was the wrong side of thirty. Her dumb-ass boyfriend had run out on her last year and since then Wayne had gone out of his way to be neighbourly, considering it his Christian duty. She was thick as pig shit, mind you, but it wasn’t conversation he had in mind. Anyhow, he wouldn’t have to listen to her hillbilly gibbering while she was sucking his dick.

The frozen food stared sadly up at Wayne and any last doubt he’d harboured evaporated as he cracked open a fresh beer and shoved the plastic tray in the microwave. He would see about getting a gun next week and then it would be goodnight Kathleen. No more than the bitch deserved!

‘That’s a beautiful ring, if you don’t mind me saying so. The stone is such a deep shade of yellow. What is it?’

Kathleen smiled as she stretched out her hand and said, ‘It’s a diamond. I got it from my husband. You might say it’s a family heirloom.’

Her new companion tilted drunkenly on her barstool as she leaned closer. ‘Gee, that’s some size of rock. I guess he must really love you?’

‘I suppose he did in his way, though he was always something of a diamond in the rough.’ Seeing the woman’s blank expression she continued, ‘He passed away last year.’ She gave a little sniff and wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. ‘It was just terrible. The coroner said it was carbon monoxide poisoning. I tried to get the super to look at the fire but he was always too busy, the fat jerk! I was round at a girlfriend’s one night and Wayne fell asleep in the living room and…Well, he never woke up.’

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bio:

Raised and educated in what he describes as a town of narrow streets and even narrower minds, Leon Steelgrave was afforded plenty of opportunity to hone his acerbic wit. If he never looked back, he certainly spent a lot of time looking inward, a practice that has stood him in good stead, not least in his writing career.

White Vampyre, his first work of fiction, was originally published as a Print On Demand paperback by Booklocker.com in the USA in 2003. Out of print for a number of years, he recently issued a revised version via Kindle Direct Publishing. Two sequels are currently in preparation along with a police procedural, A Pauper’s Shroud, and a collection of early short stories.

http://www.leon-steelgrave.com

http://leonsteelgrave/blogspot.com

Off The Record - Huge Competition!

2012-01-03T22:05:00.000Z

A huge competition is happening right now...head on over to the sister site of here, and enter!

http://www.guiltyconsciencepublishing.com/2012/01/off-record-huge-competition.html

The End of 2011...

2011-12-31T18:34:00.001Z

It's the obligatory end of year blog post here...better than an obligatory Hendrix perm (shiny penny to the first person who gets that reference), but I'm going to try and do something a bit different.

As is the norm for me, I'm going to talk about other people more than myself. So, first I'm sharing my highlights of 2011.

Starting up Guilty Conscience:

One Saturday morning back in June this year, I registered this site with Blogger. I'd been lurking around the place, looking at other blogs etc. for a while. Then in May, I went to an event in the local Waterstones in Liverpool One, and met Steve Mosby (spoke for 3 minutes, signed my books, but there was a queue...didn't get chance to ask if he has tattoo's in secret places) and Charlie Williams (great guy, and the reason I started writing later on). It gave me a sense of what writers were like in the flesh...intelligent, pasty looking creatures, who you instantly want to buy a drink. I decided I wanted in. So, I decided to set up a review site, posting reviews of lesser known authors, kicking off with Charlie's first Royston Blake story.

In six months, Guilty Conscience has gone from strength to strength. Over 20,000 page views (a number which still makes me giddy), I've interviewed Linwood Barclay, Steve Mosby, Neil White, Sean Cregan, Paul Johnston, Matt Hilton, Sheila Quigley, Helen FitzGerald, Chris Ewan, and so many more. And virtually met so many good people, who welcomed me into this lovely community.

Discovering new authors:

This year has been all about newness for me. Brand new writers I've discovered and really enjoyed. Just a few names...Nick Quantrill, Howard Linskey, Helen FitzGerald, Vincent Holland-Keen, Charlie Wade, Julie Morrigan, Les Edgerton, Ray Banks, Allan Guthrie, Anthony Neil Smith, Ben Cheetham, Simon Logan, Heath Lowrance, Ian Ayris, I could go on and on. Starting up a site such as this, means you get to read a wide selection of books for review, something an avid reader such as me really digs a lot.

Starting Out

I've told the story a few times, about the conversation with a writer which turned me onto the idea of not just reading the stories, but creating them as well. (you can read it here...http://www.inspirationforum.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=1827 if you so wish). Back in August, I got an email which I'll treasure forever. It was from Col Bury telling me I'd made the cut, and my story 'TIME' would be featured on the excellent Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers website. It was the second story I'd ever written, so it was an incredible boost.

After that, I carried on writing these short stories. Little snapshots of life and characters based in the city I love, Liverpool. Eventually I had ten of them, which Trestle Press published in two collections, 'Liverpool 5' and 'More Liverpool 5'. Now, I find myself writing a bloody novel. In six months, I've gone from never writing a word, to embarking on 100,000 of the buggers. Again, I feel giddy once more.

Off The Record

I'm writing these short stories, looking at all the excellent showcase websites around the place which feature shorts, talking to new writers every day, and reading short story collections. One day I'm reading 'Pulp Ink', an incredible collection put together by Chris Rhatigan and Nigel Bird. And it starts me thinking...

What if I could get around 30 writers to contribute a story for charity...and ask every one I've been in contact with in the last few months.

It worked. They all said yes. Neil White, who has sold an incredible amount of books this year, agreed. Steve Mosby, Ray Banks, Nick Quantrill, Les Edgerton, Col Bury, Helen FitzGerald, Simon Logan, Ian Ayris, Julie Morrigan...the list went on and on. All saying yes.

Ended up with 38 stories, from the best British and American writers I could find. All came together to raise money for two children's literacy charities, with foreword's from Matt Hilton and Anthony Neil Smith as well.

It's out now. Buy it.

What To Look Forward To (or is it Too, I can never get that right...)

2011 has been an incredible year for books. One of the best I can remember, as the Ebook revolution produces some great work from self-published authors (and some truly terrible as well, but that's true in any walk of life!) means there's never been as much choice for a reader.

In 2012, I'm looking forward to/too...

The Dark Room by Steve Mosby

The Safe House by Chris Ewan - Ewan's first standalone thriller, very different to the Good Thief Guide's books...

The Duplicate by Helen FitzGerald

The Late Greats by Nick Quantrill

Abide With Me by Ian Ayris - I've had a sneak peek at this...it's going to be one of the best releases of 2012, believe me. Review is coming up in the next few days for that.

Anything Les Edgerton writes...

Anything Charlie Wade writes, even if it isn't The Bailout 2.

Darren Sant's next Longcroft creation.

And a bunch more short stories.

Also, finishing my own book, provisionally titled 'The Book Where Bad Stuff Happens Based On Unethical Psychological Experiments'...although that title might need work.

Thanks for a great 2011 everyone. I appreciate all your support, and welcome. Here's to a fantastic 2012.

Christmas Short Story Week - Charlie Wade

2011-12-24T18:29:00.000Z

And now, our last Christmas short story on Guilty Conscience, and it's only Charlie Wade! Wade has got better and better recently, seeing his full length novel 'The Bailout' hit my Top 20 novels of 2011. An excellent writer, it's an honour and a privilege to host his Christmas themed Short Story. Enjoy...

Ho ho haaaargh...

The map was wrong.

Either that or it was upside down. Kelsey rotated it again. No, still not right.

She sighed.

Come to the Christmas Eve party, they’d said. It’ll be a laugh. Maybe it would but she had to find the frigging place first. Just a hand-drawn map, that’s all they’d given her. Two black lines intersected next to a tree or an upside down ice cream cone. Not enough to go on.

She drove back down the lane. Bendy, tree-lined and dark as hell’s underpants. Leaning over, she turned up the CD player. This place was quiet, far too quiet. The car had gotten cold too. Suddenly very cold. She fiddled with the heater button, her eyes off the road.

A crunch, the car shook. She looked up. A red, long coat heading towards the windscreen. An old man’s face, bushy white beard, eyes frozen in terror. She winced as the face hit the screen. Her foot slammed the brake pedal as she heard herself scream.

She stayed there, gripping the steering wheel for what felt like hours but was only a minute. She stared at the unmoving face spread into the cracked windscreen. Mouth open, eyes closed. Nose bent and bleeding. Forehead embedded with glass.

Slowly she felt herself thaw. The engine was still running. Gearstick in neutral. Had she done that? She couldn’t remember. The urge to run was immense. Run all the way home, lie under the covers and pretend this hadn’t happened.

But she couldn’t. She had to do something. She had to help.

After all, she had just run over Father Fucking Christmas.

***

His arms were lifeless yet warm. She didn’t know why she was trying to drag him off the bonnet, it’s not as if she could carry on driving. Just doing something, anything was important. The bloke was huge, too. As a kid she’d always imagined the bulk being pillows or cushions, but it was real stomach.

She shook her head. Father Christmas didn’t exist. This was just some fatty dressed up, he’d be delivering presents to the kids in nearby houses.

Hands on her hips, she looked round. Empty, deserted road. Just trees and tarmac. No houses for miles. The last farm she could remember seeing was half an hour ago.

Who the fuck was he? What was he doing here, on his own?

She leant against the car. Her hands were shaking. Shock, that’s what it was. She needed a brandy or whatever. Fuck brandy, alcopops would do. Just anything to calm her down. She looked at the bottle of wine on the passenger seat. Present for the party. Maybe she’d have a sip? That might help. It might clear her head. Reaching through the door, she paused.

No.

The police. Shit. She needed to call them. They’d probably breathalyse her. She couldn’t drink alcohol. Maybe she should ring the police now? If she took too long they’d suspect it wasn’t an accident.

She pulled out her phone, hands still shaking. It wasn’t an accident though. She hadn’t been looking at the road, had she? Shit. She was going down for this. She’d seen Prisoner Cell Block H too, she knew what they did to pretty girls inside. She’d become some fat con’s bitch.

His groaning more than surprised her. Her heart raced as she looked at the bonnet. Father Christmas was moving. He was alive. His face turned round to his left, eyes bloodshot. Blood bubbled from his mouth.

Her hands shook again. She felt her mouth open wider than she thought possible.

“Are you okay?” As the words left her mouth she knew they sounded stupid. Of course he wasn’t okay. She’d just fucking run him over.

His arm moved, twisted round towards her but it was bent in the wrong place. Two elbows. The bottom half of the arm waggled like a fish on a hook.

“No,” he gurgled. Blood left his mouth, splattering the bonnet.

“Shall I call an ambulance?”

“No.”

He moved again, made eye contact. She took a step back. Shivers tickled the spray tanned hairs on her back. He seemed to be recovering quickly, maybe too quickly. His face, still battered, bruised and bloodied had some colour back. Rosy red cheeks, just like in the pictures.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice harsh and croaky. “Had too much sherry at Mrs Faughtons. Think I fell out of the sledge.”

She found herself nodding. He had to be in shock. Delirious even. He seemed to think he was actually the big man himself.

“Just stay where you are and I’ll ring for help.” She tried to press nine on her phone but kept missing.

“No. Please don’t. I can’t let anyone see me.” He slid round on his stomach toward her. The arm was still dangling and his left leg was scratched, his red trousers torn from the busted headlight.

“Okay, this is getting too weird. Are you... No.” She shook her head. This wasn’t happening. Maybe she’d hit a tree and was in a coma herself or something. Whatever, this was not happening.

He nodded. “I am. Can you help me down.”

She walked forward and pushed out her hand towards him. Touching his shoulder, she knew he was real. Warm and squishy flesh. As he shuffled towards the edge of the bonnet, she took his arm and supported him. Stood on his good leg, he breathed hard.

“You seen my sledge?”

She shook her head. Delirious, he had to be. Going along with it was probably the right thing to do. Like a sleepwalker, she supposed.

His whistle made her shudder. Loud, far too loud for someone who a minute ago looked dead. The return call from the other side of the trees was just as loud, but more nasal. Animal even. Like a giraffe or cow.

Or a reindeer?

“Over there.” He tried to point through the trees but his floppy arm just flapped everywhere. She supported him as he walked. Her mum had warned her about strangers at night. Shit, everyone warned you not to go in the woods with men you’d just run over, but this seemed different. She didn’t know why, it just did.

Through the trees she stopped. Mouth open again. Amazed at the sight. A sledge in the middle of the field. Nine tethered, and quite pissed off looking reindeer’s attached to the front. The sledge red with two bulging sacks on the back.

“Wha?”

“Suppose it must be odd. Look, can I ask a favour?”

She nodded as they walked towards the sledge.

“You couldn’t help me deliver these could you? I don’t think my arm’s up to it.”

She didn’t know what to say. The sledge was warm to the touch despite the cold night. The reindeers were still sneering down their bright noses as she looked inside one of the sacks.

She sucked in air. The inside of the sack was huge, much bigger than the outside. Like an optical illusion. Thousands of presents impossibly crammed in. She picked one out, looked at the label - To Little Johhny Briggs, The Orphanage, London.

“Will you help me,” he asked again.

“Yeah.” She nodded. “I’ll help.”

Well, the party wouldn’t be that good, would it?

***

Hope you all have a great Christmas/Holiday/etc. whatever you may do!

Christmas Short Story Week - Graham Smith

2011-12-24T18:24:00.000Z

Ooo, a Christmas bonus. I said earlier there would be two stories for Christmas Eve, well, I lied by accident. First up, Graham Smith, author of the short story collection '11 The Hard Way'.

A Christmas themed short story from Graham Smith...

The Whine Cellar

I awoke in the small hours of the morning. Firm hands dragged me from a warm bed onto the floor. My nightie hung loosely around my emaciated body. My captors cared not for my comfort. Nor did they hear my protests. My pleas fell on unhearing ears.
I tried biting the fingers which held my arms but couldn’t reach. Instead I wailed and thrashed, screaming obscenities as my parents dragged me downstairs and threw me into the cellar.

It was two days before Christmas and my bloody bastard parents did this to me. I hadn’t seen them since September when they’d come to see me at Uni.

Five hours banging on the door pleading for release, making promises I had no intention of keeping went unanswered if not ignored. I knew this would be tearing them up as much as it was me. Deep down I knew they were really doing me a favour. Didn’t fucking feel like it though.

God I needed a fix. Just one sweet drop of Afghanistan’s only worthwhile export.

Going down the stairs for the first time since my incarceration I saw a mattress on the floor, a bucket labelled toilet and a collection of water bottles and dried foods. It was then I realised, that like it or not I was having cold turkey this Christmas.

© Graham Smith 2011

Christmas Short Story Week - Darren Sant

2011-12-24T17:05:00.000Z

The first of a Christmas Eve double header of short stories now. First up, Darren Sant. The rise of Ebooks has produced some stunning short story collections this year, and Sant is one of the excellent authors who has produced great work. The Longcroft Estate stories are a great creation, and a must read. Here he is with a Christmas themed tale...

A Longcroft Christmas Tale: A Wrong Turn

“Turn Left, turn left.”

“I can’t fucking turn left you stupid bitch this is a dead end.”

“Take the next left and enter the motorway.”

“What? I’m in a fucking housing estate!” Keith swore a bit more and hurled abuse but the sat nav refused to bite.

“Perform a U turn when possible.”

Keith wound down the window and grabbed the sat nav unit then counted to ten before he really lost his temper he’d been a gnats whisker away from throwing it out of the window. He swore once more and started to reverse out of the little street the twat nav had directed him down. Suddenly the wheel of the truck became heavy and Keith had that sinking feeling. He switched off the engine and leapt down from the cab. Wandering to the back of the trailer he saw a large plank of wood dotted with six inch nails sticking out of two sets of wheels.

“Damn it.” He cursed, as the hiss of two tyres deflating was clearly audible in the still December night. A job for breakdown recovery. Grabbing his mobile Keith saw with dismay that the battery icon was flashing. He leaped back into the cab and retrieved the number for the breakdown recovery team. As he dialled the phone flashed off its battery discharged. Keith’s choice of language briefly turned the air blue and any passing dockers would have been proud of the inventive language he had come up with. He jumped down from his cab, locked it, and trudged off to find a phone. Keith glanced at his watch and the glowing display informed him that it was 9pm on the twenty third of December. There was already a smattering of snow and all the signs suggested that it would be a white Christmas. As he trudged the snow started up again and Keith swore once more for good measure and pulled his coat tightly around himself. As he walked a battered sign emerged from the darkness. It said:

Welcome To The Longcroft Estate Please Drive Carefully.

The sign was covered with graffiti and dangling at an odd angle as someone had obviously crashed into one of the two posts holding it up. It now hung forlornly from a single fastening. Keith trudged on. The trailer to his truck bore the legend: Komet – We LOVE Electricals.

* * *

The snow came down like the perfect tears from a host of angels. On the Longcroft Estate what was once drab and dirty became white and clean over. A drunk on a park bench sleeping off the excesses of the day slowly, but surely became a snowman.

Outside a chip shop called The Plaice To Be a mangy half-starved dog snuffled around on the ground for any titbits that might have been dropped. A disappointed punter came out of the bookies and threw a crumpled piece of paper to the floor. His day became even worse as he slipped on the snow landing on his arse.

Little children threw snowballs good naturedly at one another. However, after a few minutes allegiances and rivalries were formed and a pitched battle for supremacy made it a battle to the death as each of the proud warriors vowed vengeance.

Five lads in there late teens came out of the Rampant Horse pub. One of the lads was pushed over and with cries of “white death” the other four proceeded to kick snow over the unlucky lad.

* * *

Elvis Cullen couldn’t sleep. It would be Christmas soon and his mind raced at the thought of Santa and his reindeer. He heard the shrill chime of the house phone. He slipped out of bed and listened at his bedroom door to see what gossip he could pick up. In the hallway below he heard his Granddad Shane whispering in excited tones. Shortly afterward the front door slammed as his granddad left the house in a hurry on a secret mission not for the ears of a little boy.

* * *

Graham “Stavros” Warner shaved off some kebab meat from the rotating skewer and quickly scooped it into the stainless steel container beneath it before replacing the lid which gave a little clang. He topped up the bottle of chili sauce he kept behind the counter and topped up the salad supplies with more limp brown shredded lettuce. He heard the bell over the door ring and he turned to face the punter. As his mouth opened in shock the roll up dropped from between his lips and landed in the salad container. His brown eyes widened and he gasped in surprise and shock…

* * *

Over on Bradley Gardens Tracy had let Tom stop up later than usual. He was off school and it was nearly Christmas after all. They sat watching the version of Scrooge with Patrick Stewart in. The best Scrooge film in Tracy’s opinion. Tom preferred Scrooged with Bill Murray. A close second for Tom was A Muppet Christmas Carol but he felt it best to keep that to himself. Tracy’s mobile suddenly bleeped. She read the text and smiled. Then her attractive features spread into a wide grin. She quickly grabbed her purse and then her coat.

“Tom will you be ok if I just pop out for an hour on an…erm… errand?”

“Yes Mum of course. I’m not a baby.”

“I know love. Be in bed when I get in there’s a good lad.”

“YES Mum.”

Tracy smiled again, ruffled his hair and rushed out of the house.

* * *

Kev surveyed his handy work. Jones the butcher would not be a happy bunny tomorrow. His brand new door shutter now bore the legend Meat Is MURDER in large red letters. Kev had just discovered the Smiths and he felt it was his duty. He grinned to himself. With a banging techno thump his phone burst into life with an indistinguishable bassy racket. An onlooker that could only hear Kev’s half of the conversation would have heard:

“Yo.”

Pause.

“What?”

Pause.

“WHAT?”

Pause.

“Are you sure? Now? On my fucking way sunshine!”

* * *

In the rear car park of the Rampant Horse a queue was forming. Steve and Ben were doing a brisk trade from the back of their transit van which was stuffed to the gills with goodies. They also had a small garage full of it.

“Roll up folks get your last minute Chrimbo bargains.” Yelled Steve giving it his very best patter. Folks laughed and chatted as they handed over cash for their bargain goods. Some were wearing only dressing gowns. Shane Cullen was laughing and holding court as he queued with his friends and neighbours.

* * *

Paddy stared in disbelief.

“You’re off your fucking rocker you are mate.”

Alan shook his head, “Au contraire my jaded friend. You are a cynical bastard who won’t give folks a chance.”

“So in with your whole TWO MONTHS walking the beat on the Longcroft Estate you are you saying you

believe that they are a nice bunch of people? This is your considered opinion is it?”

“Ye-“ began Alan.

He was prematurely silenced by a small block of ice hitting him in the face. Scampering feet were heard in the darkness and a lone high pitched voice yelled, “PIGS!”

“The little-“

“Now now Alan. Nice people remember. Intrinsically good you said earlier?”

Alan swore and wiped his face. He pushed his glasses up on his face. One lens now hung lower than the other. Paddy simply grinned.

“Aye, aye. What’s this?” Paddy pointed down the road at the commotion on the car park of the Rampant Horse. Let’s go take a look see.”

Some people believe in ESP. Some people believe in telepathy. The folk of the Longcroft were only built with one the special power, the ability to know when the pigs were around. Like water on a hot pavement they evaporated into the night,

* * *

Keith swore as he felt the snow seeping in through a hole in his shoes. His teeth were chattering. He vowed never again to come to this god forsaken place in the very armpit of hell. A whole hour it had taken him to find a payphone that worked. No bugger would open the door for him to use their house phone. Three separate groups of bratts had pelted him with snowballs. At least he could crank up the trucks heater and finally get warm. Fucking Longcroft Estate what a shit hole. As he approached the truck he saw with dismay that the rear doors were open. As he got closer he saw several sets of tyre tracks in the snow. He shook his head and hoped that what he was seeing wasn’t right. Where several pallets of electrical goods had been was empty space. To make matters worse some wag had spray painted Merry Longcroft Christmas on the inside of the truck. He sighed deeply and with resignation, turned around and plodded off to report it.

* * *

On a hill overlooking the Longcroft Estate a fat man in a red suit looked thoughtfully down upon the snow covered houses and businesses below. He took a final bite of his kebab and after much chewing wiped chilly sauce from his long white beard and dropped the Kebab King wrapper onto the ground nearby. He felt something dig into his leg and frowning reaching into the pocket and withdrew a long nail. With a brief chuckle he threw it over his shoulder.

“Santa works in mysterious ways.”

He laughed at his own joke as he leaped onto a custom snowmobile and roared off into the sky.

***

Find out more about Darren Sant at his website http://darrensant-writer.yolasite.com/

Christmas Short Story Week - Julie Morrigan

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000Z

Only 3 sleeps!! Bought wrapping paper earlier. I always buy too much, because I don't understand the whole '6 metres' or '2 metres' thing. How far does 2 metres go really? So, I buy 40 metres of the stuff, and hope for the best. Just means every birthday present I buy in the next year, comes wrapped in Xmas paper.

Anyway, first up today is Julie Morrigan. Apart from releasing two superb novels this year, and two short story collections, Julie is a fantastic woman to know. Always willing to lend an ear or two, she's been a massive support to me these last few months, something I really appreciate. So, thank you Julie! Here's her Christmas themed short story, and it's a belter...

Cold, Cold Christmas

Julie Morrigan

Jesus Christ, I fucking hate this time of year. Fake cheer and insincere good wishes, celebrations with people you work with and can just about tolerate provided you’re being paid to be in their company, relatives you see once a year and have to pretend you give a damn about.

It’s all for the children, they say, it’s not the same once they’ve grown up. Or it reminds us of the miracle of the baby Jesus. It’s about family, friends, goodwill to all men, peace, thanksgiving and the poxy Queen’s poncey fucking speech.

It isn’t, though. Do you know what Christmas is all about? Money. That’s all. Money. And God help you if you haven’t got any.

You just need to look at the adverts: big houses, warm and bright, twinkly lights wrapped around huge trees with presents piled high beneath them, well-dressed rosy-cheeked children hardly able to wait until Christmas morning to open them, tables groaning under the weight of the food, granddad napping in the armchair, a full belly making him sleepy, and, glimpsed through the window, snow gently falling to make the day perfect.

Christmas isn’t for the kids. Christmas is for the rich. And I won’t ever be one of those.

Last year I had a wife and a baby son. Mary was the old fashioned type: it was my job to bring home the bacon and hers to cook it. She went part-time when we got married. She packed in work when she had Daniel. We lived in a little house. It might not have been paradise, exactly, but on a good day it could have shared a border with it.

I was cycling to work one morning last June when a fuckwit who was speeding and texting ran me off the road. I was lucky in that my injuries were neither fatal nor even life-threatening, and unlucky in that I didn’t get his car registration and the guy didn’t stop. Probably didn’t even know he’d done it, never tore his eyes away from the screen on his phone. Then my contract came up for renewal and my employer let me go. I couldn’t blame them: who could afford to pay someone not to work in this recession?

In July, I got a dozen horizontal pins put in my right leg. In September, they took them out and replaced them with a couple of vertical ones. Money was tight. Mary did her best, but while she wasn’t what you’d call extravagant, she didn’t really know how to cut back. By the time October came around, she would turn the heating on and I’d follow along behind and turn it off again. She complained she was cold, I told her to put on a jumper. She said the baby needed to be kept warm, I told her to wrap him up. At the end of November she left me for a man called Michael who had his own business and wasn’t afraid of his heating bills. Took the baby. Took the last of the savings. Took my pride, my hope, my future.

Christmas was a bloody miserable affair. I didn’t see a soul.

By February, I was back on my feet and I landed a job at a call centre. God-awful work, but I needed the money. I got the bus there and back and spent most of the day sitting down, and my dodgy leg continued to heal.

I got to see Daniel every other weekend, which wasn’t enough; but I wasn’t in charge when it came to my son, so I had to settle for what I could get.

I picked him up at Michael’s house, mock-Tudor, detached, double garage. I had to admit, Mary looked a million dollars. Designer clothes, regular trips to the gym and the beauty parlour. And the boy had everything he could have asked for. More than I could have given him if I hadn’t had my accident and we’d kept on going as we were. I felt inadequate. I felt relieved. On a bad day, I even felt grateful.

Then one afternoon I was limping back up the road after dropping Daniel off and I saw him, the bastard who’d knocked me off my bike. I watched him drive down the road, speeding and texting, adrenaline coursing through my system as he pulled into the driveway of the house I had just left.

I went back there as fast I could manage and banged on the door. When he answered, phone in hand, red mist distorted my vision.

‘You fucking bastard,’ I yelled. I pointed to my leg. ‘Look what you did to me, you—’

My voice was silenced when he grabbed me by the throat. Apparently Mary wasn’t the only one spending time at the gym.

‘I don’t know who you are, but if you don’t leave right now, I’ll rip your fucking head off,’ he said.

Around the same time, Mary appeared behind him. ‘Let go of him,’ she said to Michael, clutching at his arm. ‘Put him down, that’s Daniel’s dad.’

‘What?’ he said. He looked at her then he looked at me, then he loosened his grip. I sucked in lungfuls of air.

‘How could you?’ I asked Mary. ‘How could you?’

‘What do you mean?’ she asked.

‘That’s the fucker that ran me off the road,’ I told her. I looked at him. ‘I’m telling the police. You’ll go to prison for what you did.’

‘You’re pathetic,’ he said. Inside the house, Daniel started to cry. ‘Go on in, love, see to the baby,’ he said to Mary. ‘There’ll be no more trouble.’ When she’d gone, he pointed to me with his phone. ‘You can prove fuck all,’ he said, ‘so fuck off back to your hovel and leave decent people in peace.’ Then he slammed the door in my face.

And he was right. It was my word against his, I had no proof.

I brooded for weeks, no idea what to do. He’d ruined my life and he was going to get away with it. I had absolutely no comeback. Unless …

I ordered a bike out of a catalogue, paid for it weekly, started cycling again. It was hard at first, getting my strength and stamina back, getting my leg to work like it should, but slowly, little by little, it got easier.

Everywhere I went I watched for him, but didn’t see him.

In the end, he found me. I was cycling home from work and he pulled up alongside me at a traffic light. I looked over in disbelief, but he didn’t look back; he was too busy texting.

Just before the lights changed, I pulled away and turned the handlebars ever so slightly. Sure enough, as soon as they hit green he floored the accelerator and raced forward, one eye still on his phone, and clipped my bike. I flew through the air, terrified, the voice inside my head screaming what the fuck were you thinking?

Six weeks later I got out of hospital and went home. It was getting chilly, but I could afford to put the heating on. I got back to work, travelling on the bus, another bike ruined. Then it was Christmas.

Home alone on Christmas Eve, I was disturbed by a knock at the door. I opened it to see Mary, clutching Daniel. ‘Can we come in?’ she asked. I nodded and stood back, gave her room. As I shut the door I noticed a neat little hatchback parked at the kerb.

‘What’s up?’ I asked her, as she perched on the edge of the settee. She put Daniel down and he toddled over to me and held his arms out. I picked him up and hugged him, turned away from Mary so she couldn’t see the tears in my eyes.

‘It’s Michael,’ she said.

‘What about him?’ I asked, lifting Daniel high above me while he showered me in chuckles and smiles.

‘He’s still locked up.’

I nodded. I knew. I’d been in court when he got done for dangerous driving, had given evidence against him. He had a long time to go yet before he made any decisions as a free man.

I flew Daniel through the air like a plane while he waggled his arms and giggled.

‘And his business has gone bust. The recession—’

‘What do you want from me, Mary?’

‘I’ve no money. Can I … can we come back?’

‘Is your stuff in the car?’

She nodded. ‘Some of it.’

Ten minutes later, it was all in the hall and she was starting to look pleased with herself. ‘You can pick your things up when you drop the rest of Daniel’s off,’ I told her, and the smile disappeared.

‘What?’

I repeated myself.

‘But I thought …? It’s Christmas, you can’t send us back to that cold house.’

‘There’s no room at the inn,’ I told her. ‘Not for you.’

‘But Daniel—’

‘Stays here with me. If the house is that cold, he’s not safe there.’ I opened the door, nodded to her to get out. Still looking like she didn’t believe me, she stepped outside. I think she thought I was just trying to teach her a lesson, right up until the door slammed in her face and the hall light was turned off. I heard her wailing on for a while, but eventually the car pulled away. I hoped she made the most of it: when my claim against her boyfriend got through the courts, she’d have to sell it and the house to pay me.

A little later I was sipping whisky and watching TV, the sound down low as Daniel was asleep on the settee. I looked at him and whispered, ‘Welcome home, son.’ Then I raised my glass in a toast to the world at large: ‘Merry Christmas,’ I said. ‘God bless us, every fucking one.’

***

You can find out more about Julie Morrigan at her excellent site www.juliemorrigan.co.uk

Christmas Short Story Week - Paul D Brazill

2011-12-21T15:26:00.000Z

On the second day of Christmas Short Story Week, Guilty Conscience gave to me...a Brazill nut that stings like a bee.

Up today, inimitable Paul D. Brazill. One of the finest short story writers around, Brazill is one of the top guys around. Recent releases include 13 Shots of Noir, Brit Grit, Brit Grit Too, and he also has stories in Pulp Ink, Off The Record, and The Lost Children.

Without further ado, here's Paul D. Brazill's Christmas themed story...

And May All You Christmases Be White by Paul D Brazill

‘They’re not your proper friends, John. They’re not your mate’s, mate,’ said Kenny Cokehead.

He paced up and down behind the bar, waving his arms around like a demented ninja throwing shuriken.

‘Them lot on that Facefuck and Twatter an’ that. On that computer an’ that.’

He jabbed a finger at John The Con’s iPad.

‘They’re not your proper mates. We’re your proper mates. Me and Browny and …’ Kenny stretched out a wobbly arm and gestured around Astros Bar ‘ this lot. They’re you muckers. Him with the syrup, Lip up Fatty, Scotch Barry and him with the lisp that’s good at the quiz machines. We’re your proper mates’

John the Con just ignored Kenny and continued to update his Facebook status.

And this was what was annoying Kenny. The fact that John The Con, who used to be in Astros Bar eight days out of seven, now spent most of his weekends at home ‘networking’. John had been a fair to middling fence, back in the day. But the introduction of social networking had helped him to start shifting a load of high class stuff and improve his market share. Apparently.

‘I mean, us lot, we’re like family. Remember that night when Hedgehog Eddie choked on a pickled onion? We were all there that night. Eh? And next day we had to get round to his flat and clean out his porn stash before his mam saw it? That’s mates! Eh? Eh?’

John took a gulp of 7UP, crunched the ice cubes between his teeth.

‘Eh? I’m right aren’t I? Eh?’ I am, eh, Browny?’

He stuck his sweaty face in front of mine.

I stopped decorating the Christmas tree, got on to a bar stool and opened a bag of pork scratchings.

‘You’ve certainly got a point, I’ll give you that,’ I said.

‘See, John? See? I’m right. You can’t argue you with me can you? Got no answer for it. Nowt to say, eh? Answer that?’

John put his iPad into his man bag. Stroked his Zapata moustache.

‘A wise man speaks because he has something to say,’ said John. ‘A stupid man speaks because he has to say something.’

Kenny looked at John. Squinted and turned to me.

‘Is he calling me a cunt?’

***

The Ice Cream van was rattling like an alcoholic in the first stages of withdrawal as it crept up Park Hill. Kenny’s voice was wobbling as he spoke.

‘That’s rotten … that is though. Where’s the justice, eh? I ask you? Where’s the justice,’ he said.

He closed his eyes and shook his head narrowly missing a couple of kids pushing a shopping trolley stuffed with Christmas trees.

‘Sign of the times,’ I said.

‘Ay but it’s sick,’ warbled Kenny.

We were easing the van to the top of the hill, where the posh houses were. Each one in a different style, making the area look like a Hollywood film set. One of them even looked more than somewhat like The Flintsone’s home, the owners having gone a bit over the top with the stone cladding.

‘Society today, Browny. Broken Britain is right,’ said Kenny as we pulled up outside a detached Mock- Tudor house, with a red Ferrari in the drive.

The cause of Kenny consternation today was a painting. The Red Silk Scarf. His dislike wasn’t artistic, however. The painting was pretty decent, as it happened. Depicting an old woman with a short red scarf tied tightly around her throat.

The problem was the artist. James Mowbry. Mowbry had been arrested six months before on suspicion of murdering two old ladies, maybe more. Including his mother, who had been missing for over six months. The murder weapon was a red silk scarf. But Mowbry got off on a technicality due to police fuck up and the usual shark like lawyers. And friends in high places, of course.

The painting had been used as evidence in the case but was given back to Mowbry when the case collapsed. And it had gained such notoriety that an art collector in the US was going to pay a fortune for it. The asling price on eBay was astronomical enough.

Kenny and I had other ideas, however. Hence our earlier meeting with John The Con.

***

John was looking at the front page of the Seatown Gazette and was, uncharacteristically, smiling. The newspaper’s headline read:

SUSPECTED MURDERER MISSING. CLOTHES FOUND ON BEACH.

James Mowbry, 55, a bachelor, who lived alone with his mother until her mysterious disappearance earlier this year, has apparently commit suicide by drowning. Mowbry was arrested on suspicion off…’

I stopped reading and turned toward the small stage in the corner of the room. Old Bobby, eighty if he was a day, was belting out Slade on the karaoke machine and doing a bloody good job of it, despite his recent tracheotomy.

The music stopped as Kenny pushed a squeaking, rusty, wheelbarrow into the room.

‘Welcome to Astros Xmas do. Today we have a special gift for all the pensioners; a joint of pork for your Boxing day scran,’ said Kenny, taking out a badly wrapped piece of meat. Blood wept through the Christmas wrapping paper.

There was a cheer from the cast of Cocoon playing cribbage at a table in the corner and they shuffled off their seats.

‘Got any lamb? ’ said Bobby, electronically.

‘Only pork, I’m afraid,’ said Kenny.

Bobby shrugged and took the meat from Kenny. Within seconds the over sixties descended on the wheelbarrow like Gremlins.

‘Always nice to put something back into the community, eh?’ said Kenny.

John The Con grinned, picked up his parcel and headed out of the door with a half-hearted wave.

‘Nice little earner, that,’ said Kenny, putting the brown envelope that John The Con had given him into his jacket pocket.

‘Aye, not bad at all,’ I said, stuffing my share into my wallet.

‘Pass us the car keys, then,’ said Kenny.

I handed him the keys to the Ferrari.

‘Doing some Christmas shopping then?’ I said.

I knocked back my Cognac and felt as warm and glowing as a Chernobyl chippy.

‘Oh, yes,’ said Kenny. ‘It’s deffo going to be white Christmas, this year. Deffo.

The end.

©Paul D Brazill 2011

Christmas Short Story Week - Nick Quantrill

2011-12-20T16:30:00.000Z

Five sleeps until Christmas, hope you all have most of your shopping done now. I haven't. I'll go to a garage or something on Christmas Eve, that'll do. Anyway, for the next five days, some of the best British writers around have written special Christmas themed stories. Each day a new one will be posted. First up, it's an absolute honour and a privilege to have the chance to share one of my favourite writers of 2011, Nick Quantrill.

This guy is going to be huge, and not just because he's bought sixteen boxes of Quality Street for himself this Christmas. An incredible talent, from Hull of all places, I'm delighted to introduce Mr Nick Quantrill...

“Last Christmas” by Nick Quantrill

He was Father Christmas. Or at least he was between the hours of ten and four in the Shopping Centre. The suit stank of stale sweat and not all of it was his. It hadn’t been washed since last year. It was simply bundled up and thrown in the cleaning supplies cupboard, forgotten about until next November.

The Shopping Centre was full of value shops and empty units. The makeshift grotto stood in the middle, next to the Information Point. Like the Centre itself, it was all about value. £2.50 per child bought a swift conversation about the presents they wanted, an optional photograph and a cheap plastic toy on the way out. But it was a job.

‘Don’t forget to smile’ the Centre Manager would say every time he swept past. ‘Make it magical for them.’

It was difficult when you were stuck next to Greggs and Poundland, though.

He’d had a proper job before this. Twenty years making caravans. It had been steady work and there had always been demand. It had kept his wife happy, but the recession had finished it. The company had a full order book, but the bank wouldn’t extend the overdraft. He didn’t know much about how business worked, but turning away jobs had to be madness.

‘It pains us to let you go’ they’d said, holding out a letter, a P45 and a cheque which wouldn’t last more than a couple of months. After that it had been short-term joinery work, odd job man stuff, but nothing stuck. No work out there. Laid off every time. His wife, gone.

And that was when he’d seen the sign at the Information Point. “Father Christmas wanted.” It was two months paid work. Enough to pay off some debts and it would get him out of the empty house. Sometimes that’s all you need. The interview had gone well. The centre manager had been impressed with his twenty years service in the caravan industry.

‘We need someone who’s reliable’ he’d said. ‘Someone with a strong work ethic.’

The CRB check went through and he started work. It had gone well at first. There was a warm buzz from making the kids smile, even if their parents were often rude, complaining about the quality of the toys he gave out. When their kids were out of earshot, he’d tell them to take it up with the Centre Manager. It was easier for them to tell him to fuck off.

It all changed when the girl made a complaint. Accused him of touching her up. It was nonsense. She was a teenager. He’d never seen her before. She was too old to be in the grotto. But the Centre Manager wouldn’t listen.

‘We’ve got to suspend you’ he’d said. ‘It’s company procedure.’

The girl retracted her allegation almost immediately, but the damage was done. Footfall through the grotto dropped. As desperate as they were to get rid of him, they couldn’t. He’d done nothing wrong.

Mud sticks, though, and people started to talk.

‘No smoke without fire’ they’d said.

‘He must have done something.’

‘If it wasn’t that girl, it must have another one.’

‘He lives alone. Must be a nonce.’

His windows were put through. People started to talk louder. People spat at him in the street. Nobody was using the grotto now. But they could do and say what they liked. A job was a job and nobody was going to stop him doing it. He walked to and from the Shopping Centre, head down, avoiding the other people.

The day finished like any other. The last hour dragging on and on. A small trickle of kids through the grotto. Parents eyes burning into him, insisting they go through with their kids. He had too much time to watch and listen to them. The music was a constant loop of Cliff, Slade, Band Aid and McCartney. People rushing about, weighed down with presents and rolls of wrapping paper.

He never changed out of his Father Christmas outfit for the short walk home. It made no difference. A group of teenagers followed him regardless.

‘Paedo’ they were saying, getting closer to him. Bumping into him as he walked. ‘Fucking dirty paedo.’

He ignored them.

‘Aren’t you listening to us, paedo?’ they said. ‘Not got anything to say to us, paedo?’

He wanted to say that they were wrong. That they knew they were wrong. Even just a fuck off would have done, futile though it would have been. He pushed open the gate at the top of his path and walked towards the door. Usually the teenagers would stand there and shout a few final insults. He fumbled for the front door key, not hearing the teenagers follow him, not feeling the thrust of the knife into his side, the red of his blood soaking into straight into his Father Christmas outfit. He fell to the floor and saw the card and a present placed neatly on the step. He’d blocked the letter box off, sick of dogshit being posted through it. He looked at the envelope. A child’s handwriting. It was addressed to Father Christmas. He smiled as the kicks rained down on him.

Find out more about Nick Quantrill at his website www.hullcrimefiction.co.uk

Broken Dreams, Nick's debut novel, is available on Amazon, and all good booksellers. 'The Late Greats', the second Joe Geraghty novel is released March 2012.

Come back tomorrow for some Brazill Nuts...

Darren Sant's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-18T21:50:00.000Z

Up next...Darren Sant. The author of the excellent Longcroft Estate series of stories, with other shorts appearing in Off The Record, Brit Grit Too, Radgepacket, and also co-writes the Severed series with Sam Lang. Sant is a terrific talent, and a name on the rise. On a personal note, he's been incredible with helping out with Off The Record, and I'm hugely thankful for his support. Here's his Top 5 of 2011...

2011 has been the year I have really taken to crime fiction. Prior to this year I read a broad and eclectic mix of books in which crime fiction was only about a fifth of the content. It’s fair to say that thanks to the talent around I have become hooked on the genre. 2011 is also a year when I discovered blogging and my own fiction writing has increased exponentially. I have found the crime writing community to be a warm and friendly place to be. If this list had been fifty I would still have missed out some great talents.

I’ve included some links to reviews of these books on my blog. My apologies to Luca, my intention is not to get traffic on my blog but to give you more detail on the books which deserve it.

Convictions by Julie Morrigan.

An entertaining police procedural that gripped me from the very first word to the very last. Julie's writing is always credible and believable. She is a natural story teller. Her prose flows beautifully. I am huge fan of her work.

A longer review for Convictions can be found on my blog:

http://santsrants.blogspot.com/2011/08/convictions-by-julie-morrigan.html

Smoke by Nigel Bird.
Having read Nigel’s short story collections Dirty Old Town and Beat On The Brat I was eagerly anticipating his novella Smoke. He did not disappoint. Nigel writes tales that feature dark deeds and darker characters. However, there is always a hope for redemption for them. Smoke is no exception. An exceptionally well told story with an uplifting conclusion.

A review of Smoke can be found on my blog:

http://santsrants.blogspot.com/2011/10/smoke-by-nigel-bird.html

Nowhere To Go by Iain Rowan

Iain is another writer who deserves success for his outstanding talent. For me mood and atmosphere are his strong points. The way he weaves them into all of his short stories is nothing short of captivating.

(Sorry Iain – I read your collection before I had the blog!)

Blood Guilt by Ben Cheetham

A former cop spends the entire book trying to atone for his sins. Cleverly written and a real page turner. Cheetham showed such narrative skill that I couldn't put this one down. What I liked about this book is that it didn't try to be something it was not. A very British thriller through and through.

A full review of Blood Guilt can be found on my blog:

http://santsrants.blogspot.com/2011/10/blood-guilt-by-ben-cheetham.html

Pulp Ink – An anthology edited by Nigel Bird and Chris Rhatigan and featuring: Allan Guthrie, Reed Farrel Coleman, Gary Phillips, Hilary Davidson, Matthew C. Funk, Paul D. Brazill, AJ Hayes, Michael J. Solender, Richard Godwin, Naomi Johnson, Jimmy Callaway, Sandra Seamans, Patti Abbott, Jodi MacArthur, David Cranmer, Chris F. Holm, Jason Duke, Eric Beetner, Ian Ayris, Kate Horsley, Matt Lavin, Jim Harrington.

I thought long and hard about whether to include this one or not as it was a multi-author anthology. However, I came to the conclusion that it would frankly be a crime to leave it out. It’s clear that Bird and Rhatigan worked very hard in compiling this and I can honestly say there is not a bad story on it.

A full review of Pulp Ink can be found on my blog:

http://santsrants.blogspot.com/2011/10/pulp-ink-anthology-edited-by-nigel-bird.html

Steve Mosby's Top 5 Novels of 2011

2011-12-18T20:12:00.001Z

Next up, it's that dude I never stop talking about. Steve Mosby. Look at him down there, menacing stare, tattoos...er...watch with a black strap...not a guy you want to mess with. I've heard he once punched Kris Akabusi for stealing the Awooga thing off him (Mosby having coined the term years before Akabusi), and once kicked a kitten for not asking for an autograph. He also writes the best damn crime novels, with just the right amount of horror, in the country. This guy is my favourite writer. And not just because Stephen King never returns my messages. Go read Black Flowers and you'll see why. But first, here's his Top 5 books of 2011...

My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece, Annabel Pitcher

This is the story of 10 year old Jamie, attempting to make sense of the murder of one of his sisters in a suicide bombing five years earlier. The first problem is that he barely remembers the girl, even though her death has ripped his family apart and her absence sometimes feels more important than his presence to his absent mother and bitter, alcoholic father. The second is that, upon moving to a new village, he becomes best friends with a Muslim girl, bonding over a shared love of superheroes and hatred of the school bullies. It provides a smart, innocent, child’s-eye view of prejudice alongside a lovely coming-of-age story. Beautifully-written and observed, laugh-aloud funny, cry-aloud sad, genuinely moving, and ultimately punch-the-air feel-good, this is easily my favourite novel of 2011.

The Lifecycle of Software Objects, Ted Chiang

A cheat, technically, as it was published earlier, but I read it this year (and you can too – it’s now free online). Chiang is one of my favourite writers: an expert practitioner of the short form with an infrequent but always spectacular output (most of his small number of published stories have won major awards). This novella is typically brilliant: an exploration of how a form of Artificial Intelligence might realistically emerge and the problems it would face negotiating the real world – and the moral problems it would raise for us as its ‘parents’. It’s a stunning, believable, and, most of all, very human story, which demands to be read.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Tom Franklin

Enough praise has been heaped on this wonderful novel that anything I have to say would probably be superfluous. It’s a neat, simple crime story – the tale of two men, one now a policeman, with a shared past full of gradually revealed secrets – but what impresses most is the dripping evocation of place, astute handling of racism, both historical and present, and Franklin’s astonishing prose. Practically every sentence here is a gem. It’s a novel to throw, hard, at the nearest literary snob who derides the crime genre. Just remember to pick it up again afterwards, because you’ll want to read this more than once.

Embassytown, China Mieville

Mieville turns his hand to hard-SF with predictably (perhaps even annoyingly) amazing results. But for all its furniture – the aliens that speak with two voices simultaneously and can’t lie; a neat new conception of interstellar travel; the fabulous creatures and ‘bio-rigged’ structures that people this strange world – and after all the memorable set-pieces and fascinating inventions are through, Embassytown ultimately lingers in the mind as an intriguing and intelligent novel about language itself.

The Islanders, Christopher Priest

The Dream Archipelago is familiar (if confounding) territory for Priest fans: a spread of countless, fantastical islands that have featured in many of his works but remain gloriously resistant to mapping. This novel, structured at first glance as a gazetteer of a selection of islands, is of little help – the mist only clearing long enough to catch a glimpse of the landscape. Recurring characters emerge slowly from the different sections, along with island-spanning story fragments of love, crime, horror and adventure. Priest’s fondness for twins, magic, puzzles, misdirection and even outright contradiction continually pulls the rug out – but in the best possible way. Don’t imagine reading a ‘Rough Guide’; imagine dreaming one instead. The Islanders is brilliant, baffling, compelling and totally unique, and I loved every word of it. Plus, it’ll have you checking your shoes the next time you put them on…

Find out more about Steve Mosby, at my brand new shrine, 'THE 50/50 TEMPLE OF POSSIBLY STILL BLEEDING BLACK FLOWERS - DON'T CRY FOR HELP', opening to the public in 2012. Failing that, go to his website here ---> www.theleftroom.co.uk

Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-18T18:53:00.002Z

First up today...Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson. The co-mastermind behind the incredible charity anthology 'The Lost Children', author of the excellent Kick It series, and all round good egg, Fiona 'McDroll' Johnson is a name we'll be hearing a lot of in 2012. Here's her Top 5 books of 2011...

I've read so many wonderful books this year and it was a very difficult job to just pick my top 5. I would love to include Gun by Ray Banks and Witness to Death by Dave White which are both fabulous, so I’m giving them a cheeky mention here.

So here’s my top five and if you haven’t already read them, please check them out!

Smoke - Nigel Bird

If you want to understand what is happening in contemporary society in Scotland then Bird is handing it to you here on a plate; kids who have been failed by the education system, poor housing, poor employment and raining opportunities, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug misuse and a criminal sub culture. Sounds bleak but for many youngsters growing up today, this is their reality and Bird moves into this world with such ease and makes these characters real instead of government statistics.

Beautiful Naked and Dead - Josh Stallings

Beautiful, Naked and Dead is the first novel by Josh Stallings. It is a rough, bleak yet heart warming tale of hopelessness, evil and love. Moses McGuire is a tough, tattooed and scarred bouncer at a downtown strip club in LA. He has done his time behind bars where he learned how to survive in the violent alcohol and drug fueled world that he now inhabits. Stallings exhorts us to remember that below our thin skins, we all share the same humanity; the same hopes and desires for love and acceptance. We are all trying to keep our own personal gun barrel from our mouth.

Out There Bad - Josh Stallings

To be handed such a volatile second novel where one wrong move will lead this ticking time-bomb to explode into a million razor sharp shards of violent energy in your hands, is more than I could ever have hoped for from the brilliant Josh Stallings. This is not a tale for the feint-hearted. There are some scenes of the most heartbreaking depravity as Stallings describes the life that the young girls in captivity are made to endure and he doesn't hold back as Moses is forced to face an evil that he will never recover from in his life; that will be there everyday as he looks into the mirror and sees his soul.

All the Young Warriors - Anthony Neil Smith

ALL THE YOUNG WARRIORS is one of the few books that I will read again, as there is so much more to gain than one reading can deliver. It's like a juicy orange that needs to be squeezed more than once, or a single malt that can be appreciated not just for its taste but for its aroma and the changing sensations on the palate. The story moves between Minnesota and Somalia and surely that should be enough to prick your interest. The two places are polar opposites and Smith certainly makes the most of this fact as the changes in temperature and scenery can be physically felt as you read; the icy cold and biting wind in a white landscape followed by the blinding heat of the sun and the dust in your mouth. Go read it - you must.

The End of Days - Douglas Lindsay

Great fun! The references to contemporary culture and lampooning of British political life are fired at you faster and harder than Andy Murray's tennis balls, laying bare the pomposity and corruption of Westminster. Like me you must back track and start at the beginning of the Barney Thompson series, the barber and you will not be disappointed with Lindsay’s first class writing.

Chris Rhatigan's Top 5 of 2011

2011-12-17T22:11:00.000Z

Chris Rhatigan joins me now. Chris is part of the two man team behind Pulp Ink, a fantastic collection of short stories. He's also an excellent writer and a man on the rise...here's his Top 5, all short story collections, a form which has produced some truly incredible work this year...

GONE BAD by Julie Morrigan

In 2011, Julie Morrigan released four books and made the rest of us look like a bunch of slackers. In this short story collection, she gets dark and gritty. At times hilarious, at times wrenching, and always moving at the speed of a cheetah on crank, this is a fun read.

BRIT GRIT by Paul D. Brazill

Short, razor-sharp tales are Brazill's trade and he slices and dices his way through this collection. Hard to pick a favorite from this one, but I loved "White Ink," a searing piece of flash about a women who lures dumb men to their deserving deaths.

NOWHERE TO GO by Iain Rowan

I had never read any Rowan before and this knocked me on my ass. He's just so good at bringing everyday people to life and at creating elegant, deceptively simple plots. One I really dug was "Chairman of the Bored," about a nihilistic kid willing to do whatever it takes to get a thrill.

DIRTY OLD TOWN by Nigel Bird

Bird's recent novella "Smoke" has gotten a lot of critical attention -- as well it should. But this collection is where I fell in love with his writing. This is dark crime fiction with very real characters and beautiful, lyrical language.

MONKEY JUSTICE by Patti Abbott

Finally, Patti Abbott has a book out. And it's got 24 stories. Twenty-four extremely well crafted stories about the strained relationships between real people and the crimes those people commit. She often accomplishes in three or four thousand words what other writers would take an entire book to do. She's that good.

Find out more about Chris Rhatigan at his excellent site http://death-by-killing.blogspot.com/

Thomas Pluck's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-17T21:17:00.001Z

Up next, Thomas Pluck. This dude is by far the most generous, passionate, helpful guy you'll ever know. And he's also an absolutely excellent writer to boot. The co-mastermind behind The Lost Children Charity Anthology, he joins us today to pick his Top 5...

My Top 5 crime novels of the year

I'm all about emotional impact. I appreciate a clever twist or a brilliant storyline but one of the enduring phrases from my youth is from Harvey with Jimmy Stewart and his pooka pal the invisible rabbit. "You can be oh so clever or oh so pleasant. For years I tried clever. I'd suggest pleasant." Meaning, it's good to be clever, but don't be cocky about it. These writers are clever, but they aren't about being clever. They pack a wallop with their stories and it's not there to shock, but to shake... to shake you out of jaded ordinary life and make you think, or heaven forfend, care.

So here are my five favorite reads of the year.

Out There Bad, by Josh Stallings

A strong new voice and a powerful character blasting onto the scene, Mo McGuire is a dark hero, a wounded warrior, who dares shove our face in the evil we tolerate every day. This is the second book by
Stallings and kicked my ass. He takes you on a hellride through L.A.'s human meat grinder and hunts it to its source with a two chilling and remorseless killers at his back. Moses is forced to acknowledge his own complicity as a strip club bouncer, and learns what it takes to stand up for those he cares about. L.A. has a new crime boss, it just doesn't know it yet: and his name is Stallings.

The End of Everything, by Megan Abbott

The most daring novel of the year, exposing the rotten heart of suburbia. This one's on a lot of end of the year best-of lists and I will smugly say I TOLD YOU SO. Back when I reviewed it this summer. Nya nya nya NYA nya. A profoundly disturbing look at the dangers young women face on the verge of womanhood, and a story that will defy your attempts to predict its outcome. When Lizzie's best friend is abducted, she begins her own investigation... starting with the secrets only best friends would share.

Choke Hold, by Christa Faust

It flies like classic pulp, it reads like truth and it hits you with a smart left hook that leaves you as stunned as a fighter wobbling through his first standing eight-count. There are no slick twists, only artfully written characters, broken down gladiators from the sex and violence trades who've battled for our entertainment. They are writ large but speak to a deeper truth. Angel always lands on her feet, but the fear level was the highest for me in this one. The axe is always ready to fall.

Crimes in Southern Indiana, by Frank Bill

A brutal emotional dispatch from the war zone in your backyard. The debut of the year, this is blood feud poetry. Desperate situations where beat-down people stand on the line between what they know is wrong and sheer survival in a hardscrabble emotionally jagged landscape. Staring into the abysmal latrine of humanity, it is easy to sink to nihilism, to embrace the banality of evil, but Frank Bill refuses to take the easy road. People beyond forgiveness seek mere understanding. Desires criss-cross and hurtle together like jalopies down a one lane dirt road. Anyone can write brutality. Giving it a dark but honest human heart takes guts and a keen sense of people, and this novel speaks volumes of messy truth.

A Drop of the Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block.

The grandmaster shows us how it's done, returning to a place in Matt Scudder's past where he was less experienced and more vulnerable. There is little action, but you can't tell from the tension level. No one writes New York like Mr. Block, and he explores new ground by taking us to Scudder's past. A crook in AA is killed when he begins asking forgiveness, and Matt needs to know why. With his usual bulldog tenacity he explores a rogue's gallery of human frailty while keeping a slippery grip on his own sobriety. I liked the story, the mystery of High Low Jack's murder and his shady past, but the characters are what keeps this book in my

mind.

Find out more about Thomas Pluck at his excellent site http://www.pluckyoutoo.com/

Victoria Watson's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-17T19:15:00.002Z

Victoria Watson burst onto the writing scene recently, releasing three short stories via Trestle Press, and garnering rave reviews for her work. I Should Have Seen It Coming, Keeping Quiet, and Inside are all available now. Here, Vic discusses her Top 5 books of 2011...

OK, so here goes (in no particular order)……

‘Long Gone’ by Alafair Burke

Alice, after being unemployed for months, gets her dream job working in an art gallery. However, things start going wrong when her boss is found dead and it looks like Alice is the prime suspect. A well thought-out thriller with believable characters and a storyline that resonates in our current financial crisis.

‘These Things Hidden’ by Heather Gudenkauf

A stunning portrayal of female relationships, Gudenkauf’s second novel makes the reader consider how far they would go to protect those they love. This novel combines strong narrative with gut-wrenching emotion, resulting in an unputdownable novel.

‘Rowan’s Folly’ by Darren Sant

This is the third instalment of Sant’s ‘Tales from the Longcroft Estate’ series and it is full of shady, well-constructed characters. This story sheds light on the darker side of Britain – the one we’d all prefer to pretend didn’t exist. It’s gritty and honest but also very witty.

‘Are We Nearly There Yet?’ by Ben Hatch

This true story of Hatch packing up his family to travel the UK while he writes a travel guide has everything you could possibly from a book. There is information although that is more to frame the stories he tells about his time on the road with his wife and two children. There are plenty of laughs but it is also a very poignant read. It’s a no-holds-barred account of marriage, parenting and life.

‘Bossypants’ by Tina Fey

Imagine how thrilled I was when my idol, Tina Fey, released a book. ‘Bossypants’ is the story of Ms Tina Fey and how she became one of the most successful women in the world of comedy. I loved her anecdotes about her famous encounters but I also loved her ‘normal life’ stories about her husband and daughter, as well as her musings on whether to have another baby. Her candidness and self-deprecating humour really hit the spot.

Find out more about Victoria Watson at her excellent site http://elementaryvwatson.wordpress.com/

Nigel Bird's Top 5 books of 2011

2011-12-16T22:46:00.000Z

Next up, we have Nigel Bird. A short story writer of much repute, his new novella SMOKE is garnering rave reviews, and has even been called 'Grim, but really good' by Ian bloody Rankin! Here, he picks his Top 5 novels of 2011...

My Top Five Novels Of The Year

The first and last both make it onto the list.

Katja From The Punk Band by Simon Logan.

A tremendous story of kiss chase as a couple attempt to leave for the mainland while the bad guys try to stop them. This never skips a beat. Every word takes the story forward and there’s no friction anywhere to slow it down. It’s told from a number of perspectives and works like a dream.

The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock

This is a book that transcends most fiction. It should be placed on a shelf (real or virtual) among the giants of American literature. It’s about as good as it gets.

The Cold Kiss by John Rector

This was a debut novel, not that you’d know from the way the story is told. A young couple bump into a hard-nosed guy in a diner and end up giving him a lift. It snows, the man dies and he happens to have a shit-load of money in his bags. What to do?

One Too Many Blows To The Head by Eric Beetner and JB Kohl

A book that’s full of the flavours of original hard-boiled fiction. Set in the boxing world, a fighter dies in the ring and his brother goes out to find justice. Problem is, justice isn’t so easy to find as it might be. Loved it.

The Bastard Hand by Heath Lowrance.

Preaching and killing have rarely been fused in such a wonderful way. Very classy work.

Find out more about Nigel Bird at his excellent site http://nigelpbird.blogspot.com/

And buy Smoke when you can (like now). All you'll hear is good things about it!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smoke-ebook/dp/B005UO9USY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324075576&sr=8-1

My Top 20 novels of 2011...Numbers 5 to 1

2011-12-16T21:55:00.001Z

And now, the end is near, and so I choose, my top 5 books of 2011.

Here they are...my Top 5 reads of 2011. Without the other 5. Over on www.crimefictionlover.com

Choosing the Top 20 was very difficult. It's been a fantastic year for fiction, excellent read after excellent read. I've discounted a couple as they aren't out until next year, so look out for Ian Ayris' 'Abide With Me' and 'The Late Greats' by Nick Quantrill on next years list!

Without further ado...

5.Convictions by Julie Morrigan

My first Julie Morrigan read of 2011, and my favourite of the bunch, Convictions is a superb crime novel. The fact this was self-published, says all you need to know about the quality of writing currently undiscovered by many out there. A fantastic entry into Morrigan's world.

4.Katja From The Punk Band by Simon Logan

Something very different to my normal reads, Katja is the best page turning novel of the year. Relentlessly paced, incredibly well written, and remarkable characterisation, this is one not to miss. Logan is extremely talented writer, currently working through his back catalogue, and there's not a bad one amongst the bunch. Start off with Katja though...you won't be disappointed!

3.The Razor Gate by Sean Cregan

Sean Cregan...how this dude isn't living in a palace made of royalty checks, I don't know. One of the most consistently excellent writers out there, Cregan is an incredible storyteller. The Razor Gate is a kind of follow up to The Levels, but this is another level. An excellent novel, this is one you'll read and read again.

2.The Office of Lost and Found by Vincent Holland-Keen

You want different...this is it. Part crime, mystery, fantasy, other stuff, this is a novel packed to the brim with unforgettable characters, and a plot which continually surprises right up to the end, The Office of Lost and Found should find its way onto every reader’s shelf at some point. I've described it twice this year as gloriously confusing, which pretty much sums up my thoughts on this. You're confused for about 95% of the novel, but revel in it. How Holland-Keen brings all the strands together at the end, is astounding. Not to be missed!

1.The Drop by Howard Linskey

Number One. Linskey. That hard drinking, hard living Geordie bloke who seems to be making his way onto a lot of lists this time of year. And so he should. With The Drop, Linskey has entered the crime genre with a bang. This is an astounding achievement of a début. It's funny in the right places and never pulls any punches in showing you the nastier, more violent side of the underworld. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. Linskey has a great future ahead of him. I can't wait to see where he goes next.

And there we have it. My Top 20 (without that other Top 5). For the full run down, see below.

Stay tuned for more writers top 5 picks, and a special week of Christmas themed short stories being featured.

20. The Accident by Linwood Barclay

19. Deadfolk by Charlie Williams

18. 11/22/63 by Stephen King

17. Hunted by Emlyn Rees

16. Choke Hold by Christa Faust

15. Blood Guilt by Ben Cheetham

14. Good As Dead by Mark Billingham

13. 8 Pounds by Chris F. Holm

12. Southern Gods by John Horner Jacobs

11. The Bailout by Charlie Wade

10. Pulp Ink edited by Nigel Bird & Chris Rhatigan

9. All The Young Warrirors by Anthony Neil Smith

8. Two Way Split by Allan Guthrie

7. The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

6. The Bitch by Les Edgerton

5. Convictions by Julie Morrigan

4. Katja From The Punk Band by Simon Logan

3. The Razor Gate by Sean Cregan

2. The Office of Lost and Found by Vincent Holland-Keen

1. The Drop by Howard Linskey

Julie Morrigan's Top 5 books of 2011

2011-12-16T21:17:00.000Z

Our first guest today, is the incredibly talented writer Julie Morrigan. Fresh from releasing GONE BAD, CONVICTIONS, THE WRITING ON THE WALL, and HEARTBREAKER, Julie now chooses her Top 5 novels of 2011...

It was extremely difficult to pick just five novels out of the huge selection that deserve recognition. There have been some fantastic debuts this year, as well as great new books from favourite writers. And the pace certainly isn’t slowing down: as well as several books that I’m either currently reading or that are teetering at the top of Mount TBR, I have a list of titles I’m keen to pick up. A list that seems to grow every time someone makes known their own top five. All of these are a mix of traditionally published, indie press and self-published books, and while there has arguably never been a better time to be a writer, I think it’s absolutely true that there has never been a better time for readers. Long may it continue!

The Drop — Howard Linskey

A cracking, layered gangster novel, The Drop is a fast-paced page-turner that rattles along at a fair old lick. Great fun.

Death by Sarcasm — Dani Amore

A brilliant cast of characters, sharp dialogue, biting wit, plenty of action … and revenge. What more could you want?

Broken Dreams - Nick Quantrill

A superb story, the characters (especially PI Joe Geraghty) believable and all too human, the many strands interwoven beautifully. A cracking debut, with the next in the series, ‘The Late Greats’ due next year.

Beautiful, Naked and Dead — Josh Stallings

Moses McGuire is battle-scarred, cynical, frequently drunk and suicidal. It’s a long, hard journey he takes us on. Buckle up and brace yourself: it’s one hell of a ride. (And while you’re checking ‘BN&D’ out, be sure to take a look at follow-up ‘Out There Bad’. You’ll thank me!)

Apostle Rising — Richard Godwin

Apostle Rising is a dark, disturbing debut, well researched, cleverly written, and with a twist at the end that caught me completely by surprise. I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.

Find out more about Julie Morrigan at her website www.juliemorrigan.co.uk

Eric Beetner's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-15T21:35:00.000Z

Now stepping up to name his Top 5 of 2011...Mr Eric Beetner. Look at him, reading away there. An excellent writer, Eric has just released the novella DIG TWO GRAVES. Started reading it today, and will probably have it finished by tomorrow, can't stop reading it! Anyway, here he talks about other writers, but buy his stuff first!

TOP FIVE OF 2011

an opinion by Eric Beetner

I read more in 2011 than I ever have, I think. It seems like I should have more to show for it. At the end of the year I have just shy of 50 books under my belt and yet, a daunting stack of books I desperately want to read awaits my attention. So the best books of 2011 may still be in that stack.

And picking five? Cruel, Luca. Simply cruel. I could easily put Christa Faust’s Choke Hold on here. A more fun and blazing fast read I doubt I had all year. And Megan Abbott’s The End of Everything was a delightful spin outside my usual hardboiled world and one of the flat-out best written books. Each sentence was a mini marvel.

My other problem is I am always playing catch-up so much of what I read is older. Some by a few years, some by more than 60. I try hard to alternate between current books and classics. This year I finally read Double Indemnity. It would rocket to the top of any list I made, but it seems unfair and obvious.

I caught up on my unread Allan Guthrie and I could also put Hard Man and Savage Night on this list. Add to that John Rector’s new one Already Gone and about a dozen others like Owen Laukkanen's upcoming The Professionals. I also read some crap too, but I try not to mention those. Not that if I didn’t mention something it means it is crap. It probably means I didn’t read it.

So fine, I chose five. Not easy but here goes:

5. Crime Factory: The First Shift

This was a great year for anthologies. I happen to have appeared in several I thought were quite excellent. (Pulp Ink, D*cked, Off The Record) but I am choosing one I am not in for both fairness and for the consistent high quality of the stories within. I like an eclectic collection and this one is all over the map in a good way. From Jed Ayres western-ish tale to Jimmy Callaway’s crime comedy to Greg Bardsley’s undefinable little beasty, this is a collection where the overriding theme is simply: give me your best.

We can all look forward to the second shift clocking in.

4. Abide With Me by Ian Ayris

My first cheat since this doesn’t come out until early next year. I had been so anticipating Ian’s full length debut that I trolled the interwebs looking for it and managed to snag one before the publisher even realized it had escaped the cage. Lucky for me.

For all you Brits this might not be as much of a revelation as it was for me, but Ayris’ voice has always been one that transports me and Abide With Me took me away. It is the f-word laced East London equivalent to The End of Everything – barely a crime novel, all about growing up damaged and expertly crafted to take me to another time and place. Look for this one when it comes out.

3. Fun & Games by Duane Swierczynski

Duane’s work is always cause for celebration. I can think of no one else who spits out exactly what is on his twelve-year-old boy mind and makes no apology for it. I get the impression he is constantly giggling to himself as he writes. I feel like he outlines his ideas in the margins of his homework and uses a lot of doodles. I feel like people publish his books on a bet. They are crazy and crazy-imaginative. Fast-paced and always about to come apart at the seams like a roller coaster being ridden by a screaming Scooby and Shaggy.

Fun & Games has the pleasure of being followed up the very same year by Hell & Gone which was also great and we only have to wait until next spring for Point & Shoot to learn the end of the Charlie Hardie saga. Count me in.

2. You’ll Get Yours by Thomas Wills

Okay, cheater book #2. This one is from 1952 and you won’t be able to find it easily. I include it here because, like I said, I read a lot of old pulps. I choose these books based mostly on the covers. This one paid off and reminded me why I love these trusty old hacks. Wills is a pseudonym and like so many writers of the day, he banged out book after book after book. This one hit all the notes you want in a pulpy noir, and hit them hard.

When I read a book like that written these days it can feel strained or at least I usually know I am reading an homage. When I dig into the real stuff and know I’ve found a diamond in the coal pile, I really do think I was born in the wrong era. What I wouldn’t give to clack away at an underwood, cranking out six, seven, eight novels a year?

And so many of these books and their authors have fallen into obscurity. Well, not this one. I found you, you tattered old paperback. And I’ll keep you in a place of honor on my shelf. Not gone, not forgotten.

1. Hell on Church Street by Jake Hinkson

This one was easy. I knew from the jump this was my number one. Another slight cheat in that the release date has been pushed back into January, but this one is worth the wait.

Hinkson’s debut is a pitch-perfect noir. More Cain and Thompson than Chandler and Hammett, Hinkson spins a tale so sordid you’ll be shocked as it creeps up on you. He lures the reader in with a great backstory and then when things take a turn (or two or three) you are so invested that you can’t help but stay on for the ride and you can’t help but gasp at where it takes you.

Cleverly framed, richly populated with real characters and given to bursts of extreme violence, Hell on Church Street is my new definition of “my kind of book.” It’s also one I can recommend to anyone and everyone I’ll ever meet.

The best thing is that it gets to be on so many other “best of 2012” lists.

Jake Hinkson is a major talent and this is one hell of a calling card.

Eric Beetner is the author of Dig Two Graves, Split Decision and the co-author of One Too Many Blows To The Head and the sequel Borrowed Trouble. His award-winning short fiction has appeared in Pulp Ink, D*cked, Off The Record, Grimm Tales, Discount Noir, and Murder In The Wind. ericbeetner.blogspot.com

My Top 20 novels of 2011...Numbers 10 to 6

2011-12-15T20:31:00.000Z

We're in the Top Ten now (without the actual Top 5...even though there'll be a Top 5 tomorrow...it's very complicated), and it's getting tight. A recap, Crime Fiction Lover asked me to name my top 5 books of 2011, here, and because I'm a big cheater, I'm naming a Top 20 without those 5. Today sees numbers 10-6...

10.

Pulp Ink edited by Nigel Bird & Chris Rhatigan

I've said elsewhere what the impact of reading this was for me, but as a collection itself, it's incredible. The idea of using Pulp Fiction soundtrack/quote titles as prompts was genius. Not sure if it was the Bird or the Rhat who came up with it, but it works perfectly. Over 20 short stories are featured, and some of the names involved are astounding. With nary a bad story amongst the bunch, it's a fantastic anthology. Featuring every short story writer worth reading (personal favourite, Ian Ayris), this is one to buy!

9.

All The Young Warrirors by Anthony Neil Smith

Having become aware of Anthony Neil Smith's work earlier this year reading 'Choke On Your Lies', I was expecting the usual fare from ATYW, very well written noir, filled with interesting characters, comic moments, and neat description. What I got instead was a novel unlike anything I've read this year. This is stripped back, raw and powerful writing. An incredible step-up for Smith, ATYW is an absolute must read. Retaining his flair for characterisation, Smith now adds excellent pacing, dark dialogue, and fantastic story plotting to his already bulging resume. This is an absolute must read. Highly, highly recommended!

8.

Two Way Split by Allan Guthrie

This is a strange one...I read TWS earlier this year when it was released in Ebook. Found out later, the novel was about seven years old, had won awards, and in paperback for years. A little tinkering before this release by Guthrie though, means I'm including it in this years rundown. An excellent crime novel, Guthrie has superb knack of setting the pace early, the story never drags. The way the story unravels, you're never sure of what will happen next, no words wasted or spent overly describing anything incidental, it is a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. Highly recommended, I wish he'd stop pissing about with the publishing shite and get back to writing!

7.

The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

Another debut here, and what a way to start a series. If there's one thing I like in crime thrillers, it's a strong female lead. In Keye Street, we may have a new one to the add to that list. The supporting cast of other characters are all well written, thoroughly engaging, with excellent dialogue and believable interactions. The plot is well paced with a few good twists towards the end. The backdrop to the book is well described and works perfectly with the story. Contains some gruesome murders and descriptions, which work well within the context of the novel. A solid thriller, with some great moments of suspense and mystery, Williams has crafted an excellent debut novel. I enjoyed it a lot, it's a real page turner and contains a lot of creepy moments. I look forward to reading the next installment!

The Bitch by Les Edgerton

This one comes out very, very soon, but I got a sneak peek. It's incredible. Edgerton possesses a very unique voice, and is an excellent storyteller. He instantly sucks you into the dark worlds he creates, fills it with characters you can relate to (most of the time), and doesn't let you take a breath whilst unfolding novel stocked with pace. The Bitch will catch a bit of flak for the title (wait until you hear his other one...) but if you care to find out, you'll understand exactly what it's about (clue: Nothing to do with what you initially think). Edgerton is one of bravest writers working today. Acquaint yourself with this talented ****** soon.

Interview with Paul Johnston

2011-12-15T16:06:00.001Z

An interruption to the book lists here...a very special guest today! The award winning Scottish crime writer Paul Johnston. The author of the Quintilian Dalrymple, Alex Mavros, and Matt Wells series of books, along with the collection of poems 'Water Sports'. This last month saw the release on Ebook of his first novel Body Politic, so this was the perfect chance to catch up with Paul on his thoughts on the book 14 years after its original release...

Fourteen years since it was first released, 2011 sees the re-release of BODY POLITIC. In your own words can you give us a brief description of the novel?

The independent city state of Edinburgh, 2020. A supposedly benevolent dictatorship (the Council of City Guardians - yes, there are references to Plato in the book) provides work (mainly at the year-round festival) and accommodation for all citizens, as well as life-long education and a weekly sex session (partner chosen for you). It has also banned TV, smoking, popular music, cars and phones. And there is no crime. Until a particularly nasty serial killer, the Ear Nose and Throat Man, makes an unwelcome reappearance. Cue our hero, Quint Dalrymple, an ex-cop who fell out with the regime. He uncovers a conspiracy that leads to the very top of the regime, as well as falling for a dangerous woman and acquiring a Dr Watson with large biceps.

Severn Select have published BP in Ebook. How did this come about?

They asked and I said yes. Adrian Muller, one of the organisers of Crime Fest, was very vociferous in his support of the books, which helped a lot - thanks, mate. SS are doing a lot of good authors' backlists as ebooks. We've tied my backlist ebooks to a new Quint novel - not sure when that'll be written yet. Just think - Quint up against an Alex Salmond lookalike...

Was there a temptation to perform some rewrites on it at all?

A small one, but I quickly realised that once I started tinkering, the whole thing would have to be revamped. So you have bits of the backstory that have unfortunately not come true - for instance, prince charles (no capitals for him if I can avoid them) marries a Colombian drugs heiress in the book, helping to bring about the break up of the UK. Still, at least he got a camel instead... Worryingly, a lot of what I projected in the book has come true - Edinburgh, my home city, does more or less have year-round festivals; residents do struggle to get into the central zone, especially at Hogmanay; the City Council has started choosing people's sexual partners...hang on...

Looking back now, would you write the same story you did then?

Of course not. The first draft of Body Politic was written in 1993-4. It was my fourth novel (the other three are still, thankfully, unpublished), but my first attempt at crime. I wrote it in the third person, before spotting that the tone was dull as Boddington's and rewriting in the first person - a very good if time-consuming task for a nascent writer. The point is that writers change the more they write. I hope I've got better, though I think the Quint novels stand up pretty well. One thing about first novels is that you can work on them and polish them for as long as you like - no deadline. I was lucky in that Philippa Pride, who became my editor at Hodder and Stoughton and still edits Stephen King in the UK, read the book and invited me in for a discussion. She told me what she thought was wrong about the script, but left it to me to sort it out. There was no guarantee of a contract, but I was lucky enough to get one after six months of revision. I think that kind of unofficial mentoring is very good, though I doubt it goes on much now in big publishers. Anyway, if I was writing the books now, I would have to take account of so many changes in society, science etc that even apart from a more mature style and improved technical skills, the book would be very different. I was also lucky because the book came out three months before the devolution referendum in Scotland, so it got a huge amount of press coverage, including serialisation in The Scotsman. Winning the John Creasey Memorial Dagger for best first crime novel was a gas too - you get an actual dagger, well, a paper-knife, but it's definitely a deadly weapon. Quint loves it...

Do you feel you've grown as a writer over the years?

See answer above. Yes. With every book and every series, you try new things and gain more experience - as much as regards what doesn't work as what does. I've also written other things - short stories, poetry (I had a collection, Water Sports, out earlier this year), reviews and academic stuff. You have to get as many skills as you can, especially in the Internet age.

You seem to specialise in series characters, with Quint, Matt Wells, and Mavros all seeing further action. Do you have a particular favourite you enjoy writing the most?

Every first book in a series is a standalone, unless you're lucky enough to have a rolling contract. So you write it as if the characters will never see the light of day again - ie go for broke - leaving a few hooks that can be picked up later if necessary. I am amazed at the imagination of people like Minette Walters, who never write series. Developing characters and settings is such a lot of work that it seems worth going on with the process in subsequent books. Having said that, I think that series have a natural end at least as regards the writer's situation at any given point in her/his career. I didn't want to write more Quint novels in 2001, though I'm coming round to the idea now. Alex Mavros was different - I was dropped by Hodder and Stoughton after the third book, though I had written a fairly extensive synopsis. That came in useful when another publisher commissioned Mavros 4 (The Silver Stain, out in hardback on December 29th 2011). As regards Matt Wells, I've had enough of him - a crime writer who's also a detective. Give me a break... I'm actually writing the first book in what I hope will be a new series, but that's all I'm saying on that subject right now. I haven't answered your question. My favourite character is the one I'm writing at the time.

With Kindle/Ebooks becoming a bigger market by the day, what are your opinions about the growth of self-publishing?

I think that many writers who used to be published 'traditionally' as well as new writers will go straight to ebooks - many of the latter already are doing so. I can see this happening to me down the line and I'm not hugely problematised by it. There will have to be gatekeepers of some sort or we'll all - as readers - be swamped by the volume of work. Whether current publishing megaliths do that job, or smaller companies prosper, or agents play a greater editorial role, who knows?

Do you think the standard print publishers have anything to worry about?

The ones who are slow off the mark, yes. But people will always read certain books in paper-form, especially classics. Then again, even they can be published free or cheaply on the Internet (bravo Project Gutenberg), so that's a shrinking market too. I'm glad I'm a 'creative producer' rather than a sales/ marketing person or distributor - many of those will lose their jobs, and I guess editors will too - tho they'll be able to hawk their services as text improvers. These days they mainly do sales presentations.

Reviews...read them or ignore them?

I think all but arrogant authors read them. Constructive criticism is good - I've acted on things that reviewers I respect have pointed out. But there's an awful lot of log-rolling and dubious boosting of very average writers going on - even more on the Internet than in the traditional marketplace.

Did you read as a kid growing up and if so what authors did you read?

Enormously. I could read before I went to school. I never liked kids' books - at least fictional ones - and was on to Conan Doyle and Alistair MacLean by the time I was 10 or so. I loved RL Stevenson too. Doyle and RLS - two great Edinburgh writers (I'm less keen on Walter Scott, but he does have the largest monument to a writer in the world, which is pretty neat). Then on to James Joyce when I was 12...nah...

What authors do you always look forward to reading?

I tend to read only one of each writer's oeuvre (no, I don't know what it means either) because of lack of time and because I want to keep up with new stuff. I used to follow Ian Rankin closely, but haven't got over the passing of Rebus. Philip Kerr is a favourite, not least because every Bernie Gunther book is different. He also wrote one of my top three crime novels - A Philosophical Investigation. (Before you ask, the other two are Chandler's The Big Sleep and James Ellroy's White Jazz. Doyle is floating around at the top of the tree too, but for his stories, not his rather hamfisted novels.) Other contemporary writers I rate highly (and not just because they're friends) are Robert Wilson and John Connolly. Plus George Pelecanos (who I know, but wouldn't presume to class as a friend, very friendly guy though he is). Oh, and Deon Meyer and Don Winslow.

If you could name just one book which inspired you to start writing, what would it be?

I'm going to go left field here and say Homer's Odyssey. It has everything - blood, sex, war, monsters, longing, travel, crime...and I read it first when I was seven. Good old Penguin Classics! It also has a fiendishly complicated narrative structure, something I only realised when I was much older. We're all Homer's children...

What are your future plans, in terms of writing?

Finishing the mystery novel mentioned above. Writing Mavros 5, The Green Lady. Finishing my PhD in creative writing. Writing Quint 6. Have I forgotten anything?

And now 2 questions I always ask of writers…
Describe your perfect writing environment.

A quiet, secluded, well ventilated/ heated space with bookshelves all around.

Describe your actual writing environment.

My study in Nafplio, Greece, has all of those except the first - and most important - quality. Actually, it is quiet most of the time, but when the road's being dug up or the neighbour's soon-to-be-exterminated-by-me dogs start barking... By contrast, the place I have in the Scottish Borders is perfect - it's surrounded by fields so all you hear is animals or the odd tractor. It's a bit too secluded though - i.e. it's a bit of a hike to and from the pub.

All five novels in Paul Johnston's Quint Dalrymple series ('the future of crime writing') are now availabe in digital form - Body Politic, The Bone Yard, Water of Death, The Blood Tree and The House of Dust.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Politic-Quint-Dalrymple-ebook/dp/B006CVNUTY/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323964900&sr=1-2

See the author's web-site www.paul-johnston.co.uk for more info.

Paul D Brazill's Top 5 books of 2011

2011-12-15T11:39:00.000Z

Up first today, we have the inimitable Paul D Brazill. The Brit Grit master of short story himself. Author of Brit Grit, 13 Shots of Noir, the man behind the 'Drunk On The Moon' series, and also having stories in many, many anthologies, means Brazill is a writer to watch. His opinion means a lot, so here it is...

Paul D Brazill’s Top 5 Brit Grit novels of 2011.

Of course it’s not possible to comfortably pick a top five books of the year so you need a filtering system. And since 2011 was the year when the Brit Grit wave first broke – and Brit Grit Too is published this week -I’ve narrowed the list down to Brit Grit novels/novellas first published in 2011. And I’ve ignored short story collections and digital short stories. And it was still dead hard but get yer chops round this :

Smoke by Nigel Bird

To write an involving crime novel you need to be a craftsman/woman. To write an involving novella you need to be an artist. Nigel Bird is both which is why this multi POVed slice of crime fiction works so well.

Smoke, is the story of a town, Tranent, and the rough edged characters that live there.

Smoke is a spin off from Bird's great story An Arm And A Leg-which was included in this year's Mammoth Book Of Best British Crime.

The main characters are Carlos, who actually lost an arm and a leg at the end of the aforementioned story and is hell bent on revenge, and Jimmy, a young kid with a good heart who has drawn the short straw in life. And they have a mutual hatred of the Ramsey brothers, who are making their fortune organizing dog fights.

Smoke is reminiscent of Allan Guthrie's Savage Night in the way it cleverly interweaves different strands of the story and its great mixture of colourful characters, absurd humour and hard boiled crime.

One Dead Hen by Charlie Williams

In the first three’ Blakey’ books Charlie Williams gave us a great tragi-comic anti-hero for our times. Someone who is always at least one step behind everyone else, especially the reader. A true understanding of irony, then.

Now, Blakey is back. And this time he's one of the good guys!

Inspired by Miami Vice, Charlie Williams' ex-bouncer anti-hero, Royston Blake, takes on a serial killer who is decapitating women in his home town of Mangel.

The writing is top of the range. The scenes realistic and surreal at the same time. And Blakey's corkscrewed world view is as magnificent as ever.

One Dead Hen also includes excerpts from the local paper, including pub grub reviews, which are squirmingly, hilariously accurate.

One Dead Hen is : Painfully funny and true. Brilliantly absurdist and satirical. Essential reading for anyone who wants to look modern day Britain in its bleary eyes.

The Point by Gerard Brennan

As a fan of Gerard Brennan’s short fiction, I was really looking forward to The Point. And I wasn’t disappointed. This is the SP:

Brian Morgan isn't a bad lad but he's ended up in more than a few scrapes, and it's all been down to his big brother Paul.

And Paul messes up big time when he crosses a hippy gangster known as Mad Mike and he and Brian have to get out of Belfast, pretty quick.

So they had off to Warrenpoint, a seaside resort that was a childhood favourite, also known as The Point.

The Point is a fast, furious and funny five star success. Brennan has a real understanding of The Point's characters and he has crafted a book that is as warm as it is hard hitting.

Convictions by Julie Morrigan

Julie Morrigan has published approximately 1.7 million books this year and she really made her mark with one of them, Convictions.

Julie Morrigan's writing gives you a good smack, as anyone who has read Gone Bad, her brilliant, brass knuckled collection of urban noir short stories, will tell you.

In Convictions, she gives you a hell of a kicking, knees you in the gonads and then tears out a bit of your heart.

Convictions is a crime novel. A police procedural, after a fashion. But most of all it's a story about ordinary people coping. Coping with a crime. The victims of crime and all of the crime's offshoots.

The heart of the story is Tina, a twelve year old kid who secretly goes to see a boy band with her younger sister. She misses the last bus home and accepts a lift from a friendly stranger.

And then it all goes pear shaped as quickly as spit melts on hot pavement.

Morrigan paces and structures Convictions brilliantly; there are three parts,containing twenty short-sharp chapters, spanning Tina's painful transition from a child to a woman.

Tina is very well drawn and there are other strong characters too such as Ruth, the hard-nosed and warm hearted cop, Tina's excruciating mother -proof that Larkin was right - and a toxic, manipulative chancer that pretends to be Tina's friend.

Convictions is a pulse pounding thriller with its feet on the ground and it's its big heart peeking out from under its ragged, bloody sleeve.

And The Street Screamed Blue Murder! By Jason Michel

I’ve been a fan of Jason Michel’s writing for some time now but I never would have thought that he’d come up with one my favourite crime novels. But he has!

Hard drinking investigative journalist Alfie Lime wakes up in his Paris apartment soaked in the blood of the prostitute whose corpse lays next to him. Whose heart has been ripped from her body. Who heart has been placed on a black cloth, on the sideboard, with a nail hammered through it.

So Alfie Lime- a 'man with no strings attached'- gets out as quickly as he can, goes under the RADAR, and investigates the murder.

AND THE STREET SCREAMED BLUE MURDER! is a cracking novella. It is hell of a yarn stuffed with rich and vivid characters, such as a man known as Elvis, Bamboozle- Lime's fellow hack and booze-hound- and the streets of Paris itself, including the richly described Rue De La Mort.

But it's not just the story and the characters that make AND THE STREET SCREAMED BLUE MURDER! a classy piece of surrealistic noir worthy of David Lynch at his 'peak'. It's the writing, the images. The atmosphere. The lines and lines of wonderful descriptions.

With AND THE STREET SCREAMED BLUE MURDER! Jason Michel has come up with something special. Ground-breaking, intoxicating, fun.

AJ Hayes' Top 5 books of 2011

2011-12-14T22:15:00.000Z

Our second writer of the day shares his Top 5 books of 2011. AJ Hayes is damn fine writer, and a damn fine man. If you're lucky to make his acquaintance, you're life instantly becomes cooler. Here's the man himself...

Five Novels You Really Should Read.

My usual caveat prevails. For every title here, there are dozens more that should be. I ran through my head and summoned all of the couple hundred books I read in 2011. Every single one of them should be listed here but there is only room for five. These then are the first five titles that popped into my mind. I'm trying to make a list of all the outstanding books, both print and electronic, I read in the last twelve months. All 250 of them. (okay I gotta say it: don'tforgetFrankSinatraInABlenderforgod'ssake . . . or Dead Wood or Death By Sarcasm . . . or . . .oh crap! See what I mean? Hundreds more.)

Here's the first five to pour into my head. They are GOOD!

Apostle Rising by Richard Godwin
An acute examination of a palpably real evil and how it shatters its victims and the police who pursue it. Psychological and visceral. One of the best first novels I have ever read.

All The Young Warriors by Anthony Neil Smith

Doc Smith dips his brush into the violent colors of hate and despair and paints a portrait of a modern day, earthbound Hell. Brilliant depictions of events so horrible we don't want to believe they exist. But they do.

Beautiful Naked And Dead/Out There Bad by Josh Stallings

The two novels here count as one. Each completes the other. The ongoing saga of bleak victories and the terrible prices paid by Moses Mcguire to achieve them. Another amazing first novel.

Rampart And Toulouse - Kristin Fouquet

Kristin Fouquet, with her gorgeous and painful, black and white photographs and her vivid words depict the New Orleans that no one but a native sees clearly.

Convictions - Julie Morrigan

By the time you finish Convictions, you will be in a cold sweat. You will also realize the title word has been used in every single concept of its many definitions. Julie plays people and scenes like Miles and Coltrane play jazz duets, complex, subtle and hard-hitting. A missing kid is only part of the symphony.

AJ Hayes has stories in Pulp Ink, Off The Record, and many many places online. Go check out his incredible writing!

My Top 20...without a Top 5. Numbers 15 to 11...

2011-12-14T21:33:00.000Z

Yesterday saw the beginning of my Top 20 novels of 2011 countdown. Today we have Numbers 15-11...

15.

Blood Guilt by Ben Cheetham

At 15, it's one of those self-published ebooky things, all the kids are talking about. They'll never catch on...unless they're as well written as this one is. A superb crime thriller, Cheetham is a real talent. Looking forward to what he does next.

14.

Good As Dead by Mark Billingham

Tom Thorne is back for his annual adventure, and as usual Billingham doesn't disappoint. Slick, stunning, excellently written and authentic, 'Good As Dead' proves Mark Billingham is one the best British crime fiction writers working today. He never disappoints and gets better with each book, knowing exactly how to provide enough callbacks from previous books to entice old readers, whilst also ensuring the book can be read on its own.

13.

8 Pounds by Chris F. Holm

As the title and cover suggests, this is eight stories of crime, horror and suspense. A fantastic collection, which is made better by its eclectic mix of genres. Holm excels in each. The title story is an absolute belter!

12.

Southern Gods by John Horner Jacobs

Something a bit different here, elements of historical crime, horror, mythical creatures, fantasy...it has everything you'd want! It's also exceptionally smart and sharp. This story is dark. I mean it's as dark as dark can be. It contains some of the most horrific moments I've ever read in print. But, it's also beautiful...

11.

The Bailout by Charlie Wade

Lighter fare here, with a strong message underneath the humorous surface. We should all keep calm and eat cabbage. An excellent read, I'd highly recommend this funny, enlightening, and gripping novel. What makes this novel so good...Characters. People, the affected. The little guys, the ones most harmed by money men & women and politics. And that's what THE BAILOUT has in abundance, a plethora of incredible characters, all with their own nuances and intriguing back stories.

Come back tomorrow for Number 10 - 6.

Graham Smith's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-14T19:46:00.000Z

Continuing our end of year specials, today we have another two damn fine writers sharing their Top 5 novels of 2011. First up, Graham Smith, author of the short story collection '11 The Hard Way'. Next week will see his Christmas themed story featured on Guilty Conscience, but first, his Top 5....

My top five reads for 2011 are in no particular order

Dead Men’s Harvest by Matt Hilton

A marvellous outing which showcases an author growing fully into his skin. Clever plotting, strong characters and a driving pace make for a fine thriller.

Shatter the Bones by Stuart MacBride

The latest Logan McRae is as scintillating, tight and funny as all the others. MacBride can say a sentence with a word and I love the brevity of his writing.

Fifth Victim by Zoe Sharp

A fantastic action novel which displays a characters deep conflict. Sharp is one of the best kept secrets in UK crime. The mechanics of her characters job are all laid out beautifully

The Hunter by Tom Wood

A wonderful debut featuring assassin Victor. As with Sharp, Wood lays out the mechanics of situations beautifully and The Hunter is an incredibly visual read.

Dead Man’s Grip by Peter James

James tears up the rulebook and gives us the killer’s name and motive at the start of a brilliantly constructed novel.

My Top 20...without a Top 5.

2011-12-14T00:39:00.001Z

Over on Crime Fiction Lover, I named my Top 5 books of 2011. It took me many long agonising hours narrowing down over 100 books I've read this year, to just 5 of my favourites. After one of the best years for fiction in quite a while, cutting some books out the list was like choosing your favourite child...awful decisions to make, but necessary if you can only afford for one of them to become a doctor or lawyer.

It got me to thinking...I have my own site, why in the name of Jeff am I worried? I can just make up my own list.

So I am.

Over the next few days, I'll be naming a Top 20. Without the original Top 5. It's cheating, but there you are, I makes the rules here!

Choosing the Top 20 was supposed to be an easy task, turns out if you read almost 150 books, novellas, and short story collections in a year, it still proves difficult to pare that down to just 20 (or 25, if you need me to be honest).

Here's Number 20-16. Tomorrow will see 15-11. Buy all these now.

20.

The Accident by Linwood Barclay

Whilst not hitting the heady heights as his previous outings, Barclay still delivers a fantastic example of one of my favourite types of novel...get an ordinary person, and put them in extraordinary circumstances. Barclay is possibly the best writer at doing this working today. If you haven't read his novels yet (and you're becoming a minority now...) do so. You won't regret it!

19.

Deadfolk by Charlie Williams

Not really a new novel, but it was re-released this year under a new guise. Deadfolk is the introduction to one of the great comical crime fiction characters in 'Royston Blake'. A hilariously crafted novel, Deadfolk is deliciously demented. Highly recommended.

18.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Stephen King is back, in all his unedited glory. Clocking in at over 700 pages, 11/22/63 is an excellent take on the time travel genre, filled to the brim with unforgettable characters, and King's usual fantastic story-telling. If not for a couple of issues (drags a bit in the middle, ending is slightly off kilter with the rest of the book) this book would place much, much higher.

17.

Hunted by Emlyn Rees

A bit different than my usual fare, Hunted is a stripped back, page turning thriller. And it's outstanding. Absorbing and fast paced, Hunted is a great read. Really looking forward to the next installment!

16.
Choke Hold by Christa Faust

Now this was a doozy. A perfect main character, with prose which drips with authenticity. This is an astounding novel, with an ending which most writers wouldn't have the guts to write. Faust skilfully moulds a story of action, drama and crime into one of the best reads of this year.

Check back tomorrow for Numbers 15 to 11...

Nick Quantrill's Top 5 Books of 2011

2011-12-13T19:42:00.000Z

Here at Guilty Conscience, we're getting right into the Christmas spirit. Coming up in the next couple of weeks, we'll have writers galore, as they pick their Top 5 books of 2011, and some short Christmas themed stories will be shared...exciting!

Kicking us off, is Nick Quantrill. This year has seen the release of his debut novel Broken Dreams, a ton of good reviews, and a bad case of leprosy. Typing out his Top 5 using just his nose, here's Quantrill with his picks...

I think one of the ironies of being a writer is that you seem to have less time to enjoy the pleasure of reading, but although the quantity has dipped for me, the quality certainly hasn’t. In no particular order, these were my books of 2011:

“Scream If You Want To Go Faster” by Russ Litten

Litten’s debut cleverly weaves together a set of interconnected stories set around my home city of Hull, and it remains funny, gritty, heart-warming and upsetting in equal measure. Packed full of heart and surprises, the story moves relentlessly to its climax at the annual Hull Fair. The north’s answer to Roddy Doyle.

“Nine Inches” by Bateman

Nobody writes darkly funny books as well as Bateman does. It’s a welcome return for Dan Starkey, though the difference this time is that Belfast is effectively a new city. Bateman’s assessment of the place and its new politics is as razor sharp as his deconstruction of its troubled past. Bang on the money. It’ll make you think and laugh in equal measure.

“The Drop” by Howard Linskey

Gangster stories are everywhere, but Linskey skilfully sidesteps the clichés of the convention and offers up something a little different. Revolving around a white collar criminal and a missing bag of money, Linskey updates Newcastle’s portrayal in crime fiction, with a story which rattles along at pace and with great dialogue.

“The Promised Land : A Northern Love Story” by Anthony Clavane

A very worthy winner of the British Sports Book Awards, Clavane’s book goes far beyond being a football memoir about Leeds United. It’s also the story of a post-industrial city as it seeks to redefine itself. The West Riding is producing a fine outpouring of fiction from the likes of David Peace, and this is a fine accompaniment to it.

“Dig Two Graves” by Eric Beetner

The Internet is seemingly producing many great indie publishers and writers who are prepared to take the big boys on. And it’s great to see. Snubnose Press are very much at the forefront of this movement, and although Americans charging around with guns isn’t really my thing, Beetner’s novella is so crisp and expertly put together, you can’t help but go along for the ride. Razor sharp writing.

'Broken Dreams' is available here and also from Nick's website here.

Nick Quantrill

The second book featuring Joe Geraghty 'The Late Greats' is coming out next March.

OFF THE RECORD - NOW AVAILABLE!

2011-11-27T21:21:00.000Z

On the sister site to Guilty Conscience (www.guiltyconsciencepublishing.com), news of the premature nature of OFF THE RECORD'S release has been broken.

Off The Record is 38 short stories, written by 38 writers, hailing from both sides of the Atlantic. Every story is based on a classic song title.

It’s available as of today through Amazon and Smashwords. A print version will be available very soon as well. The proceeds will benefit two charities on both sides of the Atlantic. Here are the links...

http://www.amazon.com/Off-Record-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006EU1E7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322398350&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Off-Record-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006EU1E7S/ref=sr_1_22?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322395618&sr=1-22

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/108805#longdescr

And why should you buy? Because all the proceeds go to these two charities...
In the UK, National Literacy Trust. (http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/)

In the US, Children's Literacy Initiative. (http://www.cliontheweb.org/)

And because if you go through the list below, you'll find that the writers involved are some of the best working today, and they all chose incredible song titles!

1.Neil White - Stairway To Heaven
2.Col Bury – Respect
3.Steve Mosby – God Moving Over The Face Of Waters
4.Les Edgerton - Small Change
5.Heath Lowrance - I Wanna Be Your Dog
6.AJ Hayes - Light My Fire
7.Sean Patrick Reardon - Redemption Song
8.Ian Ayris - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
9.Nick Triplow - A New England
10.Charlie Wade - Sheila Take A Bow
11.Iain Rowan - Purple Haze
12.Thomas Pluck - Free Bird
13.Matthew C. Funk - Venus In Furs
14.R Thomas Brown - Dock Of The Bay
15.Chris Rhatigan – Shadowboxer
16.Patti Abbott - Roll Me Away
17.Chad Rhorbacher - I Wanna Be Sedated
18.Court Merrigan - Back In Black
19.Paul D. Brazill - Life On Mars?
20.Nick Boldock – Superstition
21.Vic Watson - Bye Bye Baby
22.Benoit Lelievre - Blood On The Dancefloor
23.Ron Earl Phillips - American Pie
24.Chris La Tray – Detroit Rock City
25.Nigel Bird - Super Trouper
26.Pete Sortwell – So Low, So High
27.Julie Morrigan - Behind Blue Eyes
28.David Barber – Paranoid
29.McDroll - Nights In White Satin
30.Cath Bore - Be My Baby
31.Eric Beetner - California Dreamin'
32.Steve Weddle - A Day In The Life
33.Darren Sant - Karma Police
34.Simon Logan - Smells Like Teen Spirit
35.Luca Veste - Comfortably Numb
36.Nick Quantrill - Death Or Glory
37.Helen FitzGerald - Two Little Boys
38.Ray Banks - God Only Knows

With forewords from UK writer Matt Hilton, and US writer Anthony Neil Smith.

One of the authors, Court Merrigan, has also provided a soundtrack on YouTube with all the songs included in OFF THE RECORD:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL38F4E2939555C333

Now, go and buy it. It's for a great cause, and the stories are excellent. You won't be disappointed!

Guest Blog from Graham Smith

2011-11-24T21:57:00.000Z

Today on Guilty Conscience, I'm delighted to welcome Graham Smith with a guest post. A great writer, definitely one to watch out for!

Reader to Reviewer to Writer

This is how I graduated from being a reader to having a book published.

I have loved crime fiction since being handed a Famous Five book around the age of eight. Since then I have devoured crime thrillers of any genre with an insatiable appetite. It didn’t matter whether it was set in ancient times or the near future, balls out thrillers, deep psychological intrigue, spy or an in depth police procedural. I would read them all as long as someone got killed or something needed detected. Most of them had both which was even better.

After a chance conversation at Harrogate Crime Festival, I joined the ranks of the well respected review website www.crimesquad.com as a reviewer. In my first month as a reviewer I was asked to review the latest Val McDermid and the follow up to The Da Vinci Code the best selling book ever after The Bible. The editor seemed determined to throw me in at the deep end. Was I afraid? Not exactly, I just rolled up my sleeves and gave it my best shot. If I got shot down, then I’d at least know I’d done my best and it was something I just wasn’t capable of. The same principle was applied when I tried my hand at writing. More of which shortly.

After a few months of reviewing I decided to start on my first novel and I meandered along aimlessly for the first few thousand words. The next year I returned to the Harrogate festival and attended writing courses taken by Stuart MacBride, Allan Guthrie and Joseph Finder. I learnt a lot in those classes and attacked my novel with renewed vigour until I reached around thirty thousand words. Hitting a plot block caused me to put it on the back burner which is where it stayed for until August this year.

As I write this post it now stands at (hang on while I go check) 64,263 words.

The reason for the sudden increase in application lies in a visit from Col Bury. Within ten minutes of saying hello he’d invited me to join him and David Barber in a race to finish our novels by New Years Eve. Will mine be finished? Let’s just say that the first draft will be completed otherwise the laptop is getting a damn good Fawlty style thrashing. January will see me start to weed out two years worth of typos, errors and general mistakes.

Initially I was rocketing forwards, so the ever wily Col Bury added me to Nick Triplow’s Status Stories group on Facetube. While I always admired the skill of the short story writer I always found that reading several per day as I did left me confused, due to all the different characters and plots. This group was different. You had to keep your word count below 100 words. I was blown away by the brevity and the power the stories contained.

Initially I stalked not talked. Ideas started to germinate within my head and screwing up my courage I submitted my first effort. The crowd all welcomed me and gave positive feedback on pieces like the one below which I’m particularly proud of.

Hanging

I was there. Hanging.

There were a whole group of us. Just hanging together.

I was accused of crimes I didn’t commit.

My father would look after me.

I was in a lot of pain but knew it would end soon.

Then I’d make my comeback.

I’d round up the gang and we’d change things together.

As head lolled to the side, my crown of thorns slipped off.

From there I was asked by a group member Kate Pilarcik to submit a Noir story for her November Noir series on her blog. I looked at the one or two of the fuller short stories I had written and never aired then decided to write a totally different way and went for a Bogart style 50’s gumshoe. The way I saw it all I had to lose was a reputation I didn’t have.

The two pieces I submitted to Kate were well received, so I offered one of the other pieces I had written to Col Bury at ThrillsKillsnChills, and a second piece to Paul D Brazil for his charity anthology Brit Grit Too.

Having made four submissions and had four acceptances was unbelievable for me. I was the noobie with no experience and few contacts. Emboldened by this fantastic ratio I submitted a piece to an anthology which has just come out and is titled Dark Pages – Volume One. Unbeknownst to me the anthology was being put together by the publisher himself. I received an E-mail one night when at work asking me if I’d like to have him as my publisher.

Now I had a publisher I had to get my act together and write some stories. I did this over a fortnight by polishing what I had, raiding my 100 word efforts to see which had legs and basically writing up every half decent idea I had. They were sent off and I ended up with 11 The Hard Way.

The biggest factor which has helped me with my writing has been the extra understanding of technique which has subliminally crept into my reading. I put his down to my reviewing as I always try to include comments on characters, pace, plot, emotions garnered by the book, the author’s use of prose and writing style.

This understanding has been invaluable to me when setting a scene, creating a character or trying to find a way to propel a scene forward. I would recommend that anyone who wanted to write a book, should read a couple of books in their chosen genre and try to write a dispassionate technical review. If they can do that then reversing the process to write their own work will be easier. It was for me!

Graham Smith is married with a young son. A time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. For the last eleven years he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.

An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well respected review site Crimesquad.com for over two years.

As well as reviewing for Crimesquad.com Graham has also interviewed such stellar names as David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Matt Hilton, current CWA Chair Peter James, Mark Billingham and many others.

When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing on the Wii with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family.

Short Story - Christopher Grant - The Favour

2011-11-22T16:45:00.000Z

A few months ago, we hosted Christopher Grant here at Guilty Conscience with his short story THE HEAT...well, he's back. And it's another excellent little tale!

A FAVOR - CHRISTOPHER GRANT

Ronnie stretches and rubs his eyes, says, "I need to sleep," then takes a chug of his beer.

I know this shithead beats his kids. I fuckin' know it. His old lady's in a morgue drawer and I watch it in his eyes as they peel back the sheet and he don't give a shit. Just says, "Yeah, that's Carrie." Just shakes his head and walks out of the room. Cigarette burns and bruises that never quite heal dot the landscape of her skin.

I know Carrie's in that drawer because of Ronnie. I don't need to prove it. I ain't no cop.

Tonight, I'm somethin' else.

Ronnie's been my informant for a couple years now. I knew he had problems when I picked him up off a street corner and played Let's Make A Deal.

I couldn't give two shits about Carrie. Whorin' and shootin' shit into her veins and fuckin' bringin' two kids into this nightmare, leavin' them to deal with Ronnie after drunken binges and no wife to spread her legs for him. I don't give two shits she's dead.

The kids're a different story. I've seen that story, lived that story.

My old man, he works the steel plant for forty years. He's second generation Italian. Things go his way or they fuckin' don't go. He comes home from work, he expects certain things. Kids fuckin' quiet as mice. Dinner on the table. Expects he's gonna get some pussy tonight and if Ma ain't givin', he's takin' anyhow.

My old man. Ain't nothin' there to be proud of. I don't fuckin' care if he put food on the table or kept us in clothes and a roof over our heads.

I know the back of his hand like it's my fuckin' own.

He keeps it up until I can show my own hands and then he laughs. Says he guesses I'm a man now. Says since I'm a man, I can find the fuckin' door. I'm thirteen. I'm standin' up for my ma, she's got sore feet and he's demandin' all kind of shit out of her and I know she's not feelin' up to it. But she don't say nothin'. She just goes with it, does what he says. My ma, she don't say nothin' as I pack a bag, stuff a couple changes of clothes in it and nothin' else. She don't protect me. My brother and my sisters, I leave them all behind.

I didn't realize it at the time but my old man, he did me a fucking favor.

In this light, Ronnie sittin' there on the sofa, he looks like my old man.

I figure it's time someone did a favor for his kids.

BIO: Christopher Grant is a crime writer and the editor at A Twist Of Noir.

REVIEW - Heartbreaker - Julie Morrigan

2011-11-18T21:50:00.000Z

All Johnny Burns ever wanted was to be in a band. When he and his best friend Tom Watson founded Heartbreaker, they realised their wildest dreams a hundred times over.

If the sixties was a naive and charming flower child, then the seventies was her big, bad older brother; darker, more worldly, less giving … and the eighties was his garishly-painted and promiscuous girlfriend. It’s no wonder against such a backdrop that things could become confused — and that dreams could turn to heartbreak.

When Alex Weston is hired to ghostwrite a book about the life of Johnny Burns and his band — from playing down-and-dirty pubs and clubs in the sixties, through the excesses of seventies stadium rock to eighties meltdown — even she isn’t prepared for the depths of excess, betrayal and guilt that she uncovers.

At the heart of the Heartbreaker story lies the tragic deaths of two members of a band at the very summit of its success — deaths wrapped in a web of secrets and lies. As Alex sets out to learn more and digs deeper into the past, she is forced to realise that she may have to confront Johnny’s part in the devastating events of all those years ago …

Heartbreaker is the second novel by Julie Morrigan to be released this year, and following her excellent debut novel 'Convictions' was going to be hard task...

However, with Heartbreaker, Morrigan has proven herself yet again. An incredibly absorbing story, told mostly in flashback, it is an excellent example of the best sort of story-telling. The fictional band become real, as the story of their rise to the top, before the inevitable fall, unfolds throughout. Yet, at the centre of the story is the subject of loss, which resonates strongly from the pages.

The relationship between Alex, the writer, and Johnny, the seemingly faded rockstar, is the heart of 'Heartbreaker'. A stunningly written relationship, which never feels forced. It blends into the overall story seamlessly.

There's also a mystery running through the story, which will keep you guessing to the end. A nice addition, to what was already an enthralling tale. The conclusion is well written and skilfully done.

An excellent novel, I'd highly recommend you picking this up soon!

Available here - Amazon UK

And here -Amazon US

Guest Post - Dancing With Myself: Nigel Bird interviews Nigel Bird

2011-11-04T23:45:00.001Z

Today, we have a guest...the inimitable Nigel Bird, one of the finest proponents of short stories around joins us...his new novella SMOKE is garnering rave reviews, and has even been called 'Grim, but really good' by Ian Rankin!

Nigel usually has writers interviewing themselves over at his excellent site SEA MINOR, well here the tables are turned...

Dancing With Myself: Nigel Bird interviews Nigel Bird

Sea Minor?

It’s the name of a story I wrote a number of years ago and it’s one of my favourites. It’s not a crime story, and owes more to ‘A Perfect Day For Banana Fish’ by JD Salinger than anything else. In it, we find a young girl who’s taken up to Skye by her mother after the breakdown of their family and it makes me feel emotionally alive just thinking about it. It was published in The Reader alongside Seamus Heaney and Vanessa Hemingway, another reason for my fondness for it.

It’s also linked to a song by Captain Beefheart.

Made it seem like the perfect title for my blog and also captures the tone of much of my work.

Dancing With Myself?

You know, when the song came out I didn’t give it more than a brief listen. My friends and I probably felt it was in the category ‘Plastic Punk’, that Billy Idol was far too good looking for the movement.

I’m finding that time mellows musical taste and allows the mind to open. The idea of listening to ‘the Sex Pistols’ or ‘the Clash’ at a mainstream wedding would have seemed outrageous in 1977.

I remember once being taken to church by my mum. As we got to the first arch I asked her the question I’d been waiting to get in for a while. “Can I go to the Buzzcocks, Mum? In Blackburn. Please?” Being the naïve teenager I was, it didn’t occur to me that there was any reason to be worried about asking until I saw her cheeks redden. In the end I only got to see them in about 1998 or something – they were older but still amazing.

Anyway, as soon as I decided that I wanted to do an interview series where the authors had complete control, ‘Dancing With Myself’ came to me as the obvious choice. It’s definitely worked as the series has been a massive success and I’ve loved every minute of it.

Dirty Old Town or Beat On The Brat?

I love them both.

Dirty Old Town has such complete strength that I can’t help but love it. I’m also really chuffed with the cover.

Beat On The Brat has some amazing stories, but they really challenge the reader. I threw in some poetry in there as an experiment and I’m not sure that completely works. I could change it, but it’s the way I like it.

The ideal would be to fuse them together and come up with something quite wonderful.

Blasted Heath?

There’s no doubt that this is going to be among the leading e-publishers around. Their stable is outstanding and they have big plans based on high-quality product. Go check them out at www.blastedheath.com .

The 3Rs?

I spend a lot of time teaching them. It’s my day job, 4 days a week. It’s challenging and exhausting and can be very rewarding. I’ve been a teacher for something like 23 years now and I have to confess that the tyres are wearing pretty thin. I hope my writing takes off a little, because once I’m fifty the tank will be as empty as the wheels are smooth.

Jack And The Giant?

Because I could, I did. Make an e-book that is. We had a lot of fun putting out a class book written by 6 year-olds and I really believe it enriched the lives of the pupils involved. I reckon they’l l all remember something about it when they’re grown up and that’s important to me. As well as having the opportunity for the class to contact people around the world there was money raised for charity and support from Stephen Leather.

Into Thin Air?

Is something of an enigma to me. It was picked up by Untreed Reads and they put it out as a short story. Don’t get me wrong, I love the piece, but I didn’t really promote it as I thought that £1 was quite pricy for what it is in relation to the current market.

Somehow it appeared in the Waterstone’s Top Ten for short stories and I’ve started to mention it here and there to see if I can keep it up there.

Lotta Floss and Murder Wink?

My pen names for children’s work I’ve written and illustrated. Murder Wink, in case you don’t know, is the illustrator.

Awards and Prizes?

There have been moments that I’m clinging on to. Winning the Drowning Machine’s Watery Grave Invitational in 2010 contest made me believe in myself. Having a story in The Best British Crime Stories 8 gave me a tremendous buzz. Being nominated for Spinetingler’s Top 5 Stories On The Web was thrilling and taking the TIRDB Fairtytale Crime prize was also pretty amazing (the results will soon be available as an e-book as Grim Tales, to be published by Untreed Reads).

Off The Record?

Music to my ears. Song titles have always worked for me.

As you know, I was the co-editor of Pulp Ink earlier this year. That’s an anthology based upon the soundtrack of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and it worked extremely well. I’d recommend it most highly as there are some of the best writers around in there. Chris Rhatigan was a great guy to work with and the editing process has helped my writing, too.

Then there are my other titles, Beat On The Brat and Dirty Old Town.

When I was asked to write a piece based upon a song, I was delighted.

Thing is, being asked to choose a song to write about was more difficult that writing a story and waiting for the title to arrive.

In the end I plumped for ‘Super Trouper’, but not because it’s one of my favourite tracks (not even close).

My brother’s band of yesteryear, The Dandelion Adventure, did a terrific cover of it and that swayed my impression, and the idea of writing about an Afghanistan veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder came after I listened to a news item.

The two things fused together and my piece for ‘Off The Record’ was born.

It's an exciting collection, no doubt about it.

Dunbar Noir?

Dunbar is where I’ve lived for the past 8 years. It feels like home. And the words rhyme.

Family life?

It can be a juggle and a struggle, but it’s the heart of everything.

I don’t think Isobel really understands what I’m doing on the computer and she doesn’t really enjoy my work. I’m grateful to her for the time she allows me to break away in the evenings. I guess I landed on my feet.

I have three children, Nancy (8), Kitty (6) and Donald (3).

Nancy has more energy that one person deserves. She’s like the sunshine, happy and buoyant most of the time. A bright spark and a determined soul, she’s a delight and exhausting.

Kitty’s quieter. Takes care over everything. Grafts. Light as a feather and able to do amazing things with her agility and strength. She’s also cute as a button and hugely kind and thoughtful.

Donald seems to have inherited my shyness, but he’ll do fine. He’d handsome and creative and loves pink. Most of all he likes dressing up as pirates. Hates vegetables. Loves his mum.

Smoke?

I used to. Whenever I could.

And the novella is something I’m very proud of. Ian Rankin’s comment ‘grim and rather good’ was a real boost, but so have the more in depth reviews put up around and about (for which I’m very grateful.

It tells a story which follows on from ‘An Arm And A Leg’, published in the ‘Mammoth Best British Crime’. The reception has been so positive that I’m considering a follow up, though the frenetic pace of ‘Smoke’ might mean that’s difficult to manage.

It’s a good time to go for Smoke as there’s been a huge drop in price to 86p/99c.

Novel?

It’s written and being read by a bunch of talents. After that we’ll see where it finds a home; it will deserve a quality home and if I can’t get that right, self-publishing is a definite option.

Thanks?

To so many. More than I could name in one go. Just a huge thanks to those who know me – retweeters, sharers, writers, readers, reviewers, publishers, friends and those who cross over between those.

And to you Luca for having me.

Sorry?

To those who are hoping for something from me that I’ve not been able to deliver yet – reviews in particular. Time’s increasingly tight and that impacts upon reading and reviewing space. If you’ve sent me something , I’ll do my very best to get round to it one day.

xx

For a limited time, you can pick up Nigel's novella SMOKE for the bargain price of 86p on Amazon UK, and 99c on Amazon US!

Links below...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Smoke-ebook/dp/B005UO9USY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320450142&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Smoke-ebook/dp/B005UO9USY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320450214&sr=8-1

The Lost Children - A Charity Anthology

2011-11-02T13:52:00.000Z

This Monday saw the release of THE LOST CHILDREN: A CHARITY ANTHOLOGY. Thirty stories all based on a Flash Fiction Friday challenge issued by the incredible Fiona Johnson. Backed by Thomas Pluck, they each donated £5 and over $5 each to a charity on both sides of the Atlantic, when this was first posted, and now they have taken the stories and packaged them all up into an Ebook, with all the proceeds going to charity.

And there's some great names involved...in alphabetical order:-

David Ackley, Kevin Aldrich, David Barber, Lynn Beighley, Seamus Bellamy, Paul D. Brazill, Sif Dal, James Lloyd Davis, Roberto C. Garcia, Susan Gibb, Nancy A. Hansen, K.V. Hardy, Gill Hoffs, Fiona "McDroll" Johnson, J.F. Juzwik, MaryAnne Kolton, Benoit Lelievre, Veronica Marie Lewis-Shaw, Vinod Narayan, Paula Pahnke, Ron Earl Phillips, Thomas Pluck, Sam Rasnake, JP Reese, Chad Rohrbacher, Susan Tepper, Luca Veste, Michael Webb, Nicolette Wong and Erin Zulkoski.

A fantastic cause, I am honoured to have my short story WAITING in there. Go and buy and a copy, feel good about your charitable self, and then tell others to do the same!

A hearty congratulations to Fiona, Tommy and Ron, for all their hard work. Thank you, you lead the way.

You can buy here in the UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Children-Charity-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0061HAG6Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320231689&sr=1-3

And here in the US - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061HAG6Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=plyoto-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0061HAG6Y

Now go help some kids. They're the future... as someone once said.

Interview with Col Bury

2011-10-31T23:37:00.001Z

Time to meet another of the excellent writers involved in OFF THE RECORD today. The award winning editor of the incredible short story site 'Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers', and extraordinary writer to boot, Col Bury is a rising name in the fiction world. One to keep an eye on, as he destined for greatness, it is with great pleasure I introduce you to Mr Col Bury...

So Col, you're one of the multitude of writers involved with OFF THE RECORD, can you tell us what song title you went for and why?

RESPECT smacked in the mouth when I saw it on your list, which was a tad disrespectful if you ask me! If you recall, I emailed you instantly claiming the title. It's right up my street, having penned a story for Thrillers, Killer 'n' Chillers with the same title. The thing is, I was drunk when I wrote that version, yet it, somehow worked (unless people were just being polite). At the time, it was very therapeutic writing it, and gave me the idea for a new story with the same title.

What's the story about, and how much was inspired by the song itself?

Was gonna say, "Respect," but that would just be flippant. It opens with two cops in a van, one, a rookie, pissed off at his colleagues pussyfooting around the scumbags. It changes viewpoint to a gangster 'n' his cronies, who are 'dissin'' everyone. Then again, it alternates to another mystery character, who's a tad peeved (!) at society in general. The cops are chasing the gang, but so is this mystery chap. 'Who gets to them first?' I hear you ask... well... no spoilers here... it's for charity so buy the book! And, yes, I could hear Aretha singing as wrote!

Was it a fun/bad experience writing a story to a prompt?

Fun! It focussed me. I knew what I had to do. However, because of the three viewpoints the story ran over quite a bit. I got there in the end, and, hopefully, the editing made it tighter.

Do you think music has much influence on your writing?

It hadn't really before I started reading ezines about three years ago. When I stumbled across one of Paul Brazill's old stories (soz, mate, can't recall the title), I felt that his occasional references to music added another dimension to the story. So, it made me think, and it's become a feature in my novel writing. Not really plagiarism that - just me learning. Anyway, thanks, Paul.

Now, as some people know by now, you gave me my first break in the writing game, over on the excellent Thrillers, Killers ‘n’ Chillers website…can you tell us more about the site?

A mutual friend put me in touch with Matt Hilton and we exchanged many emails. Matt has been a massive help to me on this writing journey, and gave me my first break on the then 'fledgling' TKnC, back in January 2009. After years of farting about with writing, the thrill of seeing my story up there, made me submit several more. With Matt's success regarding the Joe Hunter thrillers taking him away a lot, a month later, Matt asked me to lend a hand...

Amazingly, on the site's first anniversary we were voted 'Preditors & Editors Best Fiction Magazine', and came 4th in our second year, when, gobsmackingly, little old me got the 'Best Editor' Award, which I proudly accepted on behalf of co-editors, Matt and Lee Hughes. And, now we have the classy and talented Lily Childs as Horror Editor, so the site is fresh and strong. BUT, it's the quality of the writers and loyalty of the readers that make it pleasure to be involved in. Long may it continue...

I've heard on the grapevine that you may have some news about a forthcoming release…can you reveal any more?

When I saw that many of me good buds were bringing out short story collections, I really wanted to join the fray. But, with my ongoing crime novel writing, under the guidance of agent, Nat Sobel, I wrongly felt I couldn't. Thankfully, Nat gave me his blessing to break from the novel writing and MANCHESTER 6 was born - six gritty crime shorts (not for the faint of heart), based in Manchester. It will be a series, too. And, for the record, I did get the idea for the title after seeing your LIVERPOOL 5, mate - may I add, with your blessing.

Do you think the short story form has become more prominent recently, and do you put that down to the rise of Ebooks or something else…?

Definitely yes to both, but initially because of ezines. The thing with ebooks is that many writers who, perhaps, wouldn't have had a stage on which to perform, now do.

Now…Manchester vs Liverpool. Similar to us, Manchester isn’t really known for its literary prowess, feel free to correct me, and more for its music scene. Do you feel Northern cities are underrepresented in fiction?

Not anymore! Regarding the North, I won't even begin to name names, for fear of missing someone out... but there's a tsunami of talent ready to crash into the publishing industry and shake it up!

As for Manchester, I can't totally disagree, as the music scene is massive. However, Mandasue Heller has sold over a million books, and Chris Simms has penned eight crackin' crime novels. If you've missed them both, then I highly recommend them. Also, I've recently come across two other Manc up 'n' comers - Gordon Harries and Phil Martin. Plus, there's two old schoolmates, David Barber 'n' Col Bury! :-)

Did you read as a kid growing up and if so what authors did you read?

In our late teens, Dave 'n' I used to both read horror. Dave was into Shaun Hutson, as I recall, and me, James Herbert, and both of us dabbled with King and Koontz. THEN, I read hard-boiled American 'Psycho-logical crime thriller, SWITCH by William Bayer, which had a profound effect on me - read more here... http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-you-have-to-read-switch-by-william.html

What authors do you always look forward to reading?

Simon Kernick, Matt Hilton, Mark Billingham, Chris Simms, Nick Quantrill, Andy Rivers, Lee Child, Richard Godwin, George Pelecanos, and many more, but you get the gist.

If you could name just one book which inspired you to start writing, what would it be?

SWITCH!!!

What are your future plans, in terms of writing?

After the 'break' from novel writing to do the ebooks - not just the 'Manchester' series, but also featuring in Brit Grit 2 and your splendid idea, OFF THE RECORD - I really do need to get back to completing my second attempt at 'the dream' of having my own crime novel on the bookshelves (before they all close!).

And now 2 questions I always ask of writers…

Describe your perfect writing environment.

Dave Barber's house! Seriously... Matt Hilton's house! Dammit (not envious, honest). Basically, a cottage in the middle of nowhere with a view of mountains and lakes, or the sea. The Lake District feels perfect for me (as I could still get to the City games). However, on a recent trip up to see Dave, I also fell in love with KILLIN in Scotland. So much so, when I got back I wrote a short story about it, which will feature in one of the ebooks soon. There are pics of KILLIN on me blog here... http://colburysnewcrimefiction.blogspot.com/2011/09/writin-editin-drinkin-n-killin-with-me.html

Describe your actual writing environment.

A shit-tip! :-)

Back room, cluttered desk, over-flowing ashtray, piles of unread novels... but I pretend am somewhere (in) KILLIN...

'Manchester 6' is available to download now, for the bargain price of just 86p. Six gritty stories, each uniquely excellent. Highly recommended to all! Available here in the UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manchester-6-ebook/dp/B00600S2AY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320103557&sr=1-1

And here in the US - http://www.amazon.com/Manchester-6-ebook/dp/B00600S2AY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320103600&sr=8-1

Col can be found at his own site - http://colburysnewcrimefiction.blogspot.com/

And editing over here - http://thrillskillsnchills.blogspot.com/

REVIEW - The Bailout - Charlie Wade

2011-10-28T21:36:00.000+01:00

The credit crunch was just the start.

When the banks crashed again in 2012, the shockwaves led to countries and even continents failing. A mysterious, Far-East consortium's bailout of the UK leaves small town newspaper journalist Rob wondering at what cost.

Printing his own paper telling the truth, Rob is captured and taken along with four other dissidents to a labour camp. Escaping on the way they run, eventually joining forces with other escapees. Eventually recaptured, they're taken to a labour camp and find out the consortium's real aims. Determined to make a difference, they engineer a stand against the consortium.

So, a post double recession hit Europe, a Chinese intervention, and a new regime...all sounds incredibly boring and best saved for a Question Time special, inevitably having Melanie Phillips and Nigel Farage spewing bile over who's fault it all is (probably some lefty who liked the thought of being part of the EU, right!) and pages and pages of Guardian coverage, which doesn't really have an opinion, one way or the other...

But would this landscape make for a good novel...

The answer is undoubtedly, Yes. And I'll tell you why.

Characters. People, the affected. The little guys, the ones most harmed by money men & women and politics.

And that's what THE BAILOUT has in abundance, a plethora of incredible characters, all with their own nuances and intriguing back stories. Whilst the main voice throughout is provided by ex-journalist Rob, it is the people around him who flesh out this story, and take it from just good/very good, to excellent.

The story, centring around an escape by certain 'rebels' of the dystopian nightmare that Britain has become, from police. That's the first part. The second part turns a certain island into a nightmare work society...before a rollicking ending which is realistically formed. It's very well written, flowing story, with some nice twists and turns along the way. It will keep you gripped throughout, right up until the end.

This novel needs a sequel, with a loose ending that cries out for more. There is plenty of scope for more stories, with any of the characters involved.

An excellent read, I'd highly recommend this funny, enlightening, and gripping novel. Go and buy it, it's an absolute bargain for 86p/99c!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Bailout-ebook/dp/B005VCFNFY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top