The Crime Warp

Loveable Sleuths Sometimes we're lucky enough to find a sleuth/detective/goodie/ that just tugs on our heartstrings, maybe even brings out the mumsy or dadsy in us.  These characters are always a delight to read and have us sitting on the sidelines rooting for them.  They are so absorbing that we feel almost morally bound to be their defenders, albeit from our comfy armchairs.  They embrace all the good in detectives but maintain an innocence (even when forced to kill an adversary) that keeps us rooting for them.  They often have an aura of vulnerability around them, sometimes disguised under a gruff exterior, but always apparent to the discerning reader.  These are our LOVEABLE SLEUTHS and we're proud to LOVE them Sookie Stackhouse created by Charlaine Harris Where crime meets the supernatural by Indiana Charlaine Harris Who would have thought that a blond waitress from Louisiana of all places, however perky, would become my protagonist of choic...

  The Crime Warp celebrates International Women’s Day 2013                 International women’s day celebrates the various ongoing achievements of women.  In the crime fiction arena, with the likes of Agatha Christie leading the way we have a strong base for women writer's to come to the fore.  In fact there are so many female crime fiction writer's nowadays that we, at the crime warp,  are reluctant to attempt to enumerate them and their achievements.   Instead, we've opted to delve into the realms of the women characters  created by a some of these extremely talented women writer's.   This list is by no means conclusive and we’d welcome any additions you readers can add to our list. Christie at work Miss Marple by Agatha Christie    No list of women detectives would be complete without representation from Agatha Christie...

Note: Any review about this book is, by necessity, going to be enigmatic because it has so many twists and turns in it that it would be impossible to do a detailed review without giving away a spoiler or ten! The novel is set in Missouri, US and has a three act structure. Basically, it is the story of a woman who disappears, in suspicious circumstances, on her fifth wedding anniversary.  The story is narrated alternately by her husband Nick and by Amy herself.  When it is Nick telling the story, we are in the present and following events as they unfold.  Amy’s voice comes from her diary and progresses from five years previously up to her disappearance. The book started quite slowly for me and indeed I had one false start where I read a couple of chapters and then put it down for several weeks before starting again.  For anyone else reading the book, my advice is to keep reading because this is one of these books which gains momentum as it progresses and by...

Here is a worthwhile writing competition if ever there was one! " Words for the Wounded is a charity that raises money via writing prizes and donations for the rehabilitation of our wounded servicemen and women. " The Words for the Wounded Writing Prize closes for entries on 11th March 2013.  First prize is £250, second prize is £100 and third prize is £50.  But perhaps best prize of all is that the winning entry will be published in the rather excellent " Writer's FORUM Magazine "!  Plus you get the satisfaction of knowing that your entry is supporting our brave servicemen. The remit is to write a short story, real life tale or poem of no more than 400 words.  The judges are looking for submissions which will amuse, intrigue, move or inspire them.  Better still if you can create something which ticks "all of the above"! The entry fee is only £3.50 so why not give it a go?  Better still, spread the word to your writing friends and let'...

Following a discussion with a fellow attendee at Allan Guthrie and Gordon Ferris's excellent panel on Digital Publishing at "Bloody Scotland" (September 2012), I gathered some useful links on getting started with self-publishing an e-book.  (David Cannoy is an e-reader and e-publishing expert) 1.  Self-publishing – 25 things you need to know by David Cannoy (This is a good general starting point.) 2.  How to self-publish an ebook by David Cannoy This article was originally written in 2010, but the author has updated it as necessary (last update June 2012) 3.  How to build your Kindle e-book for Amazon This is a free, downloadable user guide from Amazon which takes the reader through the process of converting their book into Kindle format.  It includes tips for formatting, creating a cover and then takes the reader through the technical process of uploading to Amazon. 4. Other E-book outlets Amazon sell e-books in Kindle format.  However, t...

I met Graham Smith a couple of months ago at "Bloody Scotland" and recognised him as one of the guys from Harrogate who gets to wear a press badge!  We got talking over coffee and I was delighted when he agreed to be one of my first victims at The Crime Warp ! Afterwards, I considered the folly of this.  Here was me, a total greenhorn , taking on a pro for my first foray into interviewing!   Graham is not only a regular reviewer for Crimesquad , but he is also a veteran interviewer of crime authors, with names like David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Matt Hilton, current CWA Chair Peter James and Mark Billingham notched on his interview's belt!  I needn't have worried. Graham was absolutely charming and put me at my ease with some gentle words of encouragement.  Many thanks! So here it is - a question and answer session with Graham Smith:- Graham Smith - Reader, Reviewer & Writer  On read...