It’s close to midnight. I’ve sought refuge from the suffocating Florida humidity in the air-conditioned Starlight Diner on the outskirts of Sebastian, a small town north of Miami. From a booth way in the back comes a low murmur. It sets up a kind of rhythm with the patter of rain against the windows, a counterpoint to the clash of cutlery against glass from a hollow-eyed addict devouring his umpteenth dessert. I’m here to meet one of my favourite authors, literary writer Emily St. John Mandel. We’re discussing her brilliant novel The Lola Quartet and get a taste of her latest extraordinary work — Station Eleven.
Category: Blog
The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen
Multi-talented Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen contributes to the stellar reputation of Scandinavian crime with this remarkable, tension-filled novel.
Already Dead by Jaye Ford
A tense, and intense, read with plenty to keep you guessing. Set aside some time. Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop.
Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
Anna Romer effectively blends contemporary and historical fiction with a tense mystery to deliver a modern Gothic tale grounded in the Australian landscape.
Suspense and Southern Charm – Interview with Michael Hiebert
The first thing I notice is the scent of pine from the sun-warmed trees hugging the dilapidated house. Beneath the small wooden bridge, the local spring bubbles and skips. It should be beautiful out here, but Preacher Eli’s glare is alive with menace. He doesn’t need to say a word before I’m back in my car and heading to town for my meeting with Eli’s creator – the talented and prolific Canadian author Michael Hiebert.
One Kick by Chelsea Cain
This first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Cain is a five-star, kick-ass thriller.
Accidents and Military Brats with Robb Grindstaff
There are places in the Roman neighbourhood of Trastevere that are beautiful. Pizza Pazza, not far from the American University, isn’t one of them. Squeezed into a busy corner of the plaza, the crumbling ochre exterior and grimy cobblestones belie the pleasure of biting into a slice of true Italian pizza among the milling crowd of students and locals and a mellifluous mix of languages cut by the buzz of mopeds. I’m here with Robb Grindstaff, author of the very moving Carry Me Away.
The Studio Kill by Charles Fleming
Well-written and so true to traditional hardboiled noir you’ll feel like you are watching a black and white movie
Carry Me Away by Robb Grindstaff
A compelling read from the first page to the last thanks to the strength of voice and an original twist on a coming-of-age story
Tempting Fate by Jane Green
One night of ill-judged passion changes a young mother’s life forever