“If you are in the mood for something different, this may be it.”

Dirty Pictures by Patricia Ketola reviewed by Paul Burke in NB Magazine This novel is extremely well-written, it reads like a page-turner and the story is fascinating, but it won’t be for everyone, it might even be described as niche. Here’s why I think it might not appeal to some: If you want a straightforward … Continue reading “If you are in the mood for something different, this may be it.”

REMINDER: The Dark Manual promotion on Amazon UK

We don't want you to miss it! Until the end of October, Colin O'Sullivan's chilling and thought-provoking novel THE DARK MANUAL, due to become a TV series, is promoted on Amazon UK, and you can read the e-book for £0.99 only!

October treat: Amazon UK promotion for Colin O’Sullivan’s novel “The Dark Manual”

During the whole month of October, readers in the UK & Ireland can buy The Dark Manual here for £0.99! This is, of course, a Kindle edition. Print edition is also available on Amazon, the Book Depository (free delivery worldwide), etc. Or maybe you prefer to watch it on TV? It's coming, but it will … Continue reading October treat: Amazon UK promotion for Colin O’Sullivan’s novel “The Dark Manual”

“Novels are all about commitment” – Colin O’Sullivan’s profile in Books Ireland Magazine

Meet a writer who "has an understanding of the power of words, their placing, their specific meaning" and "reflects the current malaise and modern preoccupations", "sends language out on a gleeful spree, exuberant, defiant", and who is "one of the finest storytellers out there, a lyrical master of the written word".

More praise for “The Dark Manual”

Review published on Book Nudge / Book Noir, August 31, 2018. The Dark Manual defies easy categorisation; it’s a literary novel, a very desperate tale of love and loss, a noir thriller, of real and imaginary threats and a sci-fi speculation (which could be read as prescient future gazing). O’Sullivan has carved himself a distinct … Continue reading More praise for “The Dark Manual”

A tribute to Aretha Franklin

As a small tribute to Aretha Franklin, this excerpt from Reach the Shining River, a novel by Kevin Stevens, writer and jazz connoisseur: "A full house was tough on the nerves but easier to gather and please. If you knew what you were doing, and Arlene did. Had known from the beginning when, eleven years … Continue reading A tribute to Aretha Franklin

“Exciting Poetic Thriller” – exactly!

We just have to share this reader's review! It's wonderful when somebody REALLY gets the book! Thanks to @fatorange23, whoever he/she is, for sharing this with other readers: 5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Poetic Thriller 4 August 2018 - Published on Amazon.com Format: Paperback In order to be a great writer one’s style must … Continue reading “Exciting Poetic Thriller” – exactly!

A glorious review of Colin O’Sullivan’s new novel “The Dark Manual”

Isaac Asimov had Three Laws of Robotics: 1. A robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3. A robot must protect its own … Continue reading A glorious review of Colin O’Sullivan’s new novel “The Dark Manual”

Interview with Colin O’Sullivan in Your Secret Library

A few days before the release of Colin's third novel, THE DARK MANUAL, a Trinity College Dublin graduate Polly Young interviews her fellow Trinity College alumnus for Your Secret Library Magazine: Colin O’Sullivan is a poet and a novelist, author of Killarney Blues (2013), The Starved Lover Sings (2017), and The Dark Manual (May 2018), … Continue reading Interview with Colin O’Sullivan in Your Secret Library

“Colin O’Sullivan writes gloriously”

In Tom Russell's song about Lightnin' Hopkins, 'Scars on His Ankles,” he writes of Lightnin's scars on his ankles where the chain from the chain gang cut his skin. In Colin O'Sullivan's jewel of a first novel, Killarney Blues, winner of the “Prix Mystere de la critique,” in France, the main characters also have scars, … Continue reading “Colin O’Sullivan writes gloriously”

More praise for Sam Hawken’s LA FRONTERA five years after its release

If, like us, you value long-sellers over best-sellers and content over marketing, this book might be for you: Book Noir review, published on March 30, 2018 Every time I read one of Hawken’s novels I enjoy it immensely; he is a consummate storyteller with a real knack for getting to the heart of the matter. … Continue reading More praise for Sam Hawken’s LA FRONTERA five years after its release

Colin O’Sullivan wins the “Prix Mystère de la critique” in France for “Killarney Blues”

Congratulations to Colin O'Sullivan, Winner of a prestigious crime fiction award in France: the Prix Mystère de la critique! Previous winners include: Don Winslow, Daniel Woodrell, Dennis Lehane, Boris Akunin, Donald E. Westlake, Henning Mankell, James Ellroy, Michael Connelly, Thomas Harris, and many other fabulous writers from around the world.

Richard Kalich acknowledged as a notable postmodernist author

Do you know the difference between Modernism and Postmodernism in literature? This Pediaa.com article gives a clear definition of each movement and, importantly, mentions Richard Kalich, author of The Nihilesthete, Charlie P., and Penthouse F, published as Central Park West Trilogy by Betimes Books, as one of the notable postmodernist writers, along with "household" names … Continue reading Richard Kalich acknowledged as a notable postmodernist author

Christmas Prize Draw!

Vote for your favourite Betimes Books cover for a chance to win a print copy of one of our books! The Prize Draw is open to people aged 18 and over who provide their email address by voting for their favourite cover and would be happy to provide their postal address if they win. Please … Continue reading Christmas Prize Draw!

The Success of the French Edition of “Killarney Blues”

"Carried by a genuine writing talent, Killarney Blues is a Noir novel full of melancholy and unfulfilled dreams with a surprising glimmer of hope at the end. Without the slightest naivety. A revelation."  —Le Soir “A cathartic novel that ultimately creates positive emotions, like the blues can do. Poignant.” —booknode.com ­­ “A luminous novel that … Continue reading The Success of the French Edition of “Killarney Blues”

Happy 10th Anniversary, Hector!

Ten years, ten novels... And a graphic novel coming out this Fall. Hector Lassiter  has been through good and bad times. But tough times don't last. Tough men do! Happy 10th anniversary to Hector Lassiter and his creator, Craig McDonald, and many happy returns! Click here to view the Hector Lassiter Series and HERE TO … Continue reading Happy 10th Anniversary, Hector!

The Lassiter Decade Competition

Dear Readers, To mark the 10th Anniversary of Craig McDonald’s Hector Lassiter series, we are running a competition in which the authors of the best three reviews of a Hector Lassiter book posted on any Amazon website and live by June 12, 10am Dublin time, will win a signed copy of a Hector Lassiter novel! … Continue reading The Lassiter Decade Competition

New release: A wildly original cautionary tale from Colin O’Sullivan

The Starved Lover Sings Fall under the spell of Colin O'Sullivan's distinctive narrative voice. O'Sullivan's writing is striking. Admire the at once precise and experimental nature of his prose, its energy and daring. Enjoy it despite its darkness – and be impressed with it.   For bloggers and reviewers: please contact us to receive a … Continue reading New release: A wildly original cautionary tale from Colin O’Sullivan