A truly wonderful new review of Craig McDonald's latest book, by an eminent British scholar! This is how it starts: "Hector Lassiter returns in dazzling form in Craig McDonald’s latest book Write From Wrong. In case you are unfamiliar with old Hec, allow me to introduce you." And this is how it ends: "A Lassiter tale is … Continue reading James Ellroy scholar Steven Powell reviews WRITE FROM WRONG
A review of “Write from Wrong”, the latest Hector Lassiter book from Craig McDonald
Craig McDonald is the quintessential master of hard-boiled, pulp-style crime fiction, and the writer proves it once more in this fine capstone on the 20th century escapades of the man who lives what he writes, and writes what he lives, Hector Lassiter. Write from Wrong, published by Betimes Books, features chapters that the span Hector … Continue reading A review of “Write from Wrong”, the latest Hector Lassiter book from Craig McDonald
“An intelligent novel that twists your gut.”
We are thrilled to share another wonderful new review for a 'backlist' title - a proof that great books don't have a 'use-by' date! REACH THE SHINING RIVER by Kevin Stevens in NB Magazine Stevens has written a grippingly sinister murder mystery that oozes menace and violence. Reach the Shining River captures the deeply corrupt … Continue reading “An intelligent novel that twists your gut.”
“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”
HEAD GAMES: the first review comparing the novel and the graphic novel
Review published on September 21, 2018. Whichever version of Head Games you choose to read, the novel or the graphic novel, you’re getting a juicy slice of Americana to feast on. I decided to tackle both books because I thought it would be interesting to read one straight after the other (starting with the novel, … Continue reading HEAD GAMES: the first review comparing the novel and the graphic novel
“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”
Is your home robot cute?
Another short excerpt from Colin O'Sullivan's new novel, THE DARK MANUAL, for your enjoyment: “Where’s your ‘bot?” “It’s shut down for the evening. I’m sick to death of listening to the fucking thing.” “Oh, bring him in. I want to see him.” Susie hates the personal pronoun. Calling it a him. Zen was a he. … Continue reading Is your home robot cute?
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
Excerpt from “The Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan
From Chapter 3: Susie suddenly lashes out, sending the cereal bowl flying from the counter out into kitchen space. It smashes to pieces against a side cupboard and lays silent on the floor in thick white shards. “Turn it off,” she shouts. “Yes, Miss Susie.” The grey woman on the grey beach vanishes and there … Continue reading Excerpt from “The Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan
“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.
“A gem for real noir fans” – a new review of BORDERLAND NOIR
Original review published on February 25, 2018 here: http://nudge-book.com/blog/2018/02/borderland-noir-edited-by-craig-mcdonald/ I came across this anthology when I was looking into a feature on Mexican crime fiction, also published this month on BookNoir. I’m glad I did because there is some fine writing here; there is a genuine connection between the stories based at La Frontera, the … Continue reading “A gem for real noir fans” – a new review of BORDERLAND NOIR
Colin O’Sullivan’s “KILLARNEY BLUES” is on RTL!
Colin O'Sullivan's novel KILLARNEY BLUES (French translation, Éditions Rivages, Sept. 2017) is on the RTL radio (C'est à lire - To be read)! "This first Noir novel from Colin O'Sullivan is magnificent, very finely written, and profoundly sad. To be savoured while drinking a Guinness and listening to some old blues, by Muddy Waters or … Continue reading Colin O’Sullivan’s “KILLARNEY BLUES” is on RTL!
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