"Rembrandt is quoted as saying, “Without atmosphere, painting is nothing.” Without atmosphere, neither is a great novel. Patricia Ketola's debut novel, Dirty Pictures, is poetic at times, sad, humorous, gripping, joyful, thrilling, and hopeful. A thoroughly captivating tale, rich in atmosphere, that is near impossible to put down. Still recovering from the death of her … Continue reading “Life at its fullest” – Marvin Minkler about “Dirty Pictures”
“A Poet of Darkness”
We are happy and proud – overjoyed, really! – to share with you a few lines from a letter that the great American post-modernist writer Richard Kalich wrote to us and the Irish writer Colin O’Sullivan after having read his work for the first time (Colin’s novel, The Starved Lover Sings). Such an endorsement, coming … Continue reading “A Poet of Darkness”
“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.”
“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”
Les Edgerton about his novel “The Death of Tarpons”
"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection." —Sigmund Freud Les Edgerton in conversation with a Trinity College Dublin graduate Kelly O'Brien: —The Death of Tarpons takes the form of bildungsroman and is written in the first person narrative. Given that you also grew … Continue reading Les Edgerton about his novel “The Death of Tarpons”
“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!
Donald Finnaeus Mayo about women’s fiction, spycops and divided societies (Interview, Part II)
KOB: Both of your novels are driven by strong female characters. Would you consider your work to be “Women’s Fiction” and if so, how do you feel your position as a male novelist impacts your female-centric writing? DFM: I have noticed that women seem to respond well to my work, which I'm happy about because … Continue reading Donald Finnaeus Mayo about women’s fiction, spycops and divided societies (Interview, Part II)
Donald Finnaeus Mayo about journalism, modern history and inspiration (Interview, Part I)
Kelly O’Brien: Both of your novels, Francesca and The Insider’s Guide to Betrayal are set in the 1970s and 1980s, is this period of time significant to you? What interests you in the writing of historical fiction? Donald Finnaeus Mayo: Most decades have something interesting to offer, and if you have lived through them your … Continue reading Donald Finnaeus Mayo about journalism, modern history and inspiration (Interview, Part I)
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”
“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”
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
Killarney Blues – Colin O’Sullivan
A wonderful review of the French edition of Colin O’Sullivan’s KILLARNEY BLUES!
Traduit par Ludivine Bouton-Kelly
Bernard est jarvey dans la petite ville de Killarney, en Irlande, dans le comté du Kerry. Si vous connaissez Killarney, vous avez sûrement rencontré ces conducteurs de calèche qui promènent toute la journée les nombreux touristes. Pourtant Bernard est mis au ban de la bourgade : il est considéré un peu comme l’idiot du village. On découvre qu’il aurait peut-être une forme d’autisme Asperger (mais cela reste une supposition). Cet homme a une passion : le blues. Dès qu’il peut, il gratte sa guitare et chante (mais chez lui). Il est incollable sur tous les bluesmen américains. Une passion que lui a transmise son père, décédé. Bernard est amoureux depuis son adolescence de Marian, à qui il envoie régulièrement des cassettes de ses enregistrements.
Quand s’ouvre le récit, Bernard se fait rosser par des hommes, à la sortie d’un pub. On ne sait pas pourquoi. Des…
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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 Death of Tarpons”: A journey into darkness
On the occasion of the new release of Les Edgerton’s debut novel, The Death of Tarpons, in paperback format by Betimes Books and in electronic format by Endeavour Press, we are taking a look back at what makes Edgerton’s first work of fiction so special. For something which, at first glance, seems so different from … Continue reading “The Death of Tarpons”: A journey into darkness
Craig McDonald about the challenge of writing a series
Not the end of something? By Craig McDonald In autumn 2007, HEAD GAMES was published by Ben Leroy and Bleak House books. It went on to earn best first novel nominations for the Edgar Award, the Anthony, and the Sélection du prix polar Saint-Maur en Poche in France, among others. It also launched a series … Continue reading Craig McDonald about the challenge of writing a series
Video Extract of “The Painter’s Women” by Fionnuala Brennan
"To my mind, Goya is one of the most enigmatic and influential painters in the history of art. In the novel I wanted to explore behind the scenes, to discover something more of the man and of his work. What better perspective to obtain than that of the women who were closest to him in … Continue reading Video Extract of “The Painter’s Women” by Fionnuala Brennan
Author Hadley Colt discusses which famous film portrayals influenced her ‘Sherlock Holmes’ novel, “The Red-Handed League”.
From Hadley Colt's Blog: THE RED-HANDED LEAGUE & THE FACES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES The faces of Sherlock Holmes: So many, so varied. Some so bewildering. I’m specifically thinking about Mr. Holmes’ countless incarnations on film. When you look over the list of actors who’ve taken on the task of playing Sherlock—and ifyou’ve somehow evaded forming … Continue reading Author Hadley Colt discusses which famous film portrayals influenced her ‘Sherlock Holmes’ novel, “The Red-Handed League”.
Hadley Colt about her second novel for Betimes Books, a reinvention of the timeless legend of Sherlock Holmes
From Hadley Colt's blog: PUBLISH OR PERISH? (THE RED-HANDED LEAGUE DEBUTS) “I am lost without my Boswell.” —Sherlock Holmes The Red-Handed League, my new thriller about Sherlock Holmes, debuts this week. Hewing to a Doylean naming strategy, this little essay might be called, The Matter of the Murdered Biographer. It could also be titled, The … Continue reading Hadley Colt about her second novel for Betimes Books, a reinvention of the timeless legend of Sherlock Holmes
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