Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #21 - A GOOD DAY (Tales from the Longcroft Estate - volume 1) by DARREN SANT...

This short eBook opens with a pigeon scavenging for food, quickly setting the scene on the Longcroft Estate in an original way which made me smile knowingly.  Not that I scavenge for old kebabs, but with the credit crunch kicking in who knows, eh? The upshot, I knew where I was from the outset - in a harshly real place.

The story is told from the viewpoint of a selfish heroin addict, and I have to say that Sant's portrayal was as authentic as I've ever read.  I was particularly struck by the warped views of the addict and how he saw the decent folk in society as scum, and with the same contempt they rightly had for him.  Clever that.

When our druggie gets new neighbours, this gritty story takes a dramatic twist, which questions the morality of the man drowning in a sea of drugs.  The intrigue in this tale drags you along, and it ends with a second, bonus gut-punch, which again made me smile at the author's prowess.  Thoroughly enjoyable read, and a reminder of what goes on as we all innocently go about our daily routines.

My only negative would be that I wanted more, which is obviously a positive too.  So, I'll be buying more of Sant's work for sure.  Starting now with volume two, COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

Check out Darren Sant at Amazon, or at his blog.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #20 - Magenta Shaman by Lily Childs...

This eBook may not be seen as crime fiction per se, but it is dark cross genre fiction, which qualifies it for my review series.

Note: I don't do bad reviews, only those books I love and feel comfortable  recommending to others.

Lily's unique creation, Magenta Shaman, truly is something to behold.  The strange world she inhabits via shamanic trances (Magenta, not Lily), is portrayed in such a subtly clever drip-feed to the reader that it fits as snugly as a woolly winter jumper; albeit one that prickles the skin!

In this first foray, Magenta's loyal husband, Tom, is dismayed that Magenta (or 'Maggie' as he calls her) has been secretly doing her dangerous and mystical work 'on the other side'.  Magenta has been reporting to 'The Judge', a character who features heavily throughout, but there's much more to him than meets the eye (no spoilers here).  In stark contrast to the transcendent place where Magenta does her work, back in the real world the seaside resort of Brighton offers a strong sense of place.

When Tom's instincts to 'protect' Magenta rise to the surface, knowing her compulsion to continue her work is steadfast, there's only one way for him to do it... join her on the other side.  Much easier said than done.  If Tom manages this, then will his inexperience put him in danger?  Will the 'protector' need protecting?

As Magenta safeguards the innocent souls on this distant and perilous plane, she encounters the fearsome Billowat, with razor fangs, one bite from which will 'zombify' you forever.  Your naturally instinct would be to run and never return.  Not so Magenta.  How can she when her mission is to bring back the creature's tooth! But is she is being watched?  Are things really what they seem?  And to what lengths will her beloved Tom go to save her?  And vice versa.

The writing flows as smooth as silk on a polished table, and the editing is top notch, as to be expected from a hawk-eyed editor.

Lily Childs reaches deep into the chasms of her mind and skilfully drags the reader into a new world in such a way that you're there beside Magenta with every perilous step she takes.  The ending gave me goose-bumps.  In short, the darkest, suspenseful love story I've ever read.  Buy it here.

And now Magenta's second outing is upon us... "Magenta Shaman Stones The Crow"... I've got my copy... what are you waiting for?

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice...

This time, as my Guests' Crime Fiction Choices are more than adequately covering the many excellent short stories out there, I thought I'd recommend a stonker of a novel I recently enjoyed in just three sittings. Hence, the longer than usual write up...

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #18 - MAXWELL'S SILVER HAMMER by Andy Rivers

To be honest, when I saw the title I wasn't overly enthused. Then I realised it was a song by The Beatles, which pricked my curiosity. I'm so glad it did, as I learned a lot from this book about characterisation.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer is a unique take on life in a tough northern city, in this case Newcastle, and is like no other novel I've read. It reminded me of 'CRASH', the Oscar-winning 2004 film, where several characters' stories were so effectively interwoven. Between sittings, I wanted to ditch everything and find out how the characters were doing.

Being a 'plot-driven' kind of writer myself (but that may change after reading this book), I was somewhat taken aback by Andy's no nonsense writing style and at how he, brashly, used the characters to drive the book forward. It was really intriguing to see how it all panned out, because the author, somehow, got me empathising and caring about the characters early on.

Another thing that struck me was, initially, flicking from one person to another - sixteen in total - I wondered if Andy had made a monumental mistake, because I'd always thought it best to have a protagonist, an antagonist and a few peripheral players. However, I'm pleased to say that Andy's prowess shined through and he came up trumps.

The plot is, paradoxically, both simple and complex. Simple in that, the basic storyline surrounds reformed tough guy, Billy Reeves, and his lifelong rivalry with Newcastle's top man, Vince Merry. When those closest to Billy are under threat, the beast within him is unleashed. Yet the complexity involves the skillful linking-in of all the characters, and you soon realise why each and everyone of them were relevant to the overall story.

With a fast pace, gritty edge, extremely strong sense of place and laugh out loud humour, and an ending that finally made me realise why the title was chosen in a 'goosebump moment', I implore you to buy this cracking book here.

I tip my hat to Mr Rivers.

BIO:
Andy Rivers has been a Butlins barman, pretend chippieon a Spanish construction site, coach holiday rep, mobile sandwich salesman and outdoor traffic cone washer to name but a few of his eclectic 'career' choices. Originally from the East End of Newcastle he now lives in Oxfordshire where, as well as following Newcastle United around the country, he passes the time by indulging in his passion for ‘Professional Geordie-ism’ and lager. This is his first novel but he is also the author of ‘I’m Rivelino’, also published by Byker Books, a hilarious account of the thirty odd years of hurt he has suffered at the hands of the Magpies. With the royalties from this book he plans on buying a Ferrari and having a proper mid-life crisis.

Guest's Crime Fiction Choice - Alan Griffiths...

WARNING: Adult content...
Today I'm well chuffed to welcome my good friend Al' - a 'Brit Grit' cockney geezer, who's a dab hand with pen & ink... little cockney rhyming slang joke there... no? Okay. Over to you Al...

Alan Griffith's Crime Fiction Choice

HARD BITE by ANONYMOUS-9 - Beat to a Pulp, Dec.2008.

Recently I’ve been privileged to be one of the few hot-off-the-press readers to peek at Anonymous-9’s completed novel length manuscript of Hard Bite. And, in my humble opinion, a humdinger of a novel it is. Tightly plotted and twisty narrative, great characters, a page turner….

But I digress because today I’d like to beg a few minutes of your time to acquaint you with the original, award winning short story.

When Col kindly asked me to write a few words for this feature I immediately thought of Hard Bite. Why? Well, when I first read this story it just struck a chord. Had me thinking, Hell, I wish I could write like that. And, whenever I re-read this story (which I do) it inspires me to try…

I like to kill people.

It's important to admit the truth to yourself, even if you lie to others, and I do a lot of lying in my line of work. Inside my head, I try to keep the truth black and white, no grey area: I like to kill. I love to kill, people.

So starts Anonymous-9’s Spinetingler award winning short story Hard Bite; published online at Beat to a Pulp and in print within the BTAP Round One anthology.

Did the voice get your attention? Grab you by the throat and shake you a little? Mulling over a decision: Should I connect with this nut job and keep reading?

I think it did.

Because for me it is the voice of A-9’s wise-cracking protagonist that is the key to this brilliantly told story.

As the piece unfolds you realise that this is not just a cold hearted, deranged and cynical psychopath but, after a cruel blow by fate, a wheelchair bound cripple. Who is hell-bent on bringing righteous vengeance to evil people.

What do you do with your life motherfucker???? ..........Sorry, I rant sometimes. Sorry, buddy. Keep reading. Please.

The killer is talking to you. Calling you buddy so you will set aside any preconceived ideas or prejudice; engage and listen to his story.

And, what an original tale it is.

A Los Angeles rock n roll ride: A hardboiled narrative, pared to the bone; sprinkled with deliciously dark and tragic humour. Spiced with a thirteen-year-old capuchin monkey helper with a porn habit, a rental chic that lets our killer hero have his wicked way free once a week, a transsexual surprised in the shower and a fight-dog execution scene.

I kill for extremely personal reasons. Starting with the individual who hit me with his black BMW, carrying me ten blocks on the grille, braking so I'd fall off, and gunning over top of me, shattering my neck, crushing my left arm and feet, and squashing my large intestine to mush. I can't digest much of anything, but my dick still works. Go figger.

But for me it is all about the voice.

Don’t just take my word for it; check it out. And when you have been blown away by Hard Bite check out M-N-S (n): murder-necrophilia-suicide at Plots with Guns and The Master Bedroom also at Beat to a Pulp.

Hard Bite is not just a one off. Anonymous-9 is a seriously talented writer, transcending the Crime and Horror genres. This mysterious lady has been nominated for a Spinetingler award for Best Short Story on the Web twice over (2009 & 2010); winning it once (2009).

My hat is doffed to you, A-9 and thanks for the entertainment!

And thank you, Al!

BIO:
Alan Griffiths, a rookie writer, hails from the badlands of South London, England. His fictional crimes can be found on websites such as: A Twist of Noir, Thrillers, Killers n Chillers and Radgepacket Online. His story, ‘Concrete Jungle’, features in the e-book anthology Discount Noir published by Untreed Reads. ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’ will be published in the forthcoming Byker Books anthology: Radgepacket – Tales from the Inner Cities Volume 5. His literary hero is Ernie Wise and when the mood takes him he blogs at: http://britgrit.blogspot.com/

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice... with a twist!

This time I've chosen my top five shorts from 2010, but the punchy reviews aren't here. Why? Chris Rhatigan kindly invited me to join his series, 'My Top Five for 2010', over at his cool blog, Death by Killing. So I thought, 'Two birds, one stone...' 'n' all that. They're all crackers, I promise - the link is below my choices.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #13 - THE WATCHER by A.J. Humpage

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #14 - CARPACCIO by Lily Childs

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #15 - AN URBAN MYTH by David Barber

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #16 - UNITED WE FALL by Sean Patrick Reardon

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #17 - THE LIARS OF THE LAUGHING CITY by Richard Godwin

http://death-by-killing.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-five-for-2010-col-bury.html

Ps. If you fancy reading all my Crime Fiction Choice's to date, then click here.

NEXT TIME THERE WILL BE ANOTHER EVEN TWISTIER TWIST! :)

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice...

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #10

CHARLES IN CHARGE - by Sean Patrick Reardon

Sean chose the rarely used 2nd POV for this Halloween short over at TKnC, and expertly pulled it off.

When a family man fighting his demons takes a trip to the fairground with his teenage daughter, things go horribly wrong, culminating in an unexpected denouement.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #11

PILLOW TALK - by Jodi MacArthur

Found this beaut over at Beat to a Pulp. From the title, I initially thought it was gonna be a cosy number, but how wrong could I be?

The central character, Henrietta, has to be one of the most disturbing female protags I've read in any short around. Fierce, yet unembellished, in its delivery, this creepy tale will keep you shuddering long after the final word.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #12

SLASH AND BURN - by Matt Hilton

In the third of the Joe Hunter crime thriller series, Matt Hilton provides the compulsory action, bullets, explosions and body count. However this time, not only is it sprinkled with dark humour, but also a pleasantly surprising touch of romance for tough guy Hunter, which adds further story depth.

In this adventure, Hunter is up against a murderous businessman (Huffman) who has kidnapped Hunter's dead, Special Forces friend's sister in a bid to save the former's corrupt empire from crumbling. If this isn't enough, the formidable Bolan twins on Hunter's tail remind me of Heavyweight Champs, the Klitschko brothers.

When reading a novel it's preferable to learn something new, and here I could certainly tell from the face-to-face combat that it was penned by a martial arts expert. The author is the first to concede it won't be everyone's cuppa, but if you like escaping via entertaining, dynamic prose and the thrill of the chase - in this case, from Florida through to Little Fork, Kentucky - then look no further than Slash and Burn.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice... resurrected!

A little over a year ago I started punchy reviews of short stories and flash fiction I'd enjoyed around the net. However, with my own novel writing, added to hectic family life, a demanding full-time job, plus co-editing Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers, although I enjoyed doing it, I had no 'choice' - pardon the pun - and it was placed on the proverbial back burner.

Well, it's back! But this time I'll be including crime thriller/mystery novels. Check back later in the week for Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice numbers 10, 11 & 12.

If you can't wait (yeah, right!), see the first nine here. And remember, I only choose stuff I really loved reading and want to recommend to friends.

BULLET POINTS...

Just a quick heads up on a few crime fiction related bits n bobs...

* Only four days to go to the March 12th deadline (when the voting goes live) to win yourself a signed copy of SLASH & BURN, Matt Hilton's 3rd crime thriller novel in the popular Joe Hunter series. If you fancy your chances you've just gotta write a Hunter style short story here.

* Got a nice little mention (for my recent short, A PUBLIC SERVICE, on A TWIST OF NOIR) from Gary Dobbs AKA Archavist over at his damn fine blog, THE TAINTED ARCHIVE.

* Watch this space for a Q&A with debut novelist, Nick Quantrill, around the day of his book launch of BROKEN DREAMS on March 20th.

Catch you all soon,
Col

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice...

Hi Folks,
It's that time again when I choose three stories I particularly enjoyed from around the blogosphere. The Brits have had a good run to date so now it's the turn of our American friends. However, I make no excuses all three of this month's selections are from the deep archives of Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers. Next month I will mix 'n' match.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #7

COUNT THE EYES - by Erin Cole

A must-read, beautifully written, atmospheric chiller from Erin. I had to break off half-way through, for a brew, such was the tension! A inimitable tale with a strong voice I absolutely loved the sound of.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #8

AN INVERTED VIEW OF WIVES - by Angel Zapata

When a crystal ball arrives in the post Larry's life takes a mysterious turn. A profound piece of incomparable flash - with a cracking title - from back in May when Angel debuted over at TKnC.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #9

GRETA - by Christopher Grant

If you've missed Greta, you've missed a treat. She's a stunning blonde doubling as a no nonsense debt collector - one of the most memorable female characters throughout the blogosphere. There's a trilogy of Greta stories over on TKnC - a place that A Twist Of Noir Editor, Chris, calls his 'home from home'. The fact her name is an anagram of 'Great' is less than coincidence.

Enjoy!

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice

It's time for my next three selections of shorts from across the net that have caught my eye for one reason or another.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #4
THINE IS THE KINGDOM by Lee Hughes

Over at Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers is part ten of Lee's epic horror yarn ('horror?' you ask in horror - click the title of this post for my Choice criteria) with an ever-growing body count and tension to die for (he-he). Having read them all, I'm well n truly hooked. Here's the link to all ten if you prefer - The Osseus Box - but they all work well as cracking stand alone pieces.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #5
OLD AGE AND TREACHERY by Alan Griffiths

If you fancy some 'Brit Grit' gansta fun then look no further than Al's top tale over at the Flash Fiction Offensive. A fast flowing piece with lingo as good as it gets to more than satisfy all noir fans.

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #6
FASHION VICTIM by Lily Childs

You want gore? You want imagery? You wanna see the last foray of a catwalk model with a troubled mind? Then check out this crime-cum-horror piece of flash at TKnC.
To learn more about what makes Lily tick click here.

Ps. The Brits have had a good run so far. Americans next!

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice...

Your choice: skip the waffle to see my first set of selections below...

My choice will be a regular feature from now on whereby I'll be pointing you in the direction of some of the top notch short fiction I've enjoyed from around the blogosphere.

There are some cracking writers out there - many as yet undiscovered - and, since August 2008 when I began 'blogging,' I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with many of them (well virtually!).

So I'll be delving into the archives of my favourite Webzines and I make no apologies for some of my selections possibly being horror, supernatural or even Sci-Fi based as many of these genres often blur together. The only criteria is that a crime is committed or, at least threatened, and dark humour is always a winner with me! (For example, if some two-headed monster bites the head off an unsuspecting victim then I'd say that's a crime, wouldn't you? Extreme, but you get the gist.)

Having said that, many of my choices will undoubtedly be straight crime fiction or noir as I love the 'grit' therein. And, obviously, I can't choose any of my own...

'God, you're a harsh task-master, Col.'
'Shut it! This is about other people so wind yer neck in, you egotistical...!
'Okay, okay. I was just wondering whether I could mention some of mine, that's all.'
'Right...do you want me to get me weapon out?'
'Easy, Tiger!'

That sorted, and in no particular order, where better to start than the archives of Thrillers, Killers 'N' Chillers and top American ezine, A Twist Of Noir...

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #1

THIS OLD HOUSE - by Paul Brazill

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #2

THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART - by Gary Dobbs

Col Bury's Crime Fiction Choice #3

CRIME OF THE CENTURY - by Vallon Jackson

Enjoy!

Ps. Watch this space for the next three choices...