Bloody Scotland Crime Festival 2014

It's that time of year again when Crime Writers and Readers gather in the beautiful Scottish City of Stirling for all things crime related. I thought it would be difficult to surpass last years festival but the organisers somehow managed this. What a fabulous weekend. 

Friday started with a writers day which I was privileged to attend. This was a day of workshops run by leading crime writers including Christopher Brookmyre. During the day participants had a chance to hone their writing skills and to get tips and advice from writers and publishers. This was extremely interesting and helpful to the extreme. Analysing what it is about the writing of well known names in the industry makes them great was enlightening.

Later that night I went to see Christopher Brookmyre being interviewed by Denise Mina. This was a laugh a minute as both authors have a fabulous sense of humour. It was also good to get an idea of how authors work. 

Saturday started with Peter Robinson and David Hewson being interviewed by Lin Anderson. Now I love all three of these authors, so an opportunity not to be missed. If you haven't read any of their books and you love crime then do so immediately. You will not regret it. I have to give special mention to the books of Lin Anderson who is a fellow Scot, with books which are set in both Scotland and Cannes. Well worth a trip to the bookshop. The hour passed in a flash, with a fascinating insight into the lives of both writers. It was interesting to note that their approach is like chalk and cheese. I am looking forward to David Hewson's series set in Amsterdam.

The absolute highlight of my weekend was Cathy Reichs being interviewed by Ian Rankin. That is not a duo you see on stage together very often. Now I have heard Ian speak before and I know he is laugh out loud funny. It turns out that Cathy is just as funny which lead to a hysterical hour. Not only are they both highly talented authors but could also double as stand up comics. This has to be one of the best hours I have ever spent.

So bookaholic has been steeped in both reading and writing over the weekend. A great time was had by all as I could tell from audience reactions. I am off to read my latest David Hewson which I bought and had signed over the weekend. See you all back here on bookaholic soon.

There's Been a Murder

   

Over the last few days Bookaholic has been immersed in murder and mayhem. Yes, even more than usual. What do you mean that is not possible. I can assure you it most certainly is as I have been to the Cromarty Crime and Thriller Festival. For such a picturesque wee town they seem to do Murder particularly well.

  

It just goes to show you can't judge a town by its beauty. The weekend kicked off with A murder mystery dinner. This was side splittingly funny with a cast of characters, each more eccentric than the last. Here is a taster and you will get the gist.

Ian Rankin had a guest role as the dead body and that is his chalk outline above. In case you were wondering it was done by Charlotte, the meek and mild librarian. Our table was the only one that got it right. Yeah. Go us. Just goes to show you should never trust a smiling librarian.

Saturday was a tad more serious with a full day at a Crime writers workshop. This was superb and much of what wa done May appear in future DI Shona McKenzie books. Watch this space. An excellent Scottish night, with Scottish all girl bands, Shine and the Shee helped us to recover from a full on day. Girl power Scottish style. 

Sunday was a chance to hear some of my favourite authors talk about crime writing and their books. I am sure you will a agree that Ian Rankin, Anne Cleeves, Lin Anderson, Alex Gray and Stuart MacBride form a formidable bunch. I wouldn't want to be in a room with all of them at once. Oh wait, I was, and I'm still here to tell the tale. Phew.  This was a fairly informal festival so we were able to chat to the writers over lunch etc. I can assure you, as well as being great crime writers, all of the above are genuinely nice people. 

    

       

I am sure you will agree that this weekend was a bookaholics paradise. The next event is The Bloody Scotland Crime Festival in Stirling in September. I am looking forward to it already. 

               

 

       

Just a selection of books from the authors who were at the weekend. As I say, all fabulous crime writers and well worth getting their books. That brings us to the end of another bookaholic post. I look forward to seeing you all back here soon. Have a great week and keep reading. 

The Case of the Black Pearl by Lin Anderson

Today on Bookaholic we are back to reading mystery and I bring you a book by Lin Anderson which is a superb introduction to a brand new series.

I am new to Lin Anderson's books but having read this one I can assure you I will be reading more. This, the first in a new series, introduces Patrick De Courvoisier, an enigmatic Englishman living in Cannes. Patrick is a character who is somewhat aloof but this fit his role in the book perfectly. You get glimpses of the softer side of his character in the way he interacts with one of the female characters, and also his very loveable dog. The remaining characters in the book are an eclectic bunch who are well drawn. I could picture them perfectly.

Anderson, an obviously accomplished writer, has set the scene perfectly in this book. The setting is vividly described. Having, myself, been to Cannes on numerous occasions, I can say she has captured the essence of the City and the way in which the people live and work. As I say, this is the first in a series, so much of the book is taken up with setting the characters, and the setting in place. This means that the suspense is somewhat less in the book. However, I found this to be necessary and the suspense was also gripping and of a high quality.

I would highly recommend Lin Anderson as a writer, and this new series. I will certainly be looking out for the next book.

         

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. I was at no point asked to provide a positive review, and my review is based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book.

That's us for another day my bookaholic friends. Whatever you are reading, sit down, pour a drink, relax and enjoy. See you all again very soon