Like any very hopeful, aspiring writer, reading a vast amount of books, as many as you can get your hands on, is a must. And, as if life is not busy enough, there are all the e-books around! These make me wish I had two (maybe three) pairs of eyes and not just one!
I recently finished reading three books by the new British crime writer and former policeman, Luke Delaney – Cold Killing, The Keeper, and The Toy Taker. I thought they were incredible, and very well-written in what is a very competitive and established genre. The thing is, with crime writing, most of it has been done before, from hard boiled, to more gentle sleuth-like tales, but I think Luke Delaney has really carved out a separate niche for himself.
I think it is the way he gives you a descriptive, intimate view of the inner workings of the criminals and the crime fighters. May I take this moment to introduce DI Sean Corrigan who is the leading police protagonist and who uses his own unique methods for catching the bad guys! These books are extremely well-written and chillingly authentic. They also show-case our capital city, London, very well. Really satisfying reads. Apparently he is working on new material. I can’t wait!
While I am on the subject of British crime writers, here are some of the authors I have also enjoyed over the years: John Harvey, Ian Rankin,Val McDermid, Martina Cole, Lynda La Plante and Stuart MacBride. But let’s not forget our American cousins which include: James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and Karin Slaughter. All of these writers have got an impressive back catalogue. So, if like me you are passionate about reading then you have got a lot of happy hours of reading in store.
One last thing, is this meant to be spring in the UK? It feels more like autumn! I think I’ll reach for another book and turn up the central heating!
Until next time, Happy Reading, S
Luke Delaney update: The Jackdaw (2015); The Rule of Fear (out 20 April 2017). Redemption of the Dead, short story, (2013); The Network, short story (2014); The Rain Killer, short story (2015)
