Review of three Scottish crime novels.
Category: books (Page 13 of 18)
I’m more of a paper than eBook fan, and I already have multiple copies of Jack Vance’s books, but owning them all on one device all of a sudden looks very tempting. The VIE Jack Vance collection eBooks are in production and distribution. What a neat way for new fans to discover his work.
In an interview at New Statesman magazine, Terry Pratchett reveals that his daughter, Rhianna, will take over the series after Pratchett is gone. I know I’m among a legion of fans who hope that day remains far away, but with his declining health it’s a fact we must face. Not sure if the interview will appear online, as the link in the brief article about the interview mentions how you can buy the magazine on November 15, which is to say, tomorrow.
Other news gleaned from the article reveals a TV series in production called, The Watch. Apparently it continues from the books, so doesn’t re-tell what appeared in the books from the start of the Discworld series.
Due to a busy touring schedule Discworld author Terry Pratchett apparently almost died in the back of a cab in New York city recently. I also found it interesting that his assistant’s last name is so very similar to Vimes’ multi-talented butler.
Subterranean Press is one of the best modern small press publishers, with gorgeous covers, a wide range of authors, and a steady stream of new and classic books of fantasy, mystery, science fiction and horror. Their latest Jack Vance re-issue, Desperate Days, collects three Vance mysteries. Two of these are set in an imaginary county in northern California, and the third about a young woman on a steamship bound for Europe. Each of the books are virtually impossible to locate today; the first two might show up in a used mystery store or online, and the third appeared in two fairly limited publication runs. Kudos to Subterranean Press for re-issuing these books, and for their on-going effort to publish some of the earlier and harder to find Vance stories.
Radio station KUSP’s Rick Kleffel hosts an Audio Column interview with James P. Blaylock (and others). As a bonus you hear Blaylock read a portion of his latest novel, Zeuglodon, published by Subterranean Press. This young adult book deserves a great deal more attention, such as a trade paperback aimed at the young adult market.
Playing catch-up with Ken MacLeod’s latest novel, Intrusion, which appears only available inside the UK/Canada sphere. Strange that MacLeod, who’s books started off available only in the UK, then gained attention in the US, now again see his books in the US behind UK publication dates. At least Pyr books is bringing out his novels, after Tor dropped the ball a few years ago. But that’s the publishing world, I guess.
A long review over at The American Spectator of Thomas Monteleone’s short story collection, Rough Beasts and Other Mutations. I’ve never thought of Monteleone in terms of a “conservo-libertarian”, but the article includes a detailed background of his world view, along with a nod to Ayn Rand.
Received a review copy of Jacob Foxx’s novel, The Fifth World. Adding it to my list of books I need to read.
Brenda Cooper’s Creative Fire.
