BEST OF CRIME with Mel Sherratt

Welcome to my latest BEST OF CRIME feature, looking at crime writers' top picks, from their favourite author and fictional detective to their best writing tip. 

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

MEL SHERRATT

for her Hush Hush blog tour

to share her BEST OF CRIME ...

... AUTHORS

At the moment, it’s Cara Hunter. She has two books out in a series, and a third on its way that I have read too, as an early copy. She writes police procedurals. I find her style so energetic, raw and her storylines and plots so fast and furious that I can’t turn the pages quick enough. Her main character, DI Adam Fawley, reminds me so much of David Tennant in Broadchurch that I almost imagine it is him as I read.

... FILMS/MOVIES

Seven is one of my all-time favourites as I find it so cleverly plotted, dark and disgusting and yet compelling at the same time. Morgan Freeman is one of my favourite actors too. 

The first time I watched it, I had no idea what was going on, and then when it all became clear, I thought it was so clever. So much so that I used the same method for one of my novels – can’t tell you which one though!

... TV DRAMAS

Line of Duty. Although there is a huge amount of poetic license in the procedural element of the plot that has me shouting at the TV a fair amount of times, this is a show that is built on fantastic recurring characters, and a sense of being right there in the room in the investigation with them. I remember one scene being in the interview room for the whole hour and it was so tense. I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Vicky McClure is one of my favourite actresses too.

... FICTIONAL KILLERS

Bonnie and Clyde. A love story within with the violence. 

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES 

I thoroughly enjoy the lead detectives in the series Unforgotten. Nicola Walker is a terrific actress and with her DI, I just love their ‘ordinariness.’ I pride myself in keeping my characters as ordinary as possible. They may have colourful backgrounds but they are nice to their colleagues and families. I like that sense of normality. As well, the emotion they bring to each show and then the ability to flip that to a one line of humour is great writing.  

... MURDER WEAPONS

That would have to be death by chocolate…

    

... DEATH SCENES

It has to be the shoot out at the end of Enemy of the State, where Will Smith is playing one crime family against another. The way he plays them both is just genius, and I love how he comes out of it after climbing under the table to hide. 

  

... BLOGS/WEBSITES

Research for my novels is so varied that there is never the one, and always a few new ones with each subject I tackle. I tend to buy a lot of non-fiction books on each subject I write about too. 

... WRITING TIPS

I use a Twitter hashtag #keeponkeepingon so I guess that would be my writing tip. It’s so easy to get carried away in the first few happy chapters as we get to know our characters. Then comes the middle muddle and often that’s where writers stop because they have lost the momentum, and the faith to see it through to the end. My advice would be to carry on – write a ‘dirty’ first draft that no one will see. Once the words are down, they can always be edited. No one can edit a blank page. 

... WRITING SNACKS

Coffee and a biscuit. Any biscuit will do, but cake is much better. 

About MEL SHERRATT

Mel Sherratt is the author of ten novels, all of which have become bestsellers. In 2017, she was named as one of her home town of Stoke-on-Trent’s top 100 influential people.
She lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with her husband and terrier, Dexter.

Find Mel Sherratt on her website, on her Facebook page and on Twitter - @writermels

About HUSH HUSH

Publisher's description

A killer is on the loose, attacking people in places they feel most safe: their workplaces, their homes. It’s up to DS Grace Allendale to stop the murders, and prove herself to her new team.
All clues lead to local crime family the Steeles, but that’s where things get complicated. Because the Steeles aren’t just any family, they’re Grace’s family. Two brothers and two sisters, connected by the violent father only Grace and her mother escaped.
To catch the killer, Grace will have to choose between her team and her blood. But who do you trust, when both sides are out to get you?

Hush Hush was published by Avon in paperback on 18 October 2018.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.

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The Fear by Cally Taylor

I am delighted to be today's stop on the blog tour for The Fear by CL Taylor. The Fear was published by Avon on 22 March 2018.

The Fear
By Cally Taylor
Published by Avon (22 March 2018)
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher

Publisher's description

Sometimes your first love won’t let you go…

When Lou Wandsworth ran away to France with her teacher Mike Hughes, she thought he was the love of her life. But Mike wasn’t what he seemed and he left her life in pieces.

Now 32, Lou discovers that he is involved with teenager Chloe Meadows. Determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, she returns home to confront him for the damage he’s caused.

But Mike is a predator of the worst kind, and as Lou tries to bring him to justice, it’s clear that she could once again become his prey…

My verdict
The Fear is a very dark read, covering strong themes such as grooming, child abuse and revenge. It's definitely CL Taylor's darkest book yet and the well-drawn characters certainly got under my skin.

This is the story of Mike Hughes, a martial arts instructor, who groomed a young teenager, Lou, and then ran away with her to France. Eighteen years on, Lou has finally returned to her childhood home, planning to confront her past so that she can finally put it behind her. She's hoping that after his spell in prison, Mike has changed. But instead, she discovers he is up to his old tricks again, this time with a young teenage girl called Chloe. Lou tries to steer clear but realises she needs to protect Chloe and stop Mike destroying another young girl's life.

The story is narrated by Lou, Chloe and a mysterious woman called Wendy. I guessed some twists early on, but they didn't detract from my enjoyment, and I certainly didn't predict some of the later events (see below). I assume the book was originally set in the present day and then the whole timeline was shifted back 10 years, without changing some of the factual content, such as references to modern social media. But again, this didn't detract from the plot and, after a while, I stopped 'Googling' everything to make sure I wasn't going mad.

The Fear is a fast-paced thriller and very easy to gobble up in one sitting. It features some graphic scenes and disturbing content, but these are handled with sensitivity. I'm reluctant to call the book 'entertaining' due to the topics it covers - 'compelling' and 'addictive' may be more appropriate words to use - but there were certainly some highly memorable, totally crazy and perhaps a little far-fetched scenes towards the end.

If you like twisty psychological thrillers, with strong characters and an unpredictable plot, and don't mind difficult subject matter, then add The Fear to your shopping list.

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BEST OF CRIME with Helen Fields

Welcome to my latest BEST OF CRIME feature, looking at crime writers' top picks, from their favourite author and fictional detective to their best writing tip. 

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

HELEN FIELDS

for her Perfect Death blog tour

to share her BEST OF CRIME ...

... AUTHORS

Jeff Lindsay who wrote the Dexter books. A tour de force in terms of plotting, originality and character writing, Lindsay is a one off. The Dexter character is captivating and thrilling. More than that, the books are beautifully written, quite lyrical and intense. I can’t think of another author writing such unique crime as this. Even if you’ve watched the TV series, it’s worth going back to the source material. Pretty much a master class in crime writing. 

... FILMS/MOVIES
Most recently, Get Out, which has just been the surprise nomination in the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy category for a Golden Globe. It’s not a comedy, although it contains moments of proper belly-laugh funniness. In fact, it’s about a town of white folks who kidnap younger black people to utilise their bodies with extreme criminal intent (no more spoilers - you should watch it). It’s scary, freakish, beautifully animated in parts and bizarrely believable in spite of the ridiculous plot. (Oh, and it stars Bradley Whitford who I kind of love).

... TV DRAMAS
Definitely Deadwood. Set in South Dakota in the 1870s the series incorporates a mixture of historical fact and fiction, along with some very well known Wild West characters. It’s a gory, crazy, action packed, funny, terrifying series featuring that stunning combination of the best dialogue I’ve heard with the most brilliant acting. Not to mention the sets (I could go on…). Really. Watch it. I was in awe. (And some of the best screen deaths ever).

... FICTIONAL KILLERS
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, of course. Silence of The Lambs will never grow old. Harris struck a note of genius in creating the antagonist who was also the protagonist. Lecter is creepy but we like him. He’s a psychopathic murderer but we want him to escape. He’s likeable and awful. Perhaps the most well-rounded fictional killer ever created. I dream of the day I discover the Hannibal in my imagination and commit him to paper.

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES 
Jack Parlabane from Christopher Brookmyre’s novels. Parlabane is funny, dry witted, long-suffering, and finds trouble everywhere he goes. And yet…and yet, he also manages (albeit in the guise of journalism) to say the day and solve the crime. I know I cheated - not a detective - but as good as. Go back to the old books first if you want to catch up with Jack Parlabane’s story. I have never laughed so hard at material that’s so dark. If I could go on a fictional date with any character, Parlabane would be my man.

... MURDER WEAPONS
Spiders. Used more in films than in books, but I long to write something bizarre enough that I can release a jar of black widows under the bed covers of a sleeping character. Creepy and painful! Perfect combination.

    

... DEATH SCENES
I love the body made up of parts from six different people in Daniel Cole’s Ragdoll. What a brilliant idea. Just occasionally you read someone else’s book and throw it across the room with jealousy at a concept (*turns green thinking about it all over again*). Stitching bits of different bodies together to make one complete corpse - what’s not to love?

  

... BLOGS/WEBSITES
Googlemaps, naturally. The world suddenly became a much easier place to write about after this feature became available. And TripAdvisor for more specific locations. The detail these sites offer can add real colour and texture to descriptions. Also, I love the Trip Advisor bad reviews. Endless sources of comedy.

... WRITING TIPS
Rip up the rule book and write the way you want to. Your editor will give you a hefty red pen session if they hate it, but don’t do what everyone else tells you. I read recently that one agent advises you to remove every single adjective and adverb from your manuscript before sending it to him. Poppycock. Everything in moderation and with purpose. Choose good words. Use them wisely. But be yourself, listen to your own voice, create your own unique narrative. Who wants to sound the same as everybody else?

... WRITING SNACKS
Biscuits. Then, when I’ve eaten too many biscuits and I have carb/sugar guilt, I get through whole packs of pea shoots. The only salad I never get bored of.

About HELEN FIELDS

Helen Fields studied law at the University of East Anglia, then went on to the Inns of Court School of Law in London. After completing her pupillage, she joined chambers in Middle Temple where she practised criminal and family law for thirteen years. 

After her second child was born, Helen left the Bar. Together with her husband David, she runs a film production company, acting as script writer and producer. Perfect Remains is set in Scotland, where Helen feels most at one with the world. Helen and her husband now live in Hampshire with their three children and two dogs.

Find Helen Fields on her website, on her Facebook page and on Twitter - @Helen_Fields

About PERFECT DEATH

Publisher's description

There’s no easy way to die…

Unknown to DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner, a serial killer has Edinburgh firmly in his grip. The killer is taking his victims in the coldest, most calculating way possible – engineering slow and painful deaths by poison, with his victims entirely unaware of the drugs flooding their bloodstream until it’s too late.

But how do you catch a killer who hides in the shadows? A killer whose pleasure comes from watching pain from afar? Faced with their most difficult case yet, Callanach and Turner soon realise they face a seemingly impossible task…

Read a snippet of my review

'I can't really say much more, other than Perfect Death is brilliant and I recommend it highly to crime fiction fans. Oh, and finally, I must add that I can't wait for another Callanach/Turner book!.'

To read the rest of my review, click here.

Perfect Death is being published by Avon Books on 10 October 2017.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.

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BEST OF CRIME with Sam Carrington

Welcome to my latest BEST OF CRIME feature, looking at crime writers' top picks, from their favourite author and fictional detective to their best writing tip. 

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

SAM CARRINGTON

to share her BEST OF CRIME ...

... AUTHORS

Sharon Bolton. I read Blood Harvest first and loved Sharon’s style of writing and so searched for her other novels. I went back to her first, Sacrifice, and after that began the Lacey Flint series. Her writing draws me in and the tight plotting and clever twists keep me reading.

... FILMS/MOVIES

Difficult to pin down to one film! I will choose Minority Report, though, because I can watch it again and again. I love the concept of this film and the PreCrime Department that deals with bringing in the criminal before they’ve committed the crime. Brilliantly done, highly entertaining. Love it! 

... TV DRAMAS

Now this is hard as there have been loads of great crime-based TV shows. Happy Valley is a popular choice and I thought it was fantastic viewing, and the first series of Broadchurch almost destroyed me – I binge-watched the series, it was compelling viewing. But, I’ll choose Line of Duty for the ‘best of crime’ – I came to the series late and watched the second before the first, but I was drawn in completely by the characters and storyline. Keeley Hawes was amazing in this. 

... FICTIONAL KILLERS

I usually think of Hannibal Lecter as my favourite killer (that sounds very wrong!) But I feel he’s had enough exposure, so I think it has to be Joe Carroll from The Following – he is devious, manipulative, yet a charmer. 

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES 

Again, there are lots of great fictional detectives, but I have to choose Sherlock. He’s just so clever and the way his mind works tops all the other detectives! 

... MURDER WEAPONS

A pencil! The scene from Dark Knight was short but to the point (see what I did there?) It was kind of horrifying and made me wince, but great all the same! 

    

... DEATH SCENES

I have just finished watching The Sinner on Netflix – had to binge-watch! 

*SPOILERS ahead* 

The death (murder) scene on the beach was brilliant! A complete ‘OMG what the hell?’ moment. A real shocker and a fantastic hook. Loved it! (Although that sounds bad, but you know what I mean!) 

  

... BLOGS/WEBSITES

I admit to Googling a lot, and so I find random sites for specific requirements! I do read Rebecca Bradley’s blog regularly. She worked for the police and has really informative pieces on her website. http://www.rebeccabradleycrime.com 

... WRITING TIPS

Don’t leave long gaps between writing sessions… and don’t take onboard all the writing tips you read - not all of them will suit the way you work. 

... WRITING SNACKS

Jaffa cakes/oreos/crisps – OK, can’t choose the best! Anything goes as long as there are no nuts in it!

About SAM CARRINGTON

Sam Carrington lives in Devon with her husband and three children. She worked for the NHS for fifteen years, during which time she qualified as a nurse. Following the completion of a psychology degree she went to work for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator. Her experiences within this field inspired her writing. She now writes full time. SAVING SOPHIE, her debut psychological thriller, was published in September 2016 and became a Kindle eBook bestseller. Her second psychological thriller, BAD SISTER, was published as an ebook in October 2017 and will be out in paperback December 14th.

Find Sam Carrington on her website, on her Facebook page and on Twitter - @sam_carrington1

About BAD SISTER

Publisher's description

Then

When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.

Now

Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she’d hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night. But some truths are better left alone . . .

Bad Sister was published by Avon in paperback on 14 December 2017.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.