Cold Desert Sky by Rod Reynolds

I am delighted to be today's stop on the blog tour for Cold Desert Sky by Rod Reynolds. Cold Desert Sky is being published by Faber & Faber on 5th July 2018.

Cold Desert Sky
By Rod Reynolds
Published by Faber & Faber (5 July 2018)
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. 

 

Publisher's description

No one wanted to say it to me, that the girls were dead. But I knew.

Late 1946 and Charlie Yates and his wife Lizzie have returned to Los Angeles, trying to stay anonymous in the city of angels. 

But when Yates, back in his old job at the Pacific Journal, becomes obsessed by the disappearance of two aspiring Hollywood starlets, Nancy Hill and Julie Desjardins, he finds it leads him right back to his worst fear: legendary Mob boss Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel, a man he once crossed, and whose shadow he can't shake.

As events move from LA to the burgeoning Palace of Sin in the desert, Las Vegas - where Siegel is preparing to open his new Hotel Casino, The Flamingo - Rod Reynolds once again shows his skill at evoking time and place. With Charlie caught between the FBI and the mob, can he possibly see who is playing who, and find out what really happened to the two girls?

My verdict
I can't believe that it's nearly two years since I last spent time in the company of Charlie Yates and his wife Lizzie. But I've just checked and it is! A few pages into Cold Desert Sky and I don't feel like I've been away from them at all. I also realise how much I've missed them.

Rod Reynolds is a master at creating authentic crime fiction steeped in American noir. His books are set not only in the US, but also in the 1940s. So it's no mean feat to make them feel very real, and he certainly does just that. His descriptions are evocative and atmospheric, his dialogue sharp and spot on.

Charlie Yates is an experienced journalist trying to find two women who have disappeared in the glamorous, glitzy world of Hollywood. He certainly isn't a pushover and isn't afraid to take risks, but he also has plenty of heart. Lizzie is far more than Charlie's wife, or 'sidekick' - she's an equal partner, feisty and opinionated, and his voice of reason. They have a loving relationship, independent when they're apart but also reliant on one another when they're together.

Cold Desert Sky takes us on a rollercoaster journey as Charlie and Lizzie go in search of the truth, looking for these two young women. They've managed to put their lives in danger and it's going to take a lot for them to wriggle their way out of it, with a mobster on their trail. But who can they trust along the way? Paranoia seeps through the pages, and the stakes are high.

Yet again, Rod Reynolds has written a fast-paced read. And with that ending, I hope there will be more Charlie Yates to come.

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BEST OF CRIME with Rod Reynolds

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 

ROD REYNOLDS

to share his BEST OF CRIME ... 

... AUTHORS

James Ellroy. The same answer I always give! He's divisive for many readers due to the style and content of his novels, and his last few haven't been that great - but his run from 'The Big Nowhere' through to 'The Cold Six Thousand' encompasses five books and fifteen years and I don't think any crime writer has hit and maintained as high a bar as that body of work. The author that hooked me on reading again, and made me want to be a writer.

... FILMS/MOVIES

Heat. The Pacino/De Niro face off is the iconic scene, but just watch how Michael Mann develops his characters, gives everyone a reason and a motivation for what they do and makes you root for both sides even as they hurtle into each other. A novel in film form. And that ending... 

... TV DRAMAS

The Wire. Not an original choice, but the series that paved the way for what television has become. Opened the door again for complex, character-driven, niche-appeal, long-form drama. 

... FICTIONAL KILLERS

Pete Bondurant from Ellroy's Underworld USA trilogy. A mob hitman, right wing nutjob and self-admitted murderer of over 500 people. Not my cup of tea, in real life. And yet somehow he's the hero of the first two books... 

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES

James Lee Burke's Clete Purcell. Dave Robicheaux is the protagonist of the series, but he's a bit too po-faced for me. His former partner in the New Orleans PD, Purcell, is more like it - hard drinking, violent, quick to anger, slow to consider consequences - but loyal, tough, fearless, and very funny. Burke uses him sparingly, too, which is a lesson for all authors. 

... MURDER WEAPONS

The B-movie The Town That Dreaded Sundown is based on the same real life murders as my debut novel, so I watched it for 'research'. It claims at the start that everything depicted in it is true, only the names have been changed. In the film, a young woman is murdered with her own trombone when the killer attaches a knife to it, ties her to a tree, and stabs her to death by playing the instrument. Needless to say, this did not happen. 

    

... DEATH SCENES

That part in the original Robocop where the villain falls into a vat of acid and then gets hit by a car as he's dissolving was pretty shocking when I saw it as a kid! 

  

... BLOGS/WEBSITES

So many great blogs out there - this one not least among them. For aspiring writers, I'd always suggest getting on Twitter. The crime writing community on there is big, active and very welcoming - it's definitely the best introduction to the scene. 

... WRITING TIPS

Read your work aloud. It's the very best way to pick up on clunky dialogue, prose that doesn't work and passages where the pace lags. 

... WRITING SNACKS
Coffee. I try not to snack while I'm writing because I'm a terrible chocolate fiend, so I stick to coffee - although too much sends me a bit mad...

About ROD REYNOLDS

Rod Reynolds was born in London and, after a successful career in advertising, working as a media buyer, he decided to get serious about writing. He completed City University's Crime Writing Masters course and his first novel, THE DARK INSIDE, was published by Faber in 2015. The sequel, BLACK NIGHT FALLING, was published in hardback and ebook in August 2016 and in paperback in March 2017. Rod lives in London with his wife and two daughters. 

Find Rod Reynolds on Twitter - @Rod_WR

About BLACK NIGHT FALLING

Publisher's description

And now I stood here, on a desolate airfield in the Arkansas wilderness, a stone's throw from Texarkana. Darkness drawing in on me. Cross country to see a man I never imagined seeing again. On the strength of one desperate telephone call...'

Having left Texarkana for the safety of the West Coast, reporter Charlie Yates finds himself drawn back to the South, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, as an old acquaintance asks for his help. This time it's less of a story Charlie's chasing, more of a desperate attempt to do the right thing before it's too late. 

Black Night Falling was published by in paperback by Faber on 2 March 2017.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.

First Monday Crime - what are you waiting for?

I'm very excited to be going to First Monday Crime this Monday!

This brilliant event is held in London EACH MONTH (except August). It's usually the first Monday (giving the event its name) but if there's a bank holiday, it's the second Monday instead. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet other members of the crime fiction community (readers, writers, publishers), share your love of books and hear about the latest crime fiction.

September's looming
This Monday (5th September), you can hear Daily Telegraph Crime Fiction reviewer Jake Kerridge interviewing four talented authors - Sophie Hannah, Rod Reynolds, Tim Weaver and Jane Corry - about their latest books, their writing and their passion for crime fiction/thrillers. You buy their books at the event and get them signed. And even though it's less than two days away, it's not too late - you can still buy tickets here.

I've read both of Rod Reynold's books - The Dark Inside and Black Night Falling - and they're both fantastic. Click below to read my reviews:

The Dark Inside
'A great 'modern classic' thriller. It's written at a fast pace in an authentic 1940s voice, which really brings the book to life. This is a highly atmospheric debut that will keep you guessing until the end.'

Black Night Falling
'This is a book that you won't want to put down. I was so immersed in the plot that I didn't even notice the time and finished it in the early hours. It's a winning formula of intriguing plot, believable characters and fascinating setting.'

I also recently read Sophie Hannah's second Hercule Poirot book, Closed Casket. This whisked me back to my teenage years, when I devoured all of the original Agatha Christie books. Sophie Hannah is truly a master at intrigue and suspense. Closed Casket felt authentic in both language, characters and plot and kept me guessing all the way through. Full review to come.

October isn't too far away!
If you can't make this month, there's always October, with SJ Watson, Stuart Neville, Antonia Hodgson and William Ryan, all being interviewed by Karen Robinson, editor of The Times/Sunday Times Crime Club. Buy your tickets here in advance. It's going to be BIG, so make sure you don't miss out!

About First Monday Crime
First Monday Crime is held in the College Building of City University on St John Street (not far from Angel Tube station). It's a combination of festival-style panel, starting at 6.30, followed by an informal social in the bar up the road.

Black Night Falling by Rod Reynolds - BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to be today's stop on the Blog Tour for Black Night Falling by Rod Reynolds, which was published in e-book by Faber on 2 August 2016. 

Black Night Falling
By Rod Reynolds
Published by Faber (2 August 2016)
ISBN:  978-0571323234

Publisher's description

And now I stood here, on a desolate airfield in the Arkansas wilderness, a stone's throw from Texarkana. Darkness drawing in on me. Cross country to see a man I never imagined seeing again. On the strength of one desperate telephone call...'

Having left Texarkana for the safety of the West Coast, reporter Charlie Yates finds himself drawn back to the South, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, as an old acquaintance asks for his help. This time it's less of a story Charlie's chasing, more of a desperate attempt to do the right thing before it's too late.

My verdict
I enjoyed Black Night Falling even more than the author's first book, The Dark Inside, something I didn't think was possible. Author Rod Reynolds has written another stunner!

Black Night Falling is set soon after The Dark Inside ends. Yet again, it has an authentic feel - not just for small town America but also for the 1940s time period. The book is well researched, well written and highly atmospheric, with plenty of action, historical depth and twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed and guessing all the way through.

The plot is gritty, dark and intense, as reporter Charlie Yates investigates corruption, dodgy dealings and mysterious deaths in a claustrophobic town in Arkansas. Some of the characters will be familiar if you've read the first book, but I do believe Black Night Falling could be read easily as a standalone.

This is a book that you won't want to put down. I was so immersed in the plot that I didn't even notice the time and finished it in the early hours. It's a winning formula of intriguing plot, believable characters and fascinating setting.

Charlie is a particularly strong character and extremely likeable - he's flawed, but not unbelievably so, which makes the book feel very 'real'. His wife Lizzie seems like his perfect partner (professionally and romantically), and I'm hoping she'll be taking a more prominent role as this series continues and develops.

Add Black Night Falling to your shopping list! And if you haven't read The Dark Inside, buy that too!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The Dark Inside by Rod Reynolds

The Dark Inside
By Rod Reynolds
Published by Faber & Faber (3 September 2015)
ISBN: 9780571323043

Publisher's description
1946, Texarkana: a town on the border of Texas and Arkansas. Disgraced New York reporter Charlie Yates has been sent to cover the story of a spate of brutal murders - young couples who've been slaughtered at a local date spot. Charlie finds himself drawn into the case by the beautiful and fiery Lizzie, sister to one of the victims, Alice - the only person to have survived the attacks and seen the killer up close.

But Charlie has his own demons to fight, and as he starts to dig into the murders he discovers that the people of Texarkana have secrets that they want kept hidden at all costs. Before long, Charlie discovers that powerful forces might be protecting the killer, and as he investigates further his pursuit of the truth could cost him more than his job...

My verdict
The Dark Inside is a great 'modern classic' thriller. It's written at a fast pace in an authentic 1940s voice, which really brings the book to life.

Reporter Charlie Yates has a difficult job ahead of him, when he's sent (in disgrace) to cover some brutal murders in the remote Texarkana. His New York boss thinks it's a good way to get rid of him, not believing these crimes to be particularly newsworthy.

Charlie soon discovers that the local reporters don't want him there. The local police aren't very forthcoming with information and it seems that the local community has plenty to hide. There are lots of suspects and plenty of corruption, and Charlie has no idea who can be trusted. Then there's the beautiful and mysterious Lizzie, sister of one of the victims.

I found myself fully immersed into the story, surroundings and characters' lives. I loved the language and dialogue. It reminded me of black-and-white private eye films.

While the murders are at the centre of the plot, the story is really more about Charlie, his past and his future. For Charlie, this is a crucial case - is it going to relaunch his career and get him back in favour with his boss or is his life as a New York reporter over?

This is a highly atmospheric debut that will keep you guessing until the end.

I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.