Guy Martin reminds me of someone you might come across in an old-style pub. Full of stories that are so astonishing that you can’t quite believe them until the pub landlord confirms that yes, he really did set a speed record on a wall of death shortly after breaking his spine in a motorcycling accident. … More Worms to Catch, by Guy Martin
Emma Kavanagh drew on her experience as a police and military psychologist with her book, The Missing Hours, out in November (Arrow paperback, £6.99). Partly inspired by a true story, the book tells the story of a mother who vanishes without trace, only to reappear with no memory of where she has been. Surely it’s … More Interview with Emma Kavanagh
With its eye-catching graphics and `busy’ layout, Chris Hoy’s first non-fiction book is clearly aimed at the youngsters who’ve lapped up his Flying Fergus books. That said, I suspect a few adults will be taking a peak in the hope of boosting their own bike knowledge. Cycling has increased in popularity massively in the last … More Review: On Your Bike by Sir Chris Hoy
An investigator working on the fringes of the law is asked to investigate a violent attack by a public schoolboy. Mysteriously, the victim has disappeared. So begins an investigation that has its origins half a world and half a century away. Although initially set in London, Annie Hauxwell’s book could be set just about anywhere. … More Review: House of Bones by Annie Hauxwell
Scottish journalist turned crime writer Craig Robertson travelled the world as a reporter before turning his hand to fiction with the gritty crime thriller `Random’. His latest book, `Murderabilia’, was published last month. Here he talks about his varied career, and the influences that have shaped his writing. What attracted you into journalism as … More From journalist to crime writer. An interview with Craig Robertson
It’s National Poetry Day (nationalpoetryday.co.uk). Here are ten poets who have meant something in my life. Who would be on your list? Feel free to share @GavinSherriff1 Ted Hughes At school I spent several weeks staring blankly at a book of Hughes’ poetry until one of my English teachers managed to show me that there was … More National Poetry Day
If the title of Anthony Horowitz’s latest book seems familiar, then you have probably been watching re-runs of Midsomer Murders. In an early episode of the TV detective series Horowitz included a character who was holding a copy of a book called Magpie Murders. Eighteen years on, that germ of an idea has grown … More Interview: Anthony Horowitz
Let’s hear it for storytellers. Some authors are so busy writing for themselves, they forget what most readers are after is a really good story. A strong narrative populated by well-drawn characters that a reader can like, or sometimes dislike. So three cheers for Lesley Pearse. I must confess that the covers of her books … More Thank goodness for storytellers
James Bond is a great entertainer, but I wonder how good he would be if he was outside his comfort zone. Like dealing with a burst pipe or repairing a hole in the plasterwork. Yes, I know Bond in the movies is very different to Iain Fleming’s novels on which they are based, but it’s … More Move over, Mr Bond
It’s been a while since reading bedtime stories to my children featured as part of the daily routine, and I’m more of a dog person myself, so I didn’t think there would be much in Judith Kerr’s Mog the forgetful cat to appeal to me. I’ve never quite figured what it is that seems to … More Dogs v Cats
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