Anyone has a good murder mystery thriller to recommend? Something with intriguing characters and suspenseful plot-twists? I'm totally fine with violence in fiction.
I'm in that kind of odd mood where I'm looking for a little blood in my reading. I've been reading some devotional literature recently, and maybe it's just the dark side of my character that is acting up in response to all that heavy spiritual stuff. I'm looking for a good bit of violence and complicated plots. I used to read Patricia Cornwell - but I've stopped since she gone to seed.
Meanwhile, I've picked up Jeffrey Deaver's The Cold Moon. I've been a fan of Deaver's since I first read The Bone Collector - the first of his Lincoln Rhyme novels. Later, when they released the movie adaptation with Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington, I started reading his Lincoln Rhyme novels with the two stars pictured in my head. I met Deaver a few years back during one of his book signing tours. The Brat (a friend of mine) and I took a picture with him, as fans do during book-signings. I wonder where's that photo now?
News is, Deaver will be back in town soon to promote his new book, Sleeping Doll. I think I might just drop by again to get my books signed - again.
I've also picked up Val McDermid's The Wire in the Blood from the library. I've heard so much about McDermid's writings over the years, but just never found the time to pick up one of her books. Wire in the Blood features one of McDermid's regular characters, Dr Tony Hill, a psychological profiler. She's supposed to be a writer who doesn't flinch from the gruesome details. Anyone read her books before?
I'm also tempted by the Dexter novels. Because I am a big fan of CSI, a colleague recommended Darkly Dreaming Dexter. Apparently there's a TV series based on the Dexter novels. I'm going to get the DVDs of the series, because it's about a blood-spatter specialist working for the Miami Police Department who's also a serial killer - but he kills serial killers, so it's a twist in the usual format. Oh, I'm also going to watch it because it has Julie Benz, who plays Dexter's girlfriend. Julie Benz, who will always be Darla of the sultry voice, the vampire who sired Angel, and who redeemed herself at the end by sacrificing herself so that her son may live.
And I'm always on the lookout for vampire stories. Vampires and me will always be good friends.
I'm going to try to pick up the 30 Days of Night graphic novel soon, in anticipation of the movie. I like the premise: somewhere near the Arctic Circle is an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into complete darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As daylight falls, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted blood orgy.
Sounds like a bloodfest that I can watch without the strenous use of my brain cells.
It's directed by David Slade, who also previously directed the disturbing Hard Candy. Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, the people that also brought us the epic(!) that was Xena: Warrior Princess, are producers for the show.
I've just seen the trailers. It looks so-so. But I have hopes for more blood.
This and Daywatch, I'm a happy puppy for a while.
6 comments:
I can't wait to see Daywatch!
The first couple of 30 Days of Night graphic novels were interesting. I haven't read the rest of them but have been wanting to get caught up lately. There is a new 30 Days series coming out soon set during WWII that looks intriguing.
Violent fiction, eh? Not sure I've read anything really brutal lately...some of the 007 novels I read lately had some brutal moments. Season of the Witch that I just reviewed is mysterious but not super violent. I'm no help, sorry.
I've just started two thrillers and not sure about them yet. I tend to like more police procedural and cozy type mysteries so this is a bit different for me. I'll let you know how those go. I haven't read any Deaver but have wanted to.
OOOh, oh, I just started McDermid's Place of Execution and am LOVING it.
Have you read Real Murders by Charlaine Harris? It's the first in one of her mystery series she wrote before her vampire series took off. It's about a book club that meets to discuss true crime fiction. Then one of them gets bumped off - in the manner of a famous true crime murder, and it appears, of course, that the perpetrator is one of them. It's interesting and quietly creepy - a solid mystery, and I enjoyed it.
If you're looking for something darker and creepier, I'd recommend Poppy Z. Brite, but you're probably acquainted with her books already.
I've read and enjoyed several of Val McDermid's novels and loved the BBC's series The Wire in the Blood.
I usually love Deaver's novels, but Cold Moon left me cold...except for a new character, Katherine Dance, that I hope will make more appearances.
Carl -I heard about the new 30 Days comics too, but will have to read the first one before I proceed further.
iliana - I'm usually more a plot and character driven reader, even for mysteries - although the occasional forensic-centred stories also catch my attention. If you're interested in Deaver, I would of course suggest starting with Bone Collector. The Cold Moon - not his best.
Babelbabe - Ah, yet another shining endorsement for McDermid. I HAVE to read her ASAP! It seems like I'm missing out on something if I don't read her.
Darla D - I'm more acquainted with Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series. Wasn't even aware she has an earlier series. Thanks.
Jenclair - Kathryn Dance will have her own book this June in the new Deaver, The Sleeping Doll. I'm looking out for it. It seems everyone who has read McDermid loves her. Thanks for the recommendation. :)
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