Author: jamesscottbyrnside

There's a moment early on in The Footprints of Satan when I knew I was in for a good time. It was after the initial reveal of the mysterious tracks in the snow, but before the, shall we say, diabolical conclusion of where they are headed. The main character and two other townsfolk run into… Continue reading The Footprints of Satan

Since the beginning of my affair with detective novels, I've thought of them as interactive. That is the attraction which separates them from other forms. The allegory of science fiction, the plot (not the plotting— AKA what will happen? not what happened?) of a thriller, the sensory assault of the horror novel, et al.—all of… Continue reading Perfectly reasonable hysteria. Thoughts on The Madman’s Room.

If I write about a book, there will usually be spoilers. The mechanics are more interesting for me to discuss, and I have no talent for reviewing. So read no further unless you have read The Howling Beast. (and ffs, read The Howling Beast) Noel Vindry's novel was a delight for many reasons, but not… Continue reading Some spoilery thoughts on The Howling Beast

A. What do we want on the cover?B. I don't care. Just don't give anything away.A. No problem. Of all the deception in The Case of the Constant Suicides, the presentation is what really impresses me. Consider, we are given the following scenario: Angus Campbell takes out no less than three life insurance policies (all… Continue reading What you see is what you get. Sort of. (Spoilers)