Wednesday 8 April 2015

The Golden Age of Murder - the first reviews


I mentioned last week the trepidation with which one awaits the first reviews of a new book. Well, I'm delighted to report that The Golden Age of Murder has got off to a grand start pre-publication, with a very gratifying "starred" review in Publishers' Weekly, and some lovely comments in Kirkus Reviews. Needless to say, I'm not above quoting some of the good bits...


“A comprehensive and well-written narrative that combines biography with literary criticism... Along the way, he dispels numerous myths about Golden Age detective fiction: for example, that it was ‘an essentially British form of escapism... an effete counterpart to the tough and realistic crime fiction produced in the United States’...The trenchant analysis is coupled with revelations about the private lives of these very public authors, offering new information for casual fans and students of the genre alike.”

Over to Kirkus“As Edwards writes, with a suitably enticing hook, 'Why was Christie haunted by the drowning of the man who adapted her work for the stage? What convinced Sayers of the innocence of a man convicted of battering his wife to death with a poker?' Having set up a fleet of questions, Edwards proceeds to answer them with murder-laced aplomb. He has a nicely naughty sense of humor about it, too, for the well-heeled Detection Club members often poked into business that was more than a little infra dig..Yet, when the tale turns tragic—not just because of awful crimes, but also because of sad developments in the lives of Sayers and other members—Edwards writes appropriately and well."

I'm naturally very happy with these comments,. and the overarching point made by Kirkus: "Engrossing...leaves the reader wanting more." My aim has been to write a book that will do more than merely preach to the converted, and will appeal to as wide a readership as possible, sharing the pleasures of Golden Age fiction with a new group of readers as well as fellow devotees. You can't please everyone, and of course not everyone will agree with my opinions. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more positive reaction when the book finally appears.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise indeed Martin; you should let us know what was written so we can share it. Enjoy your praise. Congratulations. Wishing you much success.

Anonymous said...

I'm eagerly awaiting publication of the book, Martin. Just got an email from Amazon this morning saying the anticipated publication/shipping date is May 7. I'm really looking forward to seeing it!.

Jamie said...

Can't wait to read this book Martin. I've been a life long fan of the Golden Age ever since I read my first Christie (4.50 from Paddington) aged 7. Your book will be a welcome addition to my library.

I remember reading on the net that like me, you're a fan of W J Burley. Do you know when "Wycliffe and the Vanishing Author" will see the light of day?

Also, do you know if there are any plans for anyone to complete "Wycliffe and the Last Lap"? (a title that all ways makes me think of stock car racing). If there are no plans to complete it do you think it would be worth putting the idea into the heads of the powers that be?

I don't know if you saw on Mastermind a few weeks ago but you're Harry Devlin books were a specialist subject. The episode might still be available on iPlayer.

I've just had a email to say my copies of The Detection Collection, Resorting to Murder and The Hogs Back Murder are on the way to me, so that's another three books waiting for me to read.

Keep up the good work.

TTFN,

Jamie.

Lucy R. Fisher said...

Any chance of a review copy for my blog? Otherwise I'll just have to wait!

Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) said...

Congrats Martin - can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Wonderful, Martin!

Rick Robinson said...

Very well deserved, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to getting and reading it.

Martin Edwards said...

Many thanks for these kind comments.
Jamie, I don't know the answer about Burley, but will see if I can find out. I did see the Mastermind show, which was great fun, especially since I didn't have to answer the questions...
Hope you enjoy those three books, and also that THE GOLDEN AGE OF MURDER lives up to expectations.

Martin Edwards said...

Lucy, feel free to contact Harper Collins. My publicist is Louise Swannell. Of course, I'd be delighted if you could review the book, but in any event I hope you find it an entertaining read.

BV Lawson said...

Congrats on the great reviews, Martin! I'm very much looking forward to reading the book.

Martin Edwards said...

Thanks, Boonie.

Clothes In Books said...

Great stuff, Martin, and I'm sure well-deserved. Looking forward to reading it.

dfordoom said...

It looks like your book is going to be a must-buy!