Scribbling and scribing

Crypto da Vinci avoids Friday the 13th curse

Pete — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:28:29 +0000

After a self-imposed six year delay (to let the hype die down from that other ‘da Vinci’ book), Simon Buck’s next Peter White mystery has arrived. Originally planned to be the first Peter White mystery, it was rescheduled to appear after Library of the Soul as a prequel. Since then, various other events have conspired to delay it even further. Right up to the last minute, as the publication date of 9th November was missed when the first print run wasn’t delivered until Friday the 13th - which we’ve decided should not be taken as an omen! However, that’s all irrelevant now as it’s here for us to read (well, actually I’ve already read it, that’s the advantage of being the publisher).
In this book we get to learn more about Peter White, accompany him and his friend Al on some interesting travels and eavesdrop on their conversations over delicious meals. On the way through this modern day mystery we learn about an old scandal, uncover a hidden renaissance wonder and meet some curious characters (and a couple of unsavoury ones too).

One of the finest examples of irony in modern fiction

Pete — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:55:55 +0000

A customer review of Alison Buck’s Devoted Sisters has been posted on Amazon.co.uk by Mrs. Helen Auld. Our favourite line:

“In considering the title and ending together, the reader is led carefully by the all-seeing narrator to a traumatically tragic climax which memorably depicts one of the finest examples of irony in modern fiction.”

Wow. Thanks Helen, we’re really glad you enjoyed it.

“a satisfying read” - review of Abiding Evil at Whispers of Wickedness

Pete — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:54:00 +0000

A review by Sarah Jackson of Abiding Evil is now featured on the Whispers of Wickedness website.

Sarah compliments Alison Buck on the “realistic and believable portrayal of her characters and the easy way in which she created tension through her admirable psychological insight.” and goes on to say:

“The story plays excellently on a handful of fundamental human emotions and core fears.”

Thanks Sarah.

“A cracking read” - review of Abiding Evil in News Shopper

Pete — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:47:15 +0000

Following on from the recent interview with Alison Buck in her local paper, a review of Abiding Evil has now also been published. Sarah Miles, the reviewer, says “Overall, it’s a cracking read and I would certainly pick up another Alison Buck novel with interest“.

In defence of adult readers of Harry Potter

Simon Buck — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:09:58 +0000

I had promised myself not to get drawn into the debates that seem to have taken over almost every medium (radio, TV, online) about whether adults should be reading the latest Harry Potter book. It seems to me the height of arrogance for anyone to tell me what I should or should not read.

But then, of course, we have to remember that this prescriptive (and indeed proscriptive) attitude is being adopted by arrogant pseudo-intellectuals. Perhaps they still think that reading should be restricted to the literary elite and not wasted on anyone who didn’t go to the right Oxbridge college. They are no doubt still mourning the invention of the printing press and the expansion of education beyond clerics and aristocracy. (more…)

“a superb read”: Review of Abiding Evil in DeathRay magazine

Pete — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:27:11 +0000

The latest issue of DeathRay magazine, available in shops from today, has a great review of Abiding Evil. Phil Kelly says “It is the author’s handle on the dynamics of families and friendship that make this book so involving” and goes on to say “Abiding Evil is a superb read“.

Our favourite line from the review:
“Ms. Buck’s imagery is extremely vivid, tapping into the most primeval of humanity’s fears - darkness, abandonment, kidnapping, and the cold claw of nature.“

Pass the Buck - Interview with Alison Buck in News Shopper

Pete — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:06:27 +0000

Following the publication of Abiding Evil, Alison was interviewed by the leisure editor of the News Shopper, her local newspaper, and featured in an article entitled Pass the Buck (!) accompanied by a very moody photograph. The article is also available in the News Shopper leisure news RSS feed from their online edition.

Review of Abiding Evil on The Bookbag

Pete — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:18:47 +0000

There’s a review of Abiding Evil on The Bookbag web site, written by John Lloyd.

Our favourite line: “I however, really enjoyed the filmic style, and found a distinct creepiness in turning the pages late at night.”

Review of Library of the Soul on Euro Crime

Pete — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 15:44:41 +0000

There’s a review of Library of the Soul on the Euro Crime web site, courtesy of Norman Price who also blogs at Crime Scraps.

Our favourite sentence: “This was fun reading if you did not take it all too seriously, and I have to admit that it was a real page turner.” Norman finishes by saying “I am really looking forward to reading the next Peter White mystery”. So are we. Come on Simon get your finger out!

Book trailer for Abiding Evil by Alison Buck

Pete — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:20:20 +0000

The book trailer for Abiding Evil is now featured on BookTube as well as in the trailers page here on the blog (click Books then Trailers). It’s also on Alison’s YouTube page. From the BookTube page you can even get the code to embed it on your website or blog too (and give Alison’s book some free publicity!)

The more observant among you may also have noticed some online ads running on various sites and a half page advert in the latest issue (158) of SFX magazine. Actually, of course, we hope that lots of people do notice the ads however observant they are (or else the ads aren’t working!)