He may not have won the Edgar last week, but Squire Declan Hughes (right) is back-back-BACK! THE PRICE OF BLOOD / THE DYING BREED is up for a Macavity ‘Best Mystery’ Award, with the competition looking something like this: TRIGGER CITY by Sean Chercover (Wm. Morrow)Correct me if I’m wrong (it’s a figure of speech, fact-fiends) but Squire Hughes is the only one on that list who was also nominated for an Edgar. Which augurs well for his chances when the envelope is opened at this year’s Bouchercon in Indiana, which takes place from October 15-18. It also augurs well for his being nominated for a host of other awards at said B’con, and doing a Tana French on it and sweeping the boards … with the added bonus that Squire Hughes is guaranteed to turn up and make a speech. Or two. And then sing, quite possibly ‘The Fields of Athenry’. And then make another speech.
WHERE MEMORIES LIE by Deborah Crombie (Wm. Morrow)
THE DYING BREED (UK)/ THE PRICE OF BLOOD (US) by Declan Hughes (John Murray/ Wm. Morrow)
THE DRAINING LAKE by Arnaldur Indridason (Minotaur)
CURSE OF THE SPELLMANS by Lisa Lutz (Simon & Schuster)
THE CRUELEST MONTH by Louise Penny (Minotaur)
THE FAULT TREE by Louise Ure (Minotaur)
The point being, convention organiser-types, that it’s a good idea to have Squire Hughes nominated for awards. The man gives value for money … Oh, and have I mentioned yet how good ALL THE DEAD VOICES is? Suffice to say it’s his best yet … and if you don’t believe me, try this.
I could picture Hughes swaggering around singing "Rocky Road to Dublin" and maybe saving "Fields of Athenry" for closing time.
ReplyDeleteOh, and cool local detail: the cafe where I eat breakfast most afternoons played Thin Lizzy's "Whiskey in the Jar" on its sound system one day this week.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
“Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home”
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
Peter - 'Whiskey in the Jar' would make a great crime novel ... Or has it already?
ReplyDeleteCheers, Dec
Nothing matters, Mary Higgins Clark, when the drinks are free. Who cares who's bying?
ReplyDeleteDeclan, you have first right base a crime novel on "Whiskey in the Jar," or at least on one of its lines.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
Quite right, Peter Rozovsky, the question is never who's buying, but instead who's paying.
ReplyDeleteDelan,
ReplyDeleteI would bet with you that Hughes will win the Shamus.
All the best
bernd