I Love a Good Mystery

Read Smarter?

I've never actually listened to an audio book, but after seeing this commercial from HarperCollins, I may have to reconsider next time I'm walking around NYC. ;)

The commercial actually reminds me of a time when I was much younger and riding my bike home from school. My adolescent brain figured that I could safely bike and read at the same time (look Ma, no hands!).  It actually worked for a little while...until I ran into a parked car. Ouch.

Translators - Unrecognised and Unseen?

The popularity of translated books (especially in the crime fiction genre) has been increasing, and an article in the Telegraph addresses the issue of the translators themselves.  We read their work, but do we pay attention to them?  I admit that while I can name a lot of authors whose novels have been translated into English, I'd be hard-pressed to name even one translator.  My mother was a translator for many, many years so you'd think I'd pay attention to that sort of thing, but I don't.

But really...when we read a translated book, should we be thinking about the translator and the fact that the words we're reading aren't exactly the ones the author wrote?  Should translators get more recognition?

To be honest, I'm not sure if I can properly judge a translation. I know whether or not I like the book, but if I have problems with the writing style, do I blame the author, the translator or both?  Without being able to read the work in the original language (and understand it), I just don't know how to figure out whose work it is that I don't enjoy.

It's interesting to read that Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander series has had 3 different English translators. I haven't read the series, but I'd be curious to see if the distinction between these translators is noticeable.

Bouchercon Site

It looks like the trouble with the Bouchercon website has been partially solved by coming up with a new official site: http://bouchercon2006.com/. 

The registered authors are listed, but the rest still seems to be under construction.  The navigation and the overall look of the site need some real work, but it's early days of this site and the fact that it even exists is happy enough news for now.

International Crime Fiction

I have a soft spot for crime fiction set in Canada, but have recently been enjoying books set in a variety of international locales (Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Sweden, Rio de Janeiro, Norway, Japan).  I'm hooked, which is why I was thrilled to hear about Random House of Canada's new program, World of Crime.   The inaugural authors are Giles Blunt (Canada), Henning Mankell (Sweden) and Fred Vargas (France). The choice of future titles will be interesting to see.

I for one am excited about the increased exposure of international books.

From Noir to Cosy in 12 Easy Stages

The always funny Donna Moore wonders how difficult it would be to turn a noir tale into a cozy, or vice versa.  Not surprisingly, Donna has it all figured out!

Dead Body Guy

Inspiration for crime fiction writers?

Be sure to check out the photos...there are some really good ones!

CrimeSpot

Author Graham Powell has come up with a great idea: Crimespot.net.

There are lots of great crime fiction related blogs out there, and this site compiles the feeds from the best of the best and presents them all in one clear and easy to use format.

Top-notch idea and execution!

Book Bar

When two hobbies collide...

"One of our non-Vestal housemates worked at the Stanford library, and his job included the task of throwing away old books, which apparently the other librarians couldn't bear to do. We decided to rescue these books from that awful fate - and what better use for them than a bar from which to entertain our frequent guests?"

I can think of a few authors who would feel right at home propped up against that bar. :)

Bogarmoredcarstory

Read some short stories, then vote for your favourites.

What could be easier?

Friday Link Love

The newest issue of The Thrilling Detective is now available!  A quick perusal has convinced me that a more in-depth reading is in order.

If that's not enough for you, click over to the first ever issue of Demolition, which features a number of short stories.

If all that's not enough, pick up a book! ;)