Simon Maltman Blogs

When I was writing my latest novel, Hunted, it was the first time I had really dealt with ‘The Troubles’ in one of my books. I had always avoided it as much as possible. Coming from here, there are many reasons why that is. But it's the elephant in the room. I’m not a fan of books that are directly ‘Troubles Books’ and many are perhaps unkindly known as ‘Troubles Trash.’ I am a fan of books that reference it and offer a particular and specific perspective, and that is what I have tried to do with my new series too. Here are 10 books that deal in some way with ‘The Troubles.’ There are many other great writers from this part of the world, but this list is specifically relating to the sectarian divide that has plagued Northern Ireland and my personal favourite novels relating to it. To name a few other brilliant writers from here that aren’t on this list would include Steve Cavanagh, Claire McGowan, James Murphy, Jan Carson, Paul Waters etc. etc. etc. There are so many great writers...

I’ve got three more cracking reads for you this week by another 3 great local writers. There are longer and more detailed written reviews down below. You Can Order My New Book Here The Chain Adrian McKinty It would be hard to have missed the buzz surrounding this book. It's taken the book world by storm, very justifiably. The concept of the only way of saving your kidnapped child is to kidnap another one is brilliant. It sets up a really pacy read by one of our top authors. The Terror Trilogy James Murphy James Murphy's debut is a confident stride into the world of 'Ulster Noir.' It is a complex mystery, with a nicely conceived assembly of interesting characters. The hook of a serial killer at large named Terror, using social media as his greatest weapon works well. There's lots to enjoy here and I look forward to the recently released sequel. Little Bird Sharon Dempsey This is an excellent serial killer...

Here are just a few of my favourite books, TV, music and movies from this year.     What were your faves from 2019? Books What You Did- Claire McGowan A  compelling family mystery with plenty of dark secrets and twists The Chain- Adrian McKinty The behemoth that relaunched McKinty's career charting a terrifying child kidnapping network  An Eye for a Eye- Paul Heatley A funny and dark novella set in a seedy underworld in North England     (As usual I also read a load of books that weren't out this year. I read Misery for the first time- def my best read of the year! I also really enjoyed Mr Mercedes by King. I delved deeper into Lawrence Block's Scudder books- they have quickly become one of my top crime series) Movies Once Upon a Time in Hollywood My film of the year- he absolutely nailed it- nostalgic, atmospheric, thrilling and great fun The Irishman Perhaps best watched in a few sittings due to i...

Overview of Ulster Noir On my Belfast Noir walking tour, I give out lots of recommendations and people often note many of these down. A reading group from Dublin were on the tour yesterday  and asked for me to compile  a list for them. I thought I would share it here on my blog too. This is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully will offer a rudimentary overview of the local scene. It includes well established writers and some who are earlier in their career. Of course it also includes many of my personal favourite books!  Rise of Ulster Noir  (This was following a period of 'Troubles Trash' where many books were set here but often written from afar and were not always that great) Maurice Leitch Leitch's first novel came in 1965 and he is still writing today in various disciplines. He has been awarded an MBE for services to literature.  Check out Silver's City  Colin Bateman  Colin Bateman broke ...

It was great craic to be part of the Noireland festival this year, taking Crime Fiction fans on our Belfast Noir tour. Great to have people along not only from various parts of the UK, but the likes of USA and Germany too. The festival had a great atmosphere about it and was a really class weekend. Last week I had a Tourist Board tour, taking international buyers on Belfast Noir too. I love introducing people to Belfast and in particular to writers who they haven't read before. Finishing  up in No Alibis Bookstore is always a great way to end, so folk can have a good old riffle through some awesome books. I've found it's really true that writers aren't competitive with one another, and like nothing more than bigging up other authors  that they enjoy- and that's certainly how I feel. The local scene really is thriving. What about talking about our own books?  It's a well discussed contradiction that introverted writers have to get out there and...

Belfast Noir "Belfast is the most noir place on earth." Lee Child For a while I had been thinking how Belfast didn't seem to have much in the way of screen or literature tours. Of course there are Game of Thrones tours, but not much else. Thinking about the city centre out towards the south, I realised lots had been filmed there- such as Line of Duty , The Fall and the classic Film Noir Odd Man Out.  Put this together with the downright explosion of Ulster Noir and local writers, I wondered why there was no tour around any of this. So I thought I' d have a go! I wrote a draft of a tour and then teamed up with local company, Belfast Hidden Tours . They had also been thinking of doing something similar. We've been developing it for six months and here we are! It's a mix of screen and books, with a heavy influence on Crime Fiction and a wee bit of true crime, with other bits and bobs thrown in. We launched last week and the hour and a half t...

Rain Dogs This was the second McKinty I had read and both are part of the Sean Duffy series. First thing to say is- I'm hooked! Sean Duffy is a Northern Irish detective, working during The Troubles in the 1980's. There are of course a gazillion modern police procedurals out there to choose from. I generally prefer other forms of crime fiction or even a PI opposed to an actual police officer story as a personal preference. I only enjoy the ones that really grab me and the Sean Duffy series certainly has! The last series to do so was Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole. This installment includes a locked room murder, conspiracy, lots of music references, Northern Irish settings and international intrigue. My recent novel included a locked room mystery, conspiracy, lots of music references, Northern Irish settings and international intrigue. I honestly hadn't read any McKinty before that and mine is nowhere near as good! Northern Irish crime fiction has so much great stuff go...