Simon Maltman Blogs

I’m really pleased for book number 5 to now be ‘out there!’  Buy Here  Here is a short reading from the first chapter and me telling you a little about the set up for the novel-  I also took the opportunity to record a wee promo tune- Lastly, here is a new interview I took part in about the new book-  Interview Take care everyone! 

The next few episodes I’m going to focus on the greats of American Crime Fiction- this week one of my all time favourites,  Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) Watch on UTV  HERE Order  HERE

This week I’m sharing some of my favourite books from the wider ‘Emerald Noir' scene. Three cracker reads from Liz Nugent , Jo Spain and Alex Barclay Watch on UTV  HERE Order  HERE

I like to occasionally put up a lighthearted ‘noir’ inspired parenting short story- here’s a bit of flash fiction ...  After The Big Sleep: A Parenting Noir The clock said that it wasn’t quite 8am. The atmosphere was already hostile. The temperature had been dropping rapidly. The three of us sat there in a rare moment of silence, the toast and porridge cooling on the table. Rain beat noisily against the window.  “I don’t like butter,” announced the six year old gruffly.  I didn’t react right away, composing myself.  “You liked it okay yesterday,” I replied evenly.  I picked up my coffee, drinking deeply, keeping my eyes set ahead. She was agitated. Her face contorted as if she was being forced to eat glass.  “Meow!” Screeched the cat from beside the table, demanding his own breakfast. “This is yucky,” broke in the three year old, spitting and spraying her porridge out all over the table.  I set my mug down, my hand ...

I'm fortunate to be a part of some great upcoming events.  I thought I'd share them altogether here, for anyone interested in any of them.  The line up for the terrific Aspects Festival was announced last week. I'm very chuffed to be doing an event called Crime in the Castle , with the brilliant authors Brian McGilloway and Gerard Brennan  (22/09/18). You can check out the whole of the festival listings and can buy tickets on their website. I went to see Eric Bell as part of the awesome  Open House Festival last week and he was absolutely belting! I'm pleased to be reading at the launch of the excellent Bangor Literary Journal as part of the festival (25/08/18). They also have a feature on my writing in the August issue- it's a super magazine (From poets Amy and Paul Rafferty) and it's free to download. The event is also free- so if you're about Bangor- drop by! I'm going to be doing mini Belfast Noir tours as part of Culture Night ...