Saturday, December 31, 2011

Books of 2011 # 1 Top Read of 2011!

Well here we are, after a month of looking back over my reads of 2011, at my top book recommendation for the year. As I said yesterday each one of the top three is worthy of the top spot in it's own way, but what gives this one the edge is two-fold. It's a collection of short stories, and it is the first and the last stories that push it that little bit higher than all of the other thirty books that have come before it, and above all seventy-one others that I have read this year. If you've read it, you'll know what I mean, if you haven't then I recommend you get hold of a copy without delay (but you really should read the book that is a number three first).

Friday, December 30, 2011

Books of 2011 # 2 - Lake Charles by Ed Lynskey

The top three books in this review are exceptionally hard to separate. Each in its own way is worthy of the top spot, and Lake Charles is a very worthy runner-up.

Lake Charles: A Mystery NovelLake Charles: A Mystery Novel by Ed Lynskey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s the summer of 1979 and Brendan Fishback, his sister Edna and brother-in-law Cobb Kuzawa are heading to Lake Charles to do some bass fishing and have a good time.

Brendan has the spectre of a murder charge hanging over his head, a crime that he didn’t commit, and this might be the last chance he gets to cut loose before his trial.

Lake Charles isn’t the same place that it was though, once a haven for leisure, it’s now run-down and in a bad way, and it isn’t long before Brendan’s situation goes from bad to worse. His sister disappears and Brendan and Cobb run up against some back-country marijuana growers while trying to find her.

“Lake Charles” is told by Brendan in the first person and also through the clever use of flashbacks in dreams in Brendan’s mind’s eye. In this way Ed Lynskey writes a novel that oozes evil and violence by turn. As the story unfolds you are caught time and again by another punch to the guts in terms of a twist in the plot or a revelation that you didn’t see coming. Page after page, I found myself thinking about things I wanted to include in this review, but without giving too many spoilers that would have made this review too long, and given away too much of the plot.

The story carries an air of realism, and is grounded with the practicalities of the late ‘70s, this gives it an edge in terms of pace and dialogue that wouldn’t have been possible with a more modern setting. The characters feel complete and as a result as the plot turns, you become embedded in what is happening to them and wondering what the next shock will be.

This is the first novel I have read by this author, but I will certainly be looking out for others, and would recommend “Lake Charles” if you like a good crime or mystery.


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Thursday, December 29, 2011

What's In My Bag?

Bag

I though it was time for another comparison to the last time I posted this here.

There have been a few changes, most notably an iPad has replaced the small laptop I used to carry, and the backpack itself is now a larger version than the previous one. I love SwissGear kit, it's well thought out, functional and tough as nails.

Here's the full list for now:

  • Pencil case, contains mainly markers and other presentation pens
  • Tissues
  • Moo business cards and stickers and work business cards
  • Notebook and post-its
  • Rail season ticket
  • Access pass and keys
  • Emergency dog biscuits
  • Paracetamols and ibuprofen
  • £1 coins in film cannister (for car parking machines and emergency coffees)
  • iPad
  • Sunglasses
  • iPhone 3Gs & i-Phone charger
  • Assorted memory sticks & extension cables
  • Power Monkey Explorer and power tips

A version of this photo with annotations is available on flickr here.

 

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Books of 2011 # 3 - Adventures of Cash Laramie & Gideon Miles by Edward A Grainger

Essentially a collection of short stories, this book is for Western novels, what Unforgiven was for the Western movie. Worth every one of it's Five Stars!

Adventures of Cash Laramie and Gideon MilesAdventures of Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles by Edward A. Grainger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my introduction to the characters of Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles, and I wasn't disappointed. A selection of short stories, that show the violence of the old west and the principles that the lawmen of that time held dear is well portrayed.

A highly recommended read.

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Books of 2011 # 4 - Macbeth by David Hewson & A J Hartley

The only audiobook in the top thirty-one, but what an audiobook. As the review says think you know Macbeth? Think again. 

Macbeth: A NovelMacbeth: A Novel by A.J. Hartley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Think you know the tale of Macbeth?

Think again.

This retelling of the tale by David Hewson and A J Hartley is just simply amazing. Bringing a new depth to the story, this is no repeating the original Shakespeare but an inspired reworking, incredibly bought to life by the vocal talents of Alan Cumming.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Books of 2011 # 5 - The Road to Somewhere by James A Reeves

OK the top 5, and this is a nomadic road trip and a look at a country that I'm not sure if the author fully recognised. Great pictures and words, well worth a read.

The Road to Somewhere: An American MemoirThe Road to Somewhere: An American Memoir by James A. Reeves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is much more than another book about a journey across America. This is a memoir of discovery both of the author and of his native country.

Beautifully illustrated throughout, with the authors own photographs, this book tells the story of many times when the author would take off and try to find both himself and his country.

There is an openness and honesty about both the words and the pictures, that kept me repeatedly picking the book up, and being disappointed when I had finished it. So much so, that I know I will be picking it up again in the near future to read through again.

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Monday, December 26, 2011

Books of 2011 # 6 - Carnival for the Dead by David Hewson

Just outside the top five spot, and a book that only had a limited release in 2011, with it's major release coming in January 2012.

Carnival for the DeadCarnival for the Dead by David Hewson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again David Hewson transports his readers to the magical city of Venice, Italy. It is Teresa Lupo, Chief Forensic Pathologist for the Questura in Rome who takes the lead on this occasion whilst colleagues Falcone, Peroni and Costa are on secret assignment.
Lupo has travelled to Venice to look for her Aunt Sofia who has mysteriously disappeared, leaving little explanation as to why, or her current whereabouts. It is the time of the Carnival, as Teresa tries to find her Aunt, and a series of events unfold that lead the reader on a tableau of adventure across the great city of islands, and where those dressed in Carnival costume may not be all they appear to be.

This is the tenth novel in the “Costa” series, and the third time that David Hewson has taken us to Venice (The Lizard’s Bite & The Cemetery of Secrets, being the other two, and it is nice to see some homage to both of those novels within the pages of this latest one).

It is rare that a book makes me change my plans or keeps me reading up late into the night these days, but Carnival for the Dead has done both of those things over the last three days. Keeping me turning the pages and setting the standard for crime novels, this story unfolds a tale of mystery, history and culture set in one of the worlds great cities.

The history is well researched and the author manages to weave the history and culture into the pages, bringing the story to life. It brings a depth and colour to the pages that it is easy to picture oneself in the great city, with the same sights, sounds and smells as the characters on the pages.

David Hewson is a master storyteller, and this book is no exception, it is one of his best and finest to date and this series has been getting better and better.

If you are looking for a great story, and want to transport yourself to another place, then I strongly recommend this book.

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Sunday, December 25, 2011

Books of 2011 # 7 - Dumb White Husband vs The Grocery Store by Benjamin Wallace

Trust the Dumb White Husband to make an appearance, and on Christmas Day of all days! Well if you're feeling a little overfull from too much Christmas Dinner, you could do worse than going on to Amazon and downloading this little short, particularly if you got yourself a new kindle for Christmas!

Dumb White Husband vs. The Grocery Store (A Short Story)Dumb White Husband vs. The Grocery Store by Benjamin Wallace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's a little bit of every male, in the dumb white husband. Benjamin Wallace is a keen observer of the human male animal, either that or he's seen me at the self-service checkout at the supermarket!

This is a great little short jaunt.

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Books of 2011 # 8 - Meet The Dogs of Bedlam Farm

The only children's book to make the list, but of course it is also a doggy book!

Meet the Dogs of Bedlam FarmMeet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Jon Katz's first children's book, and is a tale of his four dogs; Rose, Izzy, Frieda and Lenore, who live with him on Bedlam Farm.

A relatively short book it is beautifully illustrated with Jon's own photographs. Recommended for dog lovers and children of all ages ;)

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Book Review: Ark by Charles McCarry

About the book:

Earth’s wealthiest man attempts to save humanity from an impending apocalypse

The planet’s first and only trillionaire, Henry Peel, did not make his fortune by being a fool. A gifted inventor and scientist, he possesses an imagination on the scale of history’s greatest thinkers, and he has turned it to the problem of Earth’s core. Two decades ago, scientists learned that the core spins faster than the rest of the planet, storing up a cache of energy that, if released, could cause an earthquake that would obliterate human life. To begin mankind anew, Henry Peel is going to lead us to the stars.
 
He gathers the world’s leading physicists and engineers and asks them to design a spaceship large enough to safeguard a sample of humanity and durable enough to survive a thousand-year voyage. Money is no object, but time is short. The apocalypse is on its way.

My Review:

This is the first book by Charles McCarry that I have read but I wasn't disappointed. It cleverly mixes fiction and science fact to deliver an intriguing tale that kept me turn the electronic pages of my kindle into the night. Told in the first person, or rather observed by the narrator the story takes the reader around the world and presents and develops characters that make the book very real and give a tremendous amount of depth.

The book was a little slow to begin with, but quickly picked up and the detail of the tale was great. It was this attention to detail, and the combinations of genres that worked well, it's never quite clear where fact and fiction blend together to create something quite different.

I was reminded of the late Michael Crichton at his best, reading this novel, and Charles McCarry can weave a tale in the same way that Crichton could, keeping the reader guessing what's going to happen next but making the outcome believable.

A strong and intriguing read, recommended. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Books of 2011 # 9 - An Angel With Fur by Russell Blake

Russell Blake is an author that I have only come across this year, and this was a book he sent me for a review. Readers of my blog will know I am a sucker for Dog Stories, and this one is no exception. Great to see it in the Top Ten!

An Angel With FurAn Angel With Fur by Russell Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Angel With Fur is no ordinary doggy tale, and it's star ’Lobo’, is no ordinary dog.

Russell Blake narrates the story of how he came to own Lobo and some of the adventures that they had together. Starting from when Russell went ’just to have a look around’ the animal shelter. This true story unfolds and shows the development of the relationship between Lobo and Russell and some of their other canine companions.

I'm sure that many dog owners will recognise aspects of their relationships with their own dogs in this story, and see how incredible the relationship between Russell and Lobo becomes.

This short book packs much within it's pages, and as the story unfolds and the chapters pass, the very engaging prose, bring smiles, tears and laugh-out loud moments by turn. The book is well illustrated with the authors own photographs, and there are links to the authors website where there is a dedicated “Lobo” page, with more photographs and video links.

As regular readers of my blog will know, I read many a ’dog’ book, and I rate this amongst the best of them. Russell Blake is a master storyteller, and Lobo the perfect dog tale to tell.

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Book Review: Exit 9 by Brett Battles

Exit_9_fin
Exit 9 is the second book in the Project Eden series, Sick is the first book and although you don't need to read it first you probably should just because it too is a great book!

Exit 9 continues the story of potentially world ending terrorism with Project Eden seeking to change the world forever.

The story continues to follow Daniel Ash, and a number of other characters, but now lines between good and evil are a little more blurred than they were before, trust no one!

Brett Battles has another awesome book here, the well thought out plot takes you scene by scene through at an increasing pace to an absolute cliff-hanging ending which will have you crying out for the next book in the series. Twists throughout mean that it's difficult to tell who is on who's side, and the fast moving plot will leave you breathless guessing who is going to prevail.

The characters are well rounded, with many developing more than they did in the first book.

The technical aspects of the book and how it deals with the relevant science, gadgets and weapons are all well researched and believable, and this gives great depth to the overall story.

Don't expect a nice a tidy conculsion though, there are only two books that have ever given me nightmares while I've been reading them, Salem's Lot was the first and Exit 9 by Brett Battles is the other.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - I Loved it!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Books of 2011 # 11 - A Troubled Man by Henning Mankell

Another one that in some ways could easily have been more highly placed. The top Scandanavian writer in my view, and one of the top fictional detectives in Kurt Wallander. A shame that the series has come to an end, in many ways prematurely in my opinion, but then I am not the author and it is not my place to say whether a character should continue or not. At least the series went out strongly.

The Troubled Man (Kurt Wallander Mystery)The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now right up front I need to say that I love the character of Kurt Wallander, and in many ways I am disappointed to see this series come to an end.

Having said that I felt there was much more that could have been done with the character, and although I think I know and understand the reasons behind why Henning Mankell has made the ending of this book (and the fact that there is unlikely to be any further Linda Wallander stories) the way he has, I was disappointed with the end of this book.

It needed to have the epilogue to wrap up some of the loose plot threads, but I feel that this could have been done in later books. The main plot overall was OK. Not one of the best mysteries that has been written, and perhaps if you live outside of Sweden not something that will be immediately familiar to the reader but it is carried through well and there is an unexpected twist towards the end that I hadn't seen coming.

Only four stars because of the way Mankell dealt with the ending and the epilogue, it left me feeling disappointed. After all the intervening years between Before The Frost and The Troubled Man I would rather that there had not been another Wallander tale, rather than the way this one ended. Perhaps if you read this, do so without reading the epilogue!

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Books of 2011 # 12 - Concrete Pearl by Vincent Zandri

This was a tough choice not for this to make it into the top 10, as it is a cracking good read, but others just have the edge on it.

Concrete PearlConcrete Pearl by Vincent Zandri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vincent Zandri is one hell of a writer. He’s the author of other thrillers such as The Innocent, Godchild and The Remains (my review of The Remains is here), but Vincent scares me, he makes me wonder where he gets his inspiration, if it’s as true to life as it seems; I’m worried!

Concrete Pearl twists and shocks from the first page to the last. The main character, Ava “Spike” Harrison, she got her name from impaling her foot on a six-penny nail on the first construction site she worked on, is about to have a very bad day.

She’s the boss of Harrison Construction, the company that was originally her beloved fathers, and now Spike’s the boss. She’s a tough, no nonsense character who will never give up, never roll-over. Harrison Construction already has a number of health and safety convictions, accidents that weren’t Spike’s fault but corporately the company takes the hit. Today it’s going to get a lot worse. Today asbestos is going to be found on the current work site. That work site’s a school. Worse; that work site is a school that still has children in it while the work carries on around them. Asbestos contamination might equal sick kids. Cancer. Dead. Kids.

The authorities shut the site down, Spike’s company is under suspicion of negligence, but Spike’s company sub-contracted the asbestos removal and now the removal company and the lab that verified their test results, have shut-down, they've vanished. Spike needs to find them and settle what’s happened and clear her name.

The characters are lifelike and believable, some are so believable that you’ll hate them, want to take them out yourself. You’ll feel for others, want to help them. All the characters make this book the more believable page, after page, to the last page.

Zandri winds the plot tighter and tighter, he squeezes his lead character to incredible levels. You wonder if she will ever sort out her problems as with each page a new issue raises its ugly head. As accusations of negligence move to accusations of murder, the author redefines the term “thriller”.

As you think Spike is buried deep, Zandri turns the plot in her favour, revelation follows revelation. You start to wonder just who you can trust. Is anyone innocent? Some are. Zandri manages to tie up a plot and leave the reader very satisfied. What happens to Spike? Well you’ll just have to read the book and find out for yourself.

At the start of this review, I questioned the author’s inspiration, why? Well simply because I did a little reading around, his blog, other reviews before I read this book. Vincent Zandri appears to borrow from his own life as part of his books. A character in the books’ son is born on Halloween, I understand that Zandri’s son is too, and Spike’s family name, Zandris son’s name. So then what is it that Vincent Zandri knows about the construction industry, it’s claimed that this a fictional story based on real events?

Whether this is true or not it doesn’t really matter, because Zandri is one hell of an author, and although he is well published and sells books, he’s probably not the household name of the likes of Patterson or Brown; Clancy or Child; but he deserves to be. Zandri deserves to be the author I see in the window of Waterstones as I walk down the high street; to be in the 3 for 2’s. The one that everyone is talking about, the one that is on bigger blogs than mine. That’s what he deserves, I hope he gets it, but either way I’m buying his next book, and probably the one after that. It’s rare to find an author that you want to read book after book, but Vincent Zandri is in that league.

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Books of 2011 # 14 - Savage Run by C J Box

Another entry for C J Box in my top thirty-one of 2011.

Savage RunSavage Run by C.J. Box
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second Joe Pickett novel and the series is getting stronger.

The series is set in some amazing scenic backcountry, and Joe Pickett is a pleasantly flawed lead character. Unlike many flawed heroes in crime novels, Joe is just human. He's mucked up a few times, but he believes in what he does.

Although I enjoyed the story, there was an element of predictability about it, but not so much that the overall story suffered, I think I would just rather have known a little less about what was going on in the background and therefore the way the story unfolded would have been a little less obvious.

The strengths of this series; the backcountry and Joe Pickett mean that I'll be returning to it again soon, for the third instalment

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Books of 2011 # 15 - Rose In A Storm by Jon Katz

Jon Katz is one of my favourite authors, and another who features multiple times in this list. This is an unusual book, in that it's a work of fiction which is a departure away from his normal non-fictional works. Still just as good though.

Rose in a StormRose in a Storm by Jon Katz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very spiritual book. A tale of Rose, Sam, Flash and the other animals of the farm during a terrifying storm.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Books of 2011 # 16 - Sixty Days and Counting by Kim Stanley Robinson

In truth this was a re-read, but it is a great story and worth a second reading. The story could so easily be what the human race is facing soon. Power outages, food shortages, out of control climate change. Mother Nature sticking it to the humans who've abused the planet for too long.

Sixty Days and CountingSixty Days and Counting by Kim Stanley Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Book Review: Remington & The Mysterious Fedora by Chuck Waldron

Remington-and-the-mysterious-fedora

 Book Summary:

 Surprise is in store when, in the back of a strange used goods store, Josh finds an old Remington typewriter and a fedora with some very mysterious powers. As Josh embarks on his first novel writing adventure, he finds that his new hat has its own story to tell – of a time before history began – and is quite demanding of Josh’s attention. As the story consumes him, Josh’s life begins to unravel, and he soon finds he is unable to separate himself from the hat and the story. When the last page is written, Josh is left with more questions than answers…both about the story and his own life.

Remington_and_the_mysterious_fedora

Review:

In many ways this is a book within a book, the story of Josh and his discovery of a magical fedora hat, and an old Remington typewriter, and the story that Josh (and others) write on that typewriter under the influence of the hat.  The concept is an interesting and intriguing one, in many ways any writer would like a magical hat that helps them produce their next bestseller but this hat is not as straightforward as that.  This hat becomes all consuming, taking over lives as it becomes contagious and pushing people to the edge.

As the book unfolds it tells the story of Josh, but also of the story that Josh is writing with the aid of his hat, hence there are two tales being told here. One is set in the here and now, and the other in another time, and possibly another place.  This is an interesting plot device and the two stories play out during the course of the book.  It does mean that neither are really told in detail as the plot shifts from one to the other, but it is a good idea none the less.

The book is a short one (under 300 pages), and the language simple and easy to read.  However I was longing for something more descriptive, and consequently more engaging but this just wasn’t there in this book. I was engaged more in the inner book rather than the story of Josh, and often found myself wanting to get through the bits with Josh and back to the other story! I really wanted the author to have done more for both of the stories, for the development of the characters who were a little one dimensional and lacked depth. This didn’t happen however, and I feel that this was a missed opportunity by the author and a chance to engage the reader much more than I felt.

This was an interesting read, with a couple of strong plot devices.  The story within a story works well, with the fedora and Remington typewriter driving both.  In the story of Josh the hat and typewriter drive him and his friends like an addiction, which like other addictions takes over their lives.  This results in the other story developing, being told, and the tale of the characters there developing, and some paralells developing between the two.

Overall this was a good read, I'd like to have seen more character development overall, and with Josh's storyline in particular but the other story made up with this as there was plenty there.

 3 out of 5 Stars - I liked it.

 About the author:

Chuck_waldron

U.S. born, Canadian novelist Chuck Waldron is currently working on his fourth novel, a thriller about an investigative blogger who uncovers more than he ever imagines…and has no idea what to do with his discovery.

 His first novel, Tears in the Dust, is a mystery set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War in 1937.  When Alestair Ferguson volunteers to fight in the International Brigade he doesn’t realize the true price he will have to pay.  Chuck’s second novel, Remington and the Mysterious Fedora, is a quirky fantasy, a story about what happens when a young man sits at the keyboard of a manual typewriter and puts on an old fedora.  When the fedora and its mysterious power begins to whisper a story to him, the young man has a strange adventure indeed.  His third novel, Served Cold, spans decades and stretches from the countryside of rural Ontario to a quiet artists’ studio in Tucson, Arizona.  With lots of murder and mayhem in between, the story is what happens when a long-standing feud erupts into hot-blooded vengeance.

 Chuck wrote over thirty short stories before setting out to write novels that are affordable and entertaining.  He has attended writing workshops in Iowa, Florida, Georgia and Ontario, Canada.

“I grew up,” Chuck said, “listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by the Jesse & Frank James’ gang.  It didn’t matter if the stories were true or not.  Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels.”

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with more novels under development.  Do they share anything in common?  Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, yet, at their heart, his stories tell about the human condition – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Chuck adds, “stored images that echo in my writing include train whistles in the night, Norman Rockwell childhood scenes, U.S. Army memories, blue collar jobs, university, a professonal career, and finally retirement.  Many of my images are drawn from this pool of memories: places visited, sights seen, and people met.  The rest I filled in with my imagination: dreams of places yet to be visited, sights yet to be seen, and people yet to be met.”

His literary roots were planted in the American Midwest and thrived when transplanted – over thirty-nine years ago – to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario.  He and his wife, Suzanne, spend their summers in Kitchener, Ontario and are warmed by a winter sun in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

 You can visit Chuck at http://www.writebyme.ca and at www.chuckwaldron.com.    

Visit him at Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/writebyme and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wordstir.

 

 

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Monday, December 12, 2011

Guest Post From Chuck Waldron, Author of Remington & the Mysterious Fedora

Here’s the story behind Remington & the Mysterious Fedora.  The seed was planted during a conversation.  That real conversation blossomed into a fantasy about a young man who thinks he may have discovered a short-cut to success, only to find that there is always a price to be paid.

There was a reference to a typewriter in the conversation and someone remarked they had never seen one.  Something as ubiquitous as a typewriter, used by generations to put word on paper, is now relegated to being an exhibit in museums.  Traces typewriters live on, however.  Look at computer keyboards, smart phones and tablets, with the recognizable QWERTY layout.  But, where have all the typewriters gone?

Woody Allen has typed every joke, script and writing on a manual typewriter he bought as a teen.  He literally cuts, tapes and pastes the old-fashioned way.  Me, I’m glad I can do it on a computer.

But, I want to get back to that conversation about typewriters.  It led me to imagine a young man, Josh, who finds an old manual typewriter in a junk shop.  He cleans it up and actually gets it to working.  It wouldn’t be complete, however, if he didn’t have an old fedora to go with it.  After all, didn’t all the reporters in the 1940’s black and white movies wear fedoras while they typed?

When he puts the fedora on, the hat whispers a story to him while he types.  He realizes it may be a gift, the short-cut to an award winning novel.  Josh is on his way to an adventure he never expected.  Will the magic fedora bring him fame, or will the story bring him face to face with the reality that all things in life have a price?

I hope you read Remington & the Mysterious Fedora and see if you agree with this from a young adult reader named Ryan.

"I'm actually VERY enthralled by the book. Both your plotlines of Josh, Tracey and Kelsey, Blaze and Star are equally intoxicating.  Usually, when I read a novel like Remington that uses multiple plotlines, I tend to get bored and find one of them boring, waiting for the chapter to end. With Remington, this is not the case!

 At the end of every chapter, I said to myself "Damn! I want to know what happens next!"  I loved the fast pace, the gripping story and the novel’s ability to make me smile.

Chuck_waldron

U.S. born, Canadian novelist Chuck Waldron is currently working on his fourth novel, a thriller about an investigative blogger who uncovers more than he ever imagines…and has no idea what to do with his discovery.

His first novel, Tears in the Dust, is a mystery set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War in 1937.  When Alestair Ferguson volunteers to fight in the International Brigade he doesn’t realize the true price he will have to pay.  Chuck’s second novel, Remington and the Mysterious Fedora, is a quirky fantasy, a story about what happens when a young man sits at the keyboard of a manual typewriter and puts on an old fedora.  When the fedora and its mysterious power begins to whisper a story to him, the young man has a strange adventure indeed.  His third novel, Served Cold, spans decades and stretches from the countryside of rural Ontario to a quiet artists’ studio in Tucson, Arizona.  With lots of murder and mayhem in between, the story is what happens when a long-standing feud erupts into hot-blooded vengeance.

Chuck wrote over thirty short stories before setting out to write novels that are affordable and entertaining.  He has attended writing workshops in Iowa, Florida, Georgia and Ontario, Canada.

“I grew up,” Chuck said, “listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by the Jesse & Frank James’ gang.  It didn’t matter if the stories were true or not.  Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels.”

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with more novels under development.  Do they share anything in common?  Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, yet, at their heart, his stories tell about the human condition – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Chuck adds, “stored images that echo in my writing include train whistles in the night, Norman Rockwell childhood scenes, U.S. Army memories, blue collar jobs, university, a professonal career, and finally retirement.  Many of my images are drawn from this pool of memories: places visited, sights seen, and people met.  The rest I filled in with my imagination: dreams of places yet to be visited, sights yet to be seen, and people yet to be met.”

His literary roots were planted in the American Midwest and thrived when transplanted – over thirty-nine years ago – to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario.  He and his wife, Suzanne, spend their summers in Kitchener, Ontario and are warmed by a winter sun in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

You can visit Chuck at http://www.writebyme.ca and at www.chuckwaldron.com.     Visit him at Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/writebyme and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wordstir.

About Remington & The Mysterious Fedora

Surprise is in store when, in the back of a strange used goods store, Josh finds an old Remington typewriter and a fedora with some very mysterious powers. As Josh embarks on his first novel writing adventure, he finds that his new hat has its own story to tell – of a time before history began – and is quite demanding of Josh’s attention. As the story consumes him, Josh’s life begins to unravel, and he soon finds he is unable to separate himself from the hat and the story. When the last page is written, Josh is left with more questions than answers…both about the story and his own life.

Read the first chapter here.

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes! 

To celebrate the release of Chuck Waldron’s new fantasy novel, Remington & The Mysterious Fedora, he is offering one free paperback copy of his book at Pump Up Your Book’s 1st Annual Holiday Extravaganza Facebook Party on December 16.  More than 50 books, gifts and cash awards will be given away! Click here for details! 

 

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Books of 2011 # 20 - The Lizard's Bite by David Hewson

This series of posts is my review of the top 31 books that I've read of 2011. As we enter the top twenty this is the first from an author who will feature again.

Two posts today, as the next two days are devoted to a virtual book tour and guest post.

The Lizard's Bite (Nic Costa Mysteries 4)The Lizard's Bite by David Hewson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falconi, Peroni, Costa, Lupo & the former FBI agent Emily Deacon return. 

A fire in a glass foundry leaves two dead, but is it an accident, a murder/suicide, or double murder?  Falconi and his team having been banished from their Roman home to the city of Venice slowly uncover a tale of deceit and murder in the ancient city.   With Massiter the intriguing Englishman all is not as it seems, and as further murders follow, Falconi's men must uncover the truth.

This is the fourth "Nic Costa" book, and the series goes from strength to strength, from the horrific opening scenes to the satisfying final chapters, this entry in the Costa series is by far the best of the first four, in my opinion.  As I have read the series out of order I know that it goes from strength to strength from here on, but I am trying to start and read/reread the series from the beginning.

For me, whilst these are very much of the crime crime/mystery genre, they are also about art, culture, architecture, travel, good food and good wine.  One of my favourite weekend pastimes now is to sit with a Nic Costa tale, and a glass of Italian white that I have read about in a previous outing.

The Lizard's Bite also sits alongside David Hewson's standalone novel, "The Cemetery of Secrets", although I have yet to read the latter, and either book can be read without the benefit of the other, some characters appear in both books.

Ah, Venice and murder, another outstanding Nic Costa tale from David Hewson, recommended!

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Books of 2011 # 21 - Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger

I think this is one of the first books that I read in 2011, and I remember enjoying it. It made me feel very cold, as much of it was set in the middle of winter.  Many of the authors other books went on to  my wishlist after I finished this one. I can see 2012, having a good few of them read too.

Iron Lake (Cork O'Connor Series #1)Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

You Never Know What's Going On In The Garden

Books of 2011 # 22 - Dead Man's Grip by Peter James

Brilliant entry in the Roy Grace series.

 

Dead Man's Grip (Roy Grace, #7)Dead Man's Grip by Peter James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Peter James's last book concerned a serial killer working from 1997 to the present, this book is very much in the present.

A fatal road traffic accident leads to a series of mafia hits, and Roy Grace has to solve the crime(s) and save the day once again.

One of the things I love the most about the Roy Grace series is the settings. I know the area a little and the descriptions of locations always feel so real to me, this outing is no exception.

Featuring a potential return of Sandy, Roy Grace's long missing wife, and also a cameo appearance from Yac (and those Christian Louboutin's), this tale is a breakneck read from start to finish.

I particuarly like the character of Tooth, even though he was a bad guy, and was actually glad that he survived (perhaps to return in the future)?

The only thing that I found a little unbelievable was some of the police procedural, would an officer really travel on blues and twos to a dead body? If they do they shoudln't - the dead are dead, no sense in adding more dead, but perhaps this is true I don't know. It didn't seem factually or morally right - who knows.

A recommended read, if you like a good crime novel, and especailly if you have read any of the previous Roy Grace stories!

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Friday, December 09, 2011

Books of 2011 # 23 - The First Rule by Robert Crais

Although in chronology I think this is the second Joe Pike book from Robert Crais, it is the first one that I have read. If you've read Robert Crais before you are probably familiar with Joe Pike as Elvis Cole's sidekick, but in this tale Pike takes the lead and is out for revenge. Good solid stuff, with plenty of action and an unstoppable hero.

The First RuleThe First Rule by Robert Crais
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Thursday, December 08, 2011

David Attenborough - Wonderful World

Books of 2011 # 24 - The Cleaner by Brett Battles

One of my regrets with the books I've read in 2011, is not being able to read more of Brett Battles work, but that does at least mean I've got plenty read in 2012!

The CleanerThe Cleaner by Brett Battles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jonathan Quinn is an espionage agent, but he doesn't work for MI6 or the CIA, he's freelance.

Quinn is asked to investigate a suspicious arson and death, and soon someone is trying to kill him. Quinn needs to find out what's going on and stop those who are after him before they put a stop to his investigation permanently. The trail will take Quinn to Vietnam, Germany and Brussels, and put Quinn in some tight spots where his death is one likely outcome.

This is the first in the Jonathan Quinn series by Brett Battles and I will certainly be getting the next one in due course.

Brett Battles knows how to tell an action packed tale, leaving me breathless at times, and not wanting to put my kindle down. The knowledge of spy craft and the "toys" that Quinn uses leave you wondering just how Brett knows the details that he writes in his book, but they form part of a nail biting tale.

I would heartedly recommend this book.

[On a negative point, although I have given my review 5 stars I have done so on the strength of the writing and the story alone. The transfer to Kindle was particularly poor, with a huge margin on the left of the page, and many other visual mistakes that made reading hard work.]

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Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Book Review: The Cyclops Conspiracy by David Perry

The Cyclops ConspiracyThe Cyclops Conspiracy by David Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jason is a pharmacist who has a chequered back story, lost love, hidden reasons for behaviour and who is about to get himself mixed up in something very serious and potentially deadly, and very unrelated to his normal working days of dispensing pills and medicines.

The Cyclops Conspiracy starts slow but gradually ramps up the pace revealing a new twist and a new turn by the page, building to a very satisfying conclusion.

I wished the book could have picked up the pace a little earlier than it did and found the lead character of Jason to be a little naive to begin with, feeling he was missing some fairly obvious clues that were present early on, but that said this naivety was a crucial part of the story overall.

The characters felt human and believable, particularly the “good guys”, and the “bad guys” were easy to hate. The plot was good and developed well as the story unfolded. I would like to read more by this author in the future and will be adding him to my must read list.

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Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Books of 2011 # 26 - Shedworking by Alex Johnson

Another one on the digital nomad vein, but in this case a more practical guide as to how to work from a shed in your garden. Great place to start from, and also full of some useful practical tips, as well as also having some great and inspirational photographs.

Shedworking: The Alternative Workplace RevolutionShedworking: The Alternative Workplace Revolution by Alex Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Monday, December 05, 2011

Books of 2011 # 27 - Borkmann's Point by Hakan Nesser

Rereading my review again below, you might be wondering why this one made it into the top 31 at all. Well there are a number of Scandanavian authors who are getting a lot of press at the moment, and Hakan Nesser doesn't seem to be one of them for some reason.  Although I didn't rate this very highly it was much better than some of the others that I have read which get far more publicity.  So I think it's worthy of inclusion above some of the others that I've read this year, but haven't made it in the top 31.

 

Borkmann's Point: An Inspector Van Veeteren MysteryBorkmann's Point: An Inspector Van Veeteren Mystery by Håkan Nesser
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very lightweight tale. There seems little in the characterisation or plot to really say this is a gripping tale. Some of the scenery is fantastic, and the final reveal is good (but predictable). As part of a series I'm not sure I'll be hurrying to track down the others.

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Saturday, December 03, 2011

Guest Post From Benjamin Wallace: Writer By Night!

Today it is my pleasure to welcome Benjamin Wallace to my blog, I reviewed Ben's book "Dumb White Husband Vs. The Grocery Store" a while a go.  Like me Ben is a writer with a "Day Job", and Ben discusses how he gets his writing done.  I'm taking notes, because I think I can learn a lesson or two.

Please everyone welcome Ben to the Electronic Scrapbook!

Writer by Night

 People constantly ask me how I find the time to write. I tell them I’m a writer by night.

Writer by night. Browse around Twitter a bit and you’ll see this phrase in more than a few bios. It’s kind of romantic isn’t it? As if quill and parchment sit before the impassioned author as the flame of a candle flicks and the muse strums a lire over the literary genius’ shoulder. 

I’m a writer by night.

 There is no power on Earth that can make me a morning person. If I woke up early to write, my works would be filled with senselessly violent scenes that explored the different sounds a coffee urn would make if it was used to punch someone in the face. And, while that specific scene will now make it into one of my books, such a singular focus on coffee pot face-punching would not make for a lasting career.

I can’t write during the day. That’s when I’m at what has now become known as my day job. They want me to do stuff that isn’t my stuff. And, since they still keep the lights on and bellies full, I can hardly protest. It is still the day job that I shouldn’t quit.

My evenings are dedicated to my family for two reasons. 1) Because they’re pretty cool. I’ve got three kids and they all have stories about what they did during the day, they have pictures that they’ve colored for me and they have new theories about super heroes that, if they don’t share, will cause them to explode. 2) Hollywood has convinced me that if I don’t spend time with them they will all grow up to be criminals or I will have to endure some formulaic life swap with another man to truly appreciate the life I already have. I don’t have time for any life swapping. 

So, I’m a writer by night. I tuck in the kids, feed the dogs, yell at the kids to get back into bed, disappear into a home office (which I share with the dogs), step back out to tell the kids to get back into bed and type until I’m exhausted, stopping only to tell the kids to get back into bed. Should the lire-playing muse ever visit me I have no doubt that I would yell at her and threaten to shove the lire places if she didn’t knock off the racket.

Sometimes when I tell people this they still don’t understand it. So, I tell them that I’ve learned a lot being a writer by night. But, there are some things I haven’t learned. I haven’t learned who the next American Idol is. I haven’t learned which bar has the best happy hour. I haven’t learned what the producers/writers/key grips of Lost have been up to. I haven’t learned a thing about what hours the gym is open. Though I probably have learned about the internet video where the dog is dressed as a Wampa. (I’m only human)

Writer by night means writer by night. There’re a lot of us out there. And we love to talk about it. So ask us. But don’t ask us what the score was, who won a Grammy, or if we caught so and so on Letterman/Kimmel/The Daily Show. We don’t know. We were busy writing. By night.   

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Benjamin Wallace is the author of the bestselling action/adventure comedies Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warriors (A Duck and Cover Adventure) and Tortugas Rising as well as the Dumb White Husband short stories. You can learn more at benjaminwallacebooks.com or follow him on twitter @BenMWallace

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Books of 2011 # 29 - Off the Grid by Nick Rosen

I've often dreamed of being a digital nomad.  Nothing but me, some tech and the wide world, living off-grid.  This book had an obvious appeal, and covered those people who do actually do that, rather than like me day dream about it!  An enjoyable little escape, it look at those peoples real lives and how breaking the connection from "society" has changed their lives.

Off the Grid

Off the Grid by Nick Rosen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Friday, December 02, 2011

Books of 2011 # 30 - Short Lean Cuts by Alex M Pruteanu

This was a memorable book for me, not least because I know the author. It was his first book, and it was an interesting read, the author was also kind enough to come on to this site for a Q&A session, which can be found here.

Short Lean Cuts

Short Lean Cuts by Alex M. Pruteanu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This tale is no three little pigs nursery rhyme, or Babe. This is closer to Piggy in Lord of the Flies.

Looking at the darker side of life and characters this book is as strong and shocking as it is well written. Dark in places it is probably not going to be everyone's cup of tea but it does come recommended.

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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Movember

Movember is about raising awareness of male cancer. In particular the unmentionables; testicular and prostrate cancer.

For the past month I've been cultivating some facial hair, a moustache to be specific. Not wanting this to be just a plain moustache I went for something a little more overstated. I believe it's known as a "biker", in moustache growing circles but some of my work colleagues are keen to refer to it as the 70's porn star look.

Either way it's raised £115 for cancer charities. Many thanks to everyone who has been kind enough to sponsor me.

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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Back To The Classics Book Challenge 2012

I was surfing twitter and the interwebs earlier this week and came across a new blog:  Sarah Reads Too Much.  She was proposing a challenge to read a number of classics within certain catagories during 2012.

As I wrote the other day, I read a lot of books during 2011 and was looking for something a bit different in 2012 as a challenge.  There are a number of classics, that I want to read, some that I have already, the books sitting on my shelves and have never gotten around to reading, others that I'll have to get hold of a copy, but again ones that I've always wanted to read.

Anyway here are the categories:

  • Any 19th Century Classic
  • Any 20th Century Classic
  • Reread a classic of your choice
  • A Classic Play
  • Classic Mystery/Horror/Crime Fiction
  • Classic Romance
  • Read a Classic that has been translated from its original language to your language   - To clarify, if your native language is NOT English, you may read any classic originally written in English that has been translated into your native language. 
  • Classic Award Winner  - To clarify, the book should be a classic which has won any established literary award. 
  • Read a Classic set in a Country that you (realistically speaking) will not visit during your lifetime  - To Clarify, this does not have to be a country that you hope to visit either.  Countries that no longer exist or have never existed count.

And here are my provisional choices (I might change some as I think more on this, but these are my gut reactions based on books that I've always wanted to read, or have on my shelves and have never gotten around to reading, and are all regarded in one way or another as classics):

  • Any 19th Century Classic:
    • Walden - Henry David Thoreau
  • Any 20th Century Classic
    • Watership Down - Richard Adams
  • Reread a classic of your choice
    • The Jungle Book - Rudyard Kipling or The Hobbit J R R Tolkien
  • A Classic Play
    • The Seagull - Anton Chekhov
  • Classic Mystery/Horror/Crime Fiction
    • At The Mountains of Madness - H P Lovecraft
  • Classic Romance
    • Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare
  • Classic translation
    • Around the World In Eighty Days - Jules Verne
  • Classic Award Winner
    • The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemmingway (Pulitzer 1953) 
  • Read a Classic set in a Country that you (realistically speaking) will not visit during your lifetime
    • The Island of Dr Moreau - H G Wells (not sure if this counts as a country that has "never existed", so might have to rethink this one).
Challenge_12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Coming in December - My Big Book Year

So a Big Book Year, what’s that all about? “A Big Year”, refers to the life of a birdwatcher, it’s a year in which a bird watcher will try and see the largest number of species that they can, often within a confined geographic area. As a naturalist I’m familiar with this concept, with friends disappearing off for long periods of time, evenings, weekends, chasing the next number or species on their list, but what’s that got to do with books?

Well, this year I set a target via Good Reads to read thirty books in 2011. I reached this target in less than six months, which I was amazed at, the most books I’ve ever knowingly read before in a year is thirty-seven books, so reaching my target so early meant revising that target upward, so I doubled it to sixty. I reached that target a month or so ago, now I’m just seeing where I get to by year end. At the time of writing I’m at seventy-two books and reading!

But this year has been so much more than numbers, I’ve discovered so many “new” authors. It’s made me think as to why this year has been different. Well first probably because I got a kindle at the start of the year, which has made reading more accessible for me, you can carry thousands of books in one small device, rather than one or two paperbacks where ever you go. Second because I’ve been writing much more myself, and “hanging out” with other writers in various social media circles; Twitter, Google+ etc. I’ve also been “featuring” many more book reviews and guest posts on my blog, I’ve been participating in “virtual tours” for authors. Reading their books, reviewing them and then having them on my blog for an interview or a guest post. As a result I’ve also had a lot of “free” books, those given to me for review. In fact much of this has over taken my writing. I think I’ve written less of the current work in progress than I would have liked, but what I have written has been influenced by the other things going on and as a result has been a better result.

I’m planning to go back over my year on my blog during December, pick out my top thirty-one books in ascending order, with my top pick coming on New Years Eve. There are some more guest posts planned, and at least one “virtual tour”.


Expand Below the Line if you want to see the Seventy-Two books read to date in order!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Instagram Video

My Instagrams in Pummelvision from tontowilliams on Vimeo.

I used Pummelvision to convert my instagram feed into a short video.  I seem to take a lot of dog photo's!

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Book Review: Carnival for the Dead by David Hewson

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Once again David Hewson transports his readers to the magical city of Venice, Italy. It is Teresa Lupo, Chief Forensic Pathologist for the Questura in Rome who takes the lead on this occasion whilst colleagues Falcone, Peroni and Costa are on secret assignment.

Lupo has travelled to Venice to look for her Aunt Sofia who has mysteriously disappeared, leaving little explanation as to why, or her current whereabouts. It is the time of the Carnival, as Teresa tries to find her Aunt, and a series of events unfold that lead the reader on a tableau of adventure across the great city of islands, and where those dressed in Carnival costume may not be all they appear to be.

 This is the tenth novel in the “Costa” series, and the third time that David Hewson has taken us to Venice (The Lizard’s Bite & The Cemetery of Secrets, being the other two, and it is nice to see some homage to both of those novels within the pages of this latest one).

It is rare that a book makes me change my plans or keeps me reading up late into the night these days, but Carnival for the Dead has done both of those things over the last three days. Keeping me turning the pages and setting the standard for crime novels, this story unfolds a tale of mystery, history and culture set in one of the worlds great cities.

 The history is well researched and the author manages to weave the history and culture into the pages, bringing the story to life. It brings a depth and colour to the pages that it is easy to picture oneself in the great city, with the same sights, sounds and smells as the characters on the pages.

 David Hewson is a master storyteller, and this book is no exception, it is one of his best and finest to date and this series has been getting better and better.

 If you are looking for a great story, and want to transport yourself to another place, then I strongly recommend this book.

 

5 out of 5 Stars - I Loved It!

 

 

About the author (taken from the dust jacket):

 

David Hewson was a journalist working most recently for the Sunday Time, The Time and the Independent. The author of nine novels in the highly acclaimed Detective Nic Costa series set in Rome which are currently being adapted for TC, he has also written thrillers set in Seville, the US and Venice. The author live in Kent.

 

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Wednesday, November 02, 2011

On Amazon and Home Delivery Network

Amazon and I have had a parting of the ways today.
 
Yesterday I was supposed to receive a book that I pre-ordered over six months ago.  Unfortunately Amazon dispatched it via the ever unreliable Home Delivery Network (HDNL).  Amazon seem to have a preference for using this courier, presumably because they get a good rate for doing so, however HDNL are pretty unreliable.  They have repeatedly failed to deliver parcels when they are supposed to, and have (as they managed to do again yesterday) claim to have delivered it when they haven't, i.e. they lie, or don't even bother and just say you were out, and then you have to go to the depot and collect your parcel, i.e. they lie.  In fact more often than not they seem to be able to do something other than actually deliver the parcel.
 
When Amazon use HDNL you get a tracking number, nothing new there but obviously this means that you can see where and when you parcel is (or at least allegedly is).  I checked for mine yesterday morning and it said that my parcel was out for delivery.  Great.  At 5pm it was still out for delivery.  At 630pm it had apparently been delivered (at 5.25pm), through our letterbox (incredibly precise that tracking isn't it!), but surprise, surprise no parcel, not through our letterbox, or hidden in our garden or left with a neighbour or anywhere that I could see.
 
I emailed Amazon, and got a very prompt reply, with promise of dispatching a replacement, they apparently understand my frustrations with HDNL, but there is nothing they can do about that.  Er hang on a minute, how about not using them?  Getting another courier?
 
Skip to today.  Parcel has been delivered, but no explanation as to where it has been or why it was reported as having been delivered yesterday (at 5.25pm through our letterbox).  My only thought can be that the courier put it through the wrong letterbox somewhere else, and that person out of kindness delivered it to us?
 
As Amazon are going to send me a replacement I went onto the website to cancel it, I don't want two items after all, but it's too late as it's too far into the dispatch process for them to do anything about it, so I've emailed the person in customer service who helped me yesterday to see if there is anything they can do.  I suspect probably not, which means I will have to return the second parcel when it arrives or refuse delivery.  Basically more hassle for me.  All because Amazon use HDNL.
 
So I am cancelling my amazon prime membership, I'm not getting value for money, and I'm certainly only getting more hassle from HDNL each time Amazon use them.  I've also cancelled the ten pre-orders I had with amazon, I'll get those items somewhere else.  If I have to pay a little more it will be worth it, to not have the hassle of HDNL.  From now on the only thing that I will order from Amazon will be kindle books.  Now I know I might change my mind, particularly with Christmas approaching, but certainly I will be thinking twice about using amazon from now on.
 
Thing is, it isn't just me.  Go on the amazon.co.uk forums and see the number of other people who are having problems with HDNL (or Yodel, as they also describe themselves), there are 1000's of them, so why do amazon persist in using them, particularly if it's costing them customers?
 
It also isn't just Amazon parcels that I have had problems with, other companies use HDNL, and when I have bought things from them I have had similar experiences.  Guess what?  I no longer use those companies, and in all cases I have never gone back to them.
 
So Amazon, how about it?  End your contract with HDNL?  Keep my custom?

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