ISSUE #14 July/August 2005

The biggest news to hit the crime scene in the past couple of months is, of course, the passing of Evan Hunter, aka Ed McBain, who was one of crime fiction's biggest stars. I only discovered his work recently, which is surprising considering I remember seeing the name on my Dad's bookshelves for years, but he deserved his reputation and more. At 75, he'd produced more good works than many authors could do in double that period and there is no doubt he will be missed by fans and writers alike.

One of McBain's out of print novels is due to be released by Hard Case Crime in the next few months. We look forward with great anticipation to The Gutter and the Grave.

Of course, any novel by Hardcase is worth looking out for, as we find out this month when we review their latest releases, Branded Woman and Dutch Uncle. We also review the new book by J A Konrath, Whiskey Sour.

Meanwhile, on the fictive side, Ed Lynskey is back again with more tales of Frank Johnson, PI, in Daddy Warbucks, while New Jersey's own Patrick J Lambe tells us about a Parking Violation.

In non-fiction we go a little true crime as James Clar starts out side by side with Marlowe and takes us to the real life Thelma Todd's Cafe, and there's the usual mix of reviews and rantings.

While we're here, I might as well admit I've joined the blogging community. In anticipation of upcoming projects I've started blogging over at theseayemeanstreets.blogspot.com. Its the best place to keep up to date with news about this very zine as well as my own writing career. Oh, and you're not hallucinating. We've updated the logo. We are now, absolutely officially, Crime Scene Scotland.

Next time we speak, my friends, will be after Harrogate down in England and Bouchercon in Chicago. I shall be attending both events and, rest assured, you'll be hearing my thoughts next time we speak. Until then,

Au revoir

Russel D McLean