Sunday, 8 November 2015

Where ‘Crime & Mystery’ meets ‘Horror & the Weird’


Over at The Rap Sheet, there is an interesting interview feature with the award-winning cult horror writer Conrad Williams, discussing his crime-fiction debut novel Dust and Desire.


And then earlier this year, before I had to turn so much attention to my programming duties for 
Bouchercon 2015, I attended the latest Crimefest convention in Bristol, England. While there, I was drawn to one event that I eventually mentioned in my report for The Rap Sheet



There was also a very interesting Spotlight Session featuring horror writer-turned-crime fictionist Conrad Williams (Dust and Desire), who talked about the line that separates--or binds--those two literary genres. Not surprisingly, Nic Pizzolatto’s TV series, True Detective, merited a mention, as many of us are awaiting the start of its Season 2 with impatience and expectation.


I was already then planning a panel discussion for Bouchercon in Raleigh titled “Where Crime & Mystery Meet Horror & the Weird,” to be moderated by my dear friend Nanci Kalanta, so I had a professional interest in hearing what Williams had to say. Well, this bloke knew his mustard, as the saying goes. He was erudite and well-read, and his analysis of the subject flowed down the same pathways as my own. After the event, I went up to thank Williams for his part in the presentation and said that I would pick up one of his novels in the convention book room. (I was embarrassed to admit to a complete unfamiliarity with his work, which I later learned has a distinct cult following). He smiled at my enthusiasm, and then said, “You’re Ali, aren’t you?” In response to my nod he continued, “You probably don’t remember, but I e-mailed you several months ago--via a mutual friend--that I was wondering if you’d be interested in reading my first crime novel.” And then the penny dropped.

Read More Here


Shotsmag have discounted copies of Dust and Desire available Titan Books – Click Here to Order

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