I recently heard a much-respected writer of detective stories announce his disdain for Agatha Christie. His main criticism was the lack of empathy for the victim. It's easy to pour scorn on the Queen of Crime. Her later books are a warning that one should quit while one's ahead, and her description of murder scenesContinue reading "On Agatha (Christie not Raisin)"
Some musings on M.R. James
At a conference, I heard Peter Kemp of the Times talk about ghost stories, in particular those of M.R. James. It made me realise what a great influence James has exerted on my writing. And also how much I’ve deviated from his golden rules regarding the genre. It was probably watching the ITV adaption ofContinue reading "Some musings on M.R. James"
Robert Chandler 