thornemoore

By The Book, Kings and Angels

In a previous post, I offered thoughts about various artistic representations of Judith and Holofernes (or at least his head), because it related to my last book, BETHULIA. If you want to know how, read the book. Having set the precedent, I am taking the opportunity to waffle about another work of art: The WiltonContinue reading “By The Book, Kings and Angels”

New Book, Old Series: BY THE BOOK

So, I write crime fiction, and I write historical fiction and sometimes I revert to my first love, Science Fiction, which returned to the surface of my consciousness thanks to Covid 19 and the Lockdown. Fed up with everything grinding a halt, with no obvious light on the horizon, I dug out a trilogy, SALVAGE,Continue reading “New Book, Old Series: BY THE BOOK”

IMPACT & INFLUENCE: Swallows and Amazons

Let’s talk about another book that was an early inspiration to me. Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome. Or rather, a series of books, because I was an ardent reader of the whole lot, although I generally preferred the Lake District ones. The series begins in 1929, with four children, the Walkers, John, Susan, TittyContinue reading “IMPACT & INFLUENCE: Swallows and Amazons”

Crime Cymru Inspirations

The Big Pronoun Query

I know pronouns are a big issue at the moment, with people claiming whatever pronoun fits their gender identity. I suppose I should go with She, Her, because I do, did, and always will, identify with human beings defined as female at birth and, as a result, subjected, over several millennia, to oppression, silencing, abuse,Continue reading “The Big Pronoun Query”

IMPACT & INFLUENCE: Twenty Years After

Twenty Years After, or more correctly Vingt Ans Après, by Alexander Dumas, is an adventure story about the frustrated career of a man called Dart. I lie, of course. He’s really called D’Artagnan, but that was a totally mystifying collection of letters that I couldn’t get my head around at all. If you don’t knowContinue reading “IMPACT & INFLUENCE: Twenty Years After”

Why Didn’t They Ask Eagles?

Eagle1:Thank you for waiting. We value your call. What can I do for you? Gandalf: Could I book a delivery, please?Eagle1: Certainly, sir. Weight? Size of package? Value? Gandalf: er, minimal, minimal, inestimable.Eagle1: Ah, well, in that case, we’re talking insurance premiums. Gandalf: We’ll deal with that. Carry on.Eagle1: Very well, destination? Gandalf: Mount DoomContinue reading “Why Didn’t They Ask Eagles?”

READING CHALLENGE: To the end of To The Lighthouse.

I set myself a challenge to read three books that I had singularly failed to read previously, despite their accusing presence on my shelves. My failure was due to a different cause in each case, but I have now plunged in and tackled the first of those books: To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. WhatContinue reading “READING CHALLENGE: To the end of To The Lighthouse.”

IMPACT & INFLUENCE: The Silver Sword

I thought I’d write, now and again, about books that made a serious impact on me and influenced me in some way. Because why not? Starting with a children’s book. The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier. The link is to the current version available on Amazon, but the illustration is of the edition I knewContinue reading “IMPACT & INFLUENCE: The Silver Sword”