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Elliefant’s Graveyard – The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man
In Elliefant’s Graveyard: The Curious Case of the Throatslit Man, E.M. Thompson masterfully crafts a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a drought-stricken mill town rife with corruption. Heather Prendergast, a determined rookie police officer, suspects that a couple’s tragic deaths are not mere accidents but murders. Her quest for the truth leads her to Huddshire Moor, a town shrouded in secrets. Simultaneously, Ellie Fantoni is grieving the devastating loss of her close family members. In a poignant final tribute, she travels to Huddshire, her parents’ hometown, to lay their ashes to rest. Unbeknownst to Ellie, her journey to honor her family will intertwine with a deeper mystery surrounding their deaths.
Thompson’s novel is a standout in the murder mystery genre, enriched by clever wordplay, puns, and alliteration that inject humor and vividly depict the unfolding events and characters. The dialogue skillfully balances intensity with moments of levity, bringing depth to the well-rounded characters. While Prendergast’s investigative skills sometimes leave her oblivious to obvious clues, her tenacity keeps readers engaged. Ellie’s character, with her heartfelt grief and determination, resonates deeply, evoking empathy for her plight. The plot twist is a remarkable surprise, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal crimes driven by greed. This twist not only shocks but also illuminates the darker motivations that fuel the story’s intrigue.
Elliefant’s Graveyard is a compelling read, offering a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected humor. E.M. Thompson’s deft storytelling makes it a must-read for fans of the murder mystery genre, delivering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D5BND48M
Reality Really Did Mirror My Fiction
Krill follows a man struggling in life after his wife left him who meets an enigmatic artist offering him a chance at redemption in exchange for a favor. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I studied modern history at Balliol College, Oxford, and have always been interested in populist totalitarianism in Europe in the early to mid-20th century. The genesis of Krill was speculation about what a Hitler figure would look like in the digital age. I was convinced of one thing – he or she would be unlike anything we might expect. I’m pleased that this doesn’t become apparent until well into the book. I finished the first draft eight years ago and put the book aside for a while, traumatised that so much of what I predicted was coming to pass; reality really did mirror my fiction. And despite the passage of time, the premise remains as relevant today as when I first wrote it.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Plenty. I grew up in a political family and spent a life running businesses before turning to writing/revising full time. But we all invest much of ourselves in our work whether we acknowledge it or not, do we not?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Many including love – unrequited and requited – obsession, loss, despair, humour, hubris, power, ambition, redemption, cats.
I find a problem in well-written stories in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I have another, very different, Crazy Crime novel (Elliefant’s Graveyard – The Curious Case of The Throatslit Man) scheduled for publication in spring, with two sequels to follow. I am revising three detective/legal novels set in the music industry (where I spent my working life) and am working on a series of short stories that will be given away on my website and various online sales portals in the first few months of 2024. Subject to demand, I have the bones of a sequel to Krill mapped out, drawing on Oliver Cromwell and The English Revolution.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
A disgraced businessman’s chance encounter with an enigmatic stranger leads to a journey of political awakening and redemption.
Set in a murky world of anarchist computer hackers, sinister secret societies, the Deepnet, quantum computing and ultimately a struggle for world domination, nothing is as it seems and no one is who they claim to be.
Krill
In Krill, readers are introduced to John Tucker, a character grappling with despair. His life has seemingly hit its lowest point: his wife Sophie has left, financial burdens darken his once joyful home, and betrayal by a trusted mentor adds to his woes. It is in this backdrop of turmoil that we meet Krill, an enigmatic artist who offers John a chance at redemption. By permitting Krill’s organization to use his house, John embarks on a journey filled with unexpected twists, new relationships, and the pursuit of inner peace.
The novel is a vibrant and engaging read, with never a moment of tedium. Each sentence pulses with energy and life, keeping the reader thoroughly engaged. The character of Rosa, in particular, stands out. Initially portrayed as somewhat unapproachable and severe, she, along with other characters, undergoes a significant transformation. Their development is handled with nuance and skill, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
The book also addresses complex themes with clarity and depth, exemplified by Krill’s articulate and insightful speeches. Certain elements of the narrative are notably vibrant and theatrical, adding a unique flair to the story. This is particularly evident in scenes like Toast’s interviews, which, though humorously executed, occasionally hint at a potential for a more serious undertone. These moments contribute to the novel’s dynamic and eclectic atmosphere.
The heightened drama enhances the compelling nature of Krill, adding to its overall intrigue. This book is particularly recommended for those who enjoy contemporary novels with brisk pacing, sharp dialogue, and unpredictable plotlines. The novel’s unique character portrayals and unexpected twists make it a rewarding experience for a wide array of readers.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B0CLJQZ5N5
LITERARY TITAN 