Pages

Thursday 17 October 2013

Top Five Crime Novels: Seth Lynch

Today sees the start of a series in which select crime novelists choose their top five favourite crime novels.

First up is Seth Lynch, author of Salazar


Amazon UK | Amazon US
Paris. 1930. An English detective haunted by his experiences of the Great War, Salazar whiles away the days playing chess and taking on as little work as possible. When the alluring Marie Poncelet hires him to find a missing man, Gustave Marty, it's a case he'll soon wish he'd refused.

Because finding a missing man isn't anything like finding a man who doesn't want to be found. And Gustave Marty has covered his tracks with a smokescreen that will push Salazar beyond the limits of physical endurance and to the edge of insanity.

As he's drawn ever deeper into the shadowy underbelly of the City of Light, Salazar's closed, structured world is blown apart by the arrival of a friend from his pre-war youth, the beautiful Megan Fitzwilliam, whose tenderness and love of life is a stark contrast to the brutal violence that lies within him.

When that violence threatens to engulf them both, Salazar must seek redemption or lose that which has finally made his life worth living.




Seth Lynch's Top Five Crime Novels

-5-

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith



Tom Ripley is struggling to stay one step ahead of his creditors and the law, when an unexpected acquaintance offers him a free trip to Europe and a chance to start over.  Ripley wants money, success and the good life and he's willing to kill for it. When his new-found happiness is threatened, his response is as swift as it is shocking.

Seth comments: Not the best written or most convincing of novels but one of the most memorable characters. Unlike that fella from my #1 choice, you can't help rooting for Ripley, yet they're probably equally as nasty. I'm not sure why these books aren't available on the kindle in the UK but I hope that'll change soon.



-4-

Murder In Memoriam by Didier Daeninckx



Didier Daeninckx's chilling novel created uproar when it was first published in France in 1984. It is set against the backdrop of a demonstration in Paris in 1961, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Algerians at the hands of the police. In Daeninckx's story, Roger Thiraud, a young history teacher, is also mysteriously killed during this demonstration. Twenty years later, Bernard, his son, is murdered in Toulouse while on holiday with his girlfriend. To find the connection between the murders, Daeninckx's hero Inspector Cadin must delve into the secret history and devastating compromises of wartime politics. Murder in Memoriam is a tense and unsettling indictment of France's hidden past.

Seth comments: A good story which also puts the spot light on the less commendable aspects of French History – in this case the killing of hundreds of Algerian demonstrators by the police. Daeninckx only has two books in translation, the other is A Very Profitable War. They are both good but this one has the edge.


-3-

The Stain on the Snow by Georges Simenon



At nineteen, Frank Friedmaier is thief, pimp and murderer. He has never known his father, his mother keeps a brothel. His mind is cold and inhospitable. But Simenon reveals the obsession with self-torture that lurks within it, and explores the intricate psychology of a young criminal, even lending the repellent Frank a chilling grandeur as he faces remorseless interrogation and his fate. A bleak and brilliant masterpiece from Simenon at his superlative best.

Seth comments: One of my favourite writers. In fairness this isn't one of his greatest books but I like the question it poses over personality. The first part is seriously gritty the second part more meandering. For a one-man book factory Simenon churned out some fantastic works. Next month Penguin are going to start releasing Maigret for the kindle – it would be good to see the rest of his books on the UK kindle too.

-2-

120 Rue de la Gare by Léo Malet



Nestor Burma is a witty French crime detector with lots of savoir-faire. Chief of the Fiat Lux detective agency, he operates in the Paris of the 1940s and 50s and is assisted by Helen, his secretary. In this mystery, dying men keep mouthing the same unknown address, 120 Rue de la Gare.

Seth comments: Not the greatest writer but he's my Raymond Chandler. This is the first in a series of books featuring the detective Nestor Burma, it's also one of the better ones. They're credited with being the first French Noir as opposed to previous imitations of the Americans. I love Malet's cynical sense of humour.


-1-


Brighton Rock by Graham Greene



A gang war is raging through the dark underworld of Brighton. Seventeen-year-old Pinkie, malign and ruthless, has killed a man. Believing he can escape retribution, he is unprepared for the courageous, life-embracing Ida Arnold.

Seth comments: Pinkie. What an evil son of a bitch. If you haven't read this you ought to.

For more information about Seth Lynch and Salazar, check out his blog at Paris Noir or follow him on Twitter (@sethAlynch )

30 comments:

  1. the accepted form of academic writing in the social sciences can vary considerable depending on the methodological framework and the intended audience. https://.org/judaism-and-christianity-comparison-essay-outline/ is all about academic writing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You started looking for a real college literature lesson homework help online because of some extraordinary sophisticated assignment that is due soon and you have no clue about a way to approach to its completion.

    Let’s first be clear on one thing: you buy at College Homework Help Online and we give great homework help. College demands it. And you don’t have to be involved if you are uninclined to do so. You can give us the assignment, explain what you will, and leave us to complete the work. However, our methodology is set up so that you can reap enormous benefits from the process itself. From the day you complete the buying process, you will get to choose your professional writer, and e-mail communication begins immediately.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for sharing this excellent post with us glad to see this kind of positive info you are so good and amazing with your work nice keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging,
    picdove

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great reading and extremely comprehensive post – pretty much covers everything...

    ReplyDelete
  6. his is actually very informative and impressive video not like most of what I watched online. These are the kind of information I am looking for a blog. Look for tiktok at link download tik tok videos

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ramma foundation is a company and a foundation that provide crack repair snow remove and gutter clean service. We are the crack repair foundation in Alberta Edmonton. We provide services like crack repair, gutter clean services, show removal, in short we are the foundation repair in Edmonton. If you are worried about the cracks on your home do not worry we are here to get it repair. If you are worried about snow on your roof, we can remove it. We are here to clean you gutter.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for your usual wonderful effort. You can also visit my blog... Mic Sensitivity in Windows 10....I am sure this is very useful for you....must read

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great Article. You have beautifully articulated it. Readers revisit only if they found something useful. So the core formula is to provide value to the readers. Also, Title is very important. Playerunknown’s Leather Jacket | Make It Easy

    ReplyDelete
  10. http://criminal-e.blogspot.com/2013/10/top-five-crime-novels-2-nate-southard.html

    ReplyDelete
  11. I know hard it gets to select the right pup that fulfill your every requirement in case of what size or breed you want and just to simplify your selecting process here are small pets for cuddling that makes the perfect companion.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.
    A Typing Practice Fundamentals article help beginners to learn the basics of keyboarding. This covers what the home row is and how it is used in typing. Methods and tips for practicing are also discussed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bridge City is a Reputable Cabinetry & Renovations Contractor. We Provide Services in EURO-RITE Kitchen Design and Construction. We are a Quality Renovation Contractor that Renews and Brings Life back to Existing Properties no Matter what kind of Space you are Looking to Renovate: Bathrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchens, or Other Living Spaces.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ramma foundation is a company and a foundation that provide crack repair snow remove and gutter clean service. We are the crack repair foundation in Alberta Edmonton. We provide services like crack repair, gutter clean services, show removal, in short we are the foundation repair in Edmonton. If you are worried about the cracks on your home do not worry we are here to get it repair. If you are worried about snow on your roof, we can remove it. We are here to clean you gutter.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a fantastic article I have actually seen due to the offer it.
    It is really what I expected to see count on the future you will continue in sharing
    such a mind-blowing post. You may visit my latest post related to Text-to-Speech Plugins for WordPress. I will really appreciate our visit to text to speech converter. Thank for your concern.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is very informative and interesting for those who are interested in blogging field Also take a look at the latest post of very genuine website. The post is related to the greatest cloud-based gaming. Visit the article RBX codes and have a happy information reading.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Favorable website, where did u come up with the information on this uploading? I have read a few of the write-ups on your site now, and also, I actually like your design. Many thanks a million as well as please maintain up the reliable job. I also have to suggest you the latest post related to Mouse Left Click Not Working. Here you will get to learn more about microphone if you are beginner. Refer to article quick fix for mouse left click issue and learn more.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is very informative and interesting for those who are interested in blogging field Also take a look at the latest post of very genuine website. The post is related to Test typing speed. Visit the article Typing speed and have a happy information reading.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up. You need any help with the best auto clicker, then visit my site and learn it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The title of this blog post is something I've never heard of from blogs I've read. It's good to read your blog posts about the checklist for blogger containers. This is a real post I share with you where you can read Organic Way to improve Click per Second Rate. Please refer to the article Increase Per Click Second.

    ReplyDelete
  23. First of all, your blog is fun. I would love to see more articles like this. I will always check your blog next time, as you have great articles. If you would like to learn more about the topic How to Click Faster In Video Games, you can also visit the article I wrote about the topic. This post requires a lot of research and time for me. Please visit Click Faster In Video Games and let us know what you think.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. If you are interested in the blogging industry, check out the latest posts on the great site. Post-related Cool Computer Tricks With Keyboard. Read the article Cool keyboard tricks and have a good reading experience.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Payments are likely to account for a significant portion of the blockchain technology market. Payments and transactions are a necessary feature of any business and one of the most important. A firm might suffer a large financial loss if payment transactions are erroneous or unreliable. As a result, blockchain technology is being used to improve the payment system’s efficiency and reduce the risk of money loss.

    plastic fencing market, plastic fillers marketunna boot market

    ReplyDelete
  27. 素晴らしい投稿をありがとう! 興味深いことをお伝えします。コーディング言語でのコミュニケーション方法を知りたい場合は、モールス信号 変換に関する記事をご覧ください。 >。 モールス符号は、コンピューターなしで人間が簡単に読み取れるように作成された唯一のデジタル変調モードです。

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your blog is so beautiful, I have been so busy lately about life but let me share with you all about my health life experience with the great herbal traditional doctor that saved the life of mine and my dear husband.
    I was suffering from a deadly disease herpes and diabetes and i went through alot trying to get better each everyday of my life until I came across a testimony on blogs someone telling good about Dr Jekawo, a traditional herbal doctor that cure all kind of disease such as: herpes,diabetes,epilepsy,cancer,hpv,lupus,degenerative disease,shingles,erectile dysfunction also bring back ex,leukemia,fibroid and other spiritual consultations, I contacted him via drjekawo@gmail.com then he prepared the herbal medicines and send to me which takes 21 days treatment that cured my diabetes and herpes completely,I'm so grateful with the help he rendered to me therefore I promised to share his great works.
    Thank you and I hope this could save someone else out there.
    Karen Paul
    South Carolina.

    ReplyDelete