It’s been a while since I wrote something like this, but with the surge in Blue Sky, and the ridiculous amount of people who are following me on it – thank you, each and every one, even if you did follow an entire list that I was on – I thought I’d do a post about me, the blog and… well, that’s it, really. I had a bit of fun once upon a time interviewing myself, so let’s copy that format. It was over nine years ago, so you’ve probably not read it or forgotten about it. Unless some idiot reminds you, obviously…

Right, let’s go.

Who are you? What’s up with the pseudonym?

I’m the Puzzle Doctor, and that’s about all I’m going to say about myself. It doesn’t take an awful lot of sleuthing to find out what my actual name is, but the simple fact is that I’m a school teacher and don’t particularly want my blog deluged with spam posts from my students. I don’t think it would happen – my students are classier than that – but it gives a little distance between my social media presence and my work life. And I really don’t want to hear “Sir, you used the word “bum” on your blog yesterday!”…

It’s been almost fourteen years and I’ve not come across a student who’s found me, even the few who know about my slightly more public sideline, and I’d like to keep it that way. Hence the lack of photos as well. Although you can have a photo of my cat Bella with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup wrapper on her head.

So why Puzzle Doctor?

First of all, I’ve a doctorate in Mathematics that I no longer understand. Hence “Doctor”. And I do enjoy puzzles, in particular the pencil and paper ones that originated primarily in Japan, such as Sudoku, Kakuro, etc. I’ve captained the UK team at the World Puzzle Championships a couple of times, back when fewer people knew about the competition and I was in the top four (well, fourth) of people who knew. As it’s now much better known, much better people than me now compete, but I still enjoy the various online competitions when I have time. So Puzzle Doctor seemed to fit.

You mentioned a sideline…

I did, well spotted, me! I’ve made a small mark in the classic fiction world in recent years, working with Dean Street Press to republish the Anthony Bathurst mysteries from Brian Flynn. I’ve written about this multiple times on the blog. Have a search for the phrase “Brian Flynn and Me” to find the main posts. We managed to get thirty five books reprinted… there are still some crackers left.

And one day, hopefully I can help get the complete Glyn Carr mysteries back in print…

Tell me about your blog

Well, you’ve already found it if you’re reading this. On the blog, you’ll find over 1700 reviews exclusively of crime fiction, along with various diversions into television and film adaptations.

What possessed you to start doing that?

Well, my good lady wife, aka my much better half, aka Professor Puzzle Doctor, was getting tired of me moaning about readers’ block and suggested that if I wrote a blog reviewing what I read, then it might inspire me to read more. Little did she realise the monster that she had created…

Tell me about your reviews

OK, first of all, they are spoiler-free. I make a point of this – I want to read a book knowing as little as possible and I want you to have the same experience. This is difficult to do, especially when the murder occurs late in the book, so I do keep my reviews fairly short. I don’t write puff pieces for books, every book I review I have read cover to cover, and each review is honest.

I should say, though, that is someone asks me for a review and I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it, I won’t review it and I’ll let the author or publisher know why in private (politely, obviously). If I finish it, then there must be something positive to say, as I finished it, and I’ll probably lean into those aspects in the review.

If, however, I buy a book, finish it but don’t like it, then brace yourself. Note, this usually only applies to Golden Age fiction, so the author is usually not around to read the review…

What books do you review?

Crime and mystery fiction, first, foremost and, well, only. It’s always been a passion of mine, and the joy of discovering a new author is one of my favourite things. The title of the blog highlights the original point of the blog, namely to find the classic mystery plotting in modern books. Too many books advertised as a mystery are stories that are being told to us, not inviting us in to work out what happened. I don’t mind that, but I much prefer the books that make the reader part of the Grandest Game.

My searches take me into the nooks and crannies of the Golden Age, through the rest of the twentieth century and right up to date. I usually refer three or four new books a month and certain authors will always get their new books reviewed, even if, shudder, I have to buy a copy (but don’t tell them that!) I don’t get a deluge of proofs or review copies (HINT!) but NetGalley is my friend – I have no problem with e-readers.

Will you review my book?

Maybe. What’s it about?

Byron is a vampire prince in a city at the centre of the Earth…

That’s enough. Please, whoever is recommending my blog to the fantasy genre, stop. You’re wasting everybody’s time. But if you do have a mystery novel you want me to take a look at, please do get in touch.

Why don’t you give scores?

Because then you won’t read my carefully crafted witticisms and skip to the end of the review? I have no idea where the grade boundary is between a four and five star book, or how to balance character against plot numerically. So I don’t.

Who’s your favourite author?

Depends on the day of the week. And usually the hour in the day. It’s true of subgenre too. One day I’ll be in the mood for an historical mystery, one day a turn-off-your-brain thriller, then a classic mystery, or something more worthy. Actually, that last one is pretty rare – I read for entertainment and escapism first and foremost.

But…

OK, let’s name some names. From the Golden Age, big fan of Dame Agatha and John Dickson Carr, obviously, but also John Rhode/Miles Burton, Brian Flynn (obviously), Glyn Carr and I’m starting to see the charms of Erle Stanley Gardner, thanks to Brad and Jim, my fellow bloggers at Ah, Sweet Mystery and The Invisible Event.

Historical authors, well, Paul Doherty is easily my most reviewed author (and most re-reviewed), and Michael Jecks is up there too. Early Peter Tremayne – not entirely sure why I stopped reading those – is very good and L C Tyler’s John Grey series is top-notch too. More recently (and next on the blog) I’m really enjoying Douglas Skelton’s Jonas Flynt series, although they are more thrillers than mysteries. Ditto the Malabar house books from Vaseem Khan.

Modern authors mirroring the Golden Age – well, Martin Edwards, whether his books are set in the past (Rachel Savernake) or not (Harry Devlin), Tom Mead, Dolores Gordon-Smith and J S Savage. If you haven’t heard of the latter, do check his books out, they really are fun. There are quite a lot of books set in the era that don’t quite get it (ok, don’t remotely get it) but these are the exceptions that spring to mind.

Authors writing proper mysteries set in the present day – well, Nev Fountain and Robert Thorogood spring to mind, along with Anthony Horowitz, which ought to go without saying and the wonderful Victoria Dowd. A recent discovery for me was Adam Oyebanji, and if you like things with tongue vaguely inserted into cheek, then try Benjamin Stevenson. Rosemary Shrager might be leaning in the cosy direction but her books are proper mysteries, but if you want something more grounded, then Kate Ellis writes top notch whodunnit police procedurals.

Moving more into thriller territory now – I do like a good twisty thriller – and the current master of the genre is M W Craven, whether it be Washington Poe (and Tilly), Ben Koenig or Avison Fluke. Jo Callaghan’s AI thrillers are top-notch too, as are Kate Rhodes’ books set in the Scilly Isles. From across the pond, you can add Jeffery Deaver, Harlan Coben and Lisa Gardner to the list too.

And apologies to every wonderful author who has slipped my mind…

Blimey, that’s a lot of authors. How about five recommendations to finish with?

Well, I have banged on a bit. I mentioned my reviews were short but this has ticked over onto a fourth page. So let’s end this “brief” introduction to the blog with five recommendations of books that you probably haven’t read but really ought to.

All The Lonely People by Martin Edwards

Martin has done so much for the mystery genre, he’s something of a hero of mine, but never overlook that he’s been writing fantastic fiction since day one. One of the most assured debut mystery novels you’ll ever read.

Anthrax Island by D L Marshall

Leaning into the thriller genre, I could recommend anything by M W Craven but loads of people have read them. Instead, let’s plump for Anthrax Island, a perfect blend of action thriller and locked room mystery. And it’s the first of a trilogy!

The Padded Door by Brian Flynn

Of course I’m going to recommend a book by my man Flynn, but this one doesn’t get much of a mention despite being one of the few mystery novels with a genuine surprise – and it’s not even at the end of the story. And if you want more Flynn recommendations, then try this post for, ahem, a few more…

One Last Dance Before I Die by Michael Jecks

Mike’s books are a regular occurrence on the blog, mysteries suffused with character and history. This is a wonderful tale – it’s a bit closer to the noir genre than I tend to go, but the story is told so vividly and beautifully, bringing 1922 Shanghai to life, that I didn’t notice until I thought about it afterwards. Marvellous.

Chef Maurice And A Spot Of Truffle by J A Lang

Now you almost certainly won’t have this one. Definitely in the cosy mode, but an enjoyable Poirot-esque lead, a multi-clued plot and a chapter or two from the point of view of a pig. The first of three books before the series vanished without trace. A criminally overlooked book and series – why not give it a look.

Finished?

Yes, that ought to do. Do stick around for regular book reviews, occasional film and TV reviews, and some occasional odds and ends. Enjoy…