Debi Alper, author of "Nirvana Bites" and "Trading Tatiana", edgy London-based crime thriller novels, took some time out from her own family's festive celebration of Hanukkah to offer up her "best read for 2007":
"I'm going to cheat a bit on the genre with my contribution. Lonely Werewolf Girl by Martin Millar would probably fit more neatly on the fantasy than the crime shelves, but I'm choosing it anyway on the grounds that:
- 1. Crimes certainly do take place within its pages.
- 2. It's without doubt the best book I've read this year.
Martin has created an entire werewolf culture, complete with history, dynasties and the most memorable cast of characters I've come across for many a long year. These colourful immortal characters interact with the human world in the most delightful way (cross-dressing werewolves and fashion obsessed elementals rubbing shoulders with all-too-human grungy but kind students). These characters - both human and otherwise - make you wish you knew them in real life, even though some of them are prone to mood swings and ... er ... ripping throats out.
The book also works as an allegory on alienation that every non-werewolf who had ever felt like an outsider will be able to relate to.
As if this is not enough to tempt you, Martin has managed to make a story that has undoubtedly gory moments into something wonderfully gentle and sweet. I'm envious!"
Martin Millar and his novel can also be found on MySpace. Debi blogs regularly here.
Thanks, cfr. Glad to see you back in the blogosphere.
Sending love and xxx
Posted by: Debi | 18 December 2007 at 10:45