Alternative Ulster Noir
… The Cops Are Comin’
A collection of seven new NI crime short stories inspired by NI music.
Enjoy a diverse anthology of work from some of the best NI thriller writers featuring Colin Bateman, Stuart Neville, Sharon Dempsey, Gerard Brennan, Kelly Creighton, and James Murphy. Curated and edited by Simon Maltman, with one of his own new stories included.
This collection was inspired by local artists including The Undertones, Van Morrison, Ash, Snow Patrol, Therapy?, and more.
KELLY CREIGHTON is the author of two standalone crime novels, two short fiction collections, and the DI Harriet Sloane series set in East Belfast. Kelly lives with her family in County Down, where she facilitates creative writing classes and teaches English as a Foreign Language.
SHE’LL BE HERE SOON by KELLY CREIGHTON Inspired by Goldfinger by Ash
COLIN BATEMAN is essentially the Godfather of NI crime fiction. An acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, his many credits include, Divorcing Jack, Mystery Man, Murphy’s Law and The Journey. Colin’s films have been shown at festivals in Venice and Toronto and he is a recipient of a Doctor of Letters from The University of Ulster for services to literature.
ASTRAL WEEKS by COLIN BATEMAN Inspired by Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
JAMES MURPHY is a Northern Irish crime writer. His works include the ‘Terror Trilogy,’ and he is currently working on a new series. James is also a podcast host and the radio presenter for Crime Scene on Belfast 247. James teaches crime writing workshops and is a teacher tutor with Edge Hill University and he is a former school principal.
HOW TO BE DEAD by JAMES MURPHY Inspired by How to be Dead by Snow Patrol
SHARON DEMPSEY is a Belfast based crime writer. The first in her new crime series, ‘Who Took Eden Mulligan?’ was published in 2021, by Avon Harper Collins. The second book in the series, ‘The Midnight Killing,’ was published on 17th Feb 2022. Sharon is undertaking a creative-critical PHD at Queen’s University, with reference to class and gender in crime fiction. She has published five novels and three non-fiction books.
HEAD GIRL by SHARON DEMPSEY Inspired by Teenage Kicks by The Undertones
GERARD BRENNAN is the author of novels, novellas and short stories. A Spinetingler Award winner, he has released through a variety of publishers, including being the first author published by No Alibis Press. Gerard is also a musician, received an MA and PhD in creative writing from Queens University, and is a crime fiction focussed creative writing tutor.
BLACK DOG SIN by GERARD BRENNAN Inspired by Black Dog Sin by Joshua Burnside
SIMON MALTMAN is the author of crime fiction novels, novellas and short stories. He is also a reviewer, musician and the lead guide for the crime tour, Belfast Noir. An established ‘Ulster Noir’ author, he also writes American-set high concept thrillers. His next book is titled, The Wolf Is At Your Door.
TRIGGER INSIDE by SIMON MALTMAN Inspired by Trigger Inside by Therapy?
STUART NEVILLE is the New York Times Bestseller of novels and short stories. An LA Times Book Prize winner, he authors series and standalone thrillers under both his own name and that of Haylen Beck. Stuart recently played Glastonbury Festival with his band, The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers.
HOLY DIVER By STUART NEVILLE Inspired by Holy Diver by Dio (Featuring Vivian Campbell)
My Thoughts
This crime anthology is a set of seven stories written by seven Northern Ireland thriller writers, each taking their inspiration from different music pieces. A collection of stories that is a real page-turner. I am not usually a fan of short stories but this collection is a fast read, at just 124 pages. I love anything to do with Ireland and its authors. So when asked if I wanted to review I jumped at the chance.
That said, I found the stories to be very interesting, and well written. Lots of humor, terror and violence make for a compelling read! A very eclectic choice of stories, by Irish authors, for this short anthology! A fun concept having the stories revolve around music! Very entertaining!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
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