Other books

The Gemini Factor: 10th Anniversary edition

First published by Gestalt Media, September 2020, Ebook, trade paperback and limited hardback £11.70/$14.99/$27.95 ISBN: 978-1951535315

Reprinted by Encyclopocalypse Publications, May 2022. Ebook and trade paperback, £15.06/$18.99, ISBN: 979-8829618674

Featuring: ‘The Gemini Reloaded – Introduction by Paul Kane’; ‘The Gemini Factor’; ‘Original Introduction by Peter Atkins’; ‘Gemini Rising’; ‘The Gemini Factor TV Episode One script’.

‘In some ways – and I mean this only as a compliment – The Gemini Factor is deceptively conventional: It moves along like a well-structured thriller – moves like a fucking rocket, in fact – but what’s fascinating to me (and will be, I trust, to you) is how it’s actually something else at the same time. In an extremely well executed example of form imitating content, the novel itself is “twinned”. The surface narrative has a secret brother walking constantly alongside, hiding its footprints in those of its sibling, keeping always to the shadows of subtext and carefully delineated implication. Reading The Gemini Factor, you will feel you are reading a first-rate example of the realistic Police Procedural, one with an adorable and admirable heroine and many other characters about whom you could actually give a shit. All the time, though, you will have a sense that another story is taking place, one that you can’t quite see, one that is being told only in whispers, one that is a supernatural echo of the main narrative, its shadow self, its dark brother. You might tell yourself you’re imagining things. But you’re not. You don’t have to. Paul Kane got there first and has imagined it for you. And – once the stories converge in the tension-filled and well-staged climax – you’ll be grateful that he did. Grateful and impressed. Grateful, impressed and, just a little bit, appalled.’

(From the original Introduction by Peter Atkins – Author of Morningstar and Moontown, screenwriter of Hellraiser II-IV and Wishmaster)

‘The Gemini Factor is a supernatural thriller from the award winning author Paul Kane... The novel tells the story of a twisted and highly successful serial killer whose victims are always one of twins and always have a body part missing, taken by the killer as a souvenir. Inspector Roy Mason and his Sergeant Deborah Harrison are the detectives who must hunt this murderer before he kills again but their only lead is Jack Foley, a man who’s own twin brother was savagely struck down by the killer and now believes he relives each and every death... The Gemini Factor draws on the twins mythology to create a modern day thriller of supernatural proportions. The plot is both involving and rewarding while the actual storytelling is quite excellent. Paul Kane manages to create a realistic portrayal of victim / killer / hunter without going over the top as many other writers do. His descriptive narrative grabs attention while the plot’s pace manages to keep you reading. The protagonist and lead characters are well fleshed out and it’s very easy to relate to them, it isn’t long before begin rooting for their survival and wellbeing – a testament to the quality of writing. More contemporary than most books you will find on this site and that I personally read, The Gemini Factor is nevertheless a very well-crafted and rewarding novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.’

(Four Star Review from Science Fiction & Fantasy)

‘The Gemini Factor, by Paul Kane, is an unusual take on the traditional serial killer saga. As can be anticipated from the man that gleefully retells myths & folklore, Kane skilfully reinterprets genre conventions in his latest thriller. By pairing science & the supernatural (one of many, many twins – literal and metaphorical – in The Gemini Factor), he’s created something quite new and nasty. In the fictional city of Norchester, a serial killer is stalking twins. And, as serial killers are wont to do, killing them and chopping off bits. The killer is amusingly named “Twinkle” by the city’s local media, but despite the condescending name, he (or she) is a nasty piece of work. [Editor’s note: In a manoeuvre clearly meant to win over my carnivorous heart, the killer uses a giant BBQ fork to spear victims.] While Twinkle skewers and slices the city’s population, an unlikely pair of heroes try to solve the case. Detective Sergeant Deborah Harrison (nickname: “Blondie”) is a talented sleuth, but fears that the Twinkle case is beyond her. She finds an unlikely ally in Jack Foley, a scruffy historian (and also a twin). Ever since Twinkle killed his brother, Jack is inextricably and inexplicably linked to the killer. Every time Twinkle takes a life, Jack can somehow see it. Given the particularly messy nature of the murders, this has taken its toll on Jack’s sanity. The author puts in a lot of time making the little details of Jack and Debbie’s lives come to life... But while Jack and Debbie are both empathetic, the book’s real star is the fictional city of Norchester.... It has seedy back alleys, an antiquated police station, an isolated posh neighbourhood and hotels with fading Victorian grandeur. In short, it has everything a city needs to be properly thrilling. Paul Kane has created a brilliantly detailed and utterly believable setting – hopefully one that is revisited in later books. The Gemini Factor is a tightly-plotted, well-planned thriller. A disturbing villain stalks a compelling, British noir setting, while heroes combine modern forensics and ageless intuition to stop him. Not just something for everyone, but something very good...’

(Pornokitsch)

‘As a fan of Paul’s futuristic Afterblight series from Abaddon, when I heard about this new offering, I was more than happy to give it a go. What you get within are characters who jump off the page, some great dialogue, and a plot that’s as twisted as this author’s mind can conceive which only adds to this reading experience. Dressed up as a traditional crime novel, it’s the way in which the author has managed to blend Urban Fantasy, a touch of Sci-Fi and mixed it all up with a wicked sense of humour. It’s a cracking title and one that I really had a blast reading. Definitely a title for people to give a go and if the other releases from this publisher are as tempting as this then they’ve got a secure future ahead. Top quality for a great price.’

(Falcata Times)

‘Dear Mr Paul Kane... I was overwhelmed by your skill with the written (typed) word. The characters were so rich and textured, the details so lovingly wrought, that I was caught in a whirlwind of literary joy... From the first word on the first page all the way to the last word of the epilogue, you had me glued to the page. You have taken the idea, the fear, of serial killers and twisted it into something even more deranged (yet even more beautiful) than ever before. This thirty five year old father and heavy equipment operator nearly wept when I finished reading The Gemini Factor. Now I would like to thank you for the emotional thrill ride your book evoked.’

(Mass Movement Magazine)

‘Paul Kane’s The Gemini Factor breathes some fresh air into the serial killer subgenre, chronicling the efforts of Sergeant Harrison and Inspector Mason as they work tirelessly to solve a series of murders in the city of Norchester. What makes their case unique is that the killer is only targeting twins, using a two-pronged fork to kill one twin while letting the other one live. The suspect also takes a trophy from each victim by removing one item from a paired body part (i.e. one hand, one leg, etc). As more and more bodies are found, the city of Norchester lives in fear of the “Twin Killer,” or “Twinkle” for short... Kane’s tale of suspense is a fun read. Not only is the nature of the killings so unique, but the story also goes through numerous twists and turns along the way. There’s no doubt in my mind that readers will think they know where Kane is leading them, only to have the rug yanked out from beneath them time and again. Kane’s style is such that you can’t help but turn the page to see what he’s going to do next, and it’s that unpredictability that has earned my readership in the last couple years. Simply put, the man can tell one hell of an entertaining yarn. If you’re looking for a fun summer read, go grab a copy of The Gemini Factor…and while you’re at it, pick up a couple more of Kane’s books. He hasn’t disappointed me yet, and I’m guessing you’ll enjoy his writing too.’

(Horror Drive-In)

‘I enjoyed reading this book! Kane’s take on the serial killer procedural novel keeps you entertained and enthralled till the very end. Barker is right when he says Kane is a “first rate storyteller.” The book reminds me a little of Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas novels... The city of Norchester is the venue for our serial killer, dubbed Twinkle by the newspapers. The killer is searching out twins, killing one of them and taking trophies. Detective Sergeant Deborah Harrison is on the case, and when a man turns up at the first two crime scenes she thinks she may have found her killer... Kane’s no nonsense writing style makes this book read like a modern crime novel, but anyone aware of Kane’s previous work may suspect that there is something more going on than a standard crime thriller, and so there is, although I’ll leave what that is for you to discover. The fatal final twists will leave your head spinning... This is such a fun book to read, so easy, it feels like the story just wraps you up. It’s like reading those other classic genre storytellers King and Koontz. Kane certainly has the pedigree and this crime/genre novel is marvellously well crafted.’

(Morpheus Tales)

‘There’s no doubt that twins share an unexplainable link. It’s something beyond the understanding of mere science... In Paul Kane’s The Gemini Factor, a serial killer terrorises the fictional city of Norchester, hunting twins and collecting body parts. Perhaps the most interesting thing about The Gemini Factor is that the novel itself actually changes as you navigate your way through it. From hard-boiled detective story to love story, from mystery to suspense to horror, the novel seamlessly morphs from one genre to another. Paul Kane tells the story in clean, crisp, easy-to-read prose, and because of this, the novel’s tight plot never comes close to unwinding, and it never gets boring. No word, no detail is wasted. The reader stays interested from page to page, from beginning to end, as they explore Kane’s well-crafted Norchester, and get to know his heroes as they strive to end the spate of brutal killings. Overall, Paul Kane’s The Gemini Factor offers a very interesting twist on the usual serial killer fiction, with some very, very creepy bits mixed in to keep you thinking about the story for awhile afterwards. So, go ahead and pick up this book; get to know a new kind of evil. If you are a twin – sorry; this novel may be particularly disturbing.’

(HorrorBound)

‘I was struck first by the dark poetry of Kane’s writing. Then I was grabbed by the story and the characters. When Sergeant Deborah Harrison visits the family of a murder victim she is shocked to find herself staring at the dead man’s face. It quickly becomes evident that all the killer’s victims are one of twins. Then there is Jack Foley, whose link to the killer is bizarre and unbelievable. The Gemini Factor is dark, a crime novel with a horrific supernatural twist. It’s intense, Kane doesn’t give his characters or us much of a breather, a handful of domestic moments to ground us and keep us with the characters are all the respite the reader gets. The characters themselves, Inspector Mason is not especially likeable but he’s not meant to be. Foley and Harrison are the leads in this really and they are easy to empathise with, easy to like. The Sergeant is torn between her work and the possibility that Foley may be telling the truth, the need to solve the crime. Foley just wants to finish this, to stop seeing what his brother left in his head. It’s a good story, with good characters and great writing and for all that there is a supernatural aspect, it’s the human element in the book that provides the real horror.’

(Un:Bound)

You can buy The Gemini Factor here, and here.

 

Exit Wounds

First published by Titan, May 2019. Co-edited with Marie O’Regan. Mass Market Paperback, £7.99 / $10.37 
ISBN: 9781785659188

Featuring: ‘Introduction’ by Paul B. Kane and Marie O’Regan; ‘The Bully’ by Jeffery Deaver; ‘Dead Weight’ by Fiona Cummins; ‘Like a Glass Jaw’ by Mark Billingham; ‘On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637) by Frans Mier’ by John Connolly; ‘The Pitcher’ by Sarah Hilary; ‘Disciplined’ by Martyn Waites; ‘The Consumers’ by Dennis Lehane; ‘Voices Through the Wall’ by Alex Gray; ‘Wet With Rain’ by Lee Child; ‘Happy Holidays’ by Val McDermid; ‘Fool You Twice’ by Steph Broadribb; ‘Lebensraum’ by Christopher Fowler; ‘Dancing Towards the Blade’ by Mark Billingham; ‘Kittens’ by Dean Koontz; ‘Take My Hand’ by A.K. Benedict; ‘Dressed to Kill’ by James Oswald; ‘Booty and the Beast’ by Joe R. Lansdale; ‘The New Lad’ by Paul Finch; and ‘The Recipe’ by Louise Jensen.

‘An impressive collection… Proves how excellent crime short stories can be!’

(The Times)

 ‘The quality of the 19 entries is top-notch... Every entry is well-written, suspenseful, and peopled with fully developed characters – a tribute to the editors’ judgment.’

(Starred, featured review in Publishers Weekly)

 ‘An all killer, no filler collection showcasing the very best modern crime fiction has to offer!’

(Love It! Magazine)

 ‘I always find short story collections hit and miss so I don’t write a huge number of notes in case I can’t find something to write about. Instead I score each story out of 10 and hope that one or two tales stand out. That only becomes a problematic system when you review something as utterly glorious as Exit Wounds which is full of top-notch tales. From my rudimentary scoring the 19 stories garnered five set of top marks, four scores of 9, and four of 8 points. The rest, bar one story which had no affect on me at all, scored very solid 7’s which is a remarkable return for such differing stories. A lot of the authors I recognised, like you will, and was already excited to read. The book opens with Jeffery Deaver for goodness sake and, contained within the contents, you’ll read stories by Val McDermid, Lee Child and Dean Koontz, but you will also discover authors you haven’t read yet and end up trashing your credit card ordering books by these writers as you need more than just a few pages from each of them.

Every story took a different look at the “exit” mentioned in the title and you have everything from stories based in real history to the downright horrific and everything between. Each writer brings something new and unexpected to the crime story, and there are twists and thrills aplenty contained within each gripping page turn. As mentioned before, Jeffery Deaver opens the book, and how. It is possibly one of the strongest openings to an anthology I have ever read, but there are other stories in the collection that scored higher than the esteemed Mr Deaver did, which shows you how remarkable this book is. I thoroughly enjoyed every story except one (which my wife read and loved, so apparently there is something wrong with me) and every author deserves any praise that comes their way…

What O’Regan and Kane have managed to put together is a stunning collection of high quality and thrilling stories. There is gripping horror on every page, twists galore, and sheer storytelling class oozing from every word. Exit Wounds is a must read, a must own, and is possibly the best collection of crime related short stories put together.’

(The Dream Cage)

‘Oh I do love me a good crime story and Exit Wounds, a wonderful collection of short stories from some of the top names in Crime Fiction, is absolutely full of them… Here’s what you can expect: If there is one thing in the book world that is misunderstood and completely underrated, for me it has to be the short story, or, in this case the short story anthology. I know that some people feel short stories don’t allow them to get to know the characters, that they aren’t meaty enough, but for me they are the perfect, bite-size way to get your fix of your favourite author or to find an author who may be completely new to you without having to commit to a long term relationship aka “the novel”. They are perfect for a quick shot in your lunch break, on your daily commute or that ten-twenty minute wait you have while you are waiting for your tatties to boil for dinner.

If you are a fan of crime fiction, then Exit Wounds is a perfect way to while away those odd moments of time where you aren’t quite sure what to do with yourself. Featuring some absolutely cracking stories from some of the top writers in the business, you are bound to find something there which is right up your street. This book worked perfectly for me and I actually read it over a couple of weeks, a couple of stories a day over lunch breaks and when I got in from work. A nice way to unwind. With added murder and crime. All good. Now it is hard to talk about short stories as to say too much would pretty well give away the whole plot and negate the need to buy the book, but I will say that there are some real gems in amongst this collection and enough to keep you hooked, shocked, thrilled and blasting through those pages. 

For fans of Val McDermid’s Hill and Jordan series you have a nice catch up with the pair in “Happy Holidays”, a real misnomer for some of the characters and no mistake. And it’s a very welcome howdy to everyone’s favourite Bounty Hunter, Lori Anderson, in Steph Broadribb’s “Fool You Twice”. And I might be biased (I am) but I really enjoyed John Connolly’s “On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man”, and also James Oswald’s “Dressed to Kill”, the latter of which featured none other than dear old Inspector Tony McLean and Grumpy Bob Laird. (I love Grumpy Bob). I learned it’s probably not a good idea to go to Louise Jensen’s for dinner, and not to pick a fight with AK Benedict. She has a very devious mind… As for Paul Finch’s “The New Lad” – loved it!’

(Jen Med’s Book Reviews)

 ‘If you are a fan of mystery, crime or thriller then this collection of tales from the modern masters of crime is for you! Working as a collection, it reminded me of the old mysteries which were often gathered together in print (think Arthur Conan Doyle etc). The cover of this is explosive and eye-catching, whilst the tales within are intriguing and gripping, with clever strokes of plot twists and brushes of tension. One of my favourites was “Dressed to Kill”by James Oswald, about the Scottish detective Inspector McLean!’

(Mummy is Reading…Books)

 ‘Featuring both original in-universe stories and rarely seen reprints, this collection of 19 masterful short stories brings together some of the genre’s greatest living authors. Tony Hill and Carol Jordan take on a delightfully twisted killer in Val McDermid’s “Happy Holidays.” In Fiona Cummins’ “Dead Weight,” an overbearing mother resorts to desperate measures to keep control of her teenage daughter. And in Dean Koontz’s “Kittens,” a young girl learns the truth about how her pets have been dying and devises a horrible revenge. Tense, twisted and disturbing, Exit Wound is a visceral and thrilling collection showcasing the very best modern crime fiction has to offer.’

(Book Reporter)

  ‘I love a good themed anthology, I find an anthology does several things for me, as a reader. First, if well chosen (and the authors in this one are among the best) their perspectives (what’s the right word for a gang of authors? A plot?) can shed more light – or dark – on a subject than any single writer could. Here, that theme is the “exit” from a crime – or a criminal situation. That exit might be a death, or an escape, or more loosely the winding down of events. It’s perceptive, I think, to focus on this aspect when a great deal of crime writing deals with the before – the build-up – and / or the after – the investigation. Here attention is mainly on the cusp after one, and before the other. Although in some of these stories (such as Joe R Lansdale’s “Booty and the Beast”) the exit may have been long ago.

Another valuable service anthologies serve is giving authors space to tackle things a bit differently, to visit aspects of their fiction that might not be enough for a full-blown novel but, nevertheless, fill in details or illustrate ideas that are useful in understanding the whole. So for example here in Steph Broadribb’s “Fool You Twice” we see an early adventure of her hero Lori Anderson… And in John Connolly’s splendidly named “On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637) by Frans Mier” we see a dark world that might, or might not, fit with his Fractured Atlas universe…

The final joy of an anthology like this is that you’re certain to pick up accessible writing both by authors you know and those you don’t – whether the latter are ones you have wanted to try but haven’t got round to, and by those you didn’t know, but can now explore in future. Overall, a triple win, I’d say. So here are nineteen stories, most of them published here for the first time, and all excellent… These are entertaining, varied stories, almost all compulsively readable. Do give them a try.’

(Blue Book Balloon)

‘Crime stories are often staring at us from the shelves and series and stand-alone thrillers are a constant part of life. But we often forget that there is a tradition of the crime short story, just think of the Holmes canon. While you don’t get the thrill of the wider investigation and the slow building tension, a short story can just go for the jugular, the mood or even a simple mystery. In this anthology the editors Paul B Kane and Marie O’Regan have assembled a great collection of stories based around an exit wound – be it actual or metaphorical…
A well put together collection that shows the reader what crime novelists can deliver in just a few pages. Lots of variety, thrills and twists plus well-balanced emotional depth. If you want to find some new authors to read then track down this one, it’s a brilliant place to explore where crime now is.’

(Runalong the Shelves)

  ‘I have to admit that I’ve never really been a “short story person”. I always preferred the investment and story development of a full length novel, but the fact these are only short means you’re left wanting much more, especially the stories that really hook you in with great characters and an intriguing premise. This is when I kind of wish they weren’t short stories but “full length”, just so I can read more and more. Saying that, it’s SO satisfying to read multiple, interesting plots – albeit short ones – and experience lots of great ideas within a collection that’s less than 400 pages. This mix of separate narratives truly sparks the imagination in a different way than one long story, and you have absolutely no time to get bored! So this has completely changed my mind about short stories!

I love that each story is markedly different but all on the theme of crime – and all with a decidedly (and delightedly) dark twist! I liked that each had its own spin on “crime”, and featured every kind of character, from serial killers and unhappy, controlled teenagers to beaten, vengeful wives. The way you get to almost sample the writing style of various different authors is a great way to discover a new crime author… though the authors in this anthology are really big names, so you’ve probably already read something by most of them before! The stories are absorbing and intriguing, though some provoked really strong emotions in me…

Overall, I highly recommend this anthology for any crime fan, particularly if you’re a short story fan – but even if you’re not usually, like me. I hugely enjoyed Exit Wounds and will be buying it as a present for various reader friends who I know will also really enjoy it.’

(5/5 Snazzy Books)

 ‘I haven’t read a short story anthology in ages and when I saw the line-up for Exit Wounds published by Titan Books, I jumped at the chance to read and review. There are nineteen tales of mystery and crime and the authors are: A.K. Benedict, Mark Billingham, Steph Broadribb, Lee Child, John Connolly, Fiona Cummins, Jeffrey Deaver, Paul Finch, Christopher Fowler, Alex Gray, Sarah Hilary, Louise Jensen, Dean Koontz, Joe R. Lansdale, Dennis Lehane, Val McDermid, James Oswald and Martyn Waites.

There are some crime writing stars who I’ve read before, about half of those listed in fact and there were also some authors I was able to try for the first time as well. Of the editors, I have not yet had the pleasure of reading Marie O’Regan who is British Fantasy Award-nominated writer and editor, with a number of anthologies under her belt. Paul Kane is an award winning author/editor of over 90 books, and I previously reviewed an anthology he edited, Beyond Rue Morgue, back in 2013.

As with any good anthology, although sharing a common theme (in this case “exits” set in a crime/thriller/mystery setting) every story is unique. I often find that short story collections are great for dipping in and out of. However with this book, although every tale is unrelated, I breezed through it in near enough one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down. Some stories are certainly more memorable than others, but all of them had a touch of something that kept me engaged. I couldn’t pick one as my stand out favourite but I have managed to firmly designate my top three. In no particular order, I really enjoyed “Kittens” by Dean Koontz, where a young girl finds out the truth about the death of her pets. Also, “Take My Hand” by A.K. Benedict featuring a spooky museum artefact and its keeper. Last but not least, I must mention “The New Lad” by Paul Finch where a newbie police officer is put in charge of an eerie crime scene on the night shift. I won’t describe every single story; if you are intrigued, you will have to find out for yourself what this book has in store!

What I particularly liked about this collection was the mix of interpretations of the crime genre. Some are classic, hardboiled crime or gritty police procedural stories. Others have a subtle supernatural edge to them. A couple are very quirky and not what you would expect to read if you judged the book on face value. Most, if not all of the tales, are quite disturbing. The authors really play on real life worries and fears that thrill and chill in equal measure. This is a must read for crime fiction fans, but horror readers would get a kick out of this collection too. Dark, twisted and seriously compelling, Exit Wounds is a brilliant short story anthology by some true masters of crime.’  

(Bookshelf Butterfly)

‘I will be the first to admit that I don't tend to read many short stories and this is something that I would like to rectify, so when Exit Wounds arrived through my letterbox, I was delighted to try something a little different. From serial killers picking off their prey to those hell-bent on revenge, this collection of crime stories from some of the best in the business grabbed my attention at the very first story and every one thereafter. Dark, twisted, and with characters that got under my skin in just a few pages, Exit Wounds is a must-read for short story and crime fiction fans the world over. 

While each and every story is different and fresh there were a few that I favoured – “The Bully” by Jeffery Deaver, “Happy Holidays” by Val McDermid, and “The Pitcher” by Sarah Hilary. All the stories are excellent and brimming with tension but there was just that extra something about those three that made me take a deep breath while reading them. Compelling characters, sinister plots, and crackling atmosphere can all be found in the short stories nestled among the pages of Exit Wounds and I highly recommend it to all fiction readers, especially those who are unsure about short stories because this collection is sure to change your mind.’

(Books of All Kinds)

 ‘Edited by Paul B Kane and Marie O’Regan, when the cover of a new book of short stories is emblazoned with the names of some of the best-selling and award-winning crime fiction authors – Lee Child, Val McDermid, Dean Koontz, John Connolly, Dennis Lehane and Jeffery Deaver, with even more inside – you know you’re in for a treat. Editors Paul B Kane and Marie O’Regan assembled 19 of the English-speaking world’s best mystery writers and asked them for stories that include an exit of some kind – death, abandonment, escape – and of course the damage that sudden departures leave in their wake. The result is the entertaining Exit Wounds. There’s nary a dud in the collection, and just a few of the stories are highlighted below. From the Department of Clever Twists comes Jeffery Deaver’s story of the bullying of a suspect in a string of serial murders. Not only is his life under a microscope, this threatening jerk won’t leave him alone! In “The Pitcher” by Sarah Hilary, a journalist visits an obscure Spanish taverna on England’s west coast only to find the place isn’t what he thinks it is, nor, fair to say, is his visit. You also may be deliciously surprised by James Oswald’s aptly named “Dressed to Kill”. The particular pathology of parent-child relationships is the basis for two stories. The opening line of Fiona Cummins’s “Dead Weight” is “You’re not going to eat that, are you?” which tells you all you need to know about this mother-daughter combat, er, relationship. And Dean Koontz’s “Kittens” takes this trope to a grisly extreme.

There’s an Edgar Allan Poe-ish vibe to “On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637)” about an apocryphal painting of a vivisection lab by Dublin author John Connolly. “Take My Hand” by AK Benedict involves something Poe would have loved, a Hand of Glory. If you don’t know what that is, you might want to Google it. A sure-fire conversation-stopper. Also at the creepy end of the spectrum is Martyn Waites’ “Disciplined”, about a man very good at one thing: following orders. It begins, “It was swallowing the needle that changed everything” and takes off from there. Paul Finch’s “The New Lad” recounts the experiences of a policeman, first day on the job, assigned to watch a crime scene alone overnight outside a derelict mental hospital. In the woods, no less. I thought I’d have to stop reading, the tension got so acute…

The characters in some of the stories have different strategies for taking justice into their own hands – for better or, in the case of Val McDermid’s “Happy Holidays”, for worse. Florida apprentice bounty hunter Lori Anderson is featured in Steph Broadribb’s story, “Fool You Twice”. (In real life, Broadribb trained as a bounty hunter in California.) I really enjoyed Mark Billingham’s coming-of-age story, “Dancing Towards the Blade”, about a young man who’s lived in two totally different worlds – in Africa and England – and who is absolutely not who his London tormentors (those bullies again!) think he is. Crime goes way wrong in Joe R Lansdale’s amusing “Booty and the Beast”. Lansdale lives in the American southwest, so when he talks about fire ants, he knows whereof he speaks. Enough said. Finally, you may feel you’ve encountered the welcome shade of Raymond Chandler in Dennis Lehane’s surprising story “The Consumers”: “When she let (her hair) fall naturally, with its tousled waves and anarchic curls, she looked like a wet dream sent to douse a five-alarm fire.’

(Crime Fiction Lover, 5 star review)

 ‘The cover featuring names of some of today’s best-selling crime fiction authors – Lee Child, Val McDermid, Dean Koontz, Mark Billingham and more – signals good reading ahead. Highlights: From the Department of Clever Twists comes Jeffrey Deaver’s story of the bullying of a suspect in a string of serial killings and Sarah Hilary’s The Pitcher, in which a journalist visits an obscure Spanish taverna and smacks into the unexpected. The opening line of Fiona Cummins’s “Dead Weight” – “You’re not going to eat that, are you?” – says all you need to know about these mother-daughter duelists. There’s an Edgar Allan Poe vibe to “On the Anatomization of an Unknown Man (1637)” by Dublin author John Connolly. “Take My Hand” by A K Benedict involves something Poe would have loved, a Hand of Glory. If you don’t know what that is, Google it. A sure-fire conversation-stopper. Dennis Lehane seems to be channeling Raymond Chandler in this line from “The Consumers”: “When she let (her hair) fall naturally, with its tousled waves and anarchic curls, she looked like a wet dream sent to douse a five-alarm fire.” In Paul Finch’s “The New Lad”, a brand new policeman is assigned to watch a crime scene overnight. Alone. Outside a derelict mental hospital. In the woods. Excruciating tension!’

(Victoria Weisfeld’s Bookblog)

 ‘It must be difficult to write a short story, especially if you’re used to writing big blockbusters, such as these renowned authors: Jeffery Deaver, Val McDermid and Lee Child to name a few. Keeping the plot tight, but still trying to offer the reader the suspense and thrill of a longer form but tightly woven together in a short story. Well by goodness have these renowned authors smashed it by producing some exquisite crime, in bite-sized and easily digestible chunks!

Is it difficult to die? Killed by suicide, your daughter, friend or an anonymous person…or even a possession?! These short stories are all associated with an end…death/murder in some way (Exit) and the fallout from that, be it pain or the unknown (Wounds) these small insights give themselves to a great title! The editors’ choices and running order is ingenious, all are different, some weird and unusual and some offer a more traditional thriller – but in the end it’s a fabulously curated anthology and the editors should be praised in comprising such a unique collection of the best crime writers about.

The first story by Jeffery Deaver “The Bully” is masterfully written as expected, and the level of minute detail he is able to lace within the tale is astounding. Loved how he turns the story upside down, caused the end product to be an unforgettable and incredibly deft read. There are also more unusual stories, autopsies for example and with some being more dark and realistic than others. I was immersed in “Like a Glass Jaw” by Mark Billingham and “The Pitcher” by Sarah Hilary – both of which enraptured me from start to finish. I also enjoyed the tense thrill-ride of “The Consumers” by Dennis Lehane – hiring a killer to do a job you just cannot fulfil yourself made for an entertaining read.

Val McDermid did not disappoint either with a DCI uncovering a murderer in her usual suspense-filled style, and a detective with a strange unsolved double murder. I think the penultimate short story “The New Lad” by Paul Finch though, was my personal favourite, it was an outstanding piece of short fiction – strange, quirky, thrilling and unpredictable, which in turn is a true reflection of the complete collection of crime stories. This collection of strange short stories is an outstanding read, that you can dip in and out of without worrying about losing the plot. I will certainly be reading more of the less known authors’ other work. Anyone who enjoys crime fiction will, I’m sure, be enthralled and captivated by the talent on show within Exit Wounds – a crime anthology with serious punch!’

(Storgy Magazine)

You can buy Exit Wounds here and here or from the publisher here.