Explore every episode of the podcast Death of the Reader

We discuss the second part of Simogo's 2024 mystery-puzzle-box video game 'Lorelei and the Laser Eyes'. The jig is up, and Lorelei Weiss finally has to be honest with herself about what happened in 1963. Our final puzzles see us answering the Quiz Club on all of the knowledge we've acquired so far, and delving right into the heart of the supercomputer at the core of it all. We're also joined by Iain Ryan to talk about his second novel in his Queensland Quarter - 'The Dream'. As Fantasyland's construction stalls on the 1980s Gold Coast, the cauldron of political corruption surrounding the big money of The Strip gets the gears turning, lubricated with blood and blackmail. Thank you to Ultimo Press for sending copies of 'The Dream' and helping arrange our time with Iain.

We discuss the second part of Simogo's 2024 mystery-puzzle-box video game 'Lorelei and the Laser Eyes'. As we delve deeper into the realm of Lorelei Weiss, we're challenged by anachronisms, a cast of characters that could be one person or many, and so, so many padlocks. What further mysteries does the mansion hold, and how can we untangle the fragmented maze buried within it? We're again joined by Vanessa McCausland to talk about her newest novel 'The Last Illusion of Paige White'. The past bleeds into the future as we learn about the past of the town Jane and Paige once called home, as the women each live out their respective purgatories in the quest to understand themselves. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of The Last Illusion of Paige White, and for helping arrange our time with Vanessa.

We discuss the first part of Simogo's 2024 mystery-puzzle-box video game 'Lorelei and the Laser Eyes'. The hotel Letztes Jahr, or 'last year' is a monochrome mansion with a splash of red. A body has been found in the courtyard, after our character, whoever she might be, was summomned, whyever she might be, by the enigmatic Renzo Nero, film director. Or is that all? Combination locks and impossible chronology abound as we attempt to unravel the life of Lorelei Weiss... We think. We're also joined by Vanessa McCausland to talk about her newest novel 'The Last Illusion of Paige White'. An influencer is found dead and as her former best friend tries to juggle her job as a journalist with the emotional trauma of the case, it turns out Paige White might not be the only one in purgatory. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of The Last Illusion of Paige White, and for helping arrange our time with Vanessa.

A dive back into the recent past as we talk with Melbourne-based author Aoife Clifford about her latest novel, 'It Takes a Town'. Policewoman Carole, distressed mother Frankie, town drunk Mer(maid) and a gaggle of schoolchildren reminiscent of the Scooby Gang all team up to corner the killer of local town star Vanessa Walton, recently returned from a grand tour of fame and fortune, now found dead in the cottage of local MP Barton Langridge. Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing copies of 'It Takes a Town' and helping to arrange our time with Aoife.

We're joined by author and playwright Gabriel Bergmoser to talk about the print edition of his story 'The Hitchhiker', originally published as an audiobook. With the latest iteration in his 'Maggieverse', 'The Lodger' out on Audible, and a great interview from our friend Crag Sisterson up recently, we decided to revisit our earlier chat with Gabriel and share the full deep-dive (dubbed 'The Full Berg' by our editor). Diving into the layout of the Maggieverse, Gabriel's writing interests, the challenges of audio adaptation, and the role of spoilers, it really is 'The Full Berg'. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of The Hitchhiker, and helping arrange our time with Gabriel.

We're joined by author Benjamin Stevenson to talk about his Christmas Special for Ernest Cunningham, 'Everyone this Christmas has a Secret'. Ernest receives a call from his ex-wife Erin - she's been arrested in the Blue Mountains, accused of her husband's murder. Lyle was days away from a big fundraiser event for his charity, only to turn up dead, the word 'Christmas' scrawled on the floor next to him in his own blood. The rest of his blood? All over Erin, asleep in bed. Ernest is invited backstage at the charity event to investigate the suspects the cops have ignored over the easy catch, but has he progressed enough as a detective to come in cold to a case after the fact? Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending us copies of 'Everyone this Christmas has a Secret' and for their help in arranging the interview.

We take another visit to the floor of BAD: Sydney Crime Writers Festival 2024, to talk all about the mysteries we love so much, and the network of authors that bring it together. It takes all sorts to write mystery of all sorts, and we look at where some of Australia's best authors have been moving their ideas. The Crime Fiction community has amazing festivals all over the world, and here at Death of the Reader we're lucky enough to have BAD in our own backyard. This week, we discuss the resurgence of classic mystery, the journalistic pursuits that inspire fiction, and the community at the heart of it all. Thank you to BAD: Sydney for tickets to the event, and the many publishers, who whether or not they provided review copies (we didn't keep track, sorry), it is in their graces we can conduct these interviews. Featured and referenced in this episode (by Panel): Takes All Sorts Panel: Sulari Gentill Amanda Hampson David Whish-Wilson (referenced) Sue Turnbull (referenced) All Crime is Local Panel: Alan Carter Natalie Conyer Michael Duffy (referenced) Michaela Kalowski Friends or Enemies Panel: Hayley Scrivenor Nicola Moriarty Candice Fox Michael Brissenden Community: Michael Burge Susannah Glenn Mitch Jennings Zahid Gamieldien Lisa Kenway

We take a visit to the floor of BAD: Sydney Crime Writers Festival 2024, to talk all about the big themes, and the way that crime fiction is tied up with the world of Justice. The Crime Fiction community has amazing festivals all over the world, and here at Death of the Reader we're lucky enough to have BAD in our own backyard. This week, the pressing issues that inspire our crime fiction. From accounts of under-resourced courts in the Australian Outback with Jamelle Wells, to fiction grappling with the horrors of a mind that can't trust itself with Susannah Glenn and Zahid Gamieldien. Thank you to BAD: Sydney for tickets to the event, and the many publishers, who whether or not they provided review copies (we didn't keep track, sorry), it is in their graces we can conduct these interviews. Featured and referenced in this episode (by Panel): The Bush Justice Rodeo Michael Burge, member of the BAD Board Jamelle Wells Kate Holden (referenced) Dinuka McKenzie (referenced) Justice and The Wisdom of the Elders Aunty Barbara Nicholson Veronica Gorrie (referenced) Aunty Bronwyn Penrith (referenced) Speaking Out with Larissa Behrendt (Full Panel) Women in Peril and the Women Who Write Them Lisa Kenway Claudine Tinellis (Talking Aussie Books) Susannah Glenn Brooke Hardwick (referenced) Danger, Danger Everywhere Zahid Gamieldien Bruce Nash Mitch Jennings

Flex talks with Australian Crime Fiction great Chris Hammer about his newest novel, 'The Valley'. Ivan and Nell are summoned, suspiciously early, to a homicide just outside the town of Saltwood, in a community called The Valley. Struggling after decades of failed schemes to restore wealth to the resource-rich town, Nell stumbles upon a personal link to the crime, and has to juggle her professional interest with the risks a personal case can pose to getting a conviction. Water politics is once again the canvas upon which Chris Hammer paints his thrills. Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing copies of The Valley to Death of the Reader, and arranging our time with Chris.

We discuss Memories of Murder, the 2003 Crime-Drama film by Bong Joon-Ho. In rural South Korea, a series of horrifying murders has paralysed and overwhelmed the local police, who are under-resourced and inexperienced in crimes of this scale. Fortunately, a cop from the big city is here to fix everything up and save the small-town cops from themselves. Or so you'd think. We're joined by our editor Cameron Furlong of 2SER's Inquiry as we discuss the film that put the 'Parasite' and 'Snowpiercer' director on the map. We're also joined by author Riley James to talk about her debut crime fiction novel 'The Chilling', its links with classic arctic-horror fiction and the idea of escapism gone wrong. Thank you to Allen & Unwin for arranging our time with Riley at BAD: Sydney Crime Writers Festival, and the festival itself for providing us with media tickets.

We discuss chapters 19-27 of Ngaio Marsh's Eighth Roderick Alleyn novel, 'Overture to Death'. The stage is set to catch a killer, and the domino that tipped all this monstrosity into place. So the ordeal began in the theatre, it will return. Roderick Alleyn and his squad of investigators must bring all the information together to decide on who is guilty, who is responsible, and if those two are even the same person. We also talk with Gabriel Bergmoser about the print release of his latest audiobook; The Hitchhiker. Almost a theatre piece itself, one lone and unprepared man ventures happily into the outback, only for an unsettled teen to flag him down and join the ride. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of The Hitchhiker, and helping arrange our time with Gabriel.

We discuss chapters 10-18 of Ngaio Marsh's Eighth Roderick Alleyn novel, 'Overture to Death'. Alleyn is now on the case, and unpicking the local drama of Pen Cuckoo. The murder weapon is determined to be a rigged-up pistol linked to the soft-pedal of the piano. More the domain of childish pranks than murder weapons, Alleyn hunts down clues that lead him to Georgie Biggins, a local boy who confesses to setting the trap, but with a water pistol. As the list of suspects presents themselves to Alleyn, can he prove who turned Biggins' prank deadly?

We discuss chapters 1-9 of Ngaio Marsh's Eighth Roderick Alleyn novel, 'Overture to Death'. In Pen Cuckoo, the village's top families get together to discuss their latest community effort - a fundraising play to buy a new piano. All of the village drama comes to the fore as the inheritor of the largest estate seeks to marry, setting off dominos of interpersonal drama in the love lives of those involved. It all comes to a head when on opening night, the last-minute pianist for the concert's head erupts in blood as a gunshot fires from within the venue. How did this grizzly fate come to bear? Herds is tasked to find out.

We discuss chapters 24-33 of Michael Te Arawa Bennett's 'Return to Blood', the second novel in the Hana Westerman series. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to slot into place, Hana once again is forced to wrangle with the personal cost of justice. Addison is deep in Kiri's social circle, coming to terms with how similar they may have been had Kiri's parents not been ripped away from her as a kid. The Gods of Auckland have no favours to lend in the dying hours of this case.

We discuss chapters 12-23 of Michael Te Arawa Bennett's 'Return to Blood', the second novel in the Hana Westerman series. It would seem the killer has been revealed, but could it be so easy? Hana's investigation digs up clues as to the disappearance of Paige, 20 years ago, but can she link him to Kiri's recently found skeleton? And crucially, can she do it without committing crimes herself? Addison is drawn deeper into the world of Kiri Thomas, as a rift develops between her and definitely-not-lover Plus One. We're also joined by Catherine du Peloux Menagé, the artistic director of BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival, to talk about some of this years' upcoming panels and themes. Thank you to BAD Sydney and DMCPR for providing tickets to this year's festival to Death of the Reader.

We discuss chapters 1-11 of Michael Te Arawa Bennett's 'Return to Blood', the second novel in the Hana Westerman series. Hana has retired from the Auckland police, but her place as a crime fiction protagonist means trouble is never far away. Her daughter stumbles upon a skeleton in the sand in her hometown on a weekend away, replicating a horrible murder that happened in Hana's youth. Was the wrong killer put away, or is a copycat on the loose? Hana's successor in the police is on the case, but can Hana herself stay on the right side of the law? We're also joined by Margaret Hickey to talk about her latest novel, 'The Creeper'; a young cop is stationed in a small town ten years on from its darkest day. As the shadow looms again, will Sally White find the truth was buried deep enough? Thank you to Penguin Australia for providing us copies of 'The Creeper' and helping us arrange our time with Margaret.

We discuss various screen adaptations of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple story, 'A Caribbean Mystery'. As is often the case with Christie's less renowned stories, the writers of adaptations take creative license that either makes things better, or makes things "better". This time around, Flex brought us the ever-reliable BBC adaptation; Agatha Christie's Miss Marple starring Joan Hickson, and Herds brought the French reimagining, Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie. Where one absorbs the flaws of the novel and reimagines them to tell arguably a stronger story, the other takes absurdities and turns it comedic. What remake did you watch?

We discuss chapters 18-25 of Agatha Christie's 10th Miss Marple Novel, A Caribbean Mystery. The resort is plunged into open chaos as a third murder takes place and it's up to the unlikely duo of Miss Marple and the deposed Mr Rafiel to solve everything at the last minute and set the record straight. Flex and Herds debate the implications of a medical murder mystery as Nemesis takes the stage... We're also joined by Michael Brissenden again to discuss his recent novel release 'Smoke' and to talk about how murder mystery goes hand in hand with voicing the unvoiced. A lesson that Agatha Christie adapters have taken to heart... but more on that next week! Thank you to Affirm Press for providing copies of Smoke, and arranging our time with Michael Brissenden.

We discuss chapters 10-17 of Agatha Christie's 10th Miss Marple Novel, A Caribbean Mystery. A second murder has shaken up the holidaygoers in St Honoré. One of the hotel staff, Victoria, found dead by a bloodied Molly Kendal. Molly was seen roaming with the knife that did her in, but no alibi seems to quite line up. Has a killer struck twice, or is desperation turning more of us to monsters? It's up to Herds to find out... We're also joined by Nicola Moriarty to talk about her latest novel 'Every Last Suspect', expanding our week of complex marriages to talk about the chaos that protagonist-of-sort Harriet Osman is left to reflect on in a pool of her own blood as she tries to leave a message to solve her own murder. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of Every Last Suspect, and arranging our time with Nicola.

We discuss chapters 1-9 of Agatha Christie's 10th Miss Marple Novel, A Caribbean Mystery. Sent on her lonesome for a holiday she'd perhaps rather not have taken, Jane Marple is in St Honoré. After an abrupt conclusion to conversation with the usually verbose Major Palgrave, Miss Marple's perplexion turns to alarm when he is found dead the following morning. Who amidst the many scorned lovers on the island has the most to hide? We're also joined by Michael Brissenden to talk about his newest novel; Smoke. Alex Markov is tangled amidst bushfires, corruption, and the local politics of the small town Big Jasper. You're challenged to peer through the haze of privilege and violence as she struggles to set things right. Thank you to Affirm Press for providing copies of Smoke, and arranging our time with Michael Brissenden.

We discuss Part One, Chapters 12-27 of Eric Redman's new Hawaiian Noir novel, Death in Hilo. Kawika's wife, Elle, has gone missing, and the only person with information as to where she's gone is Jarvis. As the lines of Hawaii's biggest cases begin to cross, how can Kawika survive not just the brimming blood at his doorstep, and the axe of audit at his neck. This crime climbs right to the top. We also talk with Eric Redman himself about the rules of crime fiction, and his personal links with his writing. Thank you to the University of Hawaii, Pineapple Tweed, and Crooked Lane for providing copies of 'Death in Hilo' and arranging for us to speak with Eric Redman.

We discuss Part One, Chapters 12-27 of Eric Redman's new Hawaiian Noir novel, Death in Hilo. At last, our outlier victim of the park slasher is identified - Keoni Parkes, a spokesperson for the controversial Thirty Metre Telescope on the big island. Unfortunately for Kawika, the skeletons in his closet have come out to play as it turns out Keoni has ties to the case that the press hav ebeen hounding him over. Where can Kawika hide even as he hunts for a killer on the loose? We also talk with Eric Redman himself about Kawika's motivations, the choice of the Thirty Metre Telescope as a backdrop, and the familial ties that bind the novel together. Thank you to the University of Hawaii, Pineapple Tweed, and Crooked Lane for providing copies of 'Death in Hilo' and arranging for us to speak with Eric Redman.

We discuss Part One, Chapters 1-11 of Eric Redman's new Hawaiian Noir novel, Death in Hilo. Kawika Wong is in the prime of his career, leading the homicide squad at the Honolulu Police Department, but it all could come crumbling down when a criminal he put away a decade ago begins hinting towards the truth of a case Kawika thought he had put behind him. With a serial killer on the streets, and the bones of an old case peeking above the ground, Kawika's duties are torn. But he can't see everything we can... We also speak with Australian fantasy author Garth Nix about authority, suspense, and the lessons he's learned from crime fiction. Thank you to the University of Hawaii, Pineapple Tweed, and Crooked Lane for providing copies of 'Death in Hilo' and arranging for us to speak with Eric Redman. Thank you to Sydney Writers' Festival and Allen & Unwin for arranging our time with Garth Nix.

We discuss Bruce Hamilton's 'Too Much of Water', chapters 9-12. Just when you thought the murderer was done, one more body finds itself committed to what we presume are watery depths. As the Goyaz ventures towards its last port of call, Edgar's list of suspects grows implausibly small, but will it point him in the right direction? A hearty twist and help from on high rattle the boat through to the conclusion of this gruesome voyage. We're also joined by Martin Edwards, chair of The Detection Club, crime fiction historian, and author, to talk about how Bruce Hamilton is one of the genre's 'nearly men', and continue our discussion on how the themes in Bruce's writing evolved over the years.

We discuss Bruce Hamilton's 'Too Much of Water', chapters 5-8. The deaths keep adding up - a child drowned by the pool, and a man found drowned in a bath. Only two suspects have alibis that make them possible suspects, but neither seems a likely culprit, so which way does the finger of blame point? Our unlikely detective Edgar is stuck on a boat with a serial killer, a friend under suspicion, and no clue as to when the killing spree might end. I suppose we might as well plan a concert to keep everyone calm. We're also joined by Martin Edwards, chair of The Detection Club, crime fiction historian, and author, to talk about how Bruce Hamilton is one of the genre's 'nearly men', and the missing link he provides between the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, and the era he wrote in.

We discuss Bruce Hamilton's 'Too Much of Water', chapters 1-4. Flex is back, and it's time to dive into a water-based mystery aboard the Goyaz. Edgar Cantrell is bound for Barbados, and all manner of high society find themselves aboard the boat together. Singers, cricketers, barristers, and of course military-man Major Major. One too many bumps on a stormy night signals the pre-emptive departure of boat-enthusiast Mr. Rottentosser. Soon, the crew summons our unlikely hero Edgar to play detective to figure out how such an able seaman went overboard, and what other dooms may befall this voyage. We're also joined by Fantasy Author Samantha Shannon, to talk about religion, character motivations, and how her deep political intrigue in the 'Roots of Chaos' series represents its own game of whydunnit. Samantha is in town for the Sydney Writers Festival, and you can find the details of her talks here.

The finale of Who Shot JR at last. One of the most viewed episodes of American tv in history and the series that inspired Who Shot Mr Burns, Dallas spends most of their reveal episode recapping the last four epiusodes for those of us that weren't paying attention! Sue Ellen finally takes centre stage as our true detective when she is thrown in jail and bailed out overnight by a mysterious benefactor. The rest of the Ewing family is all but ready to throw Sue under the bus, but she's finally ready to show everyone what she's made of through the power of hypnosis. Herds is going to do his best to steal as many of Cam's points as he can, but will that stop our challenger from figuring out this whodunnit? And does the whydunnit even matter? Certainly not the howdunnit. It's all a bit of a mess but that's Dallas, baby!

Herds and Cam are back at it again, by popular demand, with the middle section of Dallas' 'Who Shot JR?' in which honestly, not much very important happens. The elusive 3rd Ewing brother Greg visits from his own spinoff show, JR struggles to run the Ewing oil company from his hospital bed, and Bobby is essentially forced to stay on the show when his father puts him in charge of everything (at least in theory). Cam may have lost one of his solving points after a blunder in the first episode, but that's not going to stop him from trying to outwit Herds and solve this 45 year old mystery. And can we all agree that the Dallas theme slaps?

Herds and Cam discuss the season finale of Dallas' third season, 'A House Divided', and take a crack at solving the America-wide sensation 'Who Shot JR'? After JR, eldest son of the wealthy Ewing estate executes one too many backdoor oil schemes he is shot twice in the abdomen and left for dead. The episode explores the motivations of the many people who would have reasons to shoot him, whether for financial or personal reasons. From Marilee Stone, whose husband takes his own life in grief, to Alan Beam, attorney at law investigating JR with the help of Kristin Shepard, JR's old flame and sister of his wife Sue Ellen, a woman who according to every trick in film school definitely committed the shooting. All of these and more rear their heads and declare bloody revenge in the charming villain JR. The boys attempt to sort out this magnanimous soap opera's cast of characters, but will they crumble under the weight of these great expectations? Will Herds execute his own JR-style scheme to steal all of the points he can fit into a burlap sack? Only time (and these episodes) will tell...

We discuss chapters 25-36 of Aoife Clifford's brand new collective-detective murder mystery, 'It Takes A Town'. Herds and Cam come to the end of all things, 'Jaz 'the visual' Langridge is kidnapped (for real) this time, incompetent cop Billy and town drunk Mer work together to navigate a sudden and dangerous showdown. The friendship of Mer and Frankie is put to the ultimate test and the final culprit is revealed in a classic confrontation between them and real detective of this collaborative investigation tale. Cam maligns his past self as Herds really puts the screws to him, put maybe Cam will have the chance for redemption just round the bend? Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing Death of the Reader copies of 'It Takes a Town.'

We discuss chapters 12-24 of Aoife Clifford's brand new collective-detective murder mystery, 'It Takes A Town'. Frankie and Mer move closer to center stage as their lives are compltely turned upside down. Frankie is asked to leave her teaching job as she is under suspicion of her once friend Vanessa Walton, the cops force her to make a very bad decision about handling some key evidence, and the dark secret her husband has been keeping from her finally comes to light... and Mer? well, Frankie IS Mer's whole world, so Aoife stacks the deck against Mer in the worst way possible. Herds manages to get in a good rant about classism, Cam flounders with three theories to choose from, and Aoife's ghost is here to bring us home with a conversation about power structures. It's just a regular Death of the Reader. Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing Death of the Reader copies of 'It Takes a Town.'

We discuss chapters 1-11 of Aoife Clifford's brand new collective-detective murder mystery, 'It Takes A Town'. Policewoman Carole, distressed mother Frankie, town drunk Mer(maid) and a gaggle of schoolchildren reminiscent of the Scooby Gang all team up to corner the killer of local town star Vanessa Walton, recently returned from a grand tour of fame and fortune, now found dead in the cottage of local MP Barton Langridge. These various super sleuths may not see eye to eye, or even be aware of each other's intentions, but with Flex away on official DOTR business it's up to our star editor Cam to fill in the blanks and catch the killer, if we even know their name? Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing Death of the Reader copies of 'It Takes a Town.'

We discuss chapters 26-42 of Sulari Gentill's brand new metafiction standalone, 'The Mystery Writer'. We come to the explosive finale as the evil Greek machinist Satan Herself is exposed to the world and characters we've never seen before swoop in on helicopters and take part in duels involving both pistols and large burly vehicles. The plot has gone a bit off the rails but Sulari is here to tell us about how much fun she's having. Much like the novel it's all worked out in the end (or has it?). Thank you to Ultimo Press and Berkelouw Paddington for providing Death of the Reader proof copies of 'The Mystery Writer'. Sulari Gentill is the informal title sponsor of our first-place award on Review Season each year, which is not a paid placement.

We discuss chapters 15-25 of Sulari Gentill's brand new metafiction standalone, 'The Mystery Writer'. Theo Benton is a law-school escapee from Tasmania, fled to her brother Gus' home in Lawrence, Kansas. She finds herself as the prime suspect in the murder of her almost-boyfriend Dan Murdoch, and now the conspiracy tightens its hold over her life as her home is besieged by journos and Murdoch fans alike caught up in the madness. We follow Theo as she is forced to flee from one safehouse to the next as she has to consider the faith that she has placed in even her closest companions... and we get to hang out with her love interest Mac's crazy doomsday-prepper family. It's a riot! Thank you to Ultimo Press and Berkelouw Paddington for providing Death of the Reader proof copies of 'The Mystery Writer'. Sulari Gentill is the informal title sponsor of our first-place award on Review Season each year, which is not a paid placement.

We discuss chapters 1-14 of Sulari Gentill's brand new metafiction standalone, 'The Mystery Writer'. Theo Benton is a law-school escapee from Tasmania, fled to her brother Gus' home in Lawrence, Kansas. The world of law might have suited Gus, but Theo wants to be a writer, and her brother is ready to support Theo through that journey. Soon after committing to her new life, Theo meets Dan Murdoch, a famous writer who is usually a recluse. They bond over fiction and start writing together. Unfortunately for Theo, this is a Sulari Gentill novel, which means safety is only a portent of chaos. Theo slips in Dan's pool of blood as she goes to invite him for dinner, and reality has fractured. All the while, a mysterious web forum called 'The Shield' discusses the Minotaur controlling the Labyrinth at the core of the world. Thank you to Ultimo Press and Berkelouw Paddington for providing Death of the Reader proof copies of 'The Mystery Writer'. Sulari Gentill is the informal title sponsor of our first-place award on Review Season each year, which is not a paid placement.

We discuss the ITV (1992), BBC (2018), and Frank Tashlin (1965) screen adaptations of Agatha Christie's 'The ABC Murders'. An unusual plot for the mystery great, how have histories most lauded (and least) tweaked the plot for the moving image? From spellbinding performances by David Suchet, Donald Sumpter, and John Malkovich, to laughable replacement-by-buxom-blondes, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to the Queen of Crime. How can the various Poirots get to the bottom of this case, and who ebbs & flows along the way? We're also joined by Natalie Conyer and Chad Taylor, to talk about their contributions to the upcoming collection 'Dark Deeds Down Under 2', the second anthology edited by Craig Sisterson in Clan Destine Press' mission to render series characters in short story. Thank you to Clan Destine Press for providing copies of 'Dark Deeds Down Under' and its sequel, and their help in arranging our time with Natalie and Chad.

We discuss chapters 28-35 of Agatha Christie's notorious serial murder story, 'The ABC Murders'. Our criminal, Mr. ABC, has turned himself in. As Poirot prepares to interrogate the madman, he comments to Hastings that he expects to be lied to - only to have a twist dropped in his lap. How can the seemingly unbreakable alibi of our killer be broken? Perhaps the real lie is that this man is the killer at all. The papers are on the case's tail and hungry for justice, so what can Poirot do to find the real killer buried in the entire population of England? We're also joined by Dervla McTiernan to talk about her latest thriller, 'What Happened to Nina?'. A young couple go off for a hiking weekend together, and only one of them comes back. How do the four parents embroiled in the case find their own justice as the police lumber through the evidence. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing copies of 'What Happened to Nina?', and arranging our time with Dervla.

We discuss chapters 15-27 of Agatha Christie's notorious serial murder story, 'The ABC Murders'. A fourth murder has taken place, but breaks the pattern of alliteration. Is the killer getting sloppy? It certainly seems so, as Alexander Bonaparte Cust totters around right under the Legion's nose. As their faith in Poirot wavers as much as their reliance on him grows, the threat of impending murders lingers. How does one catch a serial killer whose calling card is so distinct but indecipherable? We also chat with Sophie Hannah about writing Poirot, and the importance of sidekicks and their voice of wisdom in a Christie novel. Which friend of the Belgian really loves him the most? Thank you to Sophie Hannah for providing a review copy of her mystery musical 'The Mystery of Mr. E', and Harper Collins for providing copies of 'Silent Night'.

We discuss chapters 1-14 of Agatha Christie's notorious serial murder story, 'The ABC Murders'. Captain Hastings has returned to London, and meets his friend Poirot reminiscing of their best days solving murders together. As they long for new thrills, one arrives in the post, as a series of letters herald the arrival of a new murderer in London. Three murders, each of victims with alliterative names, each accompanied by a copy of the ABC Rail Guide, are foretold by ominous, challenging letters to Poirot's residence. How can Poirot tackle this case without waiting for more victims to lend him the clues he needs? The clock is ticking, and three bodies have already fallen. We also talk with Sydney author Dinuka McKenzie about her latest novel in the Detective Kate Miles series; Tipping Point! Kate's brother is embroiled in suspicion around crimes that Kate's department has to investigate. How can Kate juggle the loyalty between the police and family? Only Dinuka McKenzie can tell us (until you read the book, at which point you also will have the power). Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for providing copies of 'Tipping Point' and arranging our time with Dinuka.

We discuss the season debut of The Simpsons seventh season, and its infamous puzzle. It wasn't 16:9 that foiled Flex at all, it was his sheer lack of humour. Smithers is pinned as the culprit after he confesses to shooting an old man in the streets. Fortunately, there is more than one old man in Springfield for him to shoot. That leaves one suspect for the mob in Springfield to go after - but unfortunately nobody can quite remember who that is. We're also joined by Abby Corson to talk about her debut crime fiction novel, 'The Concierge'. Hector Harrow is the longest-serving member of staff at the Cavengreen Hotel in the north of England. A dastardly murder on hotel grounds, just as new management is about to replace him, pins him as the culprit. How can he prove his innocence, through the very book you are reading? Thank you to Ultimo Press for providing copies of 'The Concierge', and their assistance in arranging our interview with Abby.

Welcome to your Murder Mystery Detour! Once a whenever-we-can, Flex and Herds go live (or undead, as the case may be), to talk about their latest fixations in the crime fiction world, and we hear from you about yours! We're also joined by our editor, Cameron Furlong, producer Max Mahood, and feature an interview from Jonathan Chang. Our guests are Brydon Coverdale, Dinuka McKenzie, and Robert Connolly. This iteration, we spoke about: Good Old Colingwood Forever by Brydon Coverdale, winner of the 2024 ACWA Louie Award. Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie You Had It Coming by B.M. Carroll Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran The Mystery of Mr. E by Sophie Hannah and Martyn Tott Nest of Vipers by Harini Nagendra What I Would Do to You by Georgia Harper The Dry 2: Force of Nature by Robert Connolly, from the Jane Harper novel of the desequelised same name. Untitled 'Tank Water' Sequel by Michael Burge You can chat along live to future episodes via the YouTube page.

We talk with Quinns from People Make Games to about the Mystery Role-Play craze that has taken hold of China; Jubensha. What sets it apart from the Mystery Dinner Parties that accompany every crime fiction festival and book club? We also speak about role-play in the English speaking world, the complications of safety tools, and more of Quinns' experience playing Jubensha during his investigation. Make sure you also catch Quinns' work on Shut Up & Sit Down, and his new TTRPG channel Quinn's Quest.

We discuss the season finale of The Simpsons sixth season, and its infamous puzzle. Springfield Elementary is almost destroyed in an eruption, but fortunately, it's an eruption of oil, so they're wealthy now. At least, they would be, if Mr. Burns wasn't up to his antics, preparing to destroy all that is good in the world. Nobody in Springfield is free from his cruel machinations, so when he dies, we shouldn't be surprised, but the killer has the perfect alibi. Can you solve this mystery? Flex probably can't because he watched in 16:9. We're also joined by Quinns from People Make Games to talk about the Mystery Role-Play craze that has taken hold of China; Jubensha. What sets it apart from the Mystery Dinner Parties that accompany every crime fiction festival and book club? Get your TTRPG shoes on, it's time to cry. Speaking of which, make sure you also catch Quinns' work on Shut Up & Sit Down, and his new TTRPG channel Quinn's Quest.

Herds presents the much coveted Golden pants award straight from Sulari Gentill’s wardrobe to… Everyone, and by that we don’t mean the heart-warming everyone, as in everyone’s a winner, but rather the Everyone series by Benjamin Stevenson. That’s right, two books can share a placement, as long as they’re written by the same author. There was much internal debate on the Death of the Reader team as to how we could possibly choose one over the other, but with the power of a year long symmetry and some personal bias towards quirky meta narratives, we decided we couldn’t separate these two, bound by birth in a double homicide into our hearts and, we hope, yours.

Review Season is about recommendations. You don’t need someone to recommend you Sherlock Holmes. Whether or not you have read Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, watched one of the many renditions, or experienced some form of pastiche, there is no doubt that some comparison to Sherlock Holmes worms its way into your life. Especially if you said something painfully obvious. What is far, far less common, is work endorsed by the Conan Doyle Estate. Coming in 2nd Place for our 2023 Recommendations is Moriarty, one of two ‘official’ continuation stories commissioned by the estate from powerhouse writer Anthony Horowitz.

There are three entries here and only one can take back the coveted Sulari Gentill prize, winning for themselves eternal glory and golden dance pants to take home. In the bronze position, standing tall head and shoulders over a dozen others, the bloody, the historical, The Red Death Murders written by Jim Noy. Noy’s work brings together three of Herds favourite aspects of historical fiction. You’ve got your gothic horror, your old timey medieval politics, and your elaborate medieval castles. Boy does he love a good castle. The novel is set during a semi-fictional period of time during the Red Death of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, Mask of the Red Death.

It’s time for the controversial entry in our list of high class detective fiction, there’s always one. Usually any films that we cover will be contentious in terms of placement, is it really fair to place a work of a visual medium in the same competition as some musty old books? Am I even qualified to talk about film theory? Well, I’ll have you know that I completed at least one, and I quote: “unspecified film studies unit” in the course of my school education, so I’m the most qualified person in the room. It is of course Glass Onion by Rian Johnson that takes the fourth place in our competition for 2023, just shy of the grand podium. When this film came out I was excited, despite its strange titling as: Glass Onion, a Knives Out Story, I was intrigued. It seemed to be tackling more modern ideas, bringing the original structure of the classic Christie with the rich family suckling at the teat of their patriarch into a contemporary story, instead with a gaggle of successful celebrities reliant on an even more wildly successful tech bro for his blessings and budgets to sustain their fiscal dreams.

Why read one detective story, when you could have eight? Coming in 5th Place on Review Season for our 2023 Recommendations is Alex Pavesi, with his debut mystery novel ‘Eight Detectives’. Released in 2020, the novel takes Alex’s background in mathematics, and questions the numerical principles that define the genre, except, that’s not quite the whole story.

To follow up the historical supernatural mayhem that is the Chinese Gold Murders I couldn’t think of a more opposite yet familiar companion novel than our sixth place winner. I’m proud to grant G.K Chesterton’s The Innocence of Father Brown this position in our rankings. Father Brown is a detective who we’ve had literally tens of requests to cover, and that’s pretty high for us. He’s an unassuming father of the cloth, who uses a slow but determined application of observation and light questioning in order to force his suspects to confess their sins. I can’t imagine he’s much fun at parties though. The Innocence is not just one story, but twelve short ones, they vary wildly in terms of complexity and tone.

We’re officially in the upper half of the entries and it is with no small amount of nepotism that I would advocate to you a historical novel for seventh place. The Chinese Gold Murders, by Robert van Gulik occupy a bizarre place in the history of Chinese crime fiction, in that the credited author is as much an author as an adapter of foreign fiction. The myth goes that Robert, a Dutch diplomat on a mission to China, found a collection of 18th century Chinese murder mysteries, set in the Tang dynasty of the 7th century, though with some anachronistic elements mixed in so as to not alienate the audience, and Robert enjoyed reading these mysteries so much that he cut out half of the stories that he suspected had been written by a talentless hack separate to the first half, and set about translating and adapting the mysteries of Judge Dee for a European audience. Judge Dee as a character is based on a real historical figure, and follows in a long tradition of Chinese crime-solving magistrates.