George Angus, Tumblemoose Writer

A few months back I published a guest post by Author Reed Farrel Coleman. It’s a great article containing writing tips from a pro. I’d encourage you to take a minute and read it if you’ve not already done so. You can find it here.

Right around Christmas I received a review copy of one of his latest novels, Hurt Machine. I have to admit that as hard as I’ve tried, I just can’t get into Mystery/Detective novels. In fact, when I’m perusing books on Amazon, if I see “A So and So Detective Mystery” I scoot right on past. I won’t say Hurt Machine turned me into a convert, but I will say that this book is so much more than those typical of the genre.

At once, I found the writing to be engaging, true and literary. What do I mean by literary? Well, I’m not sure, but I think the best way to describe it is “higher level prose.” A sense of higher intellect brewing just below the surface. Subtle inferences that got me thinking. Please don’t translate this as meaning the novel is snooty or stuffy. I think “real” is a much better word.

I’ve never been to New York. Sure, I’ve seen hundreds of TV shows and films made there. Even so, I’ve never been to New York. Until I read Hurt Machine. The author describes neighborhoods and eateries in such a vivid fashion that I felt as if I was sitting at one of the tables at the Grotto, eating a crappy slice of pizza.

Thanks for the trip to New York, Mr. Coleman.

The basic plot of the book is a “ripped from the headlines” story of a couple of NYFD medicos who got themselves into trouble when they refused to treat a man at a restaurant. Mr. Coleman uses that foundation to build a story that is unique, hard hitting and thoughtful. At no time did I find the story line predictable. I was content to let the story take me where it would, and I’m glad I went for the ride.

If you’re looking for a story with real characters in a real setting, you owe it to yourself to give Hurt Machine a good look.

Author Bio

Reed Farrel Coleman, author of Hurt Machine, is the former executive vice president of Mystery Writers of America. He has published twelve novels — two under his pen name Tony Spinsosa — in three series, and one stand-alone with award-winning Irish author Ken Bruen. His books have been translated into seven languages.

Reed is a three-time winner of the Shamus Award for Best Detective Novel of the Year. He has also received the Macavity, Barry, and Anthony Awards, and has been twice nominated for the Edgar® Award. He was the editor of the anthology Hard Boiled Brooklyn, and his short fiction and essays have appeared in Wall Street Noir, The Darker Mask, These Guns For Hire, Brooklyn Noir 3, Damn Near Dead, and other publications.

Reed is an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, teaching writing classes in mystery fiction and the novel. He lives with his family on Long Island.

For more information please visit http://www.reedcoleman.com/, and follow the author on Facebookand Twitter