Topaz Talks: Write Me A Murder - a must-read Nordy Noir Triumph from James Murphy
The Blurb:
When the lines between reality and fiction become blurred, the results can be deadly.
An escape from the trauma of her recent past heralds the beginning of a new life for Investigative Psychologist, Dr Carolyn Harkin.
With a burgeoning career as a bestselling crime fiction author, a consulting role with the police service and taking ownership of the legendary Langford Villa and Uther, its Irish Wolfhound guardian, everything is finally on track.
Until she’s offered the chance to tutor a writing class in the nearby Clotsworthy House.
There, two strangers have stories to tell, each sharing a dark connection to her past. As her old cases become the subject of one man’s ‘fiction’, the other’s work reconnects her with a teenage crush who may not be what he seems.
Now, she must navigate the new chapters of her life as they intertwine with two dangerous adversaries bringing her face to face with the ghosts of her past and threatening to be her own unravelling.
The Review:
Topaz Talks: Review of Write Me A Murder by James Murphy (Spellbound Books)
There are few nicer and more supportive individuals in the author community than James Murphy. He’s a labelmate of mine at Spellbound and we share similar tastes in music. But what is clear from my early dealings with James is that he’s been the staunchest of allies to many fledgling or fellow authors and this meant I was immediately intrigued to read some of his work. I read the first book in the Terror Trilogies a while back and rather like James’ admission that spy fiction (my own genre) wasn’t his bag, I had to force myself out of my comfort zone to do so. However, quickly found myself suckered in and turning pages like there’s no tomorrow – heartrate doubling quickly. But Write Me A Murder, safer ground for me, took that a stage further. This is a truly excellent novel and utterly enthralling from page one.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. James hails from Northern Ireland, teaches Crime Writing and is at the spearhead a real surge of Nordy Noir talent. It’s a genre I’m probably on the periphery of and a wee country I am undoubtedly in love with. But my earnest attempts pale into insignificance compared to James. He absolutely lives and breathes crime fiction and, with such breath-taking backdrops in Ulster, this seems a natural location for his unique brand of compelling story-telling. It’s often said that vivid scenes come to life in Northern Ireland and Write Me A Murder is no exception.
Write Me A Murder is an instantly gripping crime thriller that expertly blurs the lines between the reader’s perception of reality and fiction. The novel centres on Dr Carolyn Harkin, an investigative psychologist and crime fiction author, who finds herself deeply entwined in a real-life murder mystery that mirrors her fictional narratives. Set in wonderful County Antrim, the story follows Carolyn, as she guest lectures in literature, teaching students how to write. Bella and Glenn, are amongst her cohort of students and they both have brilliantly dark pasts. There are twists and surprises from the early chapters and this gives it real staying power as you’re furiously turning the pages. There are a torrent of clues and intrigue and this makes it an immediate five star read.
As is very much de rigueur at the moment, Carolyn has a side hustle. But hers is assisting the PSNI in solving local cold cases. This gives the book real logic and pace as the narrative shifts between the perspectives of Brian, Bella, Glenn, Sam, and Carolyn, each providing clues and insights. Carolyn receives messages from someone presumed dead and this sparks a journey that ultimately leads to the true tormenter. But no spoilers here. I may have said too much already…
Straightaway, you find yourself deep into the characters, their traits and looking for your own clues. Whilst, at the same time, bouncing expertly between the character’s voice. It’s cleverly done.
James Murphy's writing is very fast-paced, there are innovative twists, with an underlying backbone of societal issues, particularly the portrayal of women in crime fiction and real-life violence against women – something I understand well from my own profession in the domestic abuse sector. The narrative is deeply compelling and provocative, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
The are plenty of readers who, like me, reward themselves for second-guessing elements and trying too hard to plot your own finale. I would gently against this with Write Me A Murder, just absorb yourself in James’ narrative like an old-fashioned cinema experience. You’ll be at the edge of your seat as well as zipping through the pages. As I said, this is compelling stuff.
James Murphy's real expertise in crime writing is evident, with well-developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot. This debut featuring Carolyn Harkin is a standout addition to Northern Ireland's crime fiction canon and crime fiction generally. I’m already looking forward to How To Be Dead.
