You’re entitled to your opinion, but calling my book ‘half-assed’ is pretty insulting.

Mr. Fowler, my comment is bolstered by your reference to your many awards. I have no doubt that you are capable of masterly work. I didn’t see it in this effort. I saw a book that had huge potential reduced to a weekday drama, and I always rail against wasted potential. I do not know the details surrounding this recent offering, but I have read many serials over the years that exhibit similar attributes. It was my impression that the characters in this story were simply moved about on a board, instead of being developed anew for the fresh reader. I fully understand that the wellsprings of inspiration run dry, and that sequels peter out over time. That may be the case here.

As for the positive reviews you received from others – I am glad there are those who liked your book. There is truly something for everyone available in this world today. If you would be so kind as to supply the names of these intrepid scribes, that I may discount their opinions in future Amazon trolls, I will be forever in your debt. With such weighty opinion in obvious opposition with my assessment, I am flattered that you have spent the effort to respond to my humble musings.

And I have not given up on you. I am making you a promise that I will read one of the aforementioned texts, and give an honest accounting of what I find. I also want to thank you for linking our site. While you are here, please browse around, both on the Front Page where we are now, and in the forums. There is something for everyone here, if you have the stomach, and it would be an honor to see your contributions to our Three Things discussions. Again, thanks for your interest in my review, and good luck with your future endeavors.

Thanks for the review, although I think you badly miss the point. Far from being a ‘grind-em-out’ author, I’ve been writing this series as an homage to Golden Age mysteries, in which each book emulates a famous authorial style – this one is very clearly modelled on the writer Edmund Crispin (look him up).

Christopher, thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Perhaps I jumped the gun on calling you a hack, but such is the danger of putting out half-assed efforts like this one. You are judged on every work you produce, and unfortunately, the one a reader picks up could be the only one he ever reads.

I don’t care who you were trying to emulate. It still does not excuse what I read. You are damned lucky I finished the thing. I am glad that you have produced some real quality, and in fairness, I plan to read one of the books you mentioned, and hopefully return a glowing review for you. I don’t like wasting my time with mediocrity, and if Ellison thinks it’s great, I’m sure I will too.

Thanks again for for your comments, and the leads to what I am sure will be great reading experiences.

Looks like this one won’t be among the three for the price of two books I pick up next time I am in Waterstones.

Now where did I put those socks……?