About three weeks ago, I mentioned the latest DI Meg Dalton book, and its author (also my niece) Roz Watkins.
The Daily Mail just gave Cut To The Bone, which comes out this month, this glowing review:
TWO years ago, I warmly welcomed DI Meg Dalton in Watkins’ debut. Now in her third outing, she has developed into a memorable detective with attitude, pounding Derbyshire’s Peak District with commendable fortitude.
A young social media star — famous for cooking sausages on a barbecue wearing only a bikini — goes missing from her job at an abattoir on a summer’s night.
Traces of blood and hair are found in one of the pig troughs, but there is no sign of the victim. Has she been killed?
Even more importantly, what on earth was she doing working in an abattoir in the first place?
Have animal rights protesters harmed her, or is there something more sinister at work? Has she fallen prey to the ghost of the Pale Child who, legend has it, announces death if once seen?
Subtly plotted, and with a delicate sense of place, it confirms Watkins in the front rank of British crime writers.
Strong stuff, especially that last bit.
I think, Brian, that Roz continues to develop into a major writer in her genre. I know from former colleagues, with a greater knowledge of literature and this genre than myself, that her presence in this genre continues to attract growing attention. What I had not realised is the extent to which many readers want thrilling novels which also have literary quality.
A good friend of mine, and former university lecturer in European and American literature, tells me that Roz has the ability to provide that. And here Brian, rather like yourself as her uncle, I must be careful of undue family bias, as I am Roz’s dad.
Denis
As you say, with that surname of yours, the question automatically arises: Are you by any chance related? Is that why you think Roz is a good writer?
With me, I don’t like dishonest writing, so despite that surname of mine (and of my sister until you and she got married) being unconnected, I want to keep declaring my family connection whenever I write about Roz’s books. People can call that boasting, because it is, among other things. But I keep saying it also, so they know I’m biased in Roz’s favour.
At which point, I have the same problem you do, of convincing anyone that I actually do think that Roz does write very well.
That’s why, like you, I like to quote others when they say nice things about her stuff. See, he’s not her uncle, but look what he says!
So, now might be a good time to mention that my GodDaughter (number 2 – the singer) also thinks Roz’s books are good. She doesn’t have to say this, but she does.
I also mean it when I say that Roz communicates very well when speaking, both in internet interviews and in the little talks she does at things like book-signing events. I don’t just mean the right words, I mean the right atmosphere and tone. She is great at rapport. When she says something even mildly funny, people laugh.
I also think there’s a connection between talking well and writing well. The best writers seem always to be asking themselves: How would I say that? And: If someone like this said that, how would it sound? Would it communicate what they are trying to communicate, and what I am trying to communicate about them? Will people get it? I bet Roz does that, if she ever gets stuck with a tricky bit of dialogue.