Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Deep Blue Trouble
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Marland, Stephanie
BIRTHDATE: 24-Aug
WEBSITE: https://crimethrillergirl.com/
CITY: Buckinghamshire
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY: British
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born August 24, in Birmingham, England.
EDUCATION:City University London, M.A. Trained as a bounty hunter in CA.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Writing coach on the Crime Fiction Coach website. Previously, worked as a blogger and at a university.
AVOCATIONS:Reading.
MEMBER:International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime.
WRITINGS
Creator of the blog, Crime Thriller Girl.
SIDELIGHTS
Steph Broadribb is a British writer of crime novels and thrillers. She also works as a writing coach for a website. Previously, Broadribb was employed by a university. She holds a master’s degree from City University London.
Deep Down Dead
Deep Down Dead is Broadribb’s first novel and the opening book in her “Lori Anderson Action Thriller” series. In this volume, she introduces the series protagonist, a Florida-based bounty hunter and single mother. In an interview with Lucy V. Hay, which appeared on Hay’s self-titled website, Broadribb explained: “When I started writing Deep Down Dead I also wanted to create a female protagonist who was independent and solved her own problems. Lori Anderson is a female bounty hunter—she’s a woman in a predominantly male world, and a single mom too.”
Regarding the series’s setting, Broadribb told a writer on the Crime Fiction Lover website: “The U.S. is such an amazing place to set a novel as every state is different in culture, geography and weather—which gives you so many possibilities. I chose Florida as Lori’s base because firstly it’s a place I know pretty well—I have family there and so am a frequent visitor, and also because it’s such a diverse state.” Broadribb continued: “When people think of Florida they often think of Miami, beaches and theme parks—the tourist world—but there’s a whole other side to the place that’s waiting to be discovered; the central Florida residential areas, and the wild beauty of the Everglades to name a couple. I wanted to explore both the familiar and the less familiar aspects of the place with my story.” In an interview with S.J.I. Holliday, contributor to the Thrill Begins website, Broadribb stated: “When I decided to write a book with a female bounty hunter as the main character I felt that if it was going to be authentic I needed to find out what the job is actually like, especially for a woman in that world. I’d already done some research into bounty hunting, and had made contact with a bounty hunter in California who trains people and runs his own bail bond and bounty hunting business. So I asked if I could come out and train with him. Luckily he said yes.” Broadribb added: “I got to … find out what the reality of making your living from being a bounty hunter is like.”
Deep Blue Trouble
In Deep Blue Trouble, the second book in the series, Lori tracks down an escaped convicted known as the Fish. She also works to free her boyfriend, JT, from jail when he is falsely accused of murder. Referring to Lori, a Publishers Weekly critic commented: “Readers will cheer her every step of the way.”
A reviewer on the Crime Fiction Lover website suggested: “There is a mildly irritating tendency for a handful of characters, Lori in particular, to use a local form of diction, using ‘real’ instead of ‘really’ for instance. … However, Like Deep Down Dead, Deep Blue Trouble will really grab your attention as the plot races forward with plenty of bumps, thumps and gritty action.”
My Little Eye
My Little Eye is a crime novel written under the pseudonym, Stephanie Marland. It finds a detective and a blogger working together to solve the murder of a young woman.
A writer on the Northern Crime website remarked: “The story will resonate with any television crime news addict. … Cleverly, Marland exploits our trial by media mentality. She gives us plenty to think about.” The same writer added: “The beauty of My Little Eye is the creativity Marland brings to the serial killer thriller.” “There’s no page filling in sight, there’s no overly descriptive narrative, just a perfectly balanced, perfectly written, perfectly plotted, perfectly executed perfect book,” asserted a contributor to the Emma the Little Bookworm website.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, May 21, 2018, review of Deep Blue Trouble, p. 52.
ONLINE
5WH, https://mikethomasauthor.co.uk/ (January 4, 2017), Mike Thomas, author interview.
Chillers Killers and Thrillers, https://chillerskillersandthrillers.wordpress.com/ (June 4, 2018), author interview.
Crime Fiction Lover, https://crimefictionlover.com/ (November 6, 2016), author interview; (March 3, 2018), review of Deep Blue Trouble.
Emma the Little Bookworm, https://emmathelittlebookworm.wordpress.com/ (February 20, 2018), review of My Little Eye.
Irish Times Online, https://www.irishtimes.com/ (January 31, 2017), Martin Doyle, author interview.
Lucy V. Hay website, http://www.lucyvhayauthor.com/ (January 9, 2017), Lucy V. Hay, author interview.
Northern Crime, https://northerncrime.wordpress.com/ (November 23, 2017), review of My Little Eye.
Steph Broadribb website, https://crimethrillergirl.com/ (October 9, 2018).
Thrill Begins, http://thrillbegins.com/ (February 1, 2017), S.J.I. Holliday, author interview.
Crime Thriller Girl (aka Steph Broadribb aka Stephanie Marland) leads a double life …
I started out as a corporate suit by day and a crime fiction blogger – Crime Thriller Girl (hence the name of my blog) by night. Now I’m a thriller writer, writing as Steph Broadribb and Stephanie Marland. I’m an avid reader of all things crime thriller and I love to connect with people who share the same passion for books.
Here’s a little more about my writing selves…
As Steph Broadribb I write the Lori Anderson action thriller series for Orenda Books. When researching the books I trained as a Bounty Hunter in California and travelled around the US scouting locations. My debut thriller – DEEP DOWN DEAD – was shortlisted for the ITW Best First Novel, the eDunnit eBook of the Year award, the Dead Good Reader Award for Fearless Female Character, and Dead Good Reader Award for Most Exceptional Debut. The second book in the Lori Anderson series – DEEP BLUE TROUBLE – came out in January 2018, with the third DEEP DIRTY TRUTH due to be published in ebook this autumn and paperback in January 2019.
As Stephanie Marland I write the Starke/Bell psychological police procedural series for Trapeze (Orion). This series draws on my own experience as a blogger and the research I did (when working at a university for my day job) into human behaviour in online groups. The first book – MY LITTLE EYE – came out in April this year, with the second – YOU DIE NEXT – due to be published in ebook and paperback in April 2019.
I’m repped by Oli Munson at AM Heath.
And I’m a founder member and writing coach at www.crimefictioncoach.com
I was born in Birmingham and grew up in Buckinghamshire, and most of my working life has been spent between the UK and USA. I’m an alumni of the MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at City University London, and a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters In Crime organisations. I currently live in Buckinghamshire surrounded by horses and trying to wrangle an unruly but adorable puppy!
** PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO MY OWN WRITING COMMITMENTS I’M NOT TAKING BOOKS FOR REVIEW AT THE MOMENT**
You can also find me hanging out at:
Twitter @CrimeThrillGirl
Facebook www.facebook.com/CrimeThrillerGirl/(Steph Broadribb) and www.facebook.com/StephanieMarlandBooks (Stephanie Marland)
GoodReads Steph Broadribb
QUOTED: "The US is such an amazing place to set a novel as every state is different in culture, geography and weather—which gives you so many possibilities. I chose Florida as Lori’s base because firstly it’s a place I know pretty well—I have family there and so am a frequent visitor, and also because it’s such a diverse state."
"When people think of Florida they often think of Miami, beaches and theme parks—the tourist world—but there’s a whole other side to the place that’s waiting to be discovered; the central Florida residential areas, and the wild beauty of the Everglades to name a couple. I wanted to explore both the familiar and the less familiar aspects of the place with my story."
NTN: STEPH BROADRIBB INTERVIEWED
November 6, 2016 Written by crimefictionlover Published in Features 0 Permalink
stephbroadribb875ntn-2016-logo-courier_150Steph Broadribb is one of the writers you should definitely be watching out for during New Talent November, particularly if you like the kind of action seen in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series along with a strong female protagonist. Her debut novel Deep Down Dead is out now for Kindle and as a paperback from 5 January. The book features Lori Anderson, who has the unusual job of hunting down bail absconders in Florida… or wherever they run to. We asked Steph to tell us more about Lori, the Sunshine State, and driving around with someone tied up in your boot.
So, your debut crime novel is here. What are crime fiction lovers going to love about it?
Deep Down Dead is an action thriller. It tells the story of Lori Anderson, a female bounty hunter and single mom to nine-year-old Dakota. Dakota has leukaemia, and with the hospital bills racking up, Lori has no choice but to take on a job that will make her a fast buck. But the fugitive she’s assigned to haul back to court is JT – Lori’s former mentor. He’s the man who taught her everything she knows. He’s also the man who knows the secrets in her murky past. It’s a fast-paced chase across six states in three days, with the stakes – both personally and professionally – rising for Lori. She’s a kick-ass female lead, but she has vulnerabilities too. I’m hoping that thriller fans will love her determination and steadfast refusal to give up no matter what life throws at her, and enjoy going along for the ride!
Where did the idea for Lori, the female bail bond bounty hunter, come from?
The very first scene I wrote with Lori actually comes about two thirds of the way through the story now. It was the September I started the MA in Crime Fiction at City University, and we’d been set a writing assignment for the first week. I was in the US at the time, and was driving from West Virginia to Florida, the journey Lori makes in Deep Down Dead. When I was miles from anywhere, in the heart of rural Virginia, I realised that one of the taillights on my car was broken. I was literally over 100 miles from a place I could get it fixed, and I remember driving along the freeway thinking what if I get pulled over by a state trooper? My imagination starting working, and I thought – what if I got pulled over and as I was talking to the state trooper someone inside the trunk of the car banged and called out? That got me thinking about what sort of person might travel with someone hidden in the trunk, and from there Lori began to take shape!
deepdowndead300Can you give us a taster of who JT is and what their relationship is like?
JT is Lori’s former mentor and lover. He taught her everything she knows about bounty hunting, and was the love of her life. They haven’t seen each other for 10 years, and there’s a lot of unresolved issues between them. JT’s a big, rugged guy who has a reputation as a superstar bounty hunter and a bit of a loner. He’s big on justice, and although Lori takes the job to pick him up she has reservations – both about being back in contact with him, and over the offence he’s been arrested and bailed on. She thinks there must be more to the situation than the bond paperwork is telling her – and she’s right!
Why Florida, what did you want to explore with that setting?
The US is such an amazing place to set a novel as every state is different in culture, geography and weather – which gives you so many possibilities. I chose Florida as Lori’s base because firstly it’s a place I know pretty well – I have family there and so am a frequent visitor, and also because it’s such a diverse state. When people think of Florida they often think of Miami, beaches and theme parks – the tourist world – but there’s a whole other side to the place that’s waiting to be discovered; the central Florida residential areas, and the wild beauty of the Everglades to name a couple. I wanted to explore both the familiar and the less familiar aspects of the place with my story.
And the prose is first person, in quite a colloquial voice. What was it like writing in this way and getting it right?
It’s a lot of fun to write! From the first scene I wrote, Lori’s voice just kind of appeared fully formed. I think the fact I was in the US at the time helped. I was surrounded by people who talked like Lori and so it seemed natural that she talked that way. That said, I am conscious of being a British person writing an American, so I did check out some of the language and references with American friends and family to make sure it was as authentic as possible. I hope I’ve pulled it off!
You’ve been blogging as Crime Thriller Girl. What are the key things about doing so which helped you become a crime novelist?
One of the great things about blogging is that you get to read so widely across the sub-genres. Crime fiction is such a broad genre – from action thrillers, police procedurals and psychologicals all the way through to the cosies – and blogging helps introduce you to new writers and series. It also helps you learn about the world of writing and publishing. I’ve been going along to crime writing festivals like Crimefest, Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival at Harrogate, and Bloody Scotland for a few years now, and everyone is so welcoming and generous with their advice – it’s a fantastic community to be a part of.
What was City University’s crime writing course like?
I was part of the first cohort of people that did the MA in Crime Fiction. It was a fantastic experience partly because of the brilliant tutors Claire McGowan and Laura Wilson, and my fantastic guest mentor, Zoe Sharp. And also because of the great group of people I was on the course with including super talented writers Rod Reynolds (The Dark Inside/Black Night Falling) and David Young (Stasi Child). We really bonded as a group and still meet up regularly now, a couple of years on, to workshop our latest works-in-progress. I think the main thing I learnt from the course was the importance of experimenting and finding your own voice, and the value of getting critique on your writing. We wrote and workshopped new material every week, and getting that feedback on what worked and what didn’t come across so well, really picking apart the writing, was the thing that helped me learn the most.
How did your book deal with Orenda come about and what’s the process of going from unpublished to published author been like?
I’d actually met Karen Sullivan – the powerhouse head women of Orenda Books – previously at the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival. I was pitching Deep Down Dead, then in a much earlier form, at the Pitch Perfect event and she was playing football in the England vs Scotland crime writers football match! She’d encouraged me to send the story to her, but it wasn’t until quite a while later that I actually did. I’d got to know Karen quite well by then having blogged about some of her great books and been to some of the legendary Orenda book launches, and I was nervous about sending it in case she didn’t like it. Thankfully she did! The process of going from unpublished to published has been a wonderful experience. Karen and West Camel are such a great pair of editors that the process of turning Deep Down Dead from a manuscript to an actual book has been both fun and a great learning process. Now it’s starting to make its way out into the world and people are reading it I find it both exciting and rather nerve-wracking, but I’ve been totally blown away by the support of the crime writing and blogging community.
deepbluegoodbymcginnisYour book has a rough edge, and lots of action. Who would you say your main influences are?
Action thrillers are my true reading passion – from John D MacDonald’s original Travis McGee series, through to established series like Lee Child‘s Jack Reacher and Jeff Abbott’s Sam Capra – the faster and the grittier the better! More recent action series, like Tom Wood’s Victor the Assassin, Mason Cross’s Carter Blake, and Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn are also on my must-read list. I do love a dynamic female lead though, and Zoe Sharp‘s Charlie Fox is a real stand out for me. Films like Thelma & Louise, and the Long Kiss Goodnight, are also fantastic because they combine action, great characters and are female led. I’d love to see more like these in both books and film.
What’s next for you?
Well, with Deep Down Dead launching I’m getting out and about to a number of events. I’m at Iceland Noir and Portsmouth Dark Fest in November, and have a bunch of stuff in the pipeline for the new year including a special Spirits in Crime Fiction event at Milroys of Soho with fellow crime writers Daniel Pembrey, Rod Reynolds and Michael Grothaus. I’m also writing the second book in the Lori Anderson series – Deep Blue Trouble – so that’s enough to keep me out of mischief for now!
QUOTED: "When I started writing Deep Down Dead I also wanted to create a female protagonist who was independent and solved her own problems. Lori Anderson is a female bounty hunter—she’s a woman in a predominantly male world, and a single mom too."
CRIMINALLY GOOD: Interview with author Steph Broadribb
On 9th January 2017 · By Lucy Hay · With 1 Comment
steph-broadribbSo, who are you & what have you written?
Okay, so I’m Steph Broadribb also known as Crime Thriller Girl. I’m an alumni of the MA Creative Writing at City University London and trained as a bounty hunter in California.
My debut novel Deep Down Dead is out now and is the first in the Lori Anderson action thriller series. Here’s the blurb:
Lori Anderson is as tough as they come keeping her career as a Florida bounty hunter separate from her role as single mother to nine-year-old Dakota, who suffers from leukaemia. But when the hospital bills rack up, she has no choice but to take a job that will make her a fast buck. And that’s when things go wrong. The fugitive she’s chasing is JT, Lori’s former mentor – the man who taught her all she knows … the man who also knows the secrets of her murky past.
You can find out more about me at my blog, HERE , plus you can LIKE my FB page and follow me on Twitter as @CrimeThrillGirl.
Why do you write crime fiction?
I’ve always loved crime fiction ever since I first picked up a Sherlock Holmes novel when I was about eight years old. (It was The Hound of the Baskervilles – it scared me witless and I loved it!). Since then I’ve read all kinds of crime fiction – detective, action thrillers, historical, psychologicals and I have an especially soft spot for the books of the late Michael Crichton who wrote such a huge number of diverse thrillers during his career – from Jurassic Park, to A State of Fear, and Disclosure.
My first love is action thrillers though, and my heroes of the sub-genre are John D MacDonald [fav book = The Deep Blue Goodbye], Lee Child [fav book = Never Go Back], Zoe Sharp [fav book = Fifth Victim], Jeff Abbott [fav book = Run], and Mason Cross [fav book = A Time To Kill] – if you haven’t read them yet, really you should!
DEED DOWN DEAD BF AW.inddWhen I started as a student on the MA Crime Fiction at City University London and we got this massive reading list to work through before the course – seriously, about 100 novels – I decided to start a blog and write about my thoughts on them. That blog became Crime Thriller Girl and I’ve been lucky enough to read and review a huge number of brilliant books and met lots of fantastic crime writers.
Wanting to write crime fiction seemed like a natural progression from reading and loving the genre. In reality it took time, a lot of learning and a lot of practice!
What informs your crime writing?
I love ‘what ifs’ and I love putting my characters into difficult situations and seeing if I can get them out of them. I love puzzles, and I think that’s some of the attraction of crime fiction – there’s always a puzzle or mystery to solve.
I also, rather twistedly, like to take beautiful or fun, happy locations and make bad things happen. In Deep Down Dead some of the key scenes take place in a (fictional) theme park – I like scratching off the glitter and seeing what darkness might lie beneath.
When I started writing Deep Down Dead I also wanted to create a female protagonist who was independent and solved her own problems. Lori Anderson is a female bounty hunter – she’s a woman in a predominantly male world, and a single mom too. As part of my research for the book I went to California and trained as a bounty hunter. I also spent time with female bounty hunters and learnt about what it’s really like being a woman in that line of work. I’ve tried to use what I learnt in the book to make Lori as authentic as possible.
What’s your usual writing routine?
Well, I have a day job so I have to fit writing around that. Generally, I find I’m more creative if I write early in the morning before work, so I tend to get up around 5.30/6am, grab a coffee and get cracking. I write until about 7.30/8am, then rush to get ready for work and head to the office. I tend to write blog posts and reviews in the evening for the blog, but if I’m still fresh enough afterwards I’ll sometimes do a bit of editing in the evening.
Which crime book do you wish YOU’D written, and why?
I’m a huge fan of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. It’s terrifying and devastatingly heart-wrenching all at the same time. From the moment I started reading it I couldn’t put it down, and it left me in floods of tears at the end (and I rarely cry from books!). It’s narratively very clever, and has utterly compelling characters. I am in awe of the writing, and some of the passages from it still stick with me even though I read it over two years ago. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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I trained as a bounty hunter as research for my debut novel’
Deep Down Dead author Steph Broadribb on what makes her tick as a reader and a writer
Tue, Jan 31, 2017, 10:00
Martin Doyle
Steph Broadribb: Published writers are the ones who keep writing and sending stuff out. Never give up!
Steph Broadribb: Published writers are the ones who keep writing and sending stuff out. Never give up!
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What was the first book to make an impression on you?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles (the first Sherlock Holmes book I read) – as a child I sneaked it under the covers and read it by torchlight long after my bedtime. It terrified me and I adored it!
What was your favourite book as a child?
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by CS Lewis. The world of Narnia is so richly painted I was spellbound by the book from beginning to end.
And what is your favourite book or books now?
State Of Fear by Michael Crichton, Killing Floor by Lee Child, The House On The Strand by Daphne du Maurier, The Good Girl by Mary Kubica.
What is your favourite quotation?
“You weren’t born to just pay bills and die.” – Anon.
Who is your favourite fictional character?
Not sure I can just pick one – it’s a fight between Jack Reacher and Sherlock Holmes!
Who is the most under-rated Irish author?
I’m not sure that he’s under-rated, but I love Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series.
Which do you prefer – ebooks or the traditional print version?
I’m happy reading both, but if I’ve got the choice I go for a traditional print book.
What is the most beautiful book you own?
A 1937 first edition of the illustrated version of Primrose Cumming’s Silver Snaffles. It’s battered and a little tatty, but still beautiful.
Where and how do you write?
On my laptop, anywhere I can snatch a spare moment.
What book changed the way you think about fiction?
Andy Martin’s Reacher Said Nothing. It’s a fascinating study into the writing of a thriller (Make Me), the writer of the thriller (Lee Child), and the writing process as a craft.
What is the most research you have done for a book?
I trained as a bounty hunter in California as research for my debut novel Deep Down Dead so I could make sure my bounty hunter protagonist was as authentic as possible. It was a fascinating and very fun experience.
What book influenced you the most?
Gosh, that’s a hard one! I don’t think I can pinpoint any one book as I think I’m influenced by everything I read in some way or other.
What book would you give to a friend’s child on their 18th birthday?
I don’t have a go-to book for that situation. It’d depend on their interests and reading habits – I always try to match the book to the person.
What book do you wish you had read when you were young?
I don’t regret not having read any book in particular, although I wish I’d read more classics than I did. Still, I guess there’s still time!
What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Published writers are the ones who keep writing and sending stuff out. Never give up!
What weight do you give reviews?
As blogger (at crimethrillergirl.com) I review books that I love. I’m only just starting to experience reviews from the other side of the fence – but I do think they’re a great way to connect with readers and discover how they find the book.
Where do you see the publishing industry going?
It’s changing all the time, and there are more options than ever for how to get published – from the traditional bigger publishers, to some super exciting indies, through to self-publishing. What that means in the longer term who can say, but with more digital first and digital only imprints emerging I think things are going to keep changing for a long while yet.
What writing trends have struck you lately?
The trend for psychological thrillers doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down.
What lessons have you learned about life from reading?
Oh gosh, so much. From details of countries I’ve never visited to the atmosphere and tensions of historical periods I’ve never studied, through to the generousity and cruelty of human nature. I think every book you read teaches you something, even if you’re just reading it because it’s a damn good story.
What has being a writer taught you?
If you want to be a writer you need to sit down and write. Novels aren’t written overnight – they’re a marathon rather than a sprint – so the perseverance and determination to keep writing, even on the days you really don’t feel like it, is essential.
Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Michael Crichton, Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Martyn Waites, Jilly Cooper, Charlane Harris, Daphne du Maurier.
What is the funniest scene you’ve read?
I love Jilly Cooper’s humour – her naked tennis scene in Riders was genius.
What is your favourite word?
Wibble. Because it makes me laugh!
If you were to write a historical novel, which event or figure would be your subject?
Marilyn Monroe.
What sentence or passage or book are you proudest of?
As I’ve only had one book published so far, I have to say my debut novel – Deep Down Dead.
What is the most moving book or passage you have read?
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. It’s a page-turning thriller and utterly heartbreaking all at the same time.
Steph Broadribb is a graduate of the MA Creative Writing at City University London, and trained as a bounty hunter in California. Her debut novel, the action thriller Deep Down Dead is just out in paperback
Jan 4, 2017
Today I am delighted to have Steph Broadribb, author of Deep Down Dead, kick starting (in true Bounty Hunter style) my new 5WH interview blog.
A quick background check reveals that Steph (aka Crime Thriller Girl) leads a double life:
By day I’m a corporate suit, but by night (and early morning) I’m a writer, avid reader, and book reviewer of all things crime thriller.
My debut novel – DEEP DOWN DEAD – will be published by Orenda Books in early 2017. And I’m repped by Oli Munson at AM Heath.
I was born in Birmingham and grew up in Buckinghamshire. Most of my working life has been spent between the UK and USA. I’m an alumni of the MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at City University London, and trained as a bounty hunter in California. Currently, I live in Buckinghamshire surrounded by horses, cows and chickens.
So, with the interview tape running and the formalities dispensed with, let’s get on with the 5WH interview:
Who would you entrust to complete your next novel for you if you were unable to do so (alive or dead, famous or not)?
I’m not sure I’d want anyone to complete it if I’m honest. Not because I think someone else couldn’t, there are many writers who’d do a great job, but more because I think it’s hard for someone else to write ‘in the style of’ another writer. I’m a huge fan of thriller writer Michael Crichton who died in 2008.
His last novel – MICRO – was only about a third written when he died, and so the manuscript was finished and edited by novelist Richard Preston. I can remember reading the book and, although it’s very much like a Michael Crichton book, it didn’t quite work for me. It was kind of like reading ‘Michael Crichton light’ – the diet version of the real thing.
What is the most surprising thing you learned about yourself when you wrote your first novel ?
I think the most surprising thing I learnt was that I could actually write a novel! I’m dyslexic, and although I’ve always been a massive reader, spelling, grammar and sequencing have always been a big challenge – so writing a book of my own seemed like a massive long shot. But, as I’ve got older (and my laptop has spellchecker!) I’ve grown more confident with my writing. I’m also of the view that if you want to do something then you should go for it. I love books and I love crime thrillers so I decided to go for it and see what happened – Deep Down Dead was the result!
When did you first experience writer’s block and how did you deal with it?
I’m not sure I’ve ever had writer’s block as such. I’ve had days where I’ve sat and stared at the screen for an hour before writing anything, and days when the words have come quicker than others, but I’m lucky that I’ve not felt totally blocked. As I juggle a full-time day job with writing and blogging I have to be very disciplined about my writing time or I’d never get anything done. I write first thing in the morning before work – from around 5.30 am until 7.30am – and I try to make every minute count.
Why do you think crime fiction is so popular as a genre?
Maybe because there’s a puzzle at the heart of it? I love books where I can try and piece together the clues along with the protagonists – it’s the intrigue and mystery that keeps me reading.
Where is the most unusual place you have found inspiration for your novels/characters?
I guess that depends on your definition of unusual, but I find I get inspiration from loads of places. I got inspiration from the wild beauty of rural West Virginia for some of the early scenes in Deep Down Dead, and from the glittery, super happy environment of Florida theme parks for the later scenes. Researching my novel took me from climbing up a mountain in West Virginia at dawn, to bounty hunter training in California, and kayaking with Gators in the Everglades. Along the way I met some fascinating people, many of whom were generous in sharing their stories with me. I also have a very overactive imagination – so where ever I am and whatever I’m doing I’m always thinking ‘what if this happened?’ and ‘what if that happened?’
How you did celebrate your first novel being accepted?
I was on a train when Orenda Books offered me a book deal and have to admit that I squealed out loud, much to the amusement of my fellow train passengers! That night I was attending a book launch in London and I had a few drinks with my writing friends.
It all felt rather surreal though, and I think it took several weeks for it to sink in. In fact it’s only really now, having held a physical copy of Deep Down Dead in my hands, that it all seems real!
Thanks, Steph – great interview!
I’m exhausted just reading about those 5.30am starts, though!
Deep Down Dead – out in Paperback 5 Jan 2017 has now officially been added to my TBR pile. Here’s the blurb:
Lori Anderson is as tough as they come, managing to keep her career as a fearless Florida bounty hunter separate from her role as single mother to nine-year-old Dakota, who suffers from leukaemia. But when the hospital bills start to rack up, she has no choice but to take her daughter along on a job that will make her a fast buck. And that’s when things start to go wrong.
The fugitive she’s assigned to haul back to court is none other than JT, Lori’s former mentor – the man who taught her everything she knows … the man who also knows the secrets of her murky past. Not only is JT fighting a child exploitation racket operating out of one of Florida’s biggest theme parks, Winter Wonderland, a place where ‘bad things never happen’, but he’s also mixed up with the powerful Miami Mob. With two fearsome foes on their tails, just three days to get JT back to Florida, and her daughter to protect, Lori has her work cut out for her. When they’re ambushed at a gas station, the stakes go from high to stratospheric, and things become personal.
If you want to find out even more about Steph, you can find her on her Website or Twitter
QUOTED: "When I decided to write a book with a female bounty hunter as the main character I felt that if it was going to be authentic I needed to find out what the job is actually like, especially for a woman in that world. I’d already done some research into bounty hunting, and had made contact with a bounty hunter in California who trains people and runs his own bail bond and bounty hunting business. So I asked if I could come out and train with him. Luckily he said yes."
"I got to ... find out what the reality of making your living from being a bounty hunter is like."
S.J.I. Holliday
Debut Author Spotlight: Steph Broadribb
(Ed. Note: This column ran simultaneously in The Big Thrill.)
Ah…Steph Broadribb. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you will surely have come across the phenomenon that is Crime Thriller Girl. Blogger, interviewer and international crime festival-goer – she’s now gone and written a book…and what a book it is! Deep Down Dead is the first in the series, featuring the bad-ass sparkly-heeled bounty hunter, Lori Anderson and the smoldering love-interest, JT. I loved this book. I think you will too.
First things first, the bounty hunter…So did you decide to train as a bounty hunter because you wanted to write a book about it, or were you writing a book about it and realized you needed to do some authentic research?
When I decided to write a book with a female bounty hunter as the main character I felt that if it was going to be authentic I needed to find out what the job is actually like, especially for a woman in that world. I’d already done some research into bounty hunting, and had made contact with a bounty hunter in California who trains people and runs his own bail bond and bounty hunting business. So I asked if I could come out and train with him. Luckily he said yes, so I flew out to California and learnt all about bounty hunting – how to track a fugitive, methods of restraint and defense, the legal system, and business side of the job. I got to meet a great bunch of people, and find out what the reality of making your living from being a bounty hunter is like for men and women.
Sounds like fun! I’m guessing you had to get tasered, right? What was that like?
I actually wasn’t! It doesn’t look fun though, so I reckon I’ll try and avoid getting tasered for as long as I can!!
I reckon avoiding getting tasered is good life advice for all of us. Next up: Lori. She’s you, isn’t she? I mean, she’s blonde and sexy and she’s got your sparkly heels.
Ha ha! Well, she comes from me, so I guess there’s some of me in her. I’ve got the blonde hair, and I wear the heels and the cowboy boots, but I’d say she’s a sassier, kick-ass version of me!
Right. So she’s definitely you. And JT? Who is he, exactly? In your head? When I first read the book I thought he was Hugh Jackman, but now I’m thinking he might be a Thelma and Louise style Brad Pitt?
He could be an aged Thelma and Louise style Brad Pitt for sure. When I was writing him I had an image of Robert Redford in his mid-forties in my mind. If we’re talking dream casting, I reckon Brad would be very cool. Also Charlie Hunnam, Josh Holloway, or Michael Fassbender.
All excellent choices. OK, some more serious stuff now. Tell us what led you to write this book. It’s not the first thing you’ve written, is it?
I’ve had a go at a few ‘practice’ novels that will never see the light of day, but this is my first published book. I’m a huge fan of the action thriller genre and so I knew I wanted to write an action thriller and I wanted to have a female lead. It was really important to me that the protagonist was independent and solved her own problems, but had vulnerabilities too. From that idea, Lori Anderson began to take shape.
And how does it feel now that people are reading the book? It’s caused quite a splash already seeing as it’s grabbed the attention of 3 very big hitters (Lee child, Ian Rankin and Mark Billingham).
It’s kind of strange that the characters and story that have been in my head for so long are now out there in the world! But I’ve been totally overwhelmed and humbled by the response to the book so far. Having Lee, Ian, and Mark’s quotes on the cover is still incredibly surreal. I’ve been reading them and loving their books for so long, and to have my writing heroes read my book, let alone quote for it, has been a totally mind blowing experience!
I’ll bet! So what are you working on now? Are we going to see more of Lori and JT? Are they going to settle down somewhere and set up a ranch or something?
I’m working on the second book in the Lori Anderson series – DEEP BLUE TROUBLE – at the moment, which picks up a couple of weeks after the end of DEEP DOWN DEAD. So yes, there will be more of Lori and JT, although I can’t see them settling down someplace anytime soon. Wherever Lori goes, trouble is usually close behind!
Trouble. Yes. (Definitely you). You must be gearing up for some publicity events this year… Anything we should know about? What about those ‘Slice Girls’ we keep hearing about? *cough*
I am indeed! I’ll be getting about in the UK during the first part of the year, and then over in the US and Canada in the later part of 2017 (dates will be on my website www.crimethrillergirl.com very soon). And I’ll definitely be joining up with my Slice Girl sisters – your good self, AK Benedict, Alexandra Sokoloff, and Louise Voss – to shake our thing at the festivals again this year. Can’t wait to put on my corset and heels again!
Which reminds me, I need to get myself a new corset too! Thanks, Steph. I know this book is going to do brilliantly, and I hope to hear news of a Hollywood deal very soon. In the meantime, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give to anyone starting out on their writing journey?
Thank you! And thanks for a very fun time being interviewed!
In terms of writing tips, I’d say the main thing is to read a lot, and read widely. You can learn so much about writing from reading – what works, what doesn’t work so well, how to create suspense, different narrative styles and ways of telling a story.
Steph Broadribb is an alumni of the MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at City University London, and trained as a bounty hunter in California. As her alter ego – Crime Thriller Girl – she indulges her love of all things crime fiction by blogging at www.crimethrillergirl.com. Most of her working life has been spent between the UK and USA. She currently lives in Buckinghamshire, England surrounded by horses, cows, and chickens. DEEP DOWN DEAD is her debut novel.
To learn more about DEEP DOWN DEAD, click on the cover below:
Blog Tour Character Q&A: My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland
Posted on 06/04/2018 by rhemms
Today, I’m super pleased to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland, who also writes under her name Steph Broadribb and blogs as Crime Thriller Girl. My Little Eye is published by Trapeze and is the first in the Starke and Bell series.
For my stop I have managed to interview Clementine Starke, one of the main protagonist from the novel – and I can tell you she wasn’t very easy to pin down.
But before the interview, here’s the blurb for My Little Eye:
KISS THE GIRLS
A young woman is found dead in her bedroom surrounded by rose petals – the latest victim of ‘The Lover’. Struggling under the weight of an internal investigation, DI Dominic Bell is no closer to discovering the identity of the killer and time is running out.
AND MAKE THEM DIE…
As the murders escalate, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime group determined to take justice in their own hands – to catch the killer before the police. Hiding a dark secret, she takes greater risks to find new evidence and infiltrate the group.
As Starke and Bell get closer to cracking the case neither of them realise they’re being watched. The killer is closer to them than they think, and he has his next victim – Clementine – firmly in his sights.
My Little Eye
Over to the Interview:
Location: Clerkenwell.
Interviewer: Rachel Emms, (RE), Reporter for CKT
Interviewee: Clementine Starke, (CS), PHD Researcher
RE: Thanks for meeting with me Clementine, I really appreciate it. Clementine just nodded her head. Might as well just dive in then. What made you want to study online true crime fanatic groups?
CS: The conversations in true crime groups are a lot more interesting than looking at feed full of users posting pictures of their dinner. True crime addicts have such purpose and drive. And anyway, people are fascinating, aren’t they, the way they behave? They give away so much of themselves online, and yet many of them do not even realise what they’re doing. I see it, though. And I see the cracks in the personas they create too. Online you can be anyone you want to be. There’s something liberating about that, something that makes people feel like they are safe to experiment. Or at least a lot of people think that they are safe.
RE: Interesting. You’re part of one aren’t you? Don’t you think you are taking your research a step too far?
CS: I have joined a true crime forum, yes. But going too far – no, I don’t think so – after all, how far is too far? I’m an action researcher not a scientist in a lab coat. I participate alongside my subjects for a deeper immersive experience. The data is richer this way, and my learning from the subjects is fast-tracked. Potentially what I’m doing will be ground breaking.
RE: What types of things have you got up to while you’ve been in the group?
CS: She gives me a hard stare before answering. I’m not at liberty to talk about our investigation in detail. What I can tell you is that we study crime cases, some active and some cold. We investigate them, and we’re very good.
RE: I’d better change tact. Do you think then that the Met are limited in their resources and there should be more online crime fanatics going around solving the case for them? Surely all these people would get in the way?
CS: Well, obviously I’m going to say that I think the idea has potential. Certainly not all groups of true crime fans are like mine. Each of us has a very specific set of skills that we bring to the group which lets us know more facts than the average member of the public, and gets us access to information usually only seen by the police and the medical examiner. Just to be clear, though, I’m not admitting to breaking the law. All I will say is that we bend the law just about as far as it goes.
RE: I lean forward. Since getting to know this group have you changed your opinion about the police?
CS: Why would I? What have you heard? I don’t like what you’re insinuating.
RE: Dead end. I’ll ask about the killer instead, might find out something juicy. Doesn’t it scare you knowing The Lover is still out there, preying on young women? You’re very brave putting yourself out there to try and catch him or her
CS: It’s not a question of being brave. It’s a question of getting a killer off the street. He needs to be caught, and the police aren’t doing it are they? So we had to step in. I’m confident that we will beat the police at their own game. We’re getting closer.
RE: Can you shed any light on anything you’ve found out from the true crime group that the police have refused to tell the public? Surely some of them have contacts and have found something? I only have the public’s best interests at heart.
CS: I’m sure the police have their reasons for keeping some details secret, and I’m hardly likely to just come out and tell you all that I know, am I? For all I know you could be part of a true crime group as well, you might think you’re some kind of serious rival to True Crime London.
She gives me a serious expression.
CS: Just so you know, you’re not.
RE: Time to push one final time. I don’t think I’m getting anywhere, she definitely keeps her cards close to her chest. Do you have any idea who the murderer is? Surely one of these crime fanatics know? Or maybe it’s one of them?
CS: We have a hypothesis and a number of leads that we’re following. We work as a group, a team, and we pool our information in a special online area set up by our leader, Death Stalker, to serve the collective good. Most of the time, anyway. Just as long as there isn’t any rivalry getting in the way.
RE: With that Clementine checks the time on her phone, stands up and walks off before I can even draw another breath. Guess that’s the end of that interview, but at least I got a name – Death Stalker.
A massive thank you to Stephanie for answering my questions for Clementine – an amazing protagonist!
About the Author:
Stephanie Marland
Stephanie Marland has worked in the University sector for over ten years and published research on how people interact and learn together in virtual environments online. She’s an alumni of the MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at City University London, and an avid reader of all things crime fiction, blogging about books at http://www.crimethrillergirl.com. Steph also writes the Lori Anderson action thriller series (Deep Down Dead and Deep Blue Trouble) as Steph Broadribb.
To find out more about Stephanie Marland, follow her on twitter @crimethrillgirl.
Intrigued? My Little Eye is out now and can be ordered from Amazon here. Or Waterstones here. It’s a thrilling read!
Don’t forget to check out all the other fabulous stops on this blog tour!
QUOTED: "Readers will cheer her every step of the way."
Deep Blue Trouble
Publishers Weekly. 265.21 (May 21, 2018): p52.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Deep Blue Trouble
Steph Broadribb. Orenda (IPG, dist.), $14.95 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-1-910633-93-9
At the outset of British author Broadribb's rough and tumble sequel to Deep Down Dead, Florida bounty hunter Lori Anderson makes an off-the-books deal with FBI special agent Alex Monroe. She agrees to track down Gibson "the Fish" Fletcher, a thief turned murderer who's escaped from police custody, in exchange for Monroe ensuring the freedom of her former lover, JT Tate, who's in prison awaiting trial for multiple killings that he confessed to but didn't commit. Tate, who's under threat from imprisoned members of the Miami Mob, has only recently learned that he's the father of Anderson's nine-year-old daughter, Dakota, whose safety is also in play. The deck is stacked against Anderson, starting with Monroe's insistence that she work with bounty hunter Dez McGregor, who's dismissive of her talents. As Anderson follows Fletcher's trail to California, she faces insults, attacks, and deceptions from a host of people connected to the fugitive, including his brother and his lover, with grit and determination. Readers will cheer her every step of the way. Agent: OH Munson, A.M. Heath (U.K.). (July)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Deep Blue Trouble." Publishers Weekly, 21 May 2018, p. 52. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A541012606/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=bb2520cf. Accessed 30 Sept. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A541012606
QUOTED: "There is a mildly irritating tendency for a handful of characters, Lori in particular, to use a local form of diction, using ‘real’ instead of ‘really’ for instance. ... However, Like Deep Down Dead, Deep Blue Trouble will really grab your attention as the plot races forward with plenty of bumps, thumps and gritty action."
DEEP BLUE TROUBLE
March 3, 2018 Written by Purity Brown Published in iBook, Kindle, Print, Reviews 0 Permalink
Written by Steph Broadribb — Lori Anderson, Steph Broadribb’s Florida-based bounty hunter and single mother, returns in Deep Blue Trouble. There’s no rest for Lori as this story begins one week after the events in the author’s debut novel, Deep Down Dead.
Old Man Bonchese, head of the Miami mob, believes James ‘JT’ Tate was responsible for the disappearance of Lori’s husband, a man Bonchese thought of like a son. But it was Lori who killed her husband after trying to apprehend him for the murder of her best friend.
JT is the father of Lori’s daughter, Dakota, was Lori’s mentor in the bail bond trade, and is willing to take the blame for the murder in order to protect Lori. After events in the previous book, he’s now in prison with a contract on his head. Ironic, considering he is a bounty hunter as well. After years of stifling feelings for JT, they’ve resurfaced for Lori and she’s desperate to get him out of prison so they can be a proper family.
Special Agent Alex Monroe offers to help Lori and JT but only if she will undertake a job for the FBI. Until last week Gibson ‘The Fish’ Fletcher, a high-end thief, had been serving a triple life sentence in a maximum security prison for murdering two people on a yacht. Now he’s escaped, killing three guards in the process. Lori has successfully tracked down Gibson before and Monroe wants her to do so again. Apparently, the absconder is heading for San Diego.
Reluctantly, Lori agrees. Aided by Red, an expert at ferreting out information, Lori first travels to meet Gibson’s brother, Donald. But he’s living in a house with excessively high security measures and is reluctant to talk. Donald hasn’t seen Gibson for a while, but he tells Lori that his brother was in a long term relationship with a married woman, Mia Searle. The husband, Marco, found out but Gibson ended up in prison for theft before Marco could carry out his threat of killing the man. While Gibson was doing time, the Searles relocated to San Diego, where Gibson is heading – Lori assumes for Mia.
However, all is not as it seems. Lori is being followed by a mystery man and the mob are on the trail of Gibson too. What he stole was a solid gold chess set worth $1.3 million, and it’s still missing…
Despite following on so quickly from its predecessor, Deep Blue Trouble can be read as a standalone well enough. Broadribb lays out the previous events over the first few chapters, ably filling in the blanks for those new to Lori Anderson although perhaps a tighter precis might have been beneficial. However, what follows is a generally pacey, page-turner of a novel with Lori racing against the clock to get JT out of jail and keep her daughter safe. Hardly anyone is who they seem to be. Lots of twists and turns.
There are no major issues with the overall story, it pushes along with a steady flow of reveals. Lori steadily wins over her detractors and comes through against the odds. The exception is the person following Lori. Although it adds extra impetus to the story, the final reveal is a bit of a disappointment and leaves a degree of cliffhanger, presumably for the next instalment. And there is a mildly irritating tendency for a handful of characters, Lori in particular, to use a local form of diction, using ‘real’ instead of ‘really’ for instance. It might be accurate but it starts to feel forced at a rate of two or three usages a page. However, like Deep Down Dead, Deep Blue Trouble will really grab your attention as the plot races forward with plenty of bumps, thumps and gritty action.
For two more recent action thrillers try Into the Black Nowhere and The Bomb Maker. You can also check out our interview with Steph Broadribb here.
Orenda Books
Print/Kindle/iBook
£4.31
CFL Rating: 4 Stars
QUOTED: "The story will resonate with any television crime news addict. ... Cleverly, Marland exploits our trial by media mentality. She gives us plenty to think about."
"The beauty of My Little Eye is the creativity Marland brings to the serial killer thriller."
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My Little Eye – Stephanie Marland (@crimethrillgirl)
Posted on 23/11/2017 by Northern Crime
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My Little Eye was published by Trapeze on 2 November 2017
Can a group of true crime addicts take on the police to catch a serial killer?
KISS THE GIRLS AND MAKE THEM DIE…
A young woman is found dead in her bedroom surrounded by rose petals – the latest victim of ‘The Lover’. Struggling under the weight of an internal investigation, DI Dominic Bell is no closer to discovering the identity of the killer and time is running out.
As the murders escalate, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime group determined to take justice in their own hands – to catch the killer before the police. Hiding a dark secret, she takes greater risks to find new evidence and infiltrate the group.
As Starke and Bell get closer to cracking the case neither of them realise they’re being watched. The killer is closer to them than they think, and he has his next victim – Clementine – firmly in his sights.
Also by Stephanie Marland (writing as Steph Broadribb)
Deep Down Dead – Steph Broadribb
The Last Resort – short story – Steph Broadribb
My thoughts
My Little Eye is the latest from up and coming crime writer Steph Broadribb. This time, Broadribb is writing as Stephanie Marland, to hide her identity. But we know who she is! Marland brings a fresh and engaging approach to the police procedural, at this start of a brand new series.
The story will resonate with any television crime news addict. Let’s face it we all follow crime stories as they play out in the news media. We all judge people on their body language and tone of voice. We all think we can read between the lines. We watch. We decide. Guilty or not guilty. Cleverly Marland exploits our trial by media mentality. She gives us plenty to think about. How easy it is to take fascination to extremes and forget that real lives are being devastated.
The beauty of My Little Eye is the creativity Marland brings to the serial killer thriller. Marland introduces a small group of nerds, who are determined to get to the truth. They move away from the safety of the internet to tracking down clues and interviewing witnesses. They are all hiding behind cool internet identities. Within this team, Clementine Starke is lurking. Starke; Phd student and researcher into crime. A woman of mystery. At the other end of the spectrum, DI Dominic Bell and his murder squad is hunting the killer. Bell is a man who is slowly running out of time. The Lover is escalating in terms of terror and frequency. Who will be the first to crack the case?
Oh yes! I loved this. It was a scary visit into the mind of the true crime obsessive. I am left wanting more, especially of Clementine. As I have said before Stephanie Marland/Steph Broadribb is an author to watch out for. Recommended.
QUOTED: "There’s no page filling in sight, there’s no overly descriptive narrative, just a perfectly balanced, perfectly written, perfectly plotted, perfectly executed perfect book."
Review My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland #AKA Steph Broadribb @crimethrillgirl @orion_crime @TrapezeBooks #sleepstealer
20/02/2018Creating Perfection
OMFG bookworms! You are in a for a treat!! Stephanie Marland’s My Little Eye is going to blow your socks off!!!
Here’s the blurb …
My Little Eye (Starke & Bell) by [Marland, Stephanie, Broadribb, Stephanie]
Trapeze (2 Nov. 2017)
KISS THE GIRLS
A young woman is found dead in her bedroom surrounded by rose petals – the latest victim of ‘The Lover’. Struggling under the weight of an internal investigation, DI Dominic Bell is no closer to discovering the identity of the killer and time is running out.
AND MAKE THEM DIE…
As the murders escalate, Clementine Starke joins an online true crime group determined to take justice in their own hands – to catch the killer before the police. Hiding a dark secret, she takes greater risks to find new evidence and infiltrate the group.
As Starke and Bell get closer to cracking the case neither of them realise they’re being watched. The killer is closer to them than they think, and he has his next victim – Clementine – firmly in his sights.
My thoughts …
First off, for those of you who don’t know, Stephanie Marland is a pen name used by Stephanie Broadribb, author of Deep Down Dead, the first in the Lori Anderson series which is published by Orenda Books. My Little Eye is the first in her new Starke and Bell series which is published by Trapeze Books.
OMG! This book is AMAZING!!!
Clementine Starke is a recluse. Having spent years hidden away from the world in her London apartment, she is content with watching the world through her pc. For her thesis she is investigating whether the cuts to the police force have made their job so difficult that it would be easier for civilians to solve their criminal cases. Finding like minded people online wasn’t that hard and Clementine is soon a member of a London based true crime group.
As the bodies of two women have been found, killed in what appear to be the same circumstances, the group start to believe that they would have more success than the police and so set up an elite group of the members to find out what they can.
The police are panicking, they now have three dead girls and not a clue as to who is killing them, or why and the lead detective, Dominic Bell, is also under investigation for a previous case that landed with one of the team in a coma.
As the killer strikes again, can either team of investigators catch him??
What a fanbloodytastic idea!
I love that we have a team of true crime fans sitting behind their computer screens thinking they are better than the police. It’s kinda like how EVERYONE who watched Making A Murderer became lawyers!!! However, when you think about it, one of the reasons they think they can do better is the lack of red tape they will need to go through. They don’t have endless reports to file and chains of command and protocol to follow, they can simply find the evidence they need by carefully selecting the team members who potentially have something to contribute. As the team starts to work towards to finding the killer, it soon becomes apparent to Clementine that all is not as it seems. Is she just being paranoid after her childhood? And what has made her become such a recluse?
I also loved the police team. As a new team they were intriguing and it was great to see them as they are slowly introduced to us. The dynamics between them and the way they worked together was wonderful. I really took to each of them and I really cannot wait to read more.
With chapters alternating between Bell and Starke we see the investigation unfold in a way I’ve never seen before and it was amazing! The police have some information. The crime fighters have some information. But neither team have all the information at the same time – or do they?!?!
Kicking it off with a bang, Marland knows how to perfectly pace the plot, feeding us snippets of information bit by bit by bit … she leaves you unable to put this book down, I devoured this in one sitting, it’s such a compelling read!
I love Marland’s style of writing, there’s no page filling in sight, there’s no overly descriptive narrative, just a perfectly balanced, perfectly written, perfectly plotted, perfectly executed perfect book!
Twisty and turny, you will be left wondering who the hell the killer is and why on earth they are doing what they are doing, you will really need your wits about you if you want to try and solve this one!
It’s a bloody belter!!!
I was lucky enough to be gifted a very advanced (first print run and it came from the same batch that the author got her copies from – and she signed it for so it now has a VERY special place on my shelf!!!!) proof copy of this book whilst at the Theakston Crime Festival in Harrogate last week and I will treasure it forever.
As expected after reading Deep Down Dead, Marland, like her alter ego, Broadribb, weaves a wonderful tale of mystery and suspense, a thriller that will have your heart pumping whilst you hang on to your seat, desperate to see what else Starke and Bell will have to deal with in the future!
It’s available now and it’s ONLY 99p on Kindle!! I strongly recommend that you go and get it now folks!
About the author …
Steph Broadribb
Steph Broadribb was born in Birmingham and grew up in Buckinghamshire. Most of her working life has been spent between the UK and USA. As her alter ego – Crime Thriller Girl – she indulges her love of all things crime fiction by blogging at http://www.crimethrillergirl.com
Steph is an alumni of the MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at City University London, and she trained as a bounty hunter in California. She lives in Buckinghamshire surrounded by horses, cows and chickens.