Living, coping and observing in the age of Covid #9

NO doubt the nation’s heart has gone out to another victim of the pandemic. Fortunately it is Random Acts of Kindness Week (yes, really) and help may soon be on its way to this poor soul. There are likely numerous others in much the same situation. However, they will get overlooked for they lack the necessary power and persuasion. They can merely sympathise and pray this unfortunate being soon receives all the support and assistance she deserves. After all, who could not be moved by the plight of… Continue reading

ONE of the many pleasures gained from reading crime fiction is being plunged deep into places never previously visited. Or, if having been there only superficially as a mere transient, now getting down and dirty with the locals. No longer passing through but going well and truly off piste. The crime novel as a Baedecker. So much so that often the main character is not the sleuth but the location, or locus as many of them pompously refer to it. We thread our way along the calles and canals of Venice with Donna Leon or Michael Dibdin as our guides. Continue reading