‘The biggest dangers are the ones we don’t see…’
I have heard so many wonderful reports about the writing of Helen Fields, that I was delighted when the opportunity arose to take part in the blog tour for her latest novel Perfect Death.
Having practiced criminal and family law for thirteen years, Helen Fields writes with a knowledgeable hand, with Perfect Death being the third book in the DI Callanach Series just published with Avon Books (Harper Collins).
I am delighted to have Helen Fields join me today with a post entitled ‘My Current Must-Watch Small Screen Inspirations’, but first let me tell you all a little about the book.
(PS. I am almost finished reading Perfect Death and Wow! what a fantastic & compelling read it is!! Valentine’s Day & mid-term for my kids slightly impacted my review/blogging time this week, so I will have my review for you all next week)
Book Info:
Your new addiction starts here: get hooked on the #1 bestselling series. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and M.J. Arlidge.
There’s no easy way to die…
Unknown to DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner, a serial killer has Edinburgh firmly in his grip. The killer is taking his victims in the coldest, most calculating way possible – engineering slow and painful deaths by poison, with his victims entirely unaware of the drugs flooding their bloodstream until it’s too late.
But how do you catch a killer who hides in the shadows? A killer whose pleasure comes from watching pain from afar? Faced with their most difficult case yet, Callanach and Turner soon realise they face a seemingly impossible task…
Purchase Link ~ Perfect Death
My Current Must-Watch Small Screen Inspirations
by Helen Fields
I love television series. Truly, just as much as I love reading a good book, although I feel a twinge of guilt writing those words. The thing is, a good script is an extraordinary form of writing. The delivery itself might be made or broken by the acting and directing, but you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Bad script means bad footage, and there’s no way of hiding it. So these are the highlights of what I’ve watched in the last few months, and a few comments about what to look out for should you have a look-see yourselves.
‘Godless’ (Netflix) stars Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Jeff Daniels (Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom amongst tons of other stuff). They were both well cast. Dockery does a remarkably good American accent, and seems entirely comfortable in the wild west shooting guns. Jeff Daniels is as understated as ever, but when he does let an emotion flow over his face, it’s like watching a complete movie of its own. The premise is that a young outlaw has left his gang of bandits, stolen from them, and they are pursuing him for vengeance, killing anyone who gets in the way. There’s a high body count and some unpleasant scenes, but this series is absolutely remarkable. The dialogue is clever, used sparingly, and reveals more about the characters in a few words than longer monologues could achieve. There are some extraordinary characters that break the usual western stereotypes, thrown up as the byproduct of a town where all the men died in a mining accident leaving the women to look after themselves. It hasn’t yet received the recognition is deserves, but take my advice. Watch this 7 part mini-series. Not a minute wasted.
‘Chance’ brings us Hugh Laurie as a forensic neuropsychiatrist who gets involved in the life of one of his patients who claims a split personality and an abusive ex who happens to be a cop. This is perfect for those who like their TV crime with a heavy dose of psychology, and it builds suspense really well. The acting is superb, and what the series does best is make the viewer feel uneasy and uncomfortable. I won’t give away any more of the plot, but this is a new take on the “did she/didn’t she?” theme that so many psychological dramas utilise, and it’s brilliantly constructed.
Finally, ‘Alias Grace’ (Netflix) set in 19th century Canada, from the novel by Margaret Atwood. It’s hard to imagine not enjoying a storyline put together by the master of the dystopian genre, and this does not disappoint. Sarah Gadon takes the role of Grace (serving a prison sentence for a crime that no one’s sure if she committed or not) and she makes the character entirely her own. The locations are stunning. The details are immaculate, from costume to hair and makeup.
If you loved A Handmaid’s Tale then check this out. Watch for the moments when the dialogue doesn’t give you what you want or expect. The beauty of the script is that it constantly keeps you itching for more information.
Something here for most tastes if you like your entertainment on the dark side.
Enjoy, and apologies if you don’t get much done for a few weeks while you’re binge-watching!
About Helen Fields:
Helen Fields is the crime name that EVERYONE needs to know about.
Helen Fields studied law at the University of East Anglia, then went on to the Inns of Court School of Law in London. After completing her pupillage, she joined chambers in Middle Temple where she practised criminal and family law for thirteen years.
After her second child was born, Helen left the Bar. Together with her husband David, she runs a film production company, acting as script writer and producer.The Di Callanach series is set in Scotland, where Helen feels most at one with the world. Helen and her husband now live in Hampshire with their three children and two dogs.
Twitter ~ @Helen_Fields
Website ~ http://helenfields.co.uk/
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About the author, thank you for your blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.
So very welcome. Thank you for dropping by!!