Unfortunately I don’t have a first draft Q&A for you this week, but don’t worry, it will be returning again next week and don’t forget, if you fancy doing, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Today’s Recently Read post is a little different as it comprises two books by the same author. The Sad Man and The Ugly Man by P. D. Viner. They are short stories that are a part of his Dani Lancing Trilogy of which two books are now out. The good news is that you can pick up these two short free on the Amazon store.
You can find P. D. Viner’s particularly interesting first draft Q&A, that he did a few weeks ago, Here.
The Sad Man by P. D. Viner
Police officer Tom Bevans is nicknamed the Sad Man by his colleagues. As a Family Liaison Officer he is always the bearer of bad news – it is his job to tell the friends and family of victims the fate of their loved ones.
But Tom is weighted down by crimes both old and new – haunted by the death of his best friend Dani, whose murder has never been solved.
When a rare opportunity emerges for Tom to take the lead in a horrific murder investigation, he is determined to get justice for the victim. A young girl has been found in her own home, cut so badly – and so carefully – that she has bled to death, leaving a deliberate pool of blood in the shape of angel wings…
My Thoughts:
This is a prequel to The Last Winter of Dani Lancing but you don’t need to have read the novel to read this.
I loved this short story. It gives you a real insight into DS Tom Bevans and his past and bizarrely his current relationship with Dani Lancing. Through Tom the story explores grief and guilt and how it is dealt with.
The murders Tom investigates are serious but Viner manages to keep the integrity of a murder story within such a short space and the ending was heart racing stuff that left you wanting to read the next novel. A great short story.
The Ugly Man by P. D. Viner
The whole country baking in a heatwave. And in a sleepy Derbyshire village a man, known locally as the Ugly Man, walks into his local with a claw hammer and in front of everyone brutally murders the young woman behind the bar.
For Patricia Lancing, juggling the demands of being a wife and mother alongside her desire to get recognition as an investigative journalist, this could be the case that makes her career.
If she survives it.
My Thoughts:
This, the second short story in the Dani Lancing series is very different to The Sad Man.
The Ugly Man is set in the 1970’s around Dani’s mum Patti and her time as a journalist. Viner captures the era well without overplaying the sexism that was clearly rife at that time in such career choices. Though it is there and is shown, you don’t feel as though it is being rammed down your throat.
The Ugly Man is a facially disfigured man and it is this that earned him the childish and nasty nickname that stuck.
I really enjoyed this. Lines were blurred. Knowing who was the victim and offender weren’t always clear cut and human nature was exposed for all its frailties.
The novella has an interesting voice and will keep you turning the pages. The story is cleverly woven with an interesting twist at the end that will likely leave you wanting to read more by Viner and with two books that link in with these, you have great opportunity.
A great series.
readingwritingandriesling says
I cant wait to read his new book…out soon.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
He could keep going with that series for a long time. Sounds like he’s given himself room to grow and do different things.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Interesting that he’s written two such different stories – in different time periods too – and yet they’re related. That takes talent. Glad you enjoyed these.
realthog says
These sound fascinating and I’d love to read them. But . . .
The good news is that you can pick up these two short free on the Amazon store.
Not if you live in the US, they’re not. And, even though I have an account at Amazon.co.uk, the site won’t let me download the stories to a US computer. Grr!
PD Viner says
I have been moaning to my publisher about this and am really sorry. You can read them on WattPad which is an online fiction sharing site and I have made them both available. http://www.wattpad.com/story/21312539-the-ugly-man-part-1-of-3
http://www.wattpad.com/story/9507920-the-sad-man-a-dani-lancing-story
And there is another short story about Dani which only appears on watt pad.
In about a week (or two) I will have updated my own website http://www.pdviner.com and all stories will be available to read or download there.
All best
P D
realthog says
Many thanks for the information, PD! I’ll keep an eye on your website for the update. Much looking forward to reading the stories.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks for that 🙂
Carol Balawyder says
What an interesting concept to write prequels to a novel. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
It seems to be something I’m seeing more of lately. Something to channel readers into the main novels I think.
Jacqui Murray says
After reading everything Mari Hannah wrote (based on your recommendation) and loving the entire series, I’m eager to dig into PD Viner. Thanks!
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope you enjoy them. Do let me know!
cleopatralovesbooks says
I enjoyed reading The Last Summer of Dani Lancing and have a copy of The Summer of Ghosts so I will check this one out too. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
They’re great short reads. 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope you enjoy them. If you enjoyed The Last Summer… then they will be right up your street 🙂
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, thanks for bringing P.D. Vine and his fiction to my notice. I’ll read them as I like short stories, especially contemporary writing that I have been neglecting.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
Rebecca, my apologies for misspelling Mr. Viner’s name.
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope you enjoy them Prashant 🙂
tara tyler says
sounds like a solid writer! thanks for sharing your reviews. i love hearing about good books from other writers!
btw, did you sign up for our Shelfie Blogfest? If you did, I’m looking forward to your post! Thanks! If you have no idea what i’m talking about, you can disregard this and i have to find a different Rebecca Bradley! ha!
Rebecca Bradley says
I did Tara, I will have to make a note to myself to remind myself to take that photo when I’ve done my hair!
Cherie Reich says
Thanks for the reviews! They sound great.
Rebecca Bradley says
They were great short stories.
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
I like short reads sometimes, too, so will be checking these out. Thanks, Rebecca, for your recommendation.
Rebecca Bradley says
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy them 🙂