In today’s increasingly online-oriented world, crime fiction fans very often look to the Internet to decide what they’re going to read next. That makes sense too when you think about it. The Internet gives the reader instant access to worldwide information about crime fiction from a whole variety of perspectives. But that’s part of the challenge. There are so many online sources of information about crime fiction that it’s impossible to read and absorb it all. Publishers’ websites can be sources to start with but let’s be honest; they’re not always objective. And sources such as Amazon and Goodreads aren’t always informative enough for the reader to make a reasoned choice. So a lot of crime fiction fans look to blogs they can trust to choose what they’re going to read.
But that doesn’t always narrow things down. There are thousands of crime fiction blogs out there and keeping up with each one of them would be pretty much impossible. That means that the crime fiction fan has to choose which blogs to follow and how avidly to follow them. So here’s the question I’ve been pondering: how does a crime fiction fan make that choice?
In some cases, the choice comes down to taste. Some crime fiction lovers prefer, say, cosy mysteries. So they follow blogs such as Elizabeth Spann Craig’s blog Mystery Writing is Murder (Craig writes three cosy series) or Cozy Chicks. Those blogs focus on cosy series. There are a lot of other blogs out there too for readers who are looking for new cosies to try. Those blogs are quite clear about their focus, so readers know what they’re getting, if I can put it that way.
The same is true of classic and Golden-Age review/discussion blogs such as Les Blatt’s Classic Mysteries and Curtis Evans’ The Passing Tramp. Those blogs and other classic/Golden Age blogs are themed that way. They’re clearly identified by topic and it’s easy for the classic/Golden Age mystery fan to see that they might be a good resource.
Some blogs, such as Fair Dinkum Crime , Mack Lundy’s AfricaScreams and Barbara Fister’s Scandinavian Crime Fiction focus on crime fiction that comes from a particular place. That’s awfully helpful for the reader who wants to explore crime fiction that takes place in one (or one kind of) setting.
All this is to say that one way that crime fiction fans get new ideas for books to try is by checking out themes, titles, perhaps cover ‘photos and so on. Those can give very clear clues as to whether the blog is going to be of interest. One of my personal favourite titles is Rich Westwood’s Past Offences. I have a background in linguistics so I appreciate the play on words. And how can you not appreciate a blogger who refers to his children as The Minor Offences 
But titles, cover ‘photos and so on only take you so far. They’re a bit like first dates. If the blog itself isn’t informative and interesting readers have to look elsewhere. I’ll bet you’ve had the experience of trying a blog for a few posts and being disappointed. I know I have.
That’s why the quality of what’s on the blog matters too. Everyone looks for something different in their crime fiction book review blogs. So what I look for may be quite different to what you look for when you’re searching for the right blogs to follow. But that’s what (I hope) will make for an interesting discussion. Here are some things that matter to me.
Crime fiction fans (well, as I said, at least this one) look for honesty. If a novel contains brutal violence or other things the reader should know about, a trustworthy blogger says so. Trustworthy bloggers also (I think) tell the truth about what works and what doesn’t work in a novel. It’s entirely possible to richly enjoy a novel but still, for instance, think that it’s a bit too long or that the writing style needs a bit of work. Trustworthy bloggers say so if that’s the case. If you’ve ever read a book based on a blog review and wished the blogger had mentioned _____, you know what I mean. Of course one doesn’t want to be nitpicking or simply mean on a review blog. Those blogs lose crime fiction fans too. On the other hand, reviews that are only raves make me wonder sometimes…
Crime fiction fans also I think look for review blogs that don’t give away spoilers. That ought to go without saying, and if you’ve ever had a book ruined for you by a complete plot giveaway, you know how annoying that is. But it’s hard to strike a balance sometimes between sharing enough about the story to be honest but not giving away everything. I have a lot of respect for bloggers who can do that well.
Of course you’ll have your own set of things you look for in a crime fiction review blog. When you find one there’s no better source of information on what to read next. What matters to you? When you’re looking for a new novel or author, what makes you decide to follow one or another blog?
On Another Note…
For those of you who enjoy detective radio, television and film as much as you do detective books, you can’t do better than Tipping My Fedora. It’s a blog that features well-written reviews of crime fiction movies (both forgotten and popular), radio dramas and novels among other things. There are also intelligent interviews and critiques too. If you’re not already following it, it’s well worth a place on your blog roll.
And that has nothing to do with the fact that Sergio of Tipping My Fedora has been kind enough to nominate me for this lovely Blog of the Year 2012 Award.
In all seriousness, thanks very much, Sergio. It means a lot to me coming from a distinguished blogger like yourself.
Now, I’m supposed to nominate other recipients, but here’s the thing. I’ve been lucky enough to discover a whole group of bloggers whose blogs more than meet my expectations. So instead of focusing on only a few, I’ll do this. Please look at the blog roll on my sidebar. Yes, that one. Now, choose three or four crime fiction blogs you’ve never visited, or haven’t in a while. Go there. Make a comment and say ‘Hello.” Tell ‘em Margot sent you. Thanks.
ps. The ‘photo is composed of cover and other images from just a few of the crime fiction blogs that are tops on my list. I don’t want to claim the creativity for those images. Check out my blog roll and you’ll see what I mean as you visit those blogs.
*NOTE: The title of this post is a line from Billy Joel’s Get it Right the First Time.
[blushing furiously] Thanks for the kind words, Margot. You’re too modest to say so, but let me add – and I’m sure your readers agree – that your own blog provides fascinating discussions every day. Where many of us who blog concentrate on a single book or author in our posts, yours generally concentrate on a broader theme or question and relate many different mysteries to that single theme or question. It’s fascinating – and that’s why I’m a daily visitor. Oh – and congratulations on the award!
Les – Awww… now I’m the one blushing furiously. That’s really so kind of you. And thanks for the congratulations too. And trust me, Les – I learn a lot from you and I get a lot to think about from your posts…
Hi Margot – I can see my header there. Thanks! My feed reader is invaluable in keeping up with blogs. It’s great in that I can miss a day or so if it highlights for me who has posted and I can flick through them.
There are some great crime fiction blogs out there and I have met so many wonderful people while blogging.
And congratulations on the award Margot. It is well deserved.
Sarah – Why, thank you
– That’s very kind. And I couldn’t agree more about having a good feed reader. It really does help me keep up with what’s happening on blogs like yours (and trust me, it was my pleasure to include your header. Yours is one of my must-stop blogs). I think one really does have to have some sort of organising system to keep track of blogs and as you say, it’s so helpful in deciding what to read right away and what to save ’till one has a bit of time.
Oh I see my pic there too, am greatly complimented. Yet another great post from you, I’m with you on those points – and on praising Tipping My Fedora – and will enjoy trying out a few new blogs. I often think I can’t define what I want from a good review, but I know when I see it. And of course crime fiction reviewing IS particularly testing because of that particular obligation you mention: to give enough info, but not spoiler. Reading a blog regularly is a huge help, as you get to know the kind of areas you tend to agree with the blogger, the shared interests and I suppose also the opposite ones!
Moira – Oh, my pleasure. And I think Tipping My Fedora is a fantastic blog. It’s so informative and Sergio does a terrific job of analysing the books, films and so on that he features. You make an interesting point too about finding it hard to put into words exactly what one looks for in a good crime fiction blog. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down in this post. But yes, an essential is not to give away spoilers. Not easy, as you say, when one also wants to be informative enough so that readers can decide whether they’re interested in a novel or not. I think you do that quite well. I agree with you too that the more one reads a blog, the better sense one has for the blogger and the kind of posts one wants to read really closely (or not…).
Informative and generous post, Margot. No surprise to me you’ve been nominated for Blog of the Year. Congratulations! Where do I cast my vote?
I appreciate and concur with your comments about credible crime fiction bloggers/reviewers. The crime fiction community in Australia is small and tight-knit. Everyone ‘likes’ each other on Facebook and if you aren’t wildly enthusiastic about a book on social media, it can sound like you’re bad mouthing someone who’s in the room.
That’s why the reviewers/bloggers I trust most are those who aren’t also published authors: Bernadette at Fair Dinkum Crime & Reactions to Reading, Karen at Aust Crime Fiction, Shelleyrae at Book’d Out.
That said, I believe published authors also have potentially valuable insights to offer – present company included – and your post provides great guidelines on how to do that well. Thank you.
Angela – Thank you! That’s so kind of you
– on all counts *blush* And I know exactly what you mean about the crime fiction community. People do know each other and it’s getting to be more and more that people all over the world know each other and that’s especially true for crime writers. So it is hard to critique a book on one’s blog, especially if it’s written by someone one knows. Such a balance I always think.
That’s why I think you’re right that we need both authors and non-authors in the community and you’ve mentioned some of the blogs I trust the most. The more diverse groups of opinion we have, the better informed a reader is going to be. And that can only be good for the genre and for readers.
Many thanks Angela. I’m blushing now too.
Congratulations Margot. You and your blog have been a great source of information and inspiration to me.
Tracy – Thank you – that’s really kind of you and trust me, the feeling is very much mutual.
Hi Margot — I’m very fond of Lesa’s Book Critiques (http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/) for new releases and tend her trust her reviews as I’ve never been disappointed by her recommendations. I also rely on your blog.to clue me in to classics I’ve missed.
Pat – I like Lesa’s Book Critiques too. It’s an informative and trustworthy blog
Congratulations on your award – well deserved. Always enjoy reading your blog, and as always I come away wanting to read more!
crimereader -Thanks very much – I’m so glad that you feel you get something from what you read here.
Margot Sergio is a wise man having bestowed this award on your blog – well deserved.
Thank you also for your kind words about my own efforts. I feel like I’m still learning how to be a good/trustworthy blogger but it’s a worthy goal. I know how much I have gotten from blogs that offer this – my enjoyment of my reading has increased immensely since I started finding recommendations for books that suit my tastes rather than relying on the fairly bland offerings pushed by local publishers and stores – and I like the idea of helping others in the same way. Your blogroll is a source of excellent sites.
Bernadette – Why, thank you
– on all counts. And I think that we’re all learning as we blog… You’ve mentioned something really interesting about the kinds of books that are all-too-often hyped by publishers and bookstores. Many of them aren’t to my taste either and I know you and I aren’t the only ones. That’s where I think blogs are so valuable. There’s a much wider range of books discussed on blogs, so there’s more likelihood of finding something I want to read. Of course, the drawback of that is what happens to my TBR but that is another topic altogether.
Congratulations Margot. Your ability to constantly come up with new angles on crime fiction, allied with your encyclopaedic knowledge keep all your readers interested. Well deserved.
Norman – Thank you – that’s awfully kind of you. *deep blush*…
I usually will look for bloggers’ advice when looking for books…to me, they’re the experts. And you’re right–if you’re looking for a particular genre or sub-genre, it’s helpful to go to blogs that focus on those genres. I also like knowing what I’m getting into when I’m reading a book….like you, I appreciate hearing if a book is fairly graphic or what the problem areas of a book might be. You always do a great job when you review, Margot!
Elizabeth – Thank you – And you bring up something important about book bloggers. They are passionate readers or they wouldn’t blog about it. The more one reads the more one learns about books and the better resource one is. Book bloggers are indeed experts. And the blogs/bloggers I trust the most are those who let readers know, as you say, what they’re getting into before they start. There’s just not enough time to spend reading a book that’s not not to one’s taste or that, well, isn’t well-written.
Congrats on your blogging award Margot, well deserved so I am happy for you and also well done (fab), for being nominated as ‘The Next Big Thing’ which I spotted when browsing here (from my sick bed – such dedication!). Another well deserved method of recognition of your wonderful contribution to my knowledge and understanding of blogging and crime. I just love reading your pearls of wisdom and learning about your understanding and depth and knowledge of your subject. Inspirational.
Jane – You are so awfully kind *deep blush* – Thank you. I’m so very sorry to hear you’ve been sick. I hope you’re healing up and will soon be feeling like yourself again. It’s funny; I’m the same way about my blog rounds. Doesn’t matter what else is going on in my life – I read my favourite blogs…
I am far too inquisitive for my own health at times Margot…she says smiling quietly to herself! I am on the mend thanks, slow and sore but I cannot sit still too long, the fingers itch to be doing something and the brain goes into overdrive so the fingers must be employed! Even if I don’t get to comment too often I am really enjoying your blog and love to see what you are writing about next. Have a wonderful week. Good job I cannot go out….so much snow and ice. Freezing wind too….so I am thinking and planning. Not idle.
Jane – I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to sit too still for too long. Perhaps the snowy cold weather is part of a celestial plot to make sure you take care of yourself and don’t overdo it… And you’re right: having to rest up doesn’t mean one can’t plan and think.
Yep you are so right. I am in work mode again however, and am in the midst of writing the very last chapter of the co-written WIP. Just wondering how to end it finally. My co-author is ending her parts too and we both have very different endings to write….so having to get my head round it all. Feels sad as we have been writing it for almost a year now. She has publications lined up for the 2013 and 2014 so this is just one small part of her writing life, but fingers crossed this will become another ‘publication’ soon. I think the celestial plot has been rumbled!
Jane – I’m so excited for you and your co-author. I hope your book will be a great success. And I admire the way you’ve been able to keep working and being productive even though you’ve been laid up.
Ha thanks Margot, but you have not read it yet! It is a change of genre for us both so an experiment really…..I hope that the agent likes it enough to present it to the publisher…and then if all goes well….I hope that someone somewhere will buy it. It is all breath upon the wind really.
Jane – You know what? All manuscripts are breaths on the wind so I know exactly what you mean. I give you credit for stretching yourself and I sure hope you’ll post when you have an acceptance.
This is great – I was already familiar with some of these blogs and have promptly started following the others. Great source of information for my global reading challenge, as well, so thank you for sharing all that.
And yes, I second the above comments, your blog is one of my absolute favourites!
Marina Sofia – Thank you for the kind words – I appreciate it. And I’m so glad you’ve found some other good blogs to follow on my blog roll. I’m privileged really to know so many talented bloggers like you from whom I can learn.
Ms. Kinberg, all roads to crime-fiction lead to your wonderful and enriching blog. You have enhanced my knowledge of crime-fiction beyond words. Thank you very much! And congratulations on the Blog of the Year award from Sergio — from one fine blogger to another.
Prashant – That’s awfully kind of you *blush* – Thank you very much. And yes, Sergio is a truly fine blogger. His blog is one of my must-visits.
Margot: Congratulations. You are one of the reasons I keep blogging. There are not many people as interested in books as bloggers. When you added my blog to your blogroll I felt honoured. It meant I was appreciated by someone whose knowledge I greatly respect.
Bill – Thank you so much on all counts *deep blush.* You’re quite right about bloggers and their passion for reading. That’s one of the reasons I am such a dedicated reader of your own excellent blog. For me it’s a privilege to read your blog and to have you comment on mine.
Thanks Margot, glad you agree. If there is any positive feedback/movement I shall ensure you are one of the first to know. Meantime, I am enjoying your posts and your reader comments. All great stuff and so informative and enjoyable. x
Thanks, Jane
– on all counts.
Reblogged this on Reading, Writing and Riesling and commented:
crime fiction blogging – sums it up perfectly for me and validates my own style of reviewing on my blog. Thanks for your insight Marogot.
Carol – Thank you so much for your comment, and for passing along my post!