One of the most nerve-wracking things about having a book published is waiting for the reviews. The publicity manager at Hachette has been fantastic in sending out review copies, and there have been positive mentions in The Australian Womens Weekly, the Womans Day, a regional magazine called Style, and a lovely review in the online book club for Notebook magazine. A couple of crime fiction reviewers have taken the time to read and review it, and there have also been good reviews in some regional newspapers.
All up, I’m really pleased that the book has garnered such a generally positive response so far. It’s not going to be to everybody’s taste, and that’s okay. No book ever is!
One of the key things that Australian readers have commented enthusiastically about is the Australian-ness of the book – but this seems to have been a bit of a stumbling block so far for US publishers that have looked at it. My American critique partners enjoyed the setting and didn’t have trouble with its Australian-ness, but then, they’ve known me for a while.
So, I was delighted this morning, when I stumbled out of bed and to the computer, to discover that Wendy of the Super Librarian blog has read the book, and given it a great review. I’ve been reading Wendy’s blog for ages, (although I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented) and I enjoy her forthright and thoughtful reviews and her comments about the genre and reading it. I love getting the librarian’s perspective of the book industry, and also the behind-the-scenes perspective of library work.
Wendy is, I’m pretty sure, in the Los Angeles area, which has to be just about as opposite as its possible to be to the edge-of-the-outback setting of the book. So its great to know that the book and the setting worked for her – and, naturally, I’m so pleased that she posted such a good review. It’s made my day!
ETA: Just as I’m about to dash out, I found another great review just posted at Crime Down Under. Today has been a great day 🙂
Bronwyn, — I’ve been reading smidgins here and there about some book titled ‘As Darkness Falls’. The comments I’ve read raised an interest and got me wondering who and where. Well my search is over. I now know who ‘Bronwyn Parry’ is and have married the two together. We can thank the super_librarian for completing the puzzle.
I stole your first chapter, from the web site and am looking forward to reading further. I promise, you’re next, as soon as I make it to the shops.
Thank you —- I give you my word, I’ll return to have my say. —- Eric
Hi Eric! Thanks for reading the chapter – so glad you enjoyed it enough to want to read the rest!
Will you be going to the RWAustralia conference in Brisbane next year? Hope to meet you there!