the long list

overcast, smattering of rain, cool - temps 19

Doug and the kids have arrived for anotehr visit! Including Buttercup, the hound from Hell. Very, very fun to have them. True to form they were here about three minutes and found a wasps nest. No one got stung, except the dogs, but they didn't seen disturbed. I tell ya, these kids are like dowsers, but what they find are wasp nests. It seems a limited gift.

Michael and I went to visit a friend this morning - had a lovely visit... by the time we got back the family was here. If you'd like to hear more about the chaos that ensued, just visit my blog today at The Lipstick Chronicles. They're so kind to have asked me to join, and I'll be blogging once a month.

On another topic, the wonderful George Easter, the editor of Deadly Pleasures magazine, published their Long List for the Barry for Crime/Mystery novel of the decade. As you might remember, Still Life made it onto the shortlist, much to my delight. I'm thrilled...and what company. And what an honour, especially when you consider the books and authors who were closely considered....here, as I say, is the long list. I pass this on knowing that it will, and should spark debate about who really does deserve to be nominated....


Reginald Hill, DIALOGUES OF THE DEAD

Lee Child, ONE SHOT

Jasper Fforde, THE EYRE AFFAIR

Arnaldur Indridason, JAR CITY

Joe Lansdale, THE BOTTOMS

Laura Lippman, EVERY SECRET THING

Thomas H. Cook, RED LEAVES

Alexander McCall Smith, THE NO. 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY

Must be off...frankly I'm exhausted. Just want to lie in bed and read...or stare at a blank all. More guests arriving tomorrow...but I also have to admit, we love it! Clearly we wouldn't do it if we didn't. We just adore these kids...and Doug.

Speak to you tomorrow....