After Bird Box
OnI enjoyed the Netflix Film Bird Box, even though the end was a little too neat for my liking. I discovered Bird Box was adapted from a debut novel by a young writer named Josh Malerman, released in 2004. It had missed my…
Category: Ali Karim
Fiction: He by John Connolly
OnI am a lover of the vignette, the anecdote, the ability of the raconteur, that’s why I enjoy the company of writers. They often have interesting stories to tell; stories that promote thinking, provoke thought and examine the absurdity of existence. I…
Crime Fiction: Spycatcher/Spartan by Matthew Dunn
OnToday in January Magazine’s crime fiction section, contributing editor Ali Karim reviews the book known as Spycatcher in the U.S. and Spartan in the U.K. Says Karim: There can be no doubt that the man who composed this novel is someone who…
007 to Go Digital
OnThese days, the discussions are not so much is if electronic books are going to take root and take hold. On a book-by-book basis, it’s really just a matter of when. Case in point, even good old 007, who some might expect…
Cover Version
OnOver at The Rap Sheet, we often see posts about copycat book covers, and the issues of judging a book by its jacket. The Sunday Observer takes a look at the importance of book covers and how they translate internationally: What you…
Driven to Read
OnAs a strong advocate of literacy and bibliotherapy, even I have to admit to having limits as this story from the BBC indicates: A bus driver has been suspended after a passenger filmed him apparently reading while driving along a dual carriageway…
London Book Fair Opens Under the Volcano
OnThe London Book Fair gets underway at Earl’s Court today. This is an event I enjoy attending annually to gauge the state of publishing which has been suffering from the twin-pronged approach of economic and technological challenges. This year the Fair faces…
The Best Unread Books of the Decade
OnAs many in the media present their lists featuring books that defined the decade, I often ponder upon the books that missed my radar. January Magazine will be unveiling its best of 2009 lists shortly. While sending my crime and thriller choices…
Interview: Thomas H. Cook
OnToday in January Magazine, contributing editor Ali Karim interviews Thomas H. Cook, author of The Fate of Katherine Carr and a writer who just might be the best known author you’ve never heard of. “You like puzzling out the solutions to mysteries?”…
Lightning Strikes Twice
OnJanuary Magazine has been following Linwood Barclay’s career for many years. Thus we know, as well as anyone can, that his success with No Time For Goodbye certainly is no flash in the pan. As reported by The Bookseller: Thanks in part…