Crimezine Classic: A Simple Act of Violence by R.J. Ellory.

A Simple Act of Violence

Who is the mysterious Catherine Sheridan and why was she murdered? This masterful and unique novel is anything but what the title so teasingly suggests. A Simple Act of Violence breaks new ground as a hybrid novel of stunning depth and nuanced complexity, provoking questions that will have you wondering at the very nature of morality itself.

What starts as a murder investigation for cops Robert Miller & Al Roth quickly turns into a hunt for a vicious serial killer, but the hunt for the ‘Ribbon Killer’ raises more questions than it answers and pretty soon Detective Miller is delving solo, into a byzantine world of political intrigue that threatens to destroy both him and his career

As usual R.J.’s deliciously enticing prose is hard-hitting and deeply suspenseful. He engages the reader with poetic flourishes and a philosophical undertow that questions not only the Kafkaesque nature of US covert operations, but also the moral code of those who govern us.

The philosophical heart of this book is adapted from a popular French term: Sacred Monsters, whereby we are responsible for creating something that ultimately becomes our undoing. For the cop Miller, this Sacred Monster is his compulsion to seek the truth, even if it means his own destruction. For Miller’s mysterious nemesis the Sacred Monster involves countless acts of murder, sanctioned in the name of justice and the higher ideals of government.

Stylistically, we get a third person police procedural, that weaves hypnotically with a mysterious and disturbing first person voice, that could almost be the voice of our own consciousness. When these two worlds collide there is a cataclysm of Shakespearean proportions, most appropriate—as Ellory hails from the great bards home turf, although with his masterful grasp of Americana and the American crime milieu you would never know.

Certain naughty treats do however give the author away—did Mr. Ellory seriously think we would miss the fleeting appearance of 2000AD’s goon squad killers Sinister and Dexter? Not on Crimezine’s watch bucko, we are personal friends with the Mighty Tharg.

Although the story seems to move in real time, it has a cinematic vibe that just aches for big screen accolades. Hollyweird will get wise to the Elloryian vibe in it’s owns sweet-time, meanwhile you can catch the buzz on the ground floor—or as Crimezine always prefers—the lingerie department.

Already an award winning UK novelist with great acclaim in his native Europe, R.J Ellory is aching to make the leap into major league success in America. He now has a body of work that will facilitate this transition: Each story different, yet possessing the same unique voice. Each story a masterpiece of nuanced and individualistic storytelling. Crimezine thinks A Simple Act of Violence is his masterwork. So if you like big budget crime thrills and a masterful level of suspense, this is the book for you. Tell ’em we sent you Crimeziners.

 http://rjellory.com/biog.aspx

Crimezine authors at play: R.J. Ellory Culinary Colossus

R.J Ellory: flambé sausage noir, a specialité de la Maison

Crimezine favorite R.J Ellory is not only one of the coolest crime writers on the planet, he is also a dab hand in the kitchen.

Here we see the Whiskey Poet himself taking a much needed time out from the word processor, to cook up a delicious repast of grilled chicken and what is known in culinary circles as flambé sausage noir, a cordon-bleu dish, much in demand in the British Midlands, so we understand.

R.J.’s friends and neighbors always enjoy his culinary soirées, as this gives them welcome respite from the plank-spanking authors guitar crazy antics. Crimezine understands that the neighborhood regularly vibrates to the sound of R.J’s hard rocking beat combo The Whiskey Poets as they thump through the Deep Purple back catalog on their Led Zeppelin sized PA system.

Eagle eyed Crimeziners may be alarmed at the darkness that appears to be enveloping the Ellorian BBQ pit. Never fear, this is merely a reflection of the soul deep darkness contained in the Ellorian oeuvre. Either that, or R.J’s home, which is situated in Birmingham, is experiencing a renaissance of its industrial heritage and the smoke stacks of yesteryear are once again belching prosperity all over the English heartland.

Crimeziners will also note that R.J is wearing a T-Shirt, despite it being the middle of the sub-zero British winter. A reflection of his stout heartedness to be sure, although knowing R.J we suspect there is a plentiful supply of Jack Daniels running through those veins to insulate against the chill.

R.J. Ellorys latest novel, the awesome Bad Signs is available now.

Crimezine discovers R.J. Ellory A genre defying crime legend

http://rjellory.blogspot.com/

http://rjellory.com/default.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/rjellorytv

http://www.whiskeypoets.com/

RJ Ellory

When R.J. Ellory’s first novel Candlemoth is mentioned, many are surprised by the power and strength of what is commonly perceived as a debut novel.

In fact, Ellory had written more than twenty books at this point, rejected on literally hundreds of occasions. Why? He is a genre defying Englishman writing about America. Perhaps it is understandable that he faced such odds. It takes a very special author to overcome such circumstances. Unsurprising then that Ellory cites Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle as a major influence. The famous Scot travelled to and wrote about America on a number of occasions.

There can be no question that R.J. is a crime writer, but he is a crime writer like no other. The breadth and scope of his work is beyond the jurisdiction of what might commonly be called big budget crime fiction. His work has been called Human Drama. He has also been described as an exponent of, The slow motion thriller, a complimentary term, designed to describe the Ellroian niche between popular and literary fiction. As big daddy existentialist Søren Kierkegaard, said: once you label me, you negate me. Ironic, as Ellory’s work exhibits an advanced understanding of philosophy and humanity in general.

Ellory has been compared to Mario Puzo, James Ellroy, and Stephen King. All descriptions are accurate, but they fail to define Ellory’s unique style. In a similar way to genre busting author Don De Lillo, Ellory refuses to repeat himself, Instead he offers the reader voluptuous narrative and a tireless dedication to story. It is a dedication that makes him a very special writer.

There have been plaudits aplenty for Ellory’s nine published works. He is a million selling fave-rave of critics and cult fiction Crimeziners everywhere. So is the great man heading for the Crime writing major leagues I hear you ask ? Truth is he is already there. Not every one realizes it though, especially in America.

Hollyweird loves a nice formula, so it has been slow to catch the Ellory wave, but once it discovers his big money ideas, we will be hearing a lot of R.J. Ellory. Guaranteed.

So where to start Crimeziners? Candlemoth is Ellory’s first published work. It has been compared to The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption. A rocking debut indeed. Crimezine also loves the genre-busting epic, A Simple Act of Violence. Ellory’s break through success, A Quiet Belief In Angels is also strongly recommended. While his latest, Bad Signs, is reminiscent of Jim Thompson at his hottest.

Crimezine also recommends R.J’s blog http://rjellory.blogspot.com/ which shows a fearless and passionate edge, rarely seen amongst published authors. Last by no means least, there is The Whiskey Poets, R.J.’s hard rocking beat combo named after Taff booze hound and sometime poet DylanThomas. http://www.whiskeypoets.com/. Ah, the poetry of Whiskey, it is the poetry Crimezine loves the most!

Books by R.J. Ellory

Candlemoth

Ghostheart

A Quiet Vendetta

City of Lies

A Quiet Belief in Angels

A Simple Act of Violence

The Anniversary Man

Saints of New York

Bad Signs