Readers Write

Jan, in Germany

I don’t know if you find the time to read your emails on your own or if you have them read by someone else, but I just wanted you to know that you've won another fan. Your novels are even comparable to an addiction: the more you get the more you want to have...

What I like most is the connection between complex detective novels and human psychology which has always fascinated me: not only the multi-layer characters but also the thoughts you let some of them follow make every novel another little masterpiece (although I liked The Ice House the best!). As I tend to read very fast, I've read five of your books in the last week, and I'll finish my few lines by wishing you all the best for 2005.

Note from the editor: Minette does indeed read all her emails, so please keep those comments and reviews coming!

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Daniela, in Italy

I already read The Dark Room and The Scold's Bridle and I am about to read Fox Evil. I really enjoy reading your books and it's a great pleasure when I learn that a new Minette Walters novel is available in the bookshop. Many thanks indeed and congratulations for your wonderful work.

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Colin, in the UK

The first book I bought of yours was The Dark Room. I did not realise it was going to be a crime' novel. In fact, I thought it was going to be about child abuse. Anyway, I have since read all of your books. I am no writer and can't get all literary when trying to describe your books. Suffice to say, I only read in bed and yours keep me awake long past the time I should sleep. I can't sleep in becasue I have dogs! I get lost in your books. The picture you paint with your words is very vivid and you seem to really get into people. Acid Row is a stand out merely because I can still feel the chaos and the climate of fear and rage. It will stick with me forever. It touched buttons for me. Thank you for writing your books and I look forward to the next one.

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David, in Ontario

I have read eight of your novels. It is not just that they are full of suspense, mystery and drama. Or, that the characters are well drawn, with an outcome that is very difficult to predict. What helps to set your work apart from that of others, is how you deal with the difficult issues with which society has to deal, ie. incest, homelessness, racism, etc.
Your writing is powerful, and colourful. I thoroughly enjoy reading your work. Beyond the reading entertainment, your work is important, helping many people to focus on tough issues.

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Rhian, in the UK

I've been hooked on Minette's work since the summer of '93 when I returned from Canada. At that stage I was into Amercian authors but bought The Scold's Bridle at a bookshop near work. I read it, quickly, and immediately returned to the bookshop in search of the backlist. Sometime later, she did an event with Colin Dexter in London (university building near/in Bloomsbury), and I remember queuing to get her book signed. The talk beforehand was such a laugh too. All books bought since the original three have been in hardback as I simply cannot wait for the soft cover. And if there ever comes a point when I can no longer afford them, it will be the library for me. I know I will be entertained and I know I will be challenged - what more could a discerning crime fiction reader ask for? (back to top)

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Lesley, in the US

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your books, I have them all and have read them twice so far. I have also persuaded both my mother and sister that they should try your books and they too are now dedicated fans! Keep up the excellent work and I look forward to meeting the next collection of characters you introduce me to.

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Aysegul, in Istanbul

You are simply great! Great mind, excellent story teller. Your understanding of human character and the effect of outwardly mundane, everyday life on these persons, sometimes comically tragic...I cannot say...I am just looking forward to the next book. My favourite is still The Dark Room.

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Lynn, in the US

I have to say I love your books, and am so excited about nunber 11. My life is quite hectic and getting one of your new books is a fantastic treat, a time to sit and relax and disappear into the book. I loved Disordered Minds, and I loved The Dark Room, totally unexpected twists, well done. I suppose your only idea if you are making a success of your work would be the level of sales, well, I have to buy your books because they’re always unavailable at the library, very popular. Keep up the great writing!

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Brian, in the UK

I am a crotchety old man who, with regard to reading, is a long-standing misogynist. Whenever I am looking through book titles, my eyes automatically pass over lady authors, until I saw your trilogy, The Scold's Bridle, The Ice House and The Sculptress.

I have now read all 11 of your books, and I must congratulate you on both the content and the style...So many authors have fallen into the trap of concentrating their books around one main character, which leads to a certain lack of variety, and a great deal of duplication. Thankfully, you have avoided this cul-de-sac and the result is, each book is an original.

I will shrink in a corner and eat humble pie, but, more importantly, I will seek out your books and - shock! horror! - will even consider other lady authors!

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Theresa, in the US

I LOVE your work!!!! I just ordered Disordered Minds (hmmm, sounds like it could be a story about my family!!). You are wonderful....I have a group of people at work who voraciously read your books. I love them all, but my favorite is The Ice House.

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Malena, in Argentina
I am 40-years-old and I live in Buenos Aires with my two loves: my boy friend and Homero, my golden retriever (I know you hace some). I just read about you in the magazine of the Sunday newspaper, el Clarin.

I'm a fan of police novels since I was a teenager (books were my life then) and when I read the article about you, I felt a connection with you, your lifestyle, your thoughts...and I decided that I had to read one of your books immediately! This may sound a little strange to you but I always follow my instincts. Maybe this is the beginning of a long "book-relationship"! (back to top)

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