John Brady, Canadian Mystery Author

John Brady's A Stone of the Heart is a dark, dreary night of a book. Set in Dublin, Police Sergeant Matt Minogue is trying to get back to work after a disastrous occurance. His first case seems straighforward on the surface but gyrates into something far more sinister and perhaps connected with the Troubles.

'Complex', 'compelling' and 'powerful' are words the Washington Post used to describe this book. The characters - both good and bad - are fully realized. The language and cadence of the dialogue is Irish and takes some concentration. This certainly fits my criteria for literate mystery.

This is the first book in a series of eight - the last published in 2005. Brady won the Arthur Ellis Award for this title for best first First Novel in 1989. The award is presented annually by the Crime Writers of Canada for the best Candian crime and mystery writing.
Wikipedia provided the following information which I found amusing: "The awards are named for Arthur Ellis, the pseudonym of Canada's official hangman. The award statue itself is wooden model of a hanging man. The arms and legs move when the statue's string is pulled."
P.S. This isn't the cover on my paperback either!

Do Covers Matter?

When I went out to search for the cover for my most recent read, I found all sorts of covers including the ones I've posted but none of them match the paperback I have in my hand. Since I bought it in Canada, I tried searching there and in the United Kingdom as well with no luck.

I will confess right here that I choose a book by its cover. Years I ago, I was in a small bookstore in an old house on the main street of Cederburg, Wisconsin. It was a picture perfect winter evening with twinkling lights and snow. Walking into the bookstore, no matter where you looked, there were beautiful books. Some of this may have been the skill of the bookseller but I have never forgotten that store nor the books I purchased that evening.

That's not to say that I neglect books with less than fortunate covers. I will read anything; but when I am choosing, I am going to look at the cover and read about the book before I make a committment.