PD Martin's Blog

October 20, 2010

Book review (The Hit List) and a recipe

Filed under: Book reviews — Tags: , , , , , — PD Martin @ 2:41 am

I read Chris Ryan’s The Hit List in August and decided to blog my review!  Especially because I really enjoyed the book.

I actually picked it out at the airport (had forgotten the book I was currently reading…ahhh!!) and wanted something that was action/adventure with a spy or military feel. I haven’t read anything in this genre for ages, but given my new series is going to have loads more action and covert operations I thought I’d better see what’s ‘out there’ at the moment.

The Hit List was fast-paced with just the right amount of description (sometimes these types of books can get bogged down in details of standard procedures, types of guns and ammunition, etc.). While I like them to include some of this info, it can be hard to find the right balance and I think Chris Ryan excelled with the balance.

I would recommend The Hit List to anyone who likes action/adventure/thriller with that government or elite military thread!

Recipe

I recently contributed a recipe for a fundraising cookbook, Snap4kids. I’ll post that recipe (easy Tira Misu) another day, but also found another yummy recipe last week for an orange and blueberry cake/bread. Don’t think I can post the exact recipe (copyright) because it’s from the recipe book that came with my latest toy/gadget, my Vitamix. It was very exciting though…I ground the flour myself from wheat grains in the Vitamix and then made the treat fast. Not much sugar, low GI, whole grains, etc. etc. Unfortunately I ate it almost as fast as I made it :)

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October 12, 2010

More speaking gigs coming up

Filed under: Events/appearances — Tags: , , , , , — PD Martin @ 2:51 am

More speaking gigs coming up!

I’ve got a few more speaking gigs coming up in the next few weeks. I know only Melbourne-based readers will have a chance to come along, but no matter where you are I thought you might be interested in my “Living Book” gig….it’s definitely blog-worthy.

But first, the events in order:

  1. Readings Hawthorn – Listen to Sue Turbull grill me on my life of crime and the fifth Sophie Anderson novel, Kiss of Death. Thursday 28 October 6.30pm. Free event but bookings essential. Call Readings on (03) 9819 1917 or book via email.
  2. Ashburton Library – Living Book (you can borrow me!). 10 November, 10am-1pm at Ashburton Library. 
  3. Hawthorn Library – Living Book (yep, borrow me again). 11 November, 6-8.30pm at Hawthorn Library
  4. Balwyn Library – Wednesday 17 November, 7.30-9pm – come along to hear me talk about all things criminal, including some of my latest research into the world of the FBI and real-life vampires.

What’s a Living Book?

I was contacted by one of my local libraries to ask if I’d be interested in taking part in their Living Library initiative as a ‘Living Book’. What does it mean…authors and other public figures will be on-hand to answer questions, talk about their work, etc. Basically, I’ll just be hanging out at the library for a couple of hours!

It’s all part of the celebrations for 150 years of continuous public library service in Boroondara. The library service says: If you have ever wondered what life is like for people with backgrounds, lifestyles and occupations which differ from your own this program offers you the chance to find out! Come have a chat with Senior Police Constable Lombardi, local crime writer PD Martin, barrister and human rights advocate Julian Burnside and many other intriguing people.

It’s a fascinating idea – having a Living Book available for library members to effectively ‘borrow’. No doubt I’ll be blogging about my experiences as a Living Book next month.

The sessions are free but bookings are essential. For more information please call (03) 9278 4666.

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