It’s always a joy being in at the start of an author’s writing journey and I’m delighted to be part of the launch celebrations for Chris McDonald’s A Wash of Black. My enormous thanks to Dylan at Red Dog Press for inviting me to participate in this blog tour. I’m thrilled that Chris is staying in with me to chat about A Wash of Black.

Not only am I staying in with Chris today, but there’s a fabulous giveaway for you (and me) to enter too at the bottom of this blog post. One lucky person will win a signed hardback edition of A Wash of Black, along with a Go Away I’m Reading tote bag and a luxury bookmark.

Staying in with Chris McDonald

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Chris and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for having me! I’ve been hankering for an invite!

Well you’re most welcome. We have a pretty good idea but tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

I’ve brought A Wash of Black, my debut novel. I have chosen it as I am very proud of it. Also, it’s the only one I’ve got!

Congratulations on your debut Chris. Let’s hope A Wash of Black is the first of many as I’ve been hearing fabulous things about it. Tell me, what can we expect from an evening in with A Wash of Black?

I’m really bad at blowing my own trumpet, I find it uncomfortable! Soooo I’m going to let other people blow the trumpet for me. The early reviews from authors I really like have been so lovely. Here is a selection!

TM Logan, author of the Richard and Judy book club pick The Holiday, called it a ‘pacy murder mystery full of deceit, suspicion and revenge.’

Rob Parker, author of the Ben Bracken series, called it ‘a superb tale deftly told with a human touch and a real eye for detail, with a true ‘just one more chapter’ moreishness.’

Noelle Holten, author of Dead Inside and the forthcoming Dead Wrong, called it ‘a clever, chilling and absolutely addictive debut novel.’

I hope this trio of delightful quotes have sold it to you!! There is also a humorous homeless Scot, a gritty Manchester setting and a range of likeable and nefarious characters to get to know!

You must be totally delighted with those comments. I’ve heard excellent things from my fellow bloggers too so I think I’m going to have to add A Wash of Black to my TBR pile immediately!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it? 

Emily Blunt is here, as she would be who I cast as DI Erika Piper in the film adaptation.

Oh. If I knew we were having acting greats I’d have dressed up a bit more.

I listened to a lot of instrumental music whilst writing, so Explosions in the Sky would soundtrack our evening in. If you’ve never listened to them, start with Your Hand in Mine and go from there. I’ll expect some tweets thanking me for making your life that little bit more beautiful!

Er. I think I might be showing both my age and ignorance here Chris as I’ve never heard of them, so this evening is a great time to discover more.

And, as well as talking about the book, we’ll watch Fargo, as all that snow and beautiful cinematography may have been the initial spark for the opening scene. Visually at least.

Oh. I love Fargo. So quirky. I think I’m going to enjoy that. Thanks for staying in with me Chris. You’ve really whetted my appetite for A Wash of Black so you stick the video on and I’ll give Linda’s Book Bag readers a little bit more information about your debut:

A Wash of Black

IT’S NOT LIFE THAT IMITATES ART. IT’S DEATH.

Anna Symons. Famous. Talented. Dead.

When the body of a famous actress is found mutilated on an ice rink in Manchester, recreating a scene from a blockbuster film she starred in years ago, DI Erika Piper must find the culprit; the media-dubbed ‘Blood Ice Killer.’

Having recently returned to work after suffering a near fatal attack herself, she must once again prove her worth. But when another body is found, and the killer issues a personal threat, Erika must put her demons aside and crack the case, or suffer the deadly consequences.

Published by Red Dog Books on 4th February, A Wash of Black is available for pre-order here and directly from the publisher here.

About Chris McDonald

Originally hailing from the north coast of Northern Ireland and now residing in South Manchester, Chris McDonald has always been a reader. At primary school, The Hardy Boys inspired his love of adventure, before his reading world was opened up by Chuck Palahniuk and the gritty world of crime.

He’s a fan of 5-a-side football, has an eclectic taste in music ranging from Damien Rice to Slayer and loves dogs.

Find out more by following Chris on Twitter @cmacwritescrime and Instagram and there’s more with these other bloggers too:

Giveaway

For your chance to win a signed hardback edition of A Wash of Black, along with a Go Away I’m Reading tote bag and a luxury bookmark, click here.

Please note that this giveaway is run independently of Linda’s Book Bag.