Over the years that I’ve been blogging I’ve made several author friends and it’s my absolute pleasure to welcome one of them  – Graeme Cumming – to chat with me about his latest book today. Although I’ve seen him in real life, Graeme last dropped by the blog to discuss Carrion in a post you’ll find here. 

Let’s find out more:

Staying in with Graeme Cumming 

Welcome back to Linda’s Book Bag, Graeme. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me. Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

I’ve brought Borderline along. In part it’s because it is my latest – and the first in a series – but also because it seemed appropriate after we met up recently at the Chiltern Kills crime festival.  The proceeds from ticket sales there all go to the youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint, and homelessness plays a key role in the novel. 

It was good to see you again. A new series sounds exciting and I know homelessness is a subject very close to your heart, so what can we expect from an evening in with Borderline?

It’s been pitched as pulp fiction with a social conscience, and the link to homelessness is probably the most prominent theme here. That said, homelessness itself is usually a symptom of other social issues, not that I’ll be getting on a soap box about it – either here or in the book. 

I think we’d need more than an evening to chat if we both got going about societal issues!

In practice, this is a gritty thriller (it must be, because gritty seems to be the most used adjective in reviews), whose main character, Rand Scott, seems to be going down well with readers. 

Oo. Can you share any reviews here?

Two of my favourite reviews end with these words:

‘Borderline is still a thriller at its core, but it’s one with heart and conscience. It doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think about the world around you. Gritty, compelling, and painfully relevant.’

and

‘It’s not a story that just entertains; it lingers, leaving you to mull over the choices people make when pushed to the edge.’

If readers feel like that, I’ve done my job. 

You most certainly have. You must be thrilled with those responses. I’m delighted to have a copy of Borderline on my towering TBR!

And what else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

Rand is a vegan, so it would make sense to bring along a vegan recipe to try out – but he also sees food as fuel, so if I was to reflect that, we’d probably end up eating vegan sausage butties (there’s a myth that vegan food is healthier for you, but I’ve found it’s very easy to be a vegan and still eat crap!).

So you won’t want this vegan burger then!

It’d also be useful to bring some music along. Sadly for you, no Bryan Ferry or Roxy Music, because music does feature strongly in Borderline, but it’s mainly classic rock, which is great but not ideal if we wanted a chat. 

Er, no Bryan Ferry? I’m not sure I’m asking you back again Graeme!

Or I could bring along a supporting character from the book. Having said that, Will the Weed didn’t acquire his nickname just because he’s skinny, Hazard isn’t noted for her conversational skills, and Fender’s views are pretty similar to his flatulence: loud and toxic. 

Hmm. I think they might not make for ideal companions. 

So maybe we’ll settle for sharing some chocolate and fudge (because I know what you like, Linda – and there are some pretty good vegan options) and maybe your drink of choice. Then we can carry on the conversation we started at Chiltern Kills, that reflected on how the system isn’t working…

That sounds a plan to me Graeme. I’ll grab a Bailey’s and you choose a drink and open that fudge (though I’m not sure about the sharing you mentioned!) whilst I give readers a few more details about Borderline. We can then have that proper catch up!

Borderline

When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.

A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.

Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.

The police also want him – for murder.

And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.

A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.

Published on 29th May 2025, Borderline is available for purchase here.

About Graeme Cumming

Graeme Cumming lives in Robin Hood country. He has wide and varied taste in fiction, but a particular leaning towards the darker side – though he’s very pleasant when you meet him. Borderline, the first book in his new crime series, was released in 2025 and already gained praise from readers.  

When not writing, Graeme is an enthusiastic sailor (and, by default, swimmer), and enjoys off-road cycling and walking. He is a past President and Education Director at Sheffield Speakers Club. He also reads (a lot) and loves the cinema. 

For further information, visit Graeme’s website. You can also follow Graeme on X @GraemeCumming63 and find him on Instagram, Goodreads and Facebook.