Paul Cornell and Rachael Smith at Waterstones Piccadilly
It's all about the murder mystery at Waterstones Piccadilly, next Saturday 20th September, from 1 - 2pm. Come and chat to Paul Cornell and Rachael Smith, and grab your signed copy of Who Killed Nessie? That way, you can solve the biggest Whodunnit, right there on the shop floor.
Paul’s the Award-winning writer of such graphic novels as I Walk With Monsters, Saucer Country and The Witches of World War 2. He's also written for Doctor Who and co-hosts the podcast Telefantasy Time Jump.
Rachael’s an Award-winning illustrator and writer best known for making comics that deal with mental health issues with warm, relatable humour, such as Wired Up Wrong, Quarantine Comix, and NAP COMIX. She’s created work for The New Yorker, Image, Titan, and Mad Cave, among others.
And Who Killed Nessie? is a comedy cryptozoological whodunnit about finding confidence through rationality and accepting a world of mysteries… by solving one. It introduces us to Lindsay Grockle’s, on her first day as the manager of the Lakeview Hotel. Her boss has handed her the keys and departed for vacation. And then the convention attendees start showing up, each more peculiar than the last. Lindsay’s a confirmed skeptic, and the Convention guests are cryptids from all round the world. Not only that, but one of them has murdered the Loch Ness Monster. And it’s up to Lindsay to solve the case!
Really looking forward to this one, to the event and the GN both. Nessie looks wonderful warm and light-hearted, and I can’t recommend Paul’s Lychford series (Gnomes is out now!) or Rachel’s Quarantine Comix (which are such a lovely view of lockdown) enough. Do pop along, hang out and chat!
Reading: Returning to my Manga with the last instalment of Cat + Gamer, which has been my favourite title (and a go-to bookseller recommendation) for the last couple of years. It tells the story of a Japanese businesswoman who acquires a little kitty (and then two) and the antics that erupt. It’s very wholesome, appropriate for all ages, and if you like cats (or gaming) you’ll definitely see yourself in the panels.
Watching: Yes, K-Pop Demon Hunters is the absolute best thing. Funny, how not so many years ago, I would’ve been really jaded and cynical about it, yet as I get older, I’m just happy to see the joy in things, and to accept them for what they are. And it <is> joyous, and dear lawd, as the darkness rise about us, do we really, really need the light, right now.
Playing: Magic the Gathering is a bad, bad habit, and I will say no more on the subject.