Regular visitors here will probably realise that crime fiction and whodunnits are not my usual reading fare, which in terms of fiction is firmly centred on Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Historical novels, with Contemporary Realism providing a consistent supporting thread.

So when reading Magpie Murders (as reported on yesterday) I was intrigued to notice the difference in my approach. When reading my preferred genres I am a far more demanding and critical reader. I expect plot and characters, subtext and pace to not only deliver but do so to a high standard.

With the crime/whodunnit novel, however, it was enough that it was reasonably well written and the storyline and characters reasonably engaging. In short, I set the bar less high.

I believe this is one very good reason supporting my decision only to review books I’ve enjoyed. Because if the ones I haven’t enjoyed are in my core genres then the chances are that the yardstick I’m using is an exacting one; even a very exacting one.

To be fair, though, I apply the same yardstick to my own writing so at least I’m being consistently exacting within those genres. 😉