My Reviews
Casting a Critical Eye Over Other Books
The Tribulations of the Trial by Franz Kafka
The Trial by Franz Kafka is one of those books that continues to bewilder many readers even a century after it was written. As a student and critic of existential lit and philosophy, Jim Algie makes a case for the novel’s ongoing relevance. Among the dwindling...
Time’s Arrow: The Death and Rebirth of Martin Amis
Upon the passing of the noteworthy author, Martin Amis, Jim Algie recalls his favourite novel by him, Time’s Arrow, which unfolds in reverse and leads back to the Nazi death camps. That period also inspired a more recent novel called “The Zone of...
Ode to All the Unsung Editors
Editors are the goalkeepers of the publishing world, saving many a writer from making heinous mistakes but most of the time they are overlooked. This ode sings their praises. It’s also a requiem for a veteran editor named Paul Dorsey. During late October and...
True Crime Show Zeroes in on Thai Serial Killer Who Targeted Masseuses
After a convicted serial killer dubbed Thailand’s “Jack the Ripper” was released from jail in 2019 only to kill again, Jim Algie looks back at a true crime show from 2013 called “The Masseuse Murders” which chronicles his deadly exploits....
Former MTV Host Gives Phantom Lover Major Review in Asia’s Biggest English Daily
David Kendall, the former creator and host of the MTV alt.rock show “120 Minutes,” gives the Phantom Lover collection of horror and noir a four-star review in the South China Morning Post, Asia’s biggest English-language daily, in its January 3, 2015...
The Most Heinous Flesh Trade: Book Review of Vulture Peak by John Burdett
In the bestselling mystery series by John Burdett, the Phuket-set entry, Vulture Peak, which deals with the gruesome organ trade, may be the most compelling and moving of the six novels. Review by Jim Algie. Starting with the brilliantly warped Bangkok 8, the series...
Sexy Quest for Unholy Grail
In The Book of the Most Precious Substance Sara Gran probes those grey areas between the mind, the libido and magic in a mystery about the world’s oldest obsession. Story by Jim Algie. Should every seemingly objective review begin with a totally subjective disclaimer?...
Debut Album by Steven Bradley Kravac: Timeless Pop Songs for Ageless Rockers
The debut solo album by Steven Bradley, who has spent much of his music career as a producer and sound-man and backing musician, reveals the harmonious benefits of staying power in a youth-crazy business. Many middle-aged people are content to either rest on their...
Five-Star Review of the Phantom Lover Collection of Horror and Noir
Steph Johnson gives Jim Algie’s short story collection The Phantom Lover two thumbs up on Thailand website. “People are a lot like snakes. They’re very fast and tricky, and you can never predict how harmless or dangerous they might turn out to be.”...
Review of Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler
One good thing about the pandemic was catching up on classics like “Farewell, My Lovely” by Raymond Chandler. For a book published 80 years ago, it’s surprisingly fresh and prescient. FISTFUL OF RAYMOND CHANDLER In Chandler’s second Philip Marlowe PI...
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