I really love Andrew Cartmel’s Vinyl Detective series, and when looking at reviews of his latest (Noise Floor) I saw people mentioning this new spin off series about the Paperback Sleuth. Like many of the reviewers, I really didn’t know what to make of this new series. There is a character in the Vinyl Detective series (Tinkler) who is constantly stoned and randy and a bit of a comic foil for the main characters. If you imagine a female version of Tinkler, you get the main character of this new series, Cordelia. Instead of tracking down rare vinyl records, Cordelia deals in expensive rare paperbacks and is not above dodgy or even downright illegal tactics to get them. Her path crosses with our Vinyl Detective heroes at events that sell both old books and old records, which is quite fun. I’m not sure I like Cordelia enough to feel invested in the series yet, but perhaps she will go on a redemptive journey and I’ll warm to her more.
Sarah Wray Writer 