The Good Books, Douglas Skelton: ‘Mystic River is masterful, I wish I could write like Dennis Lehane’

The writer from Glasgow talks about revisiting the books he read as a child and how the work of Ed McBain has impacted his writing.

The initial book that comes to mind when I think of my early reading experiences:

I must choose Two Doggie Tales. It’s the sole novel written by Enid Blyton that I have read, as I missed out on the Famous Five and Secret Seven. I often ponder if this may have ignited my profound affinity towards dogs.

There is a literary piece of work that I highly suggest to all individuals:

Dennis Lehane's book, Mystic River, is nearly flawless in my opinion. The movie adaptation, written by Brian Helgeland, is also exceptional - on par with LA Confidential. Despite this, a critic dismissed the novel as cheap entertainment. I disagree with that assessment as the characters, setting, themes, and plot stayed with me long after I finished reading. It's not just a great example of crime fiction, but skilled writing in general. There are truths explored in the story that speak to past and present mistakes, leading to a sense of regret that lingers like ghostly spirits.

My top picks for books that I have read within the past year are as follows:

Dennis Lehane is back in his prime with Small Mercies. The story follows a woman's quest for answers about her child's vanishing in Boston during the 1970s, leaving readers hooked. Lehane's dialogue is exceptional, and his writing style captures the atmosphere of the era perfectly. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read that, much like Mystic River, lingers on the mind long after finishing. I find myself wishing to possess Lehane's skilled penmanship.

I really enjoy westerns and True Grit by Charles Portis stands out from the others that I've read before, like those by Louis L'Amour or JT Edson. The dialogue in Portis' book is especially notable and was even used in both movie adaptations. It may be heavily stylized but it feels authentic to the Wild West. The characters are also well-crafted, with Rooster Cogburn as the tough and experienced US Marshall and Mattie Ross as the determined young woman who seeks his help in avenging her father's death.

The book called Dr Syn by Russell Thorndyke was really captivating. It is known as A Tale of Romney Marsh and I came across it in East Kilbride Library. I loved it so much that I read the whole series. Even though it may seem old-fashioned now, I still appreciate the well-written dialogue and the way that the author sets the scene. It's like the book True Grit in that way. I was totally transported to the marshy environment and could almost feel the mist around me. I could hear the pounding of horses' hooves as The Scarecrow's gang went about their moonlit escapades. It was truly a fantastic read.

A novel that I never completed:

I've stumbled upon some books that I've had to try reading two or three times, like Shogun written by James Clavell. However, this wasn't because of its actual merit but rather due to my own emotions during those periods. Once I finally dived into it, the book captivated me, and I felt despair when it reached its conclusion.

A writer who has influenced me:

During my teenage years, I stumbled upon Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels. I believe that he was the one who inspired me to write. These novels were originally designed to be quick and easy reads, but McBain's writing style and character development allowed them to stand out and remain popular over time. His descriptions of the city through his writing were unparalleled and taught me that the setting of a story is just as important as the characters themselves. Based on my choices, it's clear that this lesson has stuck with me throughout my own writing journey.

The spot I enjoy the most for reading:

I can find time to do it anywhere, actually. If I get to choose, I prefer to do it in the living room while listening to some music, and with my pets - the dog and cat - sitting next to me on the sofa.

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