Danyl McLauchlan

I really like Danyl's non-fiction, whatever the topic. This is an examination of consciousness, meditation, altruism, and depression, but it is not self-important or overblown because the narrator is endearingly wry and self-deprecating. Full of lovely deadpan moments, but also a very deep and intellectual examination of subjects that are usually covered superficially. I powered through it in about 24 hours.

Great rollicking read, deflating itself at regular intervals. Especially poignant for anyone who's lived in Aro Valley, and especially Devon St, as I have. I once even excavated a Devon St backyard in much the same way as the team of black-robed cultists do herein, but only found bits of broken bottle.

The second book from NZ based author Danyl McLauchlan MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES OF THE ARO VALLEY follows on UNSPEAKABLE SECRETS OF THE ARO VALLEY. If this reader's experience was anything to go, it may be better to have read the first book, as there was quite a bit that remained somewhat unfathomable in this second instalment.

Having said that, MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES might be relying heavily on an in joke. Whilst the comedic farce aspect is a huge part of this novel, it also leans more towards show more supernatural than straight suspense or even fantasy, which means you've got a pretty tricky kettle of fish to deliver to potential readers.

This is one that's definitely going to come down to personal taste, connection with characters (and maybe place / events). The problem is in knowing who to recommend something like this to. Having seen some comparisons with the likes of Ben Elton there could be something in the comedic stylings there - although MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES doesn't do rant in the same way. I'd personally disagree strongly with other comparisons I've seen to Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett. Both of whom are particular favourites of this reviewer and nowhere could I sense any similarities to work by either of these authors.

Perhaps it comes down to readers who are looking for something different. I'd have no hesitation whatsoever in saying MYSTERIOUS MYSTERIES OF THE ARO VALLEY is undoubtedly different.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-mysterious-mysteries-aro-valley-d... show less

Similar in tone to Unspeakable Secrets, but less thrill of entering the author's warped mind for the first time. Nevertheless, as they say, Mysteries are Revealed. And a good chapter from the point of view of a dog.