The Global Discussion The Global Discussion - Natalie Marlow: From Family Tales to Crime Thrills
In this episode, we explore the world of historical fiction and crime writing with the incredibly talented novelist Natalie Marlow. Natalie Marlow is a rising star in the literary scene, known for her enthralling novels that transport readers to captivating landscapes and intriguing characters. Inspired by the stories passed down by her grandparents, Marlow weaves together historical elements and classic crime fiction to create genuinely compelling narratives. With a Master's degree in Creative Writing (Crime Writing) from the University of East Anglia and pursuing a PhD at Birkbeck, University of London, Marlow's dedication to honing her craft shines through in her work. She resides in Warwickshire with her family, finding solace and inspiration in the region that fuels her creative spirit. One of Marlow's notable achievements is her debut novel, Needless Alley, which has garnered critical acclaim and was even named an FT Best Summer Thriller in 2023. Set against the backdrop of 1933 Birmingham, Marlow masterfully transports the hardboiled Hollywood noir of the 1940s to the backstreets of the Midlands, creating a tale replete with seamy glitter and cynical grime. The Daily Mail describes Needless Alley as having "all the seamy glitter and cynical grime of the genre." At the same time, The Times praises Marlow's ability to create "a great sense of period and place" that evokes "an atmosphere of mounting menace and dread." These accolades highlight Marlow's exceptional skill in immersing readers in her meticulously researched historical setting. In Needless Alley, readers are introduced to the protagonist, private enquiry agent William Garrett. Damaged by a dark childhood spent on Birmingham's canals, Garrett specializes in facilitating divorces for the city's male elite. However, his conscience is plagued by remorse after each job, mainly when he photographs unsuspecting women in flagrante. But when he accidentally falls in love with Clara Morton, the wife of a dangerous client, Garrett's life takes a treacherous turn. Marlow takes readers on a thrilling journey through seedy canal-side pubs, crumbling Warwickshire manor houses, and the hidden spaces of Birmingham's Queer bohemian society. Marlow's ability to capture the essence of 1930s Birmingham and infuse it with moral corruption and seedy entanglements has garnered high praise. Financial Times heralds her engaging protagonist as potentially marking the birth of a new genre: Midlands Noir. Matthew d'Ancona, Tortoise, lauds Needless Alley as "pulp fiction of the highest quality" and emphasizes Marlow's emergence as a fabulous new thriller writer. With Needless Alley being just the beginning, Marlow is following up with her second William Garrett book, further cementing her place in the world of crime fiction. Her distinctive blend of style, elegance, and gritty storytelling akin to classic hardboiled fiction is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Marlow provides unique insights into her writing process, the significance of place in her work, and the influences of authors like Raymond Williams and Raymond Chandler. Her passion for the genre, coupled with her meticulous research and evocative storytelling, has established her as a notable crime writer with a distinct interest in the power of place.
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