Wednesday, April 22, 2015

I've Got Susan Elia MacNeal Covered!


Here I am, book cover junkie-in-training, back with another two crime fiction covers to take a look at. 

I have to admit that the primary reason why I began to develop an interest in crime fiction book covers from US and UK publishers was to cut down on the number of duplicate titles I bought. That's really not a problem now, but I'm still interested in those book covers, and during the past few weeks it's easy for me to see that you are, too.

This week I'm being a tiny bit sneaky. Yes, I've read the book. In fact I've enjoyed the entire series, so I certainly don't mind bringing Susan Elia MacNeal's historical mysteries to your attention. Why am I being sneaky? You'll understand the second you see the book covers....





These are the US and UK covers for MacNeal's very first Maggie Hope mystery, Mr. Churchill's Secretary. At first glance, I wouldn't blame you for thinking that I'd put two copies of the same cover there for you to look at. But if you look closely, you'll see that there are subtle differences, and it's those differences that make me prefer one cover over another.

If you get right down to brass tacks, it doesn't make a bit of difference which cover you choose because they're so similar, but....

I give the edge to the US cover, and here's why. The UK cover has a sepia tone which yellows the image and gives it an historical look. I don't like that yellowed look. 

I also prefer the font on the US cover. It's crisper, and the font is what gives the cover its historical flavor. The font size and the placement of the author's name and the title also allows us to see the London skyline, which makes those planes droning overhead much more ominous.

What about you? Do you prefer one of these covers, or are they so similar that you just don't care? Inquiring minds would love to know-- either here in the comments, by email (kittlingbooks(at)gmail(dot)com) or on Facebook!


12 comments:

  1. Now that you mention it, I like the UK cover better because all of the writing is big enough for my aging eyes. I look for that feature now. I like the words to be
    larger and very apparent, nothing small to squint to read.

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    1. Larger print can certainly be a bonus, Kathy!

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  2. I like the font on the US cover better, Cathy, so I suppose that would make me choose it. But that sepia tone on the UK cover appeals to me. Can't choose this time! Yikes!

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  3. I like the US cover better too. Think the fact that the skyline of London can be seen is good. Also looks like it has a little blurb from Stefanie Pintoff on the front - think that's it. If you know her books and like them, that might sway you to pick it up. I've read this book too and part of the series. I'm behind on it, as usual, but hope to catch up soon.

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    1. Don't start talking to me about series that I'm behind on. Y-I-K-E-S!!!!!

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  4. I like the sepia tone as well, and think the font on the UK cover is vaguely Art Deco-ish. I also like the fact that it's tagged as a "Maggie Hope mystery". So I would have gone with the UK cover until you pointed out that the title obscures the London skyline. :-(

    So it's a toss-up, I suppose.

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    1. I think being able to see the London skyline was the clincher for me, but it's very close!

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  5. Anyone who can read the quote at the bottom of the U.S. cover has great eyesight.

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  6. However, this cover begs me to ask: What is with covers of women's heads, sideways, from the back? What is with hiding faces?

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    1. I've wondered that for a long time now, Kathy. The only thing I can think of is that publishers want women to identify with the book, with the woman on the cover, and seeing her face would ruin that. The image on the cover has nothing to do with how I identify with a book, so it doesn't work for me.

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