Let's see.... I reviewed Alex Grecian's latest Murder Squad mystery yesterday. I'm doing a US/UK Cover-Off of the book today, and tomorrow Denis and I will be heading to The Poisoned Pen to see him in person. I guess you could say that this is Alex Grecian Week!
Before we actually get right down to it, I have to tell you that I'm looking forward to seeing Alex's shoes. The first time I saw him, his shoes had lots of bright neon green. Last year he wore his Union Jack shoes. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us this time!
Okay, time to take a look at these covers....
The US cover is a bit depressing, isn't it? Gray, gray, gray. Gloomy skies, fog, one lone figure who's probably wondering what the deal is with all those chairs just like I am. No real blurbs. Just the title, author's name, and information telling us that this is a Murder Squad book and that Grecian is a bestselling author. I like the fonts used, and the spacing, but... there's really nothing there to grab me. How about you?
On the other hand, I like the use of color on the UK cover. There's a lot of red on that cover, which is appropriate since these books can sometimes get a bit bloody-- especially with Jack the Ripper as a character in the last two. But even with all that use of red, the cover still strongly implies darkness. I really like the fact that a man in Victorian clothing has walked through a dark tunnel and is coming out into the light. This is very symbolic of Walter Day's progress throughout the book.
Title, author's name, "bestselling author," and four-- count 'em--four blurbs. You're probably expecting me to be frothing at the mouth because I've made no secret of my loathing of blurbs. But guess what? They don't bother me on this cover. Yes, it's true that I wish they weren't there. I don't know if it's because the blurbs are short, well balanced on either side of the tunnel, and actually give the prospective buyer genuine clues about the book, but I don't find them as obnoxious as I usually do. What do you think about them?
Now... which one is my choice? I think it's rather easy to deduce that I prefer the UK cover. It's just plain more eye-catching. Walking down that bookstore aisle, I'd go right past the depressing gray US cover (unless I did happen to see Grecian's name) and find myself picking up the UK edition.
What about you? Which cover do you prefer? US? UK? Neither one? Too close to call? Inquiring minds would love to know!
I like the UK cover better, too, Cathy. There's something more attention-getting and compelling about it. And yet, it's not at all overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and that's a rather delicate balance to maintain.
DeleteI prefer the U.S. cover. It is haunting, mysterious, threatening and creepy to me. Just looking at it, made me shudder. It does make one question, what are the chairs all about. Nothing good, I'm sure. The UK cover looks like a traditional cover to me.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Lynn, about the UK cover looking more traditional. It could be that they thought most of us wouldn't know what those empty chairs mean. Look to the next comment for the answer!
DeleteHere's a comment from Kathleen that really explains the US cover:
ReplyDelete"I haven’t read these books but I once had a sociologist friend of mine talk about death and how the family is left with 'empty chair syndrome.' So to the reality of the loss of someone who has died ('lost and gone forever') the US cover works. The memorial to the people who died in the OK City bombing uses chair to signify each person. Of course, I am assuming the title refers to death, hence the grey color scheme works too.
Yes, too many blurbs on the UK cover."
Thanks so much, Kathleen, for solving the mystery. Much appreciated!
DeleteJust noticed you changed the books in the header or cover photo at the top of your blog. When did it change? I just noticed it today.
ReplyDeleteLess than a week ago, Lynn, so you're not too far behind. ;-)
DeleteSometimes I am so unobservant, I am glad you didn't say months ago. I wouldn't make a good witness. :-)
DeleteI didn't expect anyone to notice, to tell the truth. I want to change my blog's template, but I just plain haven't had the time. The other day I thought, "Well, the least I can do is change that blasted photo!" LOL
DeleteI like the British cover better, the colors, the man walking out into the light. I would not notice the gray U.S. cover in a bookstore.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I would prefer fewer blurbs, one short one on each side; that's it.
It constantly amazes me how no one I talk to likes blurbs, but publishers persist in using them, but I've recently gotten an inkling why. In working on The Poisoned Pen's Pinterest boards, I stumbled into the idea of pinning "recommended reading" lists onto one board. The traffic on that one board is mind-boggling. I've got to step up my attempts on helping people choose good books to read!
DeleteI think readers are always looking for recommendations. I take the good reviews I read at blogs I frequent seriously and add the books to my TBR lists.
ReplyDeleteI do read the blurbs on the back of books after I have taken them out of the library or purchased them. They aren't decisive in my choosing them but I like to read them.
I think publishers must have some basis for putting blurbs on the covers or they wouldn't do it. A few encouraging sound bites to potential buyers must pay off.
I think I am a very strange duck because I don't look for recommendations. Having grown up in a library where my mother (the librarian) gave me free rein to read as I pleased, I've never had any reluctance to blaze my own trail. Does this mean that I turn a blind eye to the recommendations given to me by friends whom I trust? Absolutely not. I probably just made myself sound like some smug, superior oaf, and that really wasn't my intention. Not everyone who loves to read has had my history with books. And there are many other things in this world where I need all the help and the recommendations I can get!
DeleteI don't look for recommendations. I read book reviews in the NY Times and online, but I read so many at blogs that when I read one (or two) that are positive and that interest me, then I pursue it.
ReplyDeleteThis was true of Fiona Barton's The Widow and the Harry Bingham series about Fiona Griffiths. But also of many other books which I happen to read about and my interest is piqued.
But I just enjoy reading book reviews, too.
Someone who has lived in Australia asked me today why I bought a book published there and am being sent more books by authors in Oz. I explained about blogs by people living there and how the Internet has expanded reading options.
You're right on the money there, Kathy. The Internet has certainly expanded reading options!
DeleteThe UK cover, for certain.
ReplyDeleteThe US cover has grown on me a bit since another reader explained Empty Chair Syndrome to me, but I do still prefer the UK one.
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