When I found out about the next book in Elly Griffiths' wonderful Dr. Ruth Galloway series, The Locked Room, I also got a chance to see both the US and UK versions of the book cover. You know what that means: Cover-Off!
Let's take a look, shall we?
Both covers have a similar feel to them, don't they-- a rather isolated-looking house. Both covers are relatively uncluttered, although I do think that the blurb on the UK cover is unnecessary. Both tell us that this is a Dr. Ruth Galloway mystery. Naturally, the US cover has to tell us that Griffiths is an award-winning author because there are readers who won't waste their time on books if the authors haven't won any awards. *sigh* Although... if that gets them to pick up this book and read it, that's a good thing, right?
I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I've never cared for the font that the US publishers use. For some reason, that particular font makes me think light-hearted and silly, and that isn't a good indication of what the books are like at all.
Now, let's get down to the brass tacks-- the graphics. Both are lonely houses under brooding skies. Which house do I prefer? Most definitely, the UK house. I've been there. I've seen many houses like that. Sturdy stone cottages that will always stand the tests of time and weather. When I look at the house on the UK cover, I want to see what's on the other side of the road. What kind of view does that lonely house have? And why does that house look as though it holds secrets? What happened there? The UK cover engages my imagination and my need to know more. On the other hand, the blue house on the US cover looks like it could be standing above a windy beach on the Outer Banks or Cape Cod, which is good... if the book was set on the Outer Banks or Cape Cod.
So... the UK cover is the hands-down winner of this cover-off. What about you? Which cover do you prefer? US? UK? Neither one? Inquiring minds would love to know!
Well, hmmm. I don't sense any menace in either cover. But the font in the author's name in the U.S. cover and a slight hint of danger leads me to the U.S. cover. Something about how the house is set.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the cover, I can't wait to get my hands on this book! When will it be available in Britain? I can't wait until June. Ho. No. No. Like having chocolate cake on order for six months from now.
The UK release date is February 3, 2022.
DeleteOh, andd there is that matter of the skull.
ReplyDeleteWhich is small enough to almost be overlooked.
DeleteOh, I'm with you on this one, Cathy! The UK cover's more atmospheric, and I agree about the font. It's the choice for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not alone about that font!
DeleteThe UK cover, but I would still be give the US cover a second look.
ReplyDeleteI would, too.
DeleteI definitely prefer the UK cover as well.
ReplyDeleteUK cover lovers seem to be the majority this time around. :-)
DeleteWell, the skull is bigger on the actual book cover. But it should have been figured into the design more prominently.
ReplyDeleteEither way, I'll be purchasing whatever book I can get first, and since it will be released in early February, I'll get that version and pay no attention to the cover.
Another thing that I noticed about the UK cover more than the US is the feeling of isolation, which ties in perfectly with the Covid lockdown.
DeleteI had the same thought about the house on the US cover belonging on the US coast. I also dislike that font on the US cover - it makes me think of horror movie trailers, which is not the right mood for Griffiths's books. I definitely prefer the UK cover, though that won't matter when the time comes that I'm able to get a copy to read :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. When it comes to Dr. Ruth Galloway, the covers might as well be plain brown wrappers for all I care!
DeleteI like the unique font and layout that the US cover uses, along with the Ruth skull logo. The UK type and logout is too conventional. At the same time, I agree with you that the background photo of the house is more authentic to the story. So, if you pit the US font and layout on top of the UK photo you’d have a winner! I’m just thrilled there is a new Ruth/Elly book to read!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the most important thrill. I also knew that there was at least one someone out there who preferred the US cover for the exact reasons why I disliked it, so I'm glad you spoke up, Kathleen!
DeleteI know nothing about the series (again), but I vote for the UK cover. I am going strictly by the artwork and which of the two books would actually make me pick them from the shelf for a closer look.
ReplyDeleteThat's usually my criteria, Sam. I hate to say this, but this is another series I think you would enjoy. You've added Ann Cleeves to your list; it may be time for Elly Griffiths, too.
DeleteYes, there is more a sense of isolation in the British cover, but I don't feel menace or danger. There is enough of it in the U.S. cover, but that skull could have been handled better in the design. Like maybe peeking out the window of the house.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'll buy whatever book is on sale in February.
I've already pre-ordered mine.
DeleteFrom Amazon UK? or Book Depository?
DeleteAmazon UK.
DeleteGood idea. I guess I have to set up an account with them.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I think this blog entry's comments could win the Kathy/Cathy/Kathleen/Kate sweetstapes this week. Great when our names are so popular.
Makes me wonder if we're all roughly the same age. I grew up in a small town--population 1800--and when I was in the 7th grade, there were 35 children in the class. Five of us were named Cathy/Kathy.
DeleteAt my high school which had a huge population, if one yelled out "Susan, Nancy, Carol, Linda, Kathy, Barbara, Marsha," many heads would turn.
ReplyDeleteI thought of changing my nickname to Kate years ago, but I gave up. Or even Katy. Few of them in my environment.
A friend whose daughter is Katherine is nicknamed Kitty and writes using the pseudonym of Kat. I thought Kat? Good nickname.
I've had a few (very few) people try to call me Kat. Huh uh. Ain't happenin'. I can't abide cats. We have two cats here-- one feral, and one a neighbor likes to let out at night-- that like to hang out in our backyard to kill birds that come to our birdbaths.
DeleteI thought of "Kat" and "cat" when I wrote that, knowing about those cats who kill birds. The neighbor shouldn"t let that cat out.
ReplyDeleteNo. It's called a HOUSE cat for a reason: it should stay in the house-- especially since coyotes roam the neighborhood. The feral cat is getting old, but it must be wily to have avoided the coyotes for so long.
DeleteMy friend whose daughter is Kitty moved to an area with woods behind it. One of her favorite cats has been missing for a month. She's convinced a predator got him.
ReplyDeleteSo Kitty (aka Kat) brought home two kitties. I wrote an email and told my friend on the phone: They must be house cats. Can't go outside. She agreed.
And her daughter agreed. But I can't help but say to her; Kitty is buying kitty litter for the kitties.
Yes, it's getting a little cabin feverish around here. I may be be able to get to the library to pick up five books on Tuesday. Oh, happy day! Even deserves chocolate to go with the reading.
I'll be doing a happy dance on my way home.
Good to hear you're getting out. Denis and I are planning to go see the butterflies on Wednesday.
Delete