I recently told all of you about Michael Stanley's newest Detective Kubu mystery, A Deadly Covenant, which will be officially released on September 1, so I thought it was time for a Cover-Off.
Let's jump right in!
Once again, we have two very different covers, don't we? Normally when this happens, I tend to strongly prefer one cover over the other, but that isn't what happened this time.
Both covers have bold colors. Both covers have well-chosen fonts that stand out well against their backgrounds. Neither cover contains a blurb (!), and both have strong graphics that are fully capable of grabbing the attention of any browsing reader in a bookstore or library.
So... which one do I choose?
I really like the African graphics. They're eye-catching and strong, and it's easy to see from them that the book is a mystery. But, for me, there are so many emotions that come to the surface when I see those two clasped hands on the US cover. Yes, those two clasped hands make quite a statement on the more understated US cover, so... by a gnat's whisker... I choose the US cover as my favorite.
What about you? Which cover do you prefer? US? UK? Neither one? Too close to call? Inquiring minds would love to know!
Happy dance! A new Michael Stanley! That's such a great series, isn't it, Cathy? And I like the US cover just a little better, myself. Those African graphics do it for me.
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me confused, Margot (which, granted, isn't all that difficult today)-- You said you prefer the US cover but mention the African graphics which are on the UK cover...
DeleteReally sorry, Cathy! Should have commented *after* I finished my coffee! I do prefer the US cover. But I like the African graphics, too. Normally, that would be my choice. But I think the US cover is better focused and for me, more appealing. Apologies for the confusion!
DeleteNo problem! It sounds as though we felt much the same way about the covers.
DeleteDefinitely the US cover. The UK one is too busy for my taste.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a busy cover.
DeleteAnother vote for the US cover here. As you noted, the clasped hands are thought-provoking, as are the drops of blood, while the border provides an African pattern. The UK cover is too busy and garish for my taste.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting. Here, the votes are for the US cover. The responses I received on Twitter were for the UK cover. Perhaps it's due to the time of day I sent my tweet out into the world.
DeleteI like the U.S. cover. What could be clearer as a pact than two clasped hands?
ReplyDelete