Category Archives: Books

Book Pile

This morning, I’m dipping into some poetry and short stories from a few of my favourite authors. The advice I was given when I began writing was, read as much has you write. Over the years I’ve come to see the importance of this and the need for balance.

Ian McEwan, in an interview, said that he reads for several hours a day and it’s good to read a range of fiction, especially outside your genre. Although, today I’m focusing on poetry and short fiction. I’ve written quite a bit of both, recently, but I haven’t had time for much reading. I’m currently studying for a Masters in Theology, so it’s a juggling act. I finished ‘Reservoir 13’ by Jon McGregor this week. I need some time before I review it, as I have so many thoughts on it.

Today, I’m looking at these beauties by Claire Keegan, whose book, ‘Small Things Like These,’ was my favourite read of 2022. I then read ‘Foster,’ which was also an intensely beautiful, if a little melancholic, read. I’ve reviewed it on this blog. These are stand alone short stories, The Forester’s Daughter and So Late in the Day. I also want to read Alison Moore’s Eastmouth and Other Stories. I really enjoy her short fiction and her novels. One of my favourite stories for sheer tension and beautiful writing was ‘When the Door Closed, It Was Dark,’ originally published by Nightjar Press and in the collection, Pre-War House and other Stories, but Salt Publishing.

Wendell Berry’s poems are meditations on relationships and belonging, and Daunisha Laméris’ poetry is vibrant and atmospheric. I haven’t started Homesickness by Colin Barrett, but I enjoy his short fiction. His newest book, Wild Houses, will be published by Jonathan Cape in 2024. Now, time to read…..

Dead Drop – 1 Year Anniversary Giveaway

Dead Drop was published a year ago today by Linen Press. To celebrate the one year anniversary of its publication, I’m giving away 3 free copies. Leave a comment on why you like to read thrillers and names will be drawn at random. #thrillers #thrillerbooks #amreading

A lyrical, daring thriller that hurls you into the dark world of art theft with unexpected insights. Stephanie Carty, author of Shattered

Malby’s novel proves once and for all that thrillers can be both hugely compelling and beautifully written. This is virtuosic storytelling, as vibrant as a Klimt painting, as lyrical as a Viennese waltz, as atmospheric as a Carol Reed film. I loved it. Jonathan P Taylor, author and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, University of Leicester

An exquisitely written, poetic journey through the underbelly of Vienna’s artworld, Dead Drop is littered with secrets and laced with tension. F C Malby is a writer to watch! Jane Isaac, best-selling author of crime thrillers

Woman in Gold

There has been much in the news in recent years regarding Nazi looted art from Europe during the Holocaust. It is also the subject of my thriller, DEAD DROP, published by Linen Press in October 2022. You can find out more in a conversation and Q&A with my publisher. Over 600,000 pieces were stollen from Jewish families, collectors and museums in countries that were occupied. It began in 1933 in Germany with the seizure of Jewish property and belongings and continued on during the Anschluss, where Austria was annexed by the Nazis in 1938. Around twenty percent of the art in Europe was looted by Nazi soldiers and, today, more than 100,000 pieces are still missing and have not been returned to their owners, or families. Efforts to recover paintings and other items have been stepped up through new art restitution laws.

Last night, the BBC aired the 2015 film, Woman in Gold, which follows the true story of Maria Altman, the niece of Adele Block-Bauer, who is the subject of Gustav Klimt’s portrait, Woman in Gold, which hung in the Belvedere Palace Gallery in Vienna, Austria. Altman fled to America with her husband, forced to leaving her parents behind, and the film depicts flashbacks to the arrival of Nazi soldiers in Vienna and the looting of art and property. The details, like her father playing the cello and the memory of Maria being given her aunt’s favourite necklace (also worn in the portrait), makes the film all the more poignant. Maria and her young lawyer fight for ten years for the paining to be returned, taking their case to the Supreme Court in America.

Dead Drop – Book group visit and reviews

This week I was invited to a book group to discussion about my latest book, Dead Drop, published by Linen Press in October. The Q&A session was interesting with lots of interesting questions from readers. A few people asked whether there would be a sequel. Several people said that they had explored more information about the paintings, or visited Vienna, after reading the book. Many shared that they loved the descriptions of the city, the changing seasons, the cafe culture and details about the art and artists, as well as the history.

Some readers asked how Leisl had managed her conscience while stealing priceless works of art and why she had a moral dilemma as the story unfolded. Others wanted to know about the transfer of art to and from galleries, and about my research and writing processes. Many people are unaware of the sheer volume of priceless art which remains missing from galleries. I discussed global art theft, as well as the Art Loss Register and the FBI Art Crime Team.

I also want to share some wonderful recent reviews from readers:

BARNES AND NOBLE –

Jomaghs

5 stars A descriptive masterpiece

“I usually speed read books and whizz through them in no time at all but this book was different. The descriptions were so detailed and captivating that I needed/wanted to take my time and savour every page. It’s beautiful and intriguing at the same time…Couldn’t put it down.”

AMAZON –

Andrea Barton

5.0 out of 5 stars A nail-biting thriller that makes you think Reviewed in Australia on June 19, 2023

“Dead Drop, by F.C. Malby, is a nail-biting thriller that makes you think. Liesl loves her solitary life as an art thief in Vienna, thriving on bursts of adrenaline from rehoming valuable artwork based on clandestine instructions from her illusive employer. But when one of her contacts ends up dead, she realises that she, too, may be in danger.
Dead Drop demonstrates that even art thieves have morals, and I found myself questioning the ethics of art ownership.”

Shal Buy

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 May 2023

“A very enjoyable read, I quickly warmed to the main character, Liesl and her involvement in the main plot. Keen to unfold the mystery, didn’t put the book down until I had finished it!”

Catch up with the launch of Dead Drop – Readings and a Q&A with Linen Press

We had a wonderful evening of readings and a fascinating Q&A, with questions from the director of Linen Press, Lynn Mitchell, and some really interesting questions from the audience.

Thank you to so many of you for joining us. Do send in any questions in the comments. We enjoyed taking you on a journey through Vienna and the art underworld. Find out more about Liesl’s dangerous dead drops and the mysterious letters from Albert.

Pick up a copy from Linen Press

A fast-paced, intelligent thriller that exposes the undercover world of art heists and takes us on a roller-coaster ride through Vienna’s renowned galleries and museums as skilled art thief, Leisl, steals paintings for private collectors, until she comes up against a truth that makes her question everything she knows.

“Malby’s novel proves once and for all that thrillers can be both hugely compelling and beautifully written. This is virtuosic storytelling, as vibrant as a Klimt painting, as lyrical as a Viennese waltz, as atmospheric as a Carol Reed film. I loved it.”
– Jonathan P Taylor, author and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Leicester

Publication date: October 31, 2022
978-1-9196248-6-0 Paperback
Price: £7.99
978-1-9196248-7-7 Digital
Price: £5.99