Oakville Reads discussion

Bellevue Square is the first work Michael Redhill has published under his real name in over 10 years. Other titles of his include Consolation and Martin Sloane .

Did you know Redhill also publishes mystery novels under the pseudonym Inger Ash Wolfe?

Have you read any of Redhill or his literary doppelganger's books? Why do you think he chose to name Jean's doppelganger Inger Wolfe - his own pseudonym?

Until I read Bellevue Square, I had never read anything by Michael Redhill (or Inger Ash Wolfe - although I had heard of the name) before. I typically gravitate more toward sci-fi/fantasy titles the majority of the time, so I suppose that's probably why I'm unfamiliar with his work until now.

As for Jean's doppelganger in Bellevue Square, her name being Inger Wolfe is incredibly fascinating to me. Especially because she writes mystery novels just like Redhill does under that name. Although she uses a different pseudonym, Ingrid. It's one aspect of the story that I can't really stop thinking about! I'm not sure if there was an actual purpose behind the use of the name, or if it was perhaps just a small Easter egg for readers who are familiar with his work? Super intriguing, though!

I have very much enjoyed his Hazel Micallef series and had no idea it was a pseudonym. One of my favorite things about these mysteries is the fact that the MC isn't a perky 30 something. Hazel is closing in on retirement.

I thought it was so interesting when I learned that Redhill also writes under a pseudonym, and that it was clearly part if his inspiration for Jean's plot line. The mystery novels and the name, it was a fun "Easter Egg" for readers not in the know. I haven't read any Inger Ash Wolfe novels. I wonder if Redhill thinks of his "undercover" writing career as a sort of doppleganger experience.

I've never read anything under the Inger Ash Wolfe pseudonym but I was definitely familiar with it, which made the last bits of the book even more insane to me with that bit being worked in. I've never read anything by him under any name either except for this book. I may have to consider changing that - once I re-read this one as it was completely bananas and I feel the need to take notes this time!

Kate wrote: "I've never read anything under the Inger Ash Wolfe pseudonym but I was definitely familiar with it, which made the last bits of the book even more insane to me with that bit being worked in. I've n..."

Kate, I definitely agree with your "completely bananas" statement! There's certainly a lot to take in, and I also feel that I could probably benefit from a re-read at some point as well!

I really think I need to read Consolation & Martin Sloane. I was so delighted by how exciting and weird and bananas this book was! I loved it so much and hope the author's previous works have some cool weirdness too!

Ashley wrote: "I really think I need to read Consolation & Martin Sloane. I was so delighted by how exciting and weird and bananas this book was! I loved it so much and hope the author's previous works have some ..."

I'd also be interested in checking out his other work. Bellevue Square definitely kept me on my toes! I'd be interested in checking out some of his literary doppelganger's mystery novels as well ;) Even just to see how similar (or not) the writing styles are.

I always found pseudonyms interesting - especially when the author publishes work under their own name as well as a pseudonym.

Sheila wrote: "I have very much enjoyed his Hazel Micallef series and had no idea it was a pseudonym. One of my favorite things about these mysteries is the fact that the MC isn't a perky 30 something. Hazel is c..."

Sheila, it seems you are the only one to have read Redhill's mystery books! I find it interesting that he has written from the perspective of a female sleuth nearing the age of retirement, and now a mentally unstable woman in mid-life. I guess his alter ego is a woman. Fascinating!