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echolliot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s clear that McDermid didn’t intend Karen Pirie to become the star of her own series. She’s a VERY minor character in this first book. But having read a few of the later books, I’m glad she did get promoted to leading lady.
It was interesting to see the characters age and mature. The killer became obvious by the 3/4 mark, but it was still interesting. The killer was incredibly nuanced, especially with their morals.
It was a smidge too long, but a great story. And man does it drive me crazy that McDermid has no problem killing off the most lovable characters!
Moderate: Torture and Violence
Minor: Rape and Murder
drjoannehill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Told mainly from the point of view of four witnesses who are accused of murder (rather than mainly from the point of view of the detectives, which is more typical I think) in 1978, and the impact this has on them at the time and 25 years later when a cold case review begins.
Also want to say, all the police officers in this story are as useful as a chocolate teapot, so I'm interested to read more "Karen Pirie mysteries" to see if she actually develops.
Written in 2004, it is quite interesting reading about 20 year old technology; also thinking about the 25 year gap in the story (1978/9 to 2003/4) feeling like eons, what would that be like today? 1999 seems quite clear in my mind ...
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Infertility, Infidelity, and Fire/Fire injury
heidi_84's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Minor: Rape, Suicide attempt, and Murder
_lish_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape and Murder
kirstym25's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Murder
geraldinerowe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Rape
velvet_young's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
sshabein's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Moderate: Rape and Murder