Reviews

No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister

Only show reviews with written explanations

lavins's review against another edition

2.0

2 stars

Despite a promising plot, nothing happens in the entire book. There are countless unnecessary details about random people of no consequence (the shirt some woman was wearing, her haircut, the tv program) and of course relentless internal chatter of every character.

mattrw88's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 Stars

nikigirldetective's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

thisisgettingstupid999's review against another edition

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5.0

“What if the worst moments in my life were paraded in a court-room? … Anybody could be made to look guilty.”
Vividly told in courtroom scenes and witness testimony (sometimes frustrating, sometimes incredibly moving), this is the gripping story of the death of a baby and the trial of her aunt.
McAllister makes some interesting points about relationships, ordinary lives seen under a microscope and the role of fathers. “They are not expected to look after their children, and they are not blamed when they don’t.”
Of course, I do have criticisms!
Firstly, the two sisters’ jobs were a bit fanciful. Becky seemed uniquely unsuited to her ‘set-dressing’ role, virtually breaking down over having to find a dalmation print chair. As for Martha: “There were hundreds of refugees who were relying on me.”
The story was quite slow at times with the sheer tedium of a crying baby and the humdrumness of long-term relationships.
And finally,

Spoiler

for a story that seemed meticulously researched, I found the denouement overly-simple. Wouldn’t there have already been an inquest? Could all those experts, who seemed so certain, have missed this possibility?

And yet, as I went about my normal day, I kept thinking about the story, kept looking forward to getting back to it. Will I remember it in a few months’ time? I think I will. And that’s why I’m giving it five stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.