Reviews

Out of Bounds by Val McDermid

ljm57's review against another edition

4.0

A fatal traffic accident provides a DNA match to evidence collected from a 20 year old cold case involving rape and murder. DCI Karen Pirie heads the Historic Cases Unit in Scotland and is determined to follow it through until she achieves justice for the victim’s family. Her investigations also lead to her become involved in a second historic case in which a plane exploded, killing all on board. This case was also never formerly closed but terrorism was the conclusion drawn. Through Pirie’s bull-headed tenacity, and willingness to bend the rules, both cases are eventually solved, after many twists and turns and despite the obstacles placed in her path by her superiors. This is the 4th in the Karen Pirie series but the book works well as a stand alone. She is a terrific “warts and all” character and the Scottish setting is brilliant. An enjoyable crime/mystery.

baxtervallens's review against another edition

dark emotional funny informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

dhasenkampf's review against another edition

4.5

McDermid does it again. She writes mysteries so well and makes it look so easy. Loved the characters, the plot, the pacing. Everything was wonderful. 

lmarsden's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

asny's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

hettyb's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sarahryoung's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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cr4nkyp4nts's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars

So happy I made this my first McDermid book. Very well-written. The characters were believable and I don't recall any BS moments. So many strong, capable women!

I'm going to miss Karen. I definitely recommend this one.

saraheholtom's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

zsazsa_3's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5