Reviews

Out of Bounds by Val McDermid

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pia_de_e's review against another edition

5.0

Val McDermid is the best! I have read other books by her and seen numerous TV series based on her books, but this is my first Inspector Pirie.

I'm happy to say that even if it is number 4 in the series, you can just jump in and read it. That's how good a writer she is, as you have a view into the main characters past lives, and can read the book as a stand alone. Which of course I won't do, as I already have the previous 3 book on my TBR list.

The plot in this book turns around 2 stories, both cold cases. One is a murder rape that gets revived when the victim of an accident gives a coincidence with DNA related to the case. The other one is an apparent suicide. But Inspector Pirie takes an interest in it as the victim's mother died many years ago in a suspected terrorist attack.

Inspector Pirie is a strong female character, but at the same time she is grieving the death of her partner, so we see her as a very human and likable person. Although this can seem a bit cliché (I have other books with the same premise), Karen Pirie is one of the best built characters.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

jodannna's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad 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? No

4.75

scoutee's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

lambsears's review against another edition

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4.0

Another novel that offers all I want from a murder mystery - and it was perfect airplane reading on my recent long haul flights.

ljm57's review against another edition

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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.