Reviews

My first thought: I’m amazed by how much story is packed into 193 pages! Even with so many characters I didn’t feel overwhelmed and felt that I could see them distinctly. Cleeves provides enough context and inner monologue to keep the reader clued in. I’ve found this detail in writing crucial after recently reading a different mystery where the author’s writing style didn’t incorporate this. It makes all the difference! I felt as if I was getting to know all the players at a personal level.

Second thought: The mystery of who killed Dorothea who seemed to have touched so many people was engrossing. I tried hard to guess but was so wrong. I think Cleeves put it all together at the end well, though the very ending after the killer is found felt abrupt. But that’s rather inconsequential to the story at large.

jessgrace88's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

saraboye's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

claudiuo's review

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dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

3.75

adglass24's review against another edition

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2.0

Wah! These are just no substitute for watching the television series (Vera & Shetland) that are based on many of her novels. I didn't connect with the detective on this case at all and the mystery wasn't terribly interesting because, again, I didn't have an emotional connection to the person murdered in the story. Woe is me! Come on, BBC and itv, churn some more seasons out.

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