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amber_faith_27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
crystal6's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this next book in the series. Some new characters but the scenes in Krakow and a star for me. Lots of wit and humour among the more serious crime.
martyfried's review against another edition
5.0
This audiobook was narrated by the author, who did an excellent job in my opinion. He also has done an excellent job in writing this series so far, and it is one of my favorites (but my favorites changes every year or two). It's pretty dark, but with enough humor to keep it light. In this one, there is someone who cuts out his victim's eyes and then burns the sockets, leaving them alive but blind. There is also some crippling by smashing the person's kneecaps with a hammer. Much of the recent blindings have been done to Polish immigrants and letters were sent blaming them for taking away jobs, etc - the usual hatred against immigrants by poor citizens.
The main character, Detective Sergeant Logan McRae, is a cop in Aberdeen, Scotland that means well, but somehow things always go wrong no matter how hard he tries. Usually this is because he's just too nice a guy, or he tries too hard, etc. But in many ways, he's his own worst enemy. When things go wrong, he often follows along by doing more wrong because of it, usually drinking too much. He had to go to Poland for a case, where he shot someone and then almost got blown up, causing him to have bad dreams and other PTSD symptoms. So, instead of taking up offers of help from a psychologist, he starts smoking again (which he doesn't really like), and drinking a lot.
In one instance, he's encouraged to stay overnight and his reply is:
But to give him his due, he usually has impossible instructions, or clear instructions but he gets in trouble for following them. He's constantly being told things like "Don't do anything without clearing it with me first!", and then he comes back and is asked why he didn't do something about a problem. Or he gets suspended and then has to work or meet with someone while suspended (without pay of course).
As bad as things get, it's hard not to laugh every few pages. I'm going to be disappointed when I finish this series, I think.
The main character, Detective Sergeant Logan McRae, is a cop in Aberdeen, Scotland that means well, but somehow things always go wrong no matter how hard he tries. Usually this is because he's just too nice a guy, or he tries too hard, etc. But in many ways, he's his own worst enemy. When things go wrong, he often follows along by doing more wrong because of it, usually drinking too much. He had to go to Poland for a case, where he shot someone and then almost got blown up, causing him to have bad dreams and other PTSD symptoms. So, instead of taking up offers of help from a psychologist, he starts smoking again (which he doesn't really like), and drinking a lot.
In one instance, he's encouraged to stay overnight and his reply is:
‘But I've got plans.’ Which was true – he was going to go home and sit in the dark drinking vodka until he passed out. Same as he'd done every night since getting back from Poland.
‘I don't care: you're sodding well staying!’
But to give him his due, he usually has impossible instructions, or clear instructions but he gets in trouble for following them. He's constantly being told things like "Don't do anything without clearing it with me first!", and then he comes back and is asked why he didn't do something about a problem. Or he gets suspended and then has to work or meet with someone while suspended (without pay of course).
As bad as things get, it's hard not to laugh every few pages. I'm going to be disappointed when I finish this series, I think.
legohelmet's review against another edition
4.0
In the latest installment for DS Logan McRae just living in Aberdeen isn't the worst thing that can happen. There's someone attacking Polish immigrants to the city, gouging their eyes out and burning the sockets, ouch.
After Flesh House McRae has turned vegetarian (and who can blame him) but events in this book seem to have turned him even more into the hard drinking Scottish copper, not a bad thing but hopefully this doesnt take over to much in the next book.
Still gritty, violent but interesting change in crimes and victims, looking forward to next installment.
After Flesh House McRae has turned vegetarian (and who can blame him) but events in this book seem to have turned him even more into the hard drinking Scottish copper, not a bad thing but hopefully this doesnt take over to much in the next book.
Still gritty, violent but interesting change in crimes and victims, looking forward to next installment.
blissfully_me's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. Long book but plenty of action. Really like how DS McRae manages to be brilliant yet feckless all at the same time. Looking forward to checking out more of the series.
mariasmusings's review against another edition
3.0
Ah, another episode in the tumultuous life of Logan Balmoral McRae! In his fifth outing, Logan has returned with our favourite usual suspects including Finney, Rennie and Steel.
Members of the Polish community in Aberdeen are being targeted by a vicious attacker who gouges out their eyes. Meanwhile, another child has been kidnapped and the Grampian police are busily (if successfully) investigating these crimes. DI Finney has opted to take Logan under his wing leading to a variety of hilarious conversations as they argue and clash with their different approaches. Finney also introduces Logan to the local business man/crime lord 'Wee Hamish'. Something that Logan will soon come to regret. Add in the McClouds and this is one story that brings the reader on an absolute rollercoaster of horror and laughter.
On a happier note, Logan's love life is improving and he is actually happy! Well, temporarily. Steel's intentions do cause him a lot of concern.
The storyline is gritty, violent and not for the faint hearted- though at least this time around, we are saved from the topic of cannibalism!
Members of the Polish community in Aberdeen are being targeted by a vicious attacker who gouges out their eyes. Meanwhile, another child has been kidnapped and the Grampian police are busily (if successfully) investigating these crimes. DI Finney has opted to take Logan under his wing leading to a variety of hilarious conversations as they argue and clash with their different approaches. Finney also introduces Logan to the local business man/crime lord 'Wee Hamish'. Something that Logan will soon come to regret. Add in the McClouds and this is one story that brings the reader on an absolute rollercoaster of horror and laughter.
On a happier note, Logan's love life is improving and he is actually happy! Well, temporarily. Steel's intentions do cause him a lot of concern.
The storyline is gritty, violent and not for the faint hearted- though at least this time around, we are saved from the topic of cannibalism!
fat_girl_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
I'd forgotten how much I love Stuart MacBride and how much of a complete and utter genius he is.
MacBride's characters come to life. Mcrae and Steel are brilliant. The banter between them is laugh out loud funny and all of the characters have their own unique points and flaws.
The storyline is exciting, the plot only thickening with each chapter and tonnes of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
The writer's description of the events that happen make your skin crawl. I've never squirmed at the written word, and then laughed my head off minutes later as Mcrae played 'I spy' with a paedophile locked in the boot of his car.
Overall a fantastic novel, I can't wait to read more of MacBride's world.
MacBride's characters come to life. Mcrae and Steel are brilliant. The banter between them is laugh out loud funny and all of the characters have their own unique points and flaws.
The storyline is exciting, the plot only thickening with each chapter and tonnes of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
The writer's description of the events that happen make your skin crawl. I've never squirmed at the written word, and then laughed my head off minutes later as Mcrae played 'I spy' with a paedophile locked in the boot of his car.
Overall a fantastic novel, I can't wait to read more of MacBride's world.
eleellis's review against another edition
4.0
Well, it will be redundant, but again, each book by Stuart MacBride featuring Logan McRae and company just gets better than the last.
Some may suggest that MacBride follows a similar formula in each book by use of multiple threads going on at the same time, but that is okay. There's nothing wrong with sticking with a formula that works.
Along with his other books, this book is violent, but not in an exploitative way.
Also, in this book MacBride has the return of villains in past books, while introducing new, nastier villains.
Another thing that has evolved is the relationship between McRae and DI Steele. Previously, their relationship tended to loom on being one-sided, but as the novel goes on, the reader finds Steele has more layers than once thought.
Still, though, MacBride really needs to move way from characters with weak stomachs when it comes to the gore.
Some may suggest that MacBride follows a similar formula in each book by use of multiple threads going on at the same time, but that is okay. There's nothing wrong with sticking with a formula that works.
Along with his other books, this book is violent, but not in an exploitative way.
Also, in this book MacBride has the return of villains in past books, while introducing new, nastier villains.
Another thing that has evolved is the relationship between McRae and DI Steele. Previously, their relationship tended to loom on being one-sided, but as the novel goes on, the reader finds Steele has more layers than once thought.
Still, though, MacBride really needs to move way from characters with weak stomachs when it comes to the gore.
casmonido's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.0
This is where the series goes bad for me
its_a_novel_idea's review against another edition
4.0
Book five and as in each book so far the police still bend the rules and the murders and attacks are as brutal as ever. While maybe this isn’t my favourite book in the series (hence only four stars) it is definitely up there