slayermel's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, the story kept me hooked.
Eve is a reporter for the crime beat (aka Meat beat) for the local TV network. She ends up reporting on a serial killer who is creating macabre exhibitions around town, displaying his art of death. Eve ends up catching the serial killer's interest with her latest report and he decides that he needs her to show off his art as she understands him like no one else can.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery.
Eve is a reporter for the crime beat (aka Meat beat) for the local TV network. She ends up reporting on a serial killer who is creating macabre exhibitions around town, displaying his art of death. Eve ends up catching the serial killer's interest with her latest report and he decides that he needs her to show off his art as she understands him like no one else can.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery.
snazzybooks's review against another edition
5.0
Book reviews and more on www.snazzybooks.com
I've never read any of Belinda Bauer's novels before, but have heard so much about how amazing she is - at the top of her game and leading the way in the crime genre. So, I was really excited to read her newest novel, The Beautiful Dead, and see if it is a winner.
It definitely is!
This novel features a serial killer, crime reporters and murder victims, which - let's face it - have all been done before. But somehow Belinda Bauer has managed to make this feel completely new and fresh. It stands miles apart from some of the other novels in this genre which, in contrast, seem a little overdone and tired. I am so impressed with this novel, from the first page to the last.
I love the characters, particularly (of course!) Eve. She's such a great, strong female lead and I really enjoyed reading about her and her lovely colleague Joe. They work so well together. The fact that Eve isn't a policewoman, but instead a crime reporter for the local news, means that she doesn't always have to follow the rule (and she certainly doesn't!) She can go off-piste and not worry about following procedure, and pick up on things that the police might not. I love a well-written police procedural as much as any other novel, but this difference in the 'usual' occupation of the main character is a welcome and fresh change.
The story itself is fast moving and really ramps up the tension, without feeling overly dramatised. I love reading about serial killers (I am a big crime fan) and this one has buckets of suspense, which makes for a great read - and plenty of grit and gore at times. It even had a good dose of humour in there too - and all this without feeling over the top and ridiculous. All in all, that's some impressive writing!
I feel that The Beautiful Dead is a fantastic read and a great introduction to Belinda Bauer's work - I'll definitively be reading more by her novels in the future!
Many thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an unbiased and honest review.
I've never read any of Belinda Bauer's novels before, but have heard so much about how amazing she is - at the top of her game and leading the way in the crime genre. So, I was really excited to read her newest novel, The Beautiful Dead, and see if it is a winner.
It definitely is!
This novel features a serial killer, crime reporters and murder victims, which - let's face it - have all been done before. But somehow Belinda Bauer has managed to make this feel completely new and fresh. It stands miles apart from some of the other novels in this genre which, in contrast, seem a little overdone and tired. I am so impressed with this novel, from the first page to the last.
I love the characters, particularly (of course!) Eve. She's such a great, strong female lead and I really enjoyed reading about her and her lovely colleague Joe. They work so well together. The fact that Eve isn't a policewoman, but instead a crime reporter for the local news, means that she doesn't always have to follow the rule (and she certainly doesn't!) She can go off-piste and not worry about following procedure, and pick up on things that the police might not. I love a well-written police procedural as much as any other novel, but this difference in the 'usual' occupation of the main character is a welcome and fresh change.
The story itself is fast moving and really ramps up the tension, without feeling overly dramatised. I love reading about serial killers (I am a big crime fan) and this one has buckets of suspense, which makes for a great read - and plenty of grit and gore at times. It even had a good dose of humour in there too - and all this without feeling over the top and ridiculous. All in all, that's some impressive writing!
I feel that The Beautiful Dead is a fantastic read and a great introduction to Belinda Bauer's work - I'll definitively be reading more by her novels in the future!
Many thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an unbiased and honest review.
nirvanad's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a fan of Bauer’s writing and whilst this isn’t the best she’s done, it’s still a good read with enough going on to keep you interested. Might be slightly on the gory side for some.
littlebodybigheart's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
abookloversdiary's review
dark
emotional
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
mycriminalmind's review against another edition
3.0
Her er min omtale av Den vakre død. Linken fører til min bokblogg. https://mineboker.wordpress.com/2018/06/23/den-vakre-dod-belinda-bauer/
noceur's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Car accident and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol
evavikman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alicekaty's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0