nonuhtnaw's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
writer595's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
neil_denham's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book from Rankin, if you like his books you will like this one, if not then this one won't change your mind - but I really enjoyed it!
ajnel's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
The Malcolm Fox spin-off series had me a bit worried, as I could not see Fox as an interesting enough character to build a story around. I must admit I was wrong. Rankin truly has a unique ability to create complex and interesting main characters and this "buddy cop" whodunnit is an excellent murder mystery with all the Rankin twists and turns we have come to love.
ensaiosobreodesassossego's review against another edition
2.0
Muito fraquinho. Não costumo ler muitos policiais, mas não me parece que este seja o melhor exemplo do género.
A história em si não tem muita lógica, as personagens estão mal-desenvolvidas (incluindo o protagonista!) e tudo se passa demasiado rápido.
A história em si não tem muita lógica, as personagens estão mal-desenvolvidas (incluindo o protagonista!) e tudo se passa demasiado rápido.
csdaley's review against another edition
4.0
The anti Rebus but I lived it. I also loved that it was a book about an internals affairs officer (complaints) as the hero. They are usually the villians which I have never understood. Crooked cops are still bad guys. Great story and looking forward to the next one.
mxinky's review against another edition
2.0
I thought I'd try another Rankin, and made it a Fox novel. Fox has no personality besides being in recovery and sorting through some books. Fox also ogles his sister to try to determine whether she is wearing a bra? I am not going to subject my mind to the writing of Ian Rankin after this. A real shame, as he could have done better.
Besides the above, the novel goes on far past the point that anyone can get the characters straight. (Broughton and Brogan?) Fox breaks multiple laws but still says things about how no one is above the law? Sloppy, messy, and creepy.
Besides the above, the novel goes on far past the point that anyone can get the characters straight. (Broughton and Brogan?) Fox breaks multiple laws but still says things about how no one is above the law? Sloppy, messy, and creepy.
okenwillow's review against another edition
4.0
Mon premier Rankin, le croirez-vous ? J’ai longtemps eu L’étrangleur d’Édimbourg dans ma PAL, la première enquête de l’inspecteur Rébus, et je ne l’ai jamais lu. Il était temps de s’y mettre, surtout en prévision de ma visite aux Quais du Polar à Lyon, où l’auteur était annoncé (voir mon album et lire mon compte-rendu). Donc voilà, j’ai lu mon premier Rankin, en commençant par sa nouvelle série, qui met en scène Malcolm Fox, un bœuf-carotte divorcé, très compétent dans son domaine, mais un chouïa détesté par ses congénères moins scrupuleux de la loi. Le décor est posé, la ville d’Édimbourg sert de théâtre à la pièce qui se joue sous nos yeux. La complexité de la chose ne fait aucun doute, très vite l’intrigue se révèle sinueuse, parsemée de fausses pistes. Les personnages sont bien traités, Fox est un héros tout en épaisseur, son côté taciturne accentue le mystère. Plus qu’une banale enquête avec meurtre, tripes et sang, il s’agit ici de dépeindre le milieu de la police des polices, avec ses ambiguïtés, ses rivalités, ses jalousies et ses guerres internes. Manipulations, mensonges et trahisons constituent la trame principale de Plaintes, un premier épisode bien construit, au héros prometteur. À suivre, sans aucun doute !
rodhunt's review against another edition
5.0
Compelling. Will read the next Malcolm Fox episode soon.
hillersg7's review against another edition
4.0
No Rebus in this Rankin thriller, instead another 'outsider' Malcolm Fox takes centre stage. This is high quality Rankin story telling that gradually builds and powerfully draws in the reader, with plenty unexpected partnerships, great cameos of Edinburgh and surrounds, plot twists and turns and characters you want to know more about.