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strawberrymivvy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
When a body is found on the beach Matthew and his team must work to discover what happened. They discover a link to the day care centre where Matthew's husband works, and when two women from there are kidnapped, the case just gets more confusing - what could be the link?
Hints of homophobia in small town Devon, a DS who also has history (single Mum with a potentially violent ex-partner), a DC who's a bit too big for his boots and is indiscreet with the boss... so many options for which way future stories can go.
Well-written, interesting characters and I will likely look out for more books in this series
Minor: Sexual assault and Kidnapping
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Alcohol
gmamartha's review
3.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Mental illness, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Rape, and Religious bigotry
jessnichole's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Kidnapping and Murder
singalana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Minor: Addiction, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Blood, Kidnapping, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
bibliomania_express's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol
angelfireeast24's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
liliom's review against another edition
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Murder
nerdglasses08's review
3.25
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Car accident, and Death of parent
akira_outofthegravity's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
As for the plot I have to say I’m very proud of myself for guessing most of who’s involved. The final “twist” -if you can call it that- had me both repulsed and also wondering how I could have missed it. I loved the themes of abuse in this book, doesn’t sugar coat it, Cleeves distinctly calls out the homophobia and covert homophobia (referring to Jon as Matts “partner”, the harassment of women - particularly disabled women, as well as the infantilisation of disabled women and those with mental illness. As someone with mental illness I thought that point was particularly interesting.
The saviour complex shown by the characters is really interesting, and Cleeves calls it out in no uncertain terms. I thought Ross was really interesting, being this spoiled brat, essentially, but who’s actually being manipulated (at least in some capacity) by his boss who he feels in debt to. I liked him more by the end, and I feel like he’ll get some more development as the series goes on.
Jen was also very interesting. A very judgemental woman who’s actively trying to better herself, while struggling with being a woman on the force. Her relating everything to her domestic abuse (I suppose PTSD, even if it’s never outright stated) gave a lot of depth to the character and you could really feel her anger, and her desperation to get on with her kids. Again, I liked her more as the book went on, I loved that she was angry. Seems like we never get angry women, and it was a breath of fresh air.
I’m a little uncertain about Jon, there were a couple of points where I was hoping that what Cleeves was alluding to was in fact residue from Matts childhood (not being demanding with Jon, Jon losing his temper, etc) and not hints that their relationship was actually abusive. I’m hoping I’m misinterpreting it. But as a gay reader I’m constantly scared that the gay characters will be thrown under the bus. Nevertheless I’m excited to read the next book, and to watch the series which starts next week! (Monday the 23rd October).
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Child death and Death of parent