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likji's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25
magic_at_mungos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.25
hedwig2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
paul_gallagher's review against another edition
5.0
absolutely brilliantly read by Kathleen McCarron
whatfern_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
pia_de_e's review against another edition
5.0
Val McDermid is the best! I have read other books by her and seen numerous TV series based on her books, but this is my first Inspector Pirie.
I'm happy to say that even if it is number 4 in the series, you can just jump in and read it. That's how good a writer she is, as you have a view into the main characters past lives, and can read the book as a stand alone. Which of course I won't do, as I already have the previous 3 book on my TBR list.
The plot in this book turns around 2 stories, both cold cases. One is a murder rape that gets revived when the victim of an accident gives a coincidence with DNA related to the case. The other one is an apparent suicide. But Inspector Pirie takes an interest in it as the victim's mother died many years ago in a suspected terrorist attack.
Inspector Pirie is a strong female character, but at the same time she is grieving the death of her partner, so we see her as a very human and likable person. Although this can seem a bit cliché (I have other books with the same premise), Karen Pirie is one of the best built characters.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm happy to say that even if it is number 4 in the series, you can just jump in and read it. That's how good a writer she is, as you have a view into the main characters past lives, and can read the book as a stand alone. Which of course I won't do, as I already have the previous 3 book on my TBR list.
The plot in this book turns around 2 stories, both cold cases. One is a murder rape that gets revived when the victim of an accident gives a coincidence with DNA related to the case. The other one is an apparent suicide. But Inspector Pirie takes an interest in it as the victim's mother died many years ago in a suspected terrorist attack.
Inspector Pirie is a strong female character, but at the same time she is grieving the death of her partner, so we see her as a very human and likable person. Although this can seem a bit cliché (I have other books with the same premise), Karen Pirie is one of the best built characters.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
jodannna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
scoutee's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.5
lambsears's review against another edition
4.0
Another novel that offers all I want from a murder mystery - and it was perfect airplane reading on my recent long haul flights.