Reviews

Criminal by Karin Slaughter

bbboeken's review against another edition

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4.0

Met veel goesting aan begonnen, stak rap tegen gezien de structuur van het verhaal waarin voortdurend wordt gewisseld tussen heden en verleden (ik haat dat), maar het einde maakt alles goed. Dit is eigenlijk een belangrijke episode in de reeks.

nicolegardner's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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5.0

Criminal
5 Stars

The disappearance and brutal murder of a young college student raises specters from the past for both Will Trent and his boss, GBI deputy director Amanda Wagner. For Amanda, the case evokes memories of the investigation that launched her career 40 years before while for Will, it prompts troubling questions regarding the death of his mother, which may provide important clues to the identity of a deranged killer.

An absolutely spellbinding read.

The mystery provides an excellent backdrop for the insights into the beginning of Amanda's career as a law enforcement officer as well as the revelations concerning her relationship with Will.

The descriptions of the rampant misogynism and racism in the 1970s are both heartbreaking and infuriating, and go a long way toward explaining Amanda's personality. They are all the more troubling considering the current political and social climate in the USA and elsewhere today.

The transitions between the chapters set in the past and those set in the present are seamless, and the manner in which Slaughter has skillfully interwoven the lives of the various female characters mentioned throughout the series within the fabric of Will's life is particularly satisfying.

There are also some minor developments in Will and Sara's relationship, and it is clear that there are still obstacles for them to overcome if they are to have a future together.

In sum, a brilliant addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one.

kathyintex's review against another edition

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5.0

My favorite of all the Trent and Grant County books so far. Loved the back story for Amanda, Evelyn and all their ‘gals’... Well done and very interesting look at women in the time period (1975). Looking forward to many more.

melissarina's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoy reading the Will Trent / Atlanta series - I love the emerging romance between Will and Sara, and how their relationship plays out with Angie popping up occasionally.
I found the backstory of Amanda Wagner to be the most interesting part for me - I've often wondered how she got to be the cold person she is today, and although this doesn't explain it, it does portray her as a caring, loving individual - maybe some of the future books in the series will shed more light on it.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable suspense thriller

cdrake's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jarthur's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lemanley's review against another edition

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mysterious tense fast-paced

4.25

venomess's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jeni_dean's review against another edition

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4.0

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I normally enjoy Will Trent escapades, but it was interesting to find out more about his background.

As always Karin Slaughter writes with such skill and expertise that it’s impossible to put anything down that she has written, so definitely check it out. I would just say don’t necessarily expect the usual type of story, especially when Will really isn’t in it that much and it’s mostly focused on Amanda.