The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
theoceanrose's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Violence
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
 A reality tv show is being filmed on Pen y Draig. When bones are discovered on site DC Ffion Morgan is sent to the investigate. She quickly realises that they are animal remains. However, it won’t be her last visit to the filming site. First a contestant disappears and then there is a murder.
I really enjoyed the structure and changing perspectives of this novel. The majority of the chapters are told from the perspective of either Ffion or DS Leo Brady. In Part One there are also chapters centred around the viewing of each episode. Each is from a new point of view including Ffion’s mother, the wife of one contestant, the site’s security guard, and a YouTube vlogger. In Part Two Ffion and Leo’s perspectives continue but we also hear from each of the reality show contestants. I also thought the pacing was spot on. My attention never dragged, new information and twists came regularly but never out of left field, and the very short chapters in Part Three were well suited to the tense action packed scenes that were unfolding.
The reality show plot line was lots of fun, with all strategic plays from the contestants and the behind the scenes manipulations and lack of ethics by the producers confirming my prejudices about the genre. I continue to enjoy Ffion, despite her flaws and messiness. Her heart is in the right place even if her behaviour is sometimes questionable. The conflict inherent in being a member of the small close knit Welsh community she polices continues to challenge her boundaries and priorities which makes for good reading. I enjoyed seeing her navigate her feelings towards Leo, with his promotion providing an additional challenge. Finally, I thought the ending was spot on. The book is totally complete within itself. None of those annoying cliffhanger endings you sometimes see in series books. But there is also some interesting setting up for book three including Ffion’s personal relationship with Leo, a work relationship with George, and Seren moving to London. Very much looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
I really enjoyed the structure and changing perspectives of this novel. The majority of the chapters are told from the perspective of either Ffion or DS Leo Brady. In Part One there are also chapters centred around the viewing of each episode. Each is from a new point of view including Ffion’s mother, the wife of one contestant, the site’s security guard, and a YouTube vlogger. In Part Two Ffion and Leo’s perspectives continue but we also hear from each of the reality show contestants. I also thought the pacing was spot on. My attention never dragged, new information and twists came regularly but never out of left field, and the very short chapters in Part Three were well suited to the tense action packed scenes that were unfolding.
The reality show plot line was lots of fun, with all strategic plays from the contestants and the behind the scenes manipulations and lack of ethics by the producers confirming my prejudices about the genre. I continue to enjoy Ffion, despite her flaws and messiness. Her heart is in the right place even if her behaviour is sometimes questionable. The conflict inherent in being a member of the small close knit Welsh community she polices continues to challenge her boundaries and priorities which makes for good reading. I enjoyed seeing her navigate her feelings towards Leo, with his promotion providing an additional challenge. Finally, I thought the ending was spot on. The book is totally complete within itself. None of those annoying cliffhanger endings you sometimes see in series books. But there is also some interesting setting up for book three including Ffion’s personal relationship with Leo, a work relationship with George, and Seren moving to London. Very much looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
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