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sophiemartin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
hannahelizza556's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.0
The third instalment of DCI Ryan’s three part series uncovering the inner workings of ‘The Circle’…
The murder site for this book is Heavenfield – a church in the Northumberland countryside. Early on, it is revealed to the audience that DCI Ryan is the prime suspect for the murder – his arrest confirms this. DI Mackenzie heads up the investigation in his place.
All three books focus on the theme of religion and so, the murder scenes also have religious significance. The two murder sites in this book are Heavenfield church and Bamburgh Castle.
In the opening of the book, The Circle have prominence but this soon wilters as secrets are revealed and members become sloppy in their initiations. Added pressure from DCI Ryan and his team also split ‘The Circle’. As the body count rises, Ryan has to think quickly about where to channel his investigation next.
Unlike the other books, this one chooses to focus on DCS Gregson, DCI Ryan’s superior officer. This is the first and last opportunity that the reader has to find out more about this character. The reader learns how the cult group helped him when he was a younger. The Circle was able to give him the confidence he needed. The chapter also explores his lifestyle and his affairs. In some respects I did feel sorry for Gregson as he entered the Circle with good intentions, it was the other members and the ultimate goal of the group. Essentially, Gregson was brainwashed by the other members of The Circle and now, doesn’t see any different in his reasonings of right and wrong.
On page 58, during one of The Circle meetings The Master sings the words “emperor Lucifer, master of all the rebel spirits, we beg you to favour us in the call that we make to you. O, Count Astarot! Be favourable to us and make it so that this night you appear to us in human form. Accord toys, by the pact that we make with you, all the riches we need. Ave Satani!” This really hit me as I could hear the character sing the words in my head as well as read them on my Kindle. It was very atmospheric.
The explanation behind one of the murders is great – all of the physical pieces are laid out in front of you and are knitted together brilliantly.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book and the other two books previously in this series. The character development has fully been established as has the overall plot as well as the extra elements to the book overall. a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
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