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A review by lisaarnsdorf
The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Although this is billed as a cold case story, it isn’t quite. Nearly half of the story takes place in the past, starting with the discovery of our murder victim and continuing on for several months of the initial investigation. I didn’t mind that aspect, but after a while it dragged on and I wanted to move on to the current day.
It’s clear that McDermid didn’t intend Karen Pirie to become the star of her own series. She’s a VERY minor character in this first book. But having read a few of the later books, I’m glad she did get promoted to leading lady.
It was interesting to see the characters age and mature. The killer became obvious by the 3/4 mark, but it was still interesting. The killer was incredibly nuanced, especially with their morals.
It was a smidge too long, but a great story. And man does it drive me crazy that McDermid has no problem killing off the most lovable characters!
It’s clear that McDermid didn’t intend Karen Pirie to become the star of her own series. She’s a VERY minor character in this first book. But having read a few of the later books, I’m glad she did get promoted to leading lady.
It was interesting to see the characters age and mature. The killer became obvious by the 3/4 mark, but it was still interesting. The killer was incredibly nuanced, especially with their morals.
It was a smidge too long, but a great story. And man does it drive me crazy that McDermid has no problem killing off the most lovable characters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Violence
Minor: Rape and Murder