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A review by winniefoster
Past Lying by Val McDermid
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
McDermid is an excellent writer but there was something tired and predictable about this. The novel-within-a-novel feels like an overused trope and the simmering undercurrent of resentment at lockdown restrictions makes the Covid patient subplot feel exploitative rather than emotional. A lot of readers will 'solve' the central case long before the detectives do.