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A review by nikkisbooknook
The Flood by G.N. Smith
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A great introduction to a new to me author. Home grown murder mystery.
Fiona was hoping to relax with her auntie but it looks like they not only have to deal with a flood but also a killer! This small valley in the Borders should be a haven of peace and tranquillity - not homicide central! Even with limited assistance and not a stab vest in sight, Fiona is on her own to solve her first murder.
I loved the compact geography of the setting of the story - it was like a locked room mystery but outside! The geography is keeping all the major players in a small area, meaning Fiona has a great chance at unmasking them but only if they don't twig that she is a cop before she has some assistance. The quick time frame also kept the story moving along. The rising waters also played into the atmosphere of doom surrounding the murders and washing away Fiona's meagre evidence.
I'm always a bit wary when reading murder mystery/thrillers set in the Scotland and with a cop as the protagonist. Working within the police myself I'm very picky about procedures and protocols. Artistic licence is one thing but complete unbelievability is a no-no. So this was really quite good in my humble opinion. Fiona as the put-upon cop dealing with trauma from her own past and now in thick of an investigation with little major crime experience and no back-up.
I've been accepted to read an ARC of book #2 also so I'm off to read that whilst Fiona is fresh in my brain.
Fiona was hoping to relax with her auntie but it looks like they not only have to deal with a flood but also a killer! This small valley in the Borders should be a haven of peace and tranquillity - not homicide central! Even with limited assistance and not a stab vest in sight, Fiona is on her own to solve her first murder.
I loved the compact geography of the setting of the story - it was like a locked room mystery but outside! The geography is keeping all the major players in a small area, meaning Fiona has a great chance at unmasking them but only if they don't twig that she is a cop before she has some assistance. The quick time frame also kept the story moving along. The rising waters also played into the atmosphere of doom surrounding the murders and washing away Fiona's meagre evidence.
I'm always a bit wary when reading murder mystery/thrillers set in the Scotland and with a cop as the protagonist. Working within the police myself I'm very picky about procedures and protocols. Artistic licence is one thing but complete unbelievability is a no-no. So this was really quite good in my humble opinion. Fiona as the put-upon cop dealing with trauma from her own past and now in thick of an investigation with little major crime experience and no back-up.
I've been accepted to read an ARC of book #2 also so I'm off to read that whilst Fiona is fresh in my brain.