A review by bhalpin
Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Listened on audio. Narration was competent but not spectacular. Jimmy Perez sounded a lot like Sean Connery. Secondary characters are far more interesting and sympathetic than Jimmy Perez. Maybe that's the point? But look
Spoiler
, women who exist only to get harmed and thereby develop a tragic story for the men is one of the worst, stupidest cliches of cop fiction, and it's on full display here. Having watched the show, I knew Fran was going to die eventually, but her death was completely unnecessary to the narrative and relegated her to the role of a prop for Perez's development. Didn't expect this level of casual misogyny from a female author, but there you go.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death