145 reviews for:

The Moth Catcher

Ann Cleeves

3.82 AVERAGE

funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Nice setting, in line with the rest of the series. The "fat but smart" character descriptions are somehow even more gratuitous but I'm kind of blocking them out now as Vera is being shown to have more depth... It's almost like everyone around her needs her to have what they perceive as flaws in order to endure her...
challenging mysterious relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I do love Vera as a character!
adventurous mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious 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

A disappointment. As other reviewers have said there’s something so old timey in the way Cleeves writes. Although others have barely a mention of their stature the main character is constantly referred to as fat. It’s jarring and off putting, like I’m back in the 2000’s fat shaming era. 

The meandering of the writing is not great either. I was sold by the blurb on the back cover but this book sadly delivers only a quickie ending that fizzles out. By the time I got to the last 80 pages, instead of feeling like I couldn’t stop I did so a few times. No mystery book should be able to be put down in the last 100 pages. 

All in all, this was a weak book, weaker mystery and fat shaming that wasn’t even disguised. I wonder how much of this is the author’s own inner monologue. In any case it was very tiring to read. 
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️.7/5 
Ann Cleeves’ “The Moth Catcher” is a literary gem that deserves its 4.7-star rating. The novel’s strength lies in its meticulous plotting, weaving an intricate web of suspense that keeps readers guessing at every turn. Cleeves expertly develops her characters, breathing life into each one with depth and complexity. The atmospheric setting enhances the overall experience, transporting readers into a world where the lines between fiction and reality blur.

What sets this mystery apart is Cleeves’ ability to deliver unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the suspense never wanes. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, revealing hidden layers of the story with each chapter. The protagonist’s journey is both compelling and relatable, adding an emotional depth that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Cleeves’ writing style is both elegant and engaging, showcasing a mastery of the craft. The Moth Catcher isn’t just a mystery; it’s a literary exploration that delves into the intricacies of human nature. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the genre or a newcomer, this novel is a captivating journey into the world of crime fiction, earning its high praise and solidifying its place among the best in its category.

See my review here:

https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/08/03/review-1537-the-moth-catcher/