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snazzybooks's review
4.0
From The Shadows has grit, suspense and intrigue aplenty. The characters are different enough to make me want to read more about them – Monica seems a strong, intelligent detective who avoids being too ‘perfect’ or ‘brilliant’ – she has her own issues and faults - and Michael is similarly touched by trauma, though a very different type of character (which I like as they balance each other somewhat). Both make for interesting reading, and the element of doubt that Monica has about certain characters just adds to the suspense as it makes the reader start to wonder whether they are also being duped by certain people (I don’t want to give away too much). You really feel united with Monica as some of her senior colleagues increasingly ignore her recommendations and suggestions, and it becomes a real race against time when more vulnerable characters seem to be at risk.
I really liked that one particular element of the plot towards the end of the story didn’t go down the route I thought it would which, in my opinion, would have been a little too dramatic and unbelievable – especially as the decision Monica made to get to that point didn’t feel like one that a parent would ever truly make. That’s the only criticism I have, though, and like I say I am glad it didn’t go a certain way in the end.
I liked the structure of the book – each chapter was split into days, and this made it easy to work out how much time had passed. Though there were a good amount of characters, there wasn’t a crazy number which meant it was easier to follow and keep track of who was who.
The plot is dark and has some pretty gruesome descriptions but I didn’t feel that it was too difficult to read (though some who are really squeamish might want to avoid – it was fine for me though!). Overall I thought this was a very enjoyable, promising start to a new series and I’m excited to read following books, and more from G.R. Halliday!
I really liked that one particular element of the plot towards the end of the story didn’t go down the route I thought it would which, in my opinion, would have been a little too dramatic and unbelievable – especially as the decision Monica made to get to that point didn’t feel like one that a parent would ever truly make. That’s the only criticism I have, though, and like I say I am glad it didn’t go a certain way in the end.
I liked the structure of the book – each chapter was split into days, and this made it easy to work out how much time had passed. Though there were a good amount of characters, there wasn’t a crazy number which meant it was easier to follow and keep track of who was who.
The plot is dark and has some pretty gruesome descriptions but I didn’t feel that it was too difficult to read (though some who are really squeamish might want to avoid – it was fine for me though!). Overall I thought this was a very enjoyable, promising start to a new series and I’m excited to read following books, and more from G.R. Halliday!
bexj30's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and it was one of those that I couldn't wait to keep reading whenever I could.
I liked Monica the main character, she reminded me from Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones, because of her stature and standoffish personality. However, she was a bit of a cliche detective... loner, socially awkward, bad parent etc, etc...
The writing was good enough to keep me guessing who the perpetrator could be up until around three quarters of the way through. It was a page turner, definitely plot driven rather than character driven. I feel if this is to develop into a series (which is the plan) the characterisation needs to be more complex. Their are hints at Monica having a shady past, but the reader doesn't learn what this is. I think this needs further explanation as the series develops.
The story itself followed a typical crime novel plot but the details were original; as in the the crime motive. However I found it to be rather random and not fully explained as well as it could be. I think more from the killer's point of view may have worked well.
One thing I cannot critique is the imagery and descriptive language used in the setting of the novel. It was haunting, beautiful and eerie, which I guess really helps in this sort of book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, a page turner, despite leaving room for improvement in some places.
I liked Monica the main character, she reminded me from Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones, because of her stature and standoffish personality. However, she was a bit of a cliche detective... loner, socially awkward, bad parent etc, etc...
The writing was good enough to keep me guessing who the perpetrator could be up until around three quarters of the way through. It was a page turner, definitely plot driven rather than character driven. I feel if this is to develop into a series (which is the plan) the characterisation needs to be more complex. Their are hints at Monica having a shady past, but the reader doesn't learn what this is. I think this needs further explanation as the series develops.
The story itself followed a typical crime novel plot but the details were original; as in the the crime motive. However I found it to be rather random and not fully explained as well as it could be. I think more from the killer's point of view may have worked well.
One thing I cannot critique is the imagery and descriptive language used in the setting of the novel. It was haunting, beautiful and eerie, which I guess really helps in this sort of book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, a page turner, despite leaving room for improvement in some places.
melbsreads's review
3.0
Trigger warnings: murder, abduction, gore, torture, graphic descriptions of dead bodies, fatphobia.
This was both fine and also quite meh all at the same time. The murders were definitely creepy and the dual investigation was very intriguing. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story that I didn't see coming and I definitely didn't see the villain's identity coming.
But at the same time, I...didn't really like either of the protagonists very much. And the constant references to Monica's height and weight and size and SHOE SIZE were kind of exhausting tbh.
This was both fine and also quite meh all at the same time. The murders were definitely creepy and the dual investigation was very intriguing. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story that I didn't see coming and I definitely didn't see the villain's identity coming.
But at the same time, I...didn't really like either of the protagonists very much. And the constant references to Monica's height and weight and size and SHOE SIZE were kind of exhausting tbh.
natashaw's review
4.0
This is a first in a new detective series.... and I will definitely be reading more!
Set in the Scottish HIghlands, DI Monica Kennedy and social worker Michael Bach, have to work together to track down the killer of several teenage boys.
With strong characters and several plot twists - this is a must read for summer :-)
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Set in the Scottish HIghlands, DI Monica Kennedy and social worker Michael Bach, have to work together to track down the killer of several teenage boys.
With strong characters and several plot twists - this is a must read for summer :-)
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
peacockbookreviews's review
1.0
DI Monica Kennedy and her team set about solving a series of murders in the Scottish Highlands. Two young men have been murdered and left posed in remote places in the Highlands. The connection between victims is black stones left with their bodies.
Michael Bach is a social worker trying to find Nichol Morgan, a client. Michael seeks Monica's help.
I gave up on this book numerous times but did finish it. I found the frequent authors jibes about Monica being like a man, tall with big feet tiresome and unnecessary.
The formatting was appalling, inconsistent use of upper case letters, lack of spacing and at times switches between characters were unclear.
The plot was good, just very, very slow.
I thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and author G R Halliday for a copy of the book to review.
Michael Bach is a social worker trying to find Nichol Morgan, a client. Michael seeks Monica's help.
I gave up on this book numerous times but did finish it. I found the frequent authors jibes about Monica being like a man, tall with big feet tiresome and unnecessary.
The formatting was appalling, inconsistent use of upper case letters, lack of spacing and at times switches between characters were unclear.
The plot was good, just very, very slow.
I thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and author G R Halliday for a copy of the book to review.
annarella's review
4.0
A very good procedural, entertaining and engaging.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and loved the wonderful setting.
The book is chilling and you cannot put it down.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and loved the wonderful setting.
The book is chilling and you cannot put it down.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
gemmiejewel's review
4.0
Plot
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again.
A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in this starkly beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case won’t begin and end with this one death.
Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients whose last correspondence was a single ambiguous text message; Nichol Morgan has been missing for seven days.
As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
Review
This is my first encounter with G.R. Halliday's highland dectective and I hope it will not be the last.
Firstly, I am a sucker for anything set in Scotland as its probably on the top of my "Most Want to Visit" list. The setting itself is perfect for the theme of the novel; dark, menacing never bright. It is almost a physical manifestation of the characters inner demons, which I find so catching when it comes to reading a novel.
Secondly, I am so glad that the characters themselves are not perfect. Monica Kennedy, the struggling single mother constantly juggling what to put first, Michael, a man with his own guilt and troubles trying hard to help those around him and paying the price for it. Crawford, the over eager rookie almost too keen to do a good job. I love them!
Thirdly, the plot. It kept me guessing right up until the end and I have a feeling that this is not the last we have seen of certain aspects of it. I need to see how this runs.
Lastly, and probably the only negative and the reason I knocked off a star is the book is quite packed with disturbing scenes and sometimes they were a little hard to read and stomach.
Overall though, I would throughly recommend this book and hope that the rest of the continuing series is as good.
Rating
4 stars
Recommended
Yes - just don't read at night on your own. You'll end up sleeping with the light on - apparently!
This book was very kindly gifted by the publishers in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own. Not sponsored.
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again.
A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in this starkly beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case won’t begin and end with this one death.
Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients whose last correspondence was a single ambiguous text message; Nichol Morgan has been missing for seven days.
As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
Review
This is my first encounter with G.R. Halliday's highland dectective and I hope it will not be the last.
Firstly, I am a sucker for anything set in Scotland as its probably on the top of my "Most Want to Visit" list. The setting itself is perfect for the theme of the novel; dark, menacing never bright. It is almost a physical manifestation of the characters inner demons, which I find so catching when it comes to reading a novel.
Secondly, I am so glad that the characters themselves are not perfect. Monica Kennedy, the struggling single mother constantly juggling what to put first, Michael, a man with his own guilt and troubles trying hard to help those around him and paying the price for it. Crawford, the over eager rookie almost too keen to do a good job. I love them!
Thirdly, the plot. It kept me guessing right up until the end and I have a feeling that this is not the last we have seen of certain aspects of it. I need to see how this runs.
Lastly, and probably the only negative and the reason I knocked off a star is the book is quite packed with disturbing scenes and sometimes they were a little hard to read and stomach.
Overall though, I would throughly recommend this book and hope that the rest of the continuing series is as good.
Rating
4 stars
Recommended
Yes - just don't read at night on your own. You'll end up sleeping with the light on - apparently!
This book was very kindly gifted by the publishers in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own. Not sponsored.
janpd24's review
2.0
An intriguing setup with some unlikely and unusual characters — especially DI Monica Kennedy — yet I struggled to really get stuck into this book. I found the crime-solving a bit too convoluted and wasn’t really interested in any of the characters. I had to give it up eventually.
Monica Kennedy herself is quite the enigma, the too-tall misfit, the sort we’ve come to recognise as maverick detectives in fiction, but almost always male. Thus, she’s quite a breath of fresh air. However, one struggles to really connect with her.
(Review copy received from NetGalley.)
Monica Kennedy herself is quite the enigma, the too-tall misfit, the sort we’ve come to recognise as maverick detectives in fiction, but almost always male. Thus, she’s quite a breath of fresh air. However, one struggles to really connect with her.
(Review copy received from NetGalley.)
amothersmusings1's review
4.0
"From the Shadows" is a D.I. Monica Kennedy novel, a new Scottish crime series from debut author G.R. Halliday.
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again. A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in the beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case won’t begin and end with this one death. Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients, Nichol Morgan, who has been missing for seven days. As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
As debut police procedurals go this isn't a bad first time effort. I love crime thrillers set in Scotland, especially the Highlands and knowing the places mentioned in the story intimately, I did feel a connection to the location of the story and appreciated the raw beauty of the atmospheric descriptions. Although I would have a appreciated a little more positivity towards the Highland weather, which can be unforgiven but can also be quite stunning.
It is does have quite gruesome descriptions at times, so if easily offended this may not be for you but I thought it added to the story and as I do like my serial killers to be as twisted as they come, I was very content with the violent content in the book.
All in all a decent crime thriller, my only niggle was the constant reference to Monica's height, I'm sure it's not unusual to have tall women in the police force and I couldn't help picturing some totally freakish woman with very large feet! I would read more in this series should it be followed up and would hope Michael Bach returned to the story too, I thought he made a great character and worked well as a partnership with Monica. I would happily recommend this book.
4 stars
Sixteen-year-old Robert arrives home late. Without a word to his dad, he goes up to his bedroom. Robert is never seen alive again. A body is soon found on the coast of the Scottish Highlands. Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy stands by the victim in the beautiful and remote landscape. Instinct tells her the case won’t begin and end with this one death. Meanwhile, Inverness-based social worker Michael Bach is worried about one of his clients, Nichol Morgan, who has been missing for seven days. As Monica is faced with catching a murderer who has been meticulously watching and waiting, Michael keeps searching for Nichol, desperate to find him before the killer claims another victim.
As debut police procedurals go this isn't a bad first time effort. I love crime thrillers set in Scotland, especially the Highlands and knowing the places mentioned in the story intimately, I did feel a connection to the location of the story and appreciated the raw beauty of the atmospheric descriptions. Although I would have a appreciated a little more positivity towards the Highland weather, which can be unforgiven but can also be quite stunning.
It is does have quite gruesome descriptions at times, so if easily offended this may not be for you but I thought it added to the story and as I do like my serial killers to be as twisted as they come, I was very content with the violent content in the book.
All in all a decent crime thriller, my only niggle was the constant reference to Monica's height, I'm sure it's not unusual to have tall women in the police force and I couldn't help picturing some totally freakish woman with very large feet! I would read more in this series should it be followed up and would hope Michael Bach returned to the story too, I thought he made a great character and worked well as a partnership with Monica. I would happily recommend this book.
4 stars