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els04's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Stilleven. Door: Val McDermid.
Een tiental jaar geleden ben ik, na twee gewapende overvallen te hebben meegemaakt, gestopt met het lezen van thrillers. Tot dan verslond ik gretig alles van Val McDermid; ik was dol op Tony Hill en Carol Jordan (in boekvorm én op tv).
Een tijdje geleden zag ik dat er een serie over Karen Pirie - een personage van McDermid - op tv zou komen en die heb ik, voorzichtig, geprobeerd. Ik was direct verkocht: het verhaal was geweldig goed, Karen bleek zó tof; ik genoot van elke seconde. Jammer genoeg vond ik het boek (De verre echo) niet terug in de bib. Maar nu is er weer een nieuwe Karen Pirie: Stilleven! Woehoe!
Ik heb het boek net uit, heb als een verslaafde zitten lezen, zeker de laatste hoofdstukken: nagelbijtend spannend! Karen blijk op papier nog toffer dan op het scherm (boeken zijn altijd beter hé), ondertussen is ze een tiental jaar ouder dan in de serie en is ze hoofd van de afdeling Historische zaken van de Schotse politie. Als je denkt dat dat saai is vergis je je schromelijk: haar job is giga boeiend én spannend, soms zelfs ronduit gevaarlijk. Haar collega’s Jason (en later Daisy) stalen ook direct mijn hart.
Mc Dermid kan schrijven: ze weet je pagina na pagina aan het papier te kluisteren, haar personages zijn levensecht (Karen, ik wil je vriend zijn én ik hou ook van chocoladekoekjes!), de dialogen vonken en de zaken die aan bod komen in Stilleven zijn intrigerend. Je voelt ook continue de dreigende spanning van de naderende Brexit en de virus-lockdowns.
Een tof pluspunt is dat de Karen Pirie verhalen boordevol coole, vrouwelijke personages zitten (allemaal vriendschapskandidaten voor mij).
Deze zomer ga ik, voor het eerst, naar Schotland; misschien neem ik wel een stapeltje McDermids mee want ik ben (opnieuw) verslaafd!
lorrietruck's review
4.0
Why did I stop reading this series? And why, when I started again, did I read the latest in the series rather than the one I was up to? Hard to say. Will be going back to read the rest now for sure.
antiopelle's review
2.0
I love mostly all books that Val McDermid wrote, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
The previous books in the series were mainly supported by the main character, Karen Pirie, a grieving widow using her work to get past the hurt of losing her partner. But she has changed in such a way that it is very difficult to feel any sympathy for her anymore.
She is disrespectful and selfish, she refuses to communicate correctly with her team, which results in almost disastrous result for one of them and yet she will not take responsibility. She also misuses her prerogative as a detective for personal reasons. If I were her partner Hamish, I would run as far as I can.
She also attaches great importance to the archaic and bureaucratic echelons in the force in the sense that everyone below her are plods, and those above are there because of political reasons. The only one good and decent detective is Pirie herself. How tiring.
I'm not sure if I would read a next installment of this series because of the main character. However, I've already pre-ordered [b:Christmas is Murder: A Traditional Christmas / A Wife in a Million|17283706|Christmas is Murder A Traditional Christmas / A Wife in a Million|Val McDermid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1365681574l/17283706._SY75_.jpg|23901538] as I stay convinced that Mrs. McDermid is one of the best authors I'm actually reading.
The previous books in the series were mainly supported by the main character, Karen Pirie, a grieving widow using her work to get past the hurt of losing her partner. But she has changed in such a way that it is very difficult to feel any sympathy for her anymore.
She is disrespectful and selfish, she refuses to communicate correctly with her team, which results in almost disastrous result for one of them and yet she will not take responsibility. She also misuses her prerogative as a detective for personal reasons. If I were her partner Hamish, I would run as far as I can.
She also attaches great importance to the archaic and bureaucratic echelons in the force in the sense that everyone below her are plods, and those above are there because of political reasons. The only one good and decent detective is Pirie herself. How tiring.
I'm not sure if I would read a next installment of this series because of the main character. However, I've already pre-ordered [b:Christmas is Murder: A Traditional Christmas / A Wife in a Million|17283706|Christmas is Murder A Traditional Christmas / A Wife in a Million|Val McDermid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1365681574l/17283706._SY75_.jpg|23901538] as I stay convinced that Mrs. McDermid is one of the best authors I'm actually reading.
pipparature's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ramen_beauty_books's review
2.0
Meh
I really wanted to like the book and looked forward to it. I usually like police procedurals, and other reviewers praised it. However, I'll be honest. It did nothing for me. In fact, "Still Life" plunged me into a reading slump that lasted a month and a half. I often toyed with the idea of not finishing it, but I plowed on - I promised to give my opinion of an ARC, and what if it gets better by the end? Unfortunately, nope, it doesn't.
The book was boring and slow. I guessed the twist (if we can call it that) early on. I mean, it's the only variant that would make sense, so it was really easy to do. I didn't care about the victim. Also, it was hard to keep track of the secondary characters who blurred into a generic crowd.
The main character (Inspector Karen Pirie) was nothing special. I'm sure I'll forget all about her and about this book in general in a week or so.
I guess we'll part ways with Val McDermid from now on. Still, thanks to Grove Atlantic,
Atlantic Monthly Press and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really wanted to like the book and looked forward to it. I usually like police procedurals, and other reviewers praised it. However, I'll be honest. It did nothing for me. In fact, "Still Life" plunged me into a reading slump that lasted a month and a half. I often toyed with the idea of not finishing it, but I plowed on - I promised to give my opinion of an ARC, and what if it gets better by the end? Unfortunately, nope, it doesn't.
The book was boring and slow. I guessed the twist (if we can call it that) early on. I mean, it's the only variant that would make sense, so it was really easy to do. I didn't care about the victim. Also, it was hard to keep track of the secondary characters who blurred into a generic crowd.
The main character (Inspector Karen Pirie) was nothing special. I'm sure I'll forget all about her and about this book in general in a week or so.
I guess we'll part ways with Val McDermid from now on. Still, thanks to Grove Atlantic,
Atlantic Monthly Press and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
lgpiper's review against another edition
3.0
A body is found along a canal, a body of someone who has been missing for the past ten years. It was thought to be a guy who was implicated in the apparent murder of his brother some ten years previously. So, DCI Karen Pirie, of the Historic Cases Unit becomes involved.
It seems that the guy they picked up had joined the French Foreign Legion subsequent to his disappearance, and then become part of a jazz combo in Paris. Well, lots goes on, and it's a rather fun book. I'll not bother with a significant synopsis.
One of the quotes I rather liked
Another fun quote:
I wouldn't disagree that the above four esses are important, but just as important, I think would be a fifth 's', "smart". I would imagine being stuck with a dumb partner could be pretty aweful, despite said partner's being solvent, single, sexy, and smitten. Others might disagree, but I'm eternally grateful I chose to settle down with someone who was also smart.
FWIW, this book would be ***+ were GoodReads to allow +s and -s.
It seems that the guy they picked up had joined the French Foreign Legion subsequent to his disappearance, and then become part of a jazz combo in Paris. Well, lots goes on, and it's a rather fun book. I'll not bother with a significant synopsis.
One of the quotes I rather liked
Fucking sax. It's like catnip to women. Should be called a sexophone.. Sounds like I should have taken up the sax rather than the flute. Oh well....
Another fun quote:
"He's solvent, he's single, and he's sexy, and from what I've seen he's quite clearely smitten? What more do you want?
I wouldn't disagree that the above four esses are important, but just as important, I think would be a fifth 's', "smart". I would imagine being stuck with a dumb partner could be pretty aweful, despite said partner's being solvent, single, sexy, and smitten. Others might disagree, but I'm eternally grateful I chose to settle down with someone who was also smart.
FWIW, this book would be ***+ were GoodReads to allow +s and -s.
sarah1001's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ellelainey's review
4.0
Potential Triggers: mentions of suicide, violence; mentions of the beginning of COVID in Scotland, lockdown; mentions the Grenfell Tower tragedy
This is the most recent book in the series, with the next instalment out in October. Fittingly for the timeline, there's mention of COVID near the middle as the story revolves around Feb-March of 2020. If that worries you, it's only mentioned briefly. A warning from a forensics expert to prepare masks and gloves, and a chapter at the end discussing arrangements for the first lockdown in Scotland. There's no coverage of the pandemic or the symptoms/consequences of COVID at all.
~
I really love that every book in the series is different. This time we have a split two-way POV, with only small varying POVs slipped in.
Karen - investigating a skeleton found in a caravan, in the house of a woman recently victim of a traffic accident
Daisy - a new cast member, investigating a body found by a fishing boat
The other POVs are:
Billy Watson - the fisherman who finds the body
Jason - working on anything Karen hands him, while she's busy.
River - conduct an examination with her class, while working on Karen's case.
At around 24%, or Ch 15, the two cases merge and Karen heads to Paris with Daisy, to investigate the link between the cases. Meanwhile Jason is working on the skeleton case alone.
~
We find out Karen and Hamish have been together for about six months now, though Karen still isn't secure in the relationship. I also have my doubts about their longevity, but it's definitely keeping Karen distracted from work and on her toes.
More so, the man who killed Phil has just been released from prison after a paltry 3 years, and Karen is raging. Suitably distracted from work and her troubles with Hamish.
I'm pleased to say there was more great LGBT rep, only most were criminals. Which is also great, in that it shows an LGBT relationship is just as nuanced and complex as any heteronormative one. Here, we see both a lesbian relationship and a gay couple.
Again, I have to admit that I saw the resolution of each case coming, quite early on. I usually have my theory locked down solid by around 40-50%, so far. I find that a little disappointing only because I don't even have all the information at that point, but I can see how it all (eventually) comes together.
Also, again, I really love how each recurring character grows and evolves. A lot of people came back, like River and Tamsin, but they all play their part.
I loved seeing how Jason has grown. His chat with Mr Gilmartin showed that clearly. It was both sad and touching, but showed that his mantra "what would Phil do" is paying off.
~
Overall, this is another well rounded story with a great historic mystery, an intriguing crime, and some solid characters to root for, all rolled up into one. I can't wait for the next one.
This is the most recent book in the series, with the next instalment out in October. Fittingly for the timeline, there's mention of COVID near the middle as the story revolves around Feb-March of 2020. If that worries you, it's only mentioned briefly. A warning from a forensics expert to prepare masks and gloves, and a chapter at the end discussing arrangements for the first lockdown in Scotland. There's no coverage of the pandemic or the symptoms/consequences of COVID at all.
~
I really love that every book in the series is different. This time we have a split two-way POV, with only small varying POVs slipped in.
Karen - investigating a skeleton found in a caravan, in the house of a woman recently victim of a traffic accident
Daisy - a new cast member, investigating a body found by a fishing boat
The other POVs are:
Billy Watson - the fisherman who finds the body
Jason - working on anything Karen hands him, while she's busy.
River - conduct an examination with her class, while working on Karen's case.
At around 24%, or Ch 15, the two cases merge and Karen heads to Paris with Daisy, to investigate the link between the cases. Meanwhile Jason is working on the skeleton case alone.
~
We find out Karen and Hamish have been together for about six months now, though Karen still isn't secure in the relationship. I also have my doubts about their longevity, but it's definitely keeping Karen distracted from work and on her toes.
More so, the man who killed Phil has just been released from prison after a paltry 3 years, and Karen is raging. Suitably distracted from work and her troubles with Hamish.
I'm pleased to say there was more great LGBT rep, only most were criminals. Which is also great, in that it shows an LGBT relationship is just as nuanced and complex as any heteronormative one. Here, we see both a lesbian relationship and a gay couple.
Again, I have to admit that I saw the resolution of each case coming, quite early on. I usually have my theory locked down solid by around 40-50%, so far. I find that a little disappointing only because I don't even have all the information at that point, but I can see how it all (eventually) comes together.
Also, again, I really love how each recurring character grows and evolves. A lot of people came back, like River and Tamsin, but they all play their part.
I loved seeing how Jason has grown. His chat with Mr Gilmartin showed that clearly. It was both sad and touching, but showed that his mantra "what would Phil do" is paying off.
~
Overall, this is another well rounded story with a great historic mystery, an intriguing crime, and some solid characters to root for, all rolled up into one. I can't wait for the next one.