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daja57's review against another edition
4.0
Set in a remote highland village in 1869, this novel is made up of the testimonies of Roderick Macrae, a crofter's son accused of a gruesome triple murder, and others involved in the case. There is never any question of whodunnit, only of why and whether the accused can be described as insane. All the characters are intensely believable (although the narration of the protagonist is hugely articulate and apparently lacking in dialect) and I can't remember so rooting for a murderer since Good Times, Bad Times by James Kirkwood. Once we get into the narrative, it was a page turner. At the same time, the author uses the narrative to highlight the iniquities and abuses of power inherent in the laird-crofter relationship of the time.
mezzoir's review against another edition
4.0
Difficult to review without spoiling it for the reader but would advise you Google Roderick Macrae after you have finished this book to appreciate how well written this novel is......
testaroscia's review against another edition
4.0
Adrian McKinty , who's recommendations I always put on my TBR list mentioned mcRae's last book [b:Case Study|57539677|Case Study|Graeme Macrae Burnet|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616819577l/57539677._SY75_.jpg|90104103], but i decided to start with this one and I'm glad i did. The brilliance of this book is McRae's ability to mimic the various voices, from semiliterate protagonist, to pompous doctor, to court newspaper. So much so I did have to make double sure this was all fiction. A historically accurate portrayal of the life of a crofter in 19th C scotland.
lau3rie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Beautifully written and compelling, this twisted little book makes full use of its narrative conceit to keep you wondering. You could see it as a commentary on class and oppression, on the nature of the justice system, or simply a tale of vindiction and violence, and it works on any of those levels.
notkellyisme's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gwenchen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mollyjones's review against another edition
4.0
Such an interesting read based on a 'true' story and supporting documents (realising only after finishing the book that it is in fact all fiction) but it all felt like it was so real, especially the notes from the trial!
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
Really very good. I can see why it's been shortlisted. We'll see if it wins in a few days. I wasn't as blown away by it as compared to some of the other shortlisted books I've read in the past. But it was really good. I'm glad to have found another great British author I can delve into.
laurenr4444's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
celtic67's review against another edition
4.0
A short narrative that tells of the trial of Roderick Marae. It also tells of the failings of the justice system for a section of the populace. Also how prejudice and bias are ingrained and for the benefit of a chosen strata of society. A strata that didn't contain or have room for Roderick Macrae. A good read.