Scan barcode
mjoneillknowledge's review
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookish20's review
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
Allie is a woman in a man’s world trying to make her way as a journalist and to not be seen as just the tea lady. She teams up with Danny Sullivan and they begin investigating tax evasion and a terrorist plot.
This was long-winded and plodded along ticking boxes as the story went. Danny was more intent on destroying his family and they somehow come out squeaky clean after financing a terrorist plot because they “got” the story. Please!
I did like the 70’s references and I loved the playlist at the back of the book. Great music. And this was the best part.
The characters were okay but not good enough for me to become invested in their plight. I may didn’t like them.
The setting was great and I loved the Scottish slang thrown into the story.
The lack of tension and a ho-hum plot won’t stop me from recommending this, it just wasn’t for me.
This was long-winded and plodded along ticking boxes as the story went. Danny was more intent on destroying his family and they somehow come out squeaky clean after financing a terrorist plot because they “got” the story. Please!
I did like the 70’s references and I loved the playlist at the back of the book. Great music. And this was the best part.
The characters were okay but not good enough for me to become invested in their plight. I may didn’t like them.
The setting was great and I loved the Scottish slang thrown into the story.
The lack of tension and a ho-hum plot won’t stop me from recommending this, it just wasn’t for me.
chartsh's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rmarcin's review
4.0
1979 is a new series featuring reporter Allie Burns. At The Clarion, Allie isn't taken seriously because she is a woman, only getting puff pieces to write or edit. When she becomes friends with another reporter, Danny Sullivan, they team to break two stories, one involving money laundering and the second to crack a terrorist plot. Meanwhile, Rona, another reporter, takes Allie under her wing, advising Allie on how to build up contacts and how to dress more fashionably.
I enjoyed this series debut, although the Scottish dialect had me puzzling over some parts. I look forward to more Allie Burns novels.
I enjoyed this series debut, although the Scottish dialect had me puzzling over some parts. I look forward to more Allie Burns novels.
joannareads's review
4.0
Finally, I read my first Val McDermid book in July. The set up for 1979 really intrigued me as it is the start of a series where we will go back and revisit our main character Allie Burns every decade (the sequel is 1989).
I love this idea and can’t wait to see how Allie, a journalist at the bottom of the pile in a local newsroom, will fare through the decades.
Allie was a really likeable character to me, and I can’t wait to see what she is up to in 1989.
I love this idea and can’t wait to see how Allie, a journalist at the bottom of the pile in a local newsroom, will fare through the decades.
Allie was a really likeable character to me, and I can’t wait to see what she is up to in 1989.
sparkatito's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked this old school investigative journalist story that takes place in Glasgow. Great characters with a clearly told story. Some plot points a bit too near, but thoroughly entertaining. also loved the queer characters' stories in a place and time when being gay was illegal.
dwintaylor's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25