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tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Lt Charles Acland suffers horrific injuries as a consequence of the roadside explosion of an improvised explosive device whilst on a tour of duty in Iraq. The explosion kills two of his soldiers, leaves him with head injuries and results in the loss of an eye. Lt Acland is repatriated to Britain where, while he is coming to terms with his physical injuries and trying to ignore the psychological consequences, he is also being forced to confront issues from his past.
What is Lt Acland hiding? Could he be the murderer the British police are searching for? He certainly seems to meet many aspects of the profile being constructed. What is the truth of his relationship with Jen Morley, his former fiancée? Why does Lt Acland find it so difficult to relate to women?
Ms Walters provides an engaging psychological thriller, which I read in one sitting. While I worked out some aspects of the puzzle well before the end, I was so caught up in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ that working out who the perpetrator was really didn’t matter. In this novel Ms Walters touches on a number of social issues as well as introducing some interesting characters. Aspects of the story do not work well for me but as a whole the novel works fine if the reader doesn’t need (or want to) analyse each component.
In my view, this is not one of Ms Walters's best novels. But I still enjoyed it.
What is Lt Acland hiding? Could he be the murderer the British police are searching for? He certainly seems to meet many aspects of the profile being constructed. What is the truth of his relationship with Jen Morley, his former fiancée? Why does Lt Acland find it so difficult to relate to women?
Ms Walters provides an engaging psychological thriller, which I read in one sitting. While I worked out some aspects of the puzzle well before the end, I was so caught up in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ that working out who the perpetrator was really didn’t matter. In this novel Ms Walters touches on a number of social issues as well as introducing some interesting characters. Aspects of the story do not work well for me but as a whole the novel works fine if the reader doesn’t need (or want to) analyse each component.
In my view, this is not one of Ms Walters's best novels. But I still enjoyed it.
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
This is a good psychological thriller and an outstanding study of twisted human relationships.
To me at least there wasn't a lot of suspense as I was sure of the identity of the killer from very early in the book, although, obviously, wasn't aware of the final trigger. But that withstanding I still enjoyed the story a lot because it was the way in which the characters evolved and mutated that had me glued to the book.
This is the kind of story in which the main question isn't who? but why? and I had a great time finding the answer.
Simon Vance does a great job with the narration.
To me at least there wasn't a lot of suspense as I was sure of the identity of the killer from very early in the book, although, obviously, wasn't aware of the final trigger. But that withstanding I still enjoyed the story a lot because it was the way in which the characters evolved and mutated that had me glued to the book.
This is the kind of story in which the main question isn't who? but why? and I had a great time finding the answer.
Simon Vance does a great job with the narration.
sireno8's review against another edition
4.0
The person who introduced me to Minette Walters' work asked me what's my favorite Walters book. I told her its always the one i'm currently reading. Each book of hers I've read manages to be different from thet last and yet infused with the same elements and technique to keep the reader continually tantalized. This one starts in one direction and proceeds in so many others, it's delightfully unpredictable. Her fascinating pyschological profiles make all the characters not only more plausible but continually more intriguing. Her use of different forms of narrative -- police reports, newspaper clippings etc.-- break up, inform and drive the main narrative in an absolutely satisfying manner. When I was nearing the end, I was wondering how this could possibly come out without just completely ignoring some of the story elements. No need to worry. Walters pulls everything together and ties it up absolutely perfectly -- providing suspense and surprises up to the very end. Once again, Minette Walters delivers!
meera01's review against another edition
2.0
This author used to be one of my favorite mystery authors but I hadn’t read anything by her in years. I thought I would revisit her and I was mostly disappointed. I didn’t completely hate it but I didn’t enjoy it much either. Either she isn’t as good as I remember her or this wasn’t a good book to revisit her with. The protagonist wasn’t likeable and I didn’t quite get why I should like him till the end when his behavior made more sense. But by then it was too late for me have a liking for the book overall. So, this was a mixed bag.
hayesstw's review against another edition
4.0
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13538001
We had two copies, so put one on BookCrossing. It's a good read, though.
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13538001
We had two copies, so put one on BookCrossing. It's a good read, though.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
4.0
Minette Walters writes very clever books and has a very unique way of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which had a great storyline and a cracking plot.
alapage's review against another edition
3.0
Possibly not one of my favourite of Minette Walters' books, but still enjoyable.
tracyjw66's review against another edition
3.0
527 pages, not 400
Always a good thriller and story with MW.
Always a good thriller and story with MW.
whatjohanneread's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book, as I generally enjoy all of Minette Walter's novels. She writes really good psychological murder mysteries. This one focuses on issues of loss and trauma and rage and how it affects the personality. The central character has been badly insured while fighting in Iraq. He has lost 2 of his men and comes home with his face disfigured, only to find himself embroiled in a murder case. It was a quick and gripping read.
dkeane2007's review against another edition
4.0
A well done thriller that focuses on a soldier injured in Iraq. The pacing and development are well done and all the pieces tie together in a believable way.