Reviews

Die Schande der Lebenden by Mark Billingham

pained_creations's review against another edition

3.0

I won an uncorrected proof copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway.

I would give it 3.5 stars. Story jumps around from past to present, and had a little difficulty figuring out the time line for the first few chapters. I did stick with it though, even though I never really developed a liking for any of the characters. I was half way through the book or more before I cared how it ended.

As far as the mystery, it will keep you guessing until the last few pages.

syren1532's review against another edition

5.0

Tony De Silva runs a support group for addicts. His five clients meet at his house every Monday night. Now one of them has been brutally murdered. Detective Nicola Tanner is assigned the case and is convinced from the beginning that someone involved with the group is responsible for Heather’s death. Fantastic read from start to finish - couldn’t put it down.

dommdy's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. I hope this author will write more about the subjects of addiction/abuse/therapy, etc.

sean67's review against another edition

3.0

It's been quite a while since I read a full length Billingham book and I felt the same as when I last read him, I think his ideas are really interesting but sometimes the execution lets him down, and it just seems to get bogged down especially in the middle section, and it is hard to keep going.
It is possibly me, but really I do struggle with his books.

lmk217's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

erictlee's review against another edition

5.0

One of the best books Billingham has ever written; gripping thriller that had me guessing up until the very end. And set in my neighbourhood in London!

tonund's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

hkgoldst's review against another edition

Dnf

its_a_novel_idea's review against another edition

5.0

This is my first ever Mark Billington book and I loved it! I think this works so well as there are so many characters with a shared experience but they all have such different characteristics and personalities which is shown so well in how it is written, you go through the book saying ‘yes you definitely did it’ just to be shocked at the end. I also had that moment of ‘how on earth is this going to get solved and wrapped up in 40 pages but Billingham has done it so well it just a flows. This really was an enjoyable read, perfect for those looking for a gripping read ♥️

angrygreycatreads's review against another edition

2.0

Die of Shame by Mark Billingham is a book club read this month at the English Kindle Mystery Club on Goodreads. This story centers around a rehab group of six that meets in Tony, the counselor’s, home. One of the members is brutally murdered and the book reflects on the happenings before her murder in the group, Tony’s notes and his personal life as he deals with his patients, and the current investigation. I have read another Mark Billingham book and quite enjoyed it, but for some reason I had difficulty staying with this one. It is organized with dual time lines and a great deal of flipping back and forth. Also, none of the characters, including the detective really grabbed me so I ended up reading about the first third and then skimming and reading the last 50 pages or so.