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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
"Murder in My Backyard," the second novel in Ann Cleeves' Inspector Ramsay series, delivers a compelling blend of mystery and small-town intrigue. Set in the quaint village of Heppleburn, this book explores the seemingly tranquil lives of its residents, which are soon disrupted by a gruesome murder.
The story begins with the murder of Alice Parry, a well-known figure in the village. Inspector Stephen Ramsay, a character as introspective as he is diligent, is called to solve the case. As Ramsay delves deeper, he discovers that beneath the village's serene exterior lies a web of secrets, rivalries, and resentments.
Cleeves excels in creating a vivid sense of place. Her portrayal of Heppleburn is rich with detail, capturing the charm and claustrophobia of village life. The characterizations are particularly strong; each villager is painted with complexity and depth, making them feel real and relatable. From the enigmatic widow to the gossiping neighbors, everyone seems to have something to hide, adding layers of suspense and intrigue.
Inspector Ramsay is a compelling protagonist. His quiet determination and methodical approach to solving the case provide a refreshing contrast to the more flamboyant detectives often found in the genre. Cleeves' careful development of Ramsay's character makes him both sympathetic and intriguing, a detective whose personal reflections add a deeper dimension to the narrative.
The plot of "Murder in My Backyard" is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Cleeves balances the investigation with the exploration of human relationships and the underlying tensions within the community. The pacing is measured, allowing for a gradual buildup of suspense and a satisfying unraveling of the mystery.
Overall, "Murder in My Backyard" is a thoughtful and engaging mystery novel. Ann Cleeves' skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature make this book a rewarding read for fans of the genre. Whether you're new to the Inspector Ramsay series or a returning reader, this installment offers a rich, atmospheric, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
The story begins with the murder of Alice Parry, a well-known figure in the village. Inspector Stephen Ramsay, a character as introspective as he is diligent, is called to solve the case. As Ramsay delves deeper, he discovers that beneath the village's serene exterior lies a web of secrets, rivalries, and resentments.
Cleeves excels in creating a vivid sense of place. Her portrayal of Heppleburn is rich with detail, capturing the charm and claustrophobia of village life. The characterizations are particularly strong; each villager is painted with complexity and depth, making them feel real and relatable. From the enigmatic widow to the gossiping neighbors, everyone seems to have something to hide, adding layers of suspense and intrigue.
Inspector Ramsay is a compelling protagonist. His quiet determination and methodical approach to solving the case provide a refreshing contrast to the more flamboyant detectives often found in the genre. Cleeves' careful development of Ramsay's character makes him both sympathetic and intriguing, a detective whose personal reflections add a deeper dimension to the narrative.
The plot of "Murder in My Backyard" is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. Cleeves balances the investigation with the exploration of human relationships and the underlying tensions within the community. The pacing is measured, allowing for a gradual buildup of suspense and a satisfying unraveling of the mystery.
Overall, "Murder in My Backyard" is a thoughtful and engaging mystery novel. Ann Cleeves' skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature make this book a rewarding read for fans of the genre. Whether you're new to the Inspector Ramsay series or a returning reader, this installment offers a rich, atmospheric, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
I picked up this book in the hopes of a quick holiday read, but it took me forever to read - I just couldn’t get in to it. It’s the first Ann Cleaves book I’ve read and personally, I just didn’t really like the writing style.
The story was a slow burner and the reveal at the end felt like a real anticlimax. You only really get a glimpse in to the characters, and there are quite a lot! You don’t get the chance to get attached to, or invested in any of them, and so there’s no feeling of threat, or danger or fear for the characters. Or even sympathy.
Not my cup of tea I’m afraid and not one I’d recommend, unless you’re a fan of the author already. A generous 3 star from me
The story was a slow burner and the reveal at the end felt like a real anticlimax. You only really get a glimpse in to the characters, and there are quite a lot! You don’t get the chance to get attached to, or invested in any of them, and so there’s no feeling of threat, or danger or fear for the characters. Or even sympathy.
Not my cup of tea I’m afraid and not one I’d recommend, unless you’re a fan of the author already. A generous 3 star from me
While waiting for Ann Cleeves' latest Vera Stanhope novel to be released, I discovered this earlier (1990's) series of novels featuring Inspector Ramsay. While I found the first in the series, A Lesson in Dying, to be just OK, this second book of the series has me hooked.
As usual, Cleeves develops her characters beautifully, and the mystery always keeps me interested and surprised in the end.
Many reviewers have said that this earlier series is not as good as her Vera Stanhope or Shetland offerings, but I found it to be just a slightly different flavor of an equally excellent series.
As usual, Cleeves develops her characters beautifully, and the mystery always keeps me interested and surprised in the end.
Many reviewers have said that this earlier series is not as good as her Vera Stanhope or Shetland offerings, but I found it to be just a slightly different flavor of an equally excellent series.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
You can tell this is an early work - all the elements of Ann Cleeves' better known series are here but it's not as tightly plotted and none of the characters are all that likeable. Ramsey in particular is a bit of a blank canvas. Solid but not inspired - interesting for fans though.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A competent whodunnit
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated