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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I was initially worried I wouldn't enjoy this mystery since bird watching doesn't interest me. Fortunately, the mystery is good.
I listened to the audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
She had me at the storm, the grey ocean and the slender-billed curlew (not to mention a missing kitchen knife and the howling wind).
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Jimmy Perez and his fiancée Fran visit Jimmy's childhood home of Fair Isle. But his personal trip is interrupted by a murder at the bird centre. With raging storms, the island is cut off and it's down to Jimmy to investigate and track down the killer by himself.
One of the enjoyable parts of returning to a series like Shetland is the blend of familiar elements like the lead character, along with something new in each book.
Ann Cleeves does this through the use of multiple points of view. As well as Jimmy's PoV, there are also PoVs from a couple of other characters, which bring new perspectives into the story and keep it fresh.
Blue Lightning also introduces us to the world of bird watching and the avid behaviour of people who travel hundreds of miles to spot a particular bird.
Having read some of the author's early books, the insights into birdwatching serve as a subtle callback to her first published novel, A Bird in the Hand. However, Blue Lightning is a far superior book that reflects the decades the author has spent honing her writing craft.
If you've read any of the other Shetland stories, you'll know how the suspense continues to build throughout the book. Blue Lightning is no different. The storm, the small Fair Isle community and the even smaller group of people at the bird observatory create an oppressive tension that runs through to the end.
As you know, there are no spoilers on Mostly Murder, but what I will say is the story has an emotional ending that cements this book as a 5-star read.
One of the enjoyable parts of returning to a series like Shetland is the blend of familiar elements like the lead character, along with something new in each book.
Ann Cleeves does this through the use of multiple points of view. As well as Jimmy's PoV, there are also PoVs from a couple of other characters, which bring new perspectives into the story and keep it fresh.
Blue Lightning also introduces us to the world of bird watching and the avid behaviour of people who travel hundreds of miles to spot a particular bird.
Having read some of the author's early books, the insights into birdwatching serve as a subtle callback to her first published novel, A Bird in the Hand. However, Blue Lightning is a far superior book that reflects the decades the author has spent honing her writing craft.
If you've read any of the other Shetland stories, you'll know how the suspense continues to build throughout the book. Blue Lightning is no different. The storm, the small Fair Isle community and the even smaller group of people at the bird observatory create an oppressive tension that runs through to the end.
As you know, there are no spoilers on Mostly Murder, but what I will say is the story has an emotional ending that cements this book as a 5-star read.
Another solid book in the Shetland series, this time set in a very confined space with a limited suspect list. Cleverly done, with overtones of Christie.