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what_heather_loves's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"'If we don't find the killer, the next victim's going to be a dead Santa. Stuffed in a chimney would be my best guess.' Later, Tony's word's would echo in Carol's head. When she least expected it, they reverberated inside her. As she sat in the canteen, half her attention on her lasagne and half on the screen of the TV, she was jolted by a newsflash that chilled her more than the November snow: SANTA SNATCHED OFF STREET."
A compilation of short stories from this accomplished and popular Tarton Noir, crime fiction author, some with obvious Christmas themes, others les so, but all clever and engaging. As with all short stories, I liked some better than others, found the easier stories much better than the later ones. Many were stories of revenge, a number involve real life historical figures (Archduke Ferdinand and George Orwell and the identity of 'the true monarch of Scotland') and some well-known fictional characters (Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as well as her own Tony Hill, DCI Carol Jordan and DS Maggie Stanniforth) many feature Scotland and lesbian couples, but there is a good balance of locations, time periods and motives for the murders.
This would make a great Christmas present for either a crime fiction fan or a Val McDermid fan, who may not have read her short stories, being aware these are not cosy crime. Short stories are also easy to read when busy during the festive period, when you can read one quickly, like a chapter at a time.
A compilation of short stories from this accomplished and popular Tarton Noir, crime fiction author, some with obvious Christmas themes, others les so, but all clever and engaging. As with all short stories, I liked some better than others, found the easier stories much better than the later ones. Many were stories of revenge, a number involve real life historical figures (Archduke Ferdinand and George Orwell and the identity of 'the true monarch of Scotland') and some well-known fictional characters (Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as well as her own Tony Hill, DCI Carol Jordan and DS Maggie Stanniforth) many feature Scotland and lesbian couples, but there is a good balance of locations, time periods and motives for the murders.
This would make a great Christmas present for either a crime fiction fan or a Val McDermid fan, who may not have read her short stories, being aware these are not cosy crime. Short stories are also easy to read when busy during the festive period, when you can read one quickly, like a chapter at a time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape and Violence
Minor: Child death
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