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ptaradactyl's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first Tony Hill & Carole Jordan book that I've read, and I got the impression that was a rich backstory that would have given this more depth and context. Without it, some of Carol's actions seemed petty.
I liked the villain. He was truly despicable and unexpected and vile. It wasn't just a matter of soaking on more gore; it was really looking at what would cause pain.
I do plan to read some of the earlier novels, which might impact my appreciation for this one.
I liked the villain. He was truly despicable and unexpected and vile. It wasn't just a matter of soaking on more gore; it was really looking at what would cause pain.
I do plan to read some of the earlier novels, which might impact my appreciation for this one.
futurelegend's review
3.0
Another enjoyable if routine romp in the world of Tony Hill the emotionally-damaged psychologist and feisty detective Carol Jordan. Somebody is picking off apparently random teenagers by grooming them on a social networking group and then luring them to a messy demise. DCI Jordan is forbidden from consulting Dr Hill by her new Chief Constable and in any case Tony has been summoned to another part of the the country on an apparently unrelated case. But will they be able to work their magic together?
I have to say that, on the basis two pieces of information both available to Carol Jordan, I'd accurately done my own bit of profiling before much more than a hundred pages were up, but it took another 400 pages for Tony and Carol and her team to come up with a denouement. I have a strong sense that the author is hoist with her own petard; she intended Tony Hill to be a one off in The Mermaids Singing and by her won admission she'd said everything there was to know about Tony in that first book, but it's this series that brings the money in via television. The feeling of strain here is palpable. The dark and disturbing goings on of Mermaids is missing; our killer doesn't do torture but rather gives the victims a painless death before mutilating them. The focus is less on the murders and much more on the interactions and relationships between the investigators, and there's a clear leaning towards the much gentler Lindsay Gordon lesbian romance mysteries. There's a heart-warming if unconvincing subplot for Tony Hill, who feels more and more like an awkward extra in his own series, and there's a forgettable cold case to be resolved without adding anything to the whole. The whole caboodle is about 250 pages too long and I'm sure this is more a reflection of the marketing department's demands than Val's qualities as a writer.
I have to say that, on the basis two pieces of information both available to Carol Jordan, I'd accurately done my own bit of profiling before much more than a hundred pages were up, but it took another 400 pages for Tony and Carol and her team to come up with a denouement. I have a strong sense that the author is hoist with her own petard; she intended Tony Hill to be a one off in The Mermaids Singing and by her won admission she'd said everything there was to know about Tony in that first book, but it's this series that brings the money in via television. The feeling of strain here is palpable. The dark and disturbing goings on of Mermaids is missing; our killer doesn't do torture but rather gives the victims a painless death before mutilating them. The focus is less on the murders and much more on the interactions and relationships between the investigators, and there's a clear leaning towards the much gentler Lindsay Gordon lesbian romance mysteries. There's a heart-warming if unconvincing subplot for Tony Hill, who feels more and more like an awkward extra in his own series, and there's a forgettable cold case to be resolved without adding anything to the whole. The whole caboodle is about 250 pages too long and I'm sure this is more a reflection of the marketing department's demands than Val's qualities as a writer.
helenlouise0304's review
4.0
There are common elements to Val McDermid's Tony Hill books: a series of murders (of course) committed by an unknown assailant, some kind of doubt about Tony's usefulness as a profiler, and the ever present will-they-won't-they tension between Tony and Carol Jordan.
Yet, despite all this, every time I read the newest installment of this series I find myself more drawn into the story than ever before.
As always, the whydunnit is a bigger question than the whodunnit, and the great thing is that once you're given the answer, you don't feel cheated, because all the pieces are there (and I admit, I did manage to figure out the motive before it was spelled out, which I'm proud of!).
The subplot of Tony finding out more about his father was extremely well done, and the ending poses some interesting possibilities for McDermid to address in the seventh book.
The only weak point I found was the team dealing with the cold case on the side; I feel like the book could easily have worked without it. Other than that, a strong effort as always.
(oh, and a word of friendly advice: never begin a McDermid book before bed. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to sleep until you know what happens next.)
Yet, despite all this, every time I read the newest installment of this series I find myself more drawn into the story than ever before.
As always, the whydunnit is a bigger question than the whodunnit, and the great thing is that once you're given the answer, you don't feel cheated, because all the pieces are there (and I admit, I did manage to figure out the motive before it was spelled out, which I'm proud of!).
The subplot of Tony finding out more about his father was extremely well done, and the ending poses some interesting possibilities for McDermid to address in the seventh book.
The only weak point I found was the team dealing with the cold case on the side; I feel like the book could easily have worked without it. Other than that, a strong effort as always.
(oh, and a word of friendly advice: never begin a McDermid book before bed. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to sleep until you know what happens next.)
ivy1302's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Slow but good. Ending made me cry buckets. I love this series so much.
lisaarnsdorf's review
2.0
I had trouble getting into this book. McDermid threw a lot of characters at you right off the bat, and didn't do a good job of establishing the existing characters' backgrounds. Even though she sketched out each of the victims' lives, I didn't feel invested in any of them or disappointed at their deaths. The story finally picked up steam in the final 75 pages.
aemorrison2001's review against another edition
4.0
Really couldn't put it down. Very nearly stayed up all night to finish, which is crazy for me. In terms of the main story, this book had one of the best, "didn't see it coming" endings of any thriller I've ever read. Adore McDermid!
mukeshraidixit's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic Book! I loved it from page #1 to the end.
paigeken's review against another edition
4.0
Val McDermid is the perfect read for when I'm looking for a mystery. This one kept me guessing till the very end.
prof_shoff's review against another edition
3.0
As always, McDermid delivers a good vacation read. I was a bit disappointed in the ending - while I could see it coming, I hoped for a different presentation - but overall I enjoyed it.
vgillispie's review against another edition
5.0
Genuinely puzzling and great subtle character development. I always feel so immersed in McDermid’s novels.