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caitlind14's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
tracyr's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.75
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
4.0
I don't like these novels by Val McDermid as much as the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan ones but it was enjoyable, fun and well written. Would happily recommend.
stefhyena's review against another edition
4.0
I've reread this a couple of times now and I still enjoy it (even though the twists don't "work" more than once). My thoughts on various ethics in the book have changed over the years more than once and over time I have begun to think one of the strengths of the book is it is ethically challenging, it forces you to think through some complex situations and develop some sort of a stance.
I like Kate Brannigan, she is one of my all-time favourite detectives for all that Richard is not good enough for her and she should be gay with me (this would involve her following her former partner to Australia so would never happen). Despite the fact that I am not so into Richard (and that is pure envy I am sure) he is nicely backgrounded for most of this book which is good.
The story itself involves lesbian couples doing whatever they need to to have kids as well as various types of villains ripping people off and throwing their weight around (Kate works through at least three cases in this book which should make it scattered but somehow doesn't). The ending (as always) is too swift and too neat but in a sense that is satisfactory for the escapist part of reading detective fiction. Kate's confidence is wonderful. I wish there were more of these to read, but since there are not I am sure in a year or two I will be back here rereading yet again.
If you haven't tried this series, then try it!
I like Kate Brannigan, she is one of my all-time favourite detectives for all that Richard is not good enough for her and she should be gay with me (this would involve her following her former partner to Australia so would never happen). Despite the fact that I am not so into Richard (and that is pure envy I am sure) he is nicely backgrounded for most of this book which is good.
The story itself involves lesbian couples doing whatever they need to to have kids as well as various types of villains ripping people off and throwing their weight around (Kate works through at least three cases in this book which should make it scattered but somehow doesn't). The ending (as always) is too swift and too neat but in a sense that is satisfactory for the escapist part of reading detective fiction. Kate's confidence is wonderful. I wish there were more of these to read, but since there are not I am sure in a year or two I will be back here rereading yet again.
If you haven't tried this series, then try it!
gigglewigglesquiggle's review against another edition
4.0
Characters: 4
Plot: 4
Setting/world building: 3
Atmosphere: 4
——
3,75
Plot: 4
Setting/
Atmosphere: 4
——
3,75
emmalynn's review
2.0
I really like Val McDermid in general but this one is the only Kate Brannigan's book I've read so far, and I wasn't too impressed. I really prefer the Tony Hill series or the books outside any series.
Maybe because I haven't started with the first book in the Brannigan series, and it left me with the feeling of missing some inside jokes/references.
Maybe because I haven't started with the first book in the Brannigan series, and it left me with the feeling of missing some inside jokes/references.
tenisonpurple's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rogerb's review
4.0
Lent by H.
Jolly good romp with many place and street names you can visit for real. Unusual racy style with no gaps. Rather too many preconditions for real success.
Jolly good romp with many place and street names you can visit for real. Unusual racy style with no gaps. Rather too many preconditions for real success.
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