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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Following my last read I needed something entirely different in tone, so I returned to the Inspector Karen Pirie series to enjoy Broken Ground by Val McDermid. Alice Somerville and her husband travel to the Highlands to claim her inheritance — a set of vintage motorcycles buried six feet under in a peat bog by her grandfather during WWII. But when her treasure is unearthed, Alice finds an unwelcome surprise: the body of a very muscular man with two bullet holes. DCI Karen Pirie of the Historic Cases Unit finds herself on the case while also dealing with a new addition to her team. At the same time, Karen unwittingly becomes involved in a live murder investigation.
I was super into the central case featured in Broken Ground. I couldn’t quite figure out how the dots connected, but once everything became clear I was satisfied. Also, Hamish sounded ridiculously hot, so I was quite a fan of his character. I guess his height and the kilt and all that digging got to me. The part of the story that really piqued my interest, however, was the live case that Karen found herself dragged into. I kept waiting for more information about that murder, so I’m happy I was able to see how that turned out.
I can’t get over how much I love McDermid’s writing. I’ve really come to love Karen and the Mint, so I’m always glad to see their character growth throughout the books. I was not a fan of the new addition to the team, Gerry McCartney, but I enjoyed what his presence brought to the book. There was an added layer of suspense. Okay, five books in and I am a little tired of the ACC vs. Karen Pire schtick, although I think there was a bit more context for the icy relations with Markie. I think my frustration with this recurring plot point stems from the fact that it just sort of looms within the story without consequences. I’m not suggesting I want Karen to face trouble, but with all of the build up it always seems inevitable.
I was super into the central case featured in Broken Ground. I couldn’t quite figure out how the dots connected, but once everything became clear I was satisfied. Also, Hamish sounded ridiculously hot, so I was quite a fan of his character. I guess his height and the kilt and all that digging got to me. The part of the story that really piqued my interest, however, was the live case that Karen found herself dragged into. I kept waiting for more information about that murder, so I’m happy I was able to see how that turned out.
I can’t get over how much I love McDermid’s writing. I’ve really come to love Karen and the Mint, so I’m always glad to see their character growth throughout the books. I was not a fan of the new addition to the team, Gerry McCartney, but I enjoyed what his presence brought to the book. There was an added layer of suspense. Okay, five books in and I am a little tired of the ACC vs. Karen Pire schtick, although I think there was a bit more context for the icy relations with Markie. I think my frustration with this recurring plot point stems from the fact that it just sort of looms within the story without consequences. I’m not suggesting I want Karen to face trouble, but with all of the build up it always seems inevitable.
I really enjoyed the characters and appreciated the free copy from Netgalley. I wish I would have come to the series from the beginning, and will be going back and reading others from the author.
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-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:
No
Ook dit boek zit weer ingenieus in elkaar, maar dat kun je eigenlijk wel verwachten van een schrijfster als Val McDermid. Bij het opgraven van 2 oude motoren uit de tweede wereldoorlog wordt ook een lichaam aangetroffen maar dat blijkt een stuk jonger te zijn. Karen Pirie is toevallig in de buurt en wordt door haar vriendin, de forensisch onderzoekster River Wilde, gevraagd om er een kijkje bij te komen nemen. Uiteindelijk komt ze terecht bij de wereld van 'De sterkste man van de wereld'. Ook loopt er een onderzoek naar een serie verkrachtingen van prostituees, waarvan minstens een met dodelijke afloop. Ondanks de tegenwerking van haar baas weet Karen, samen met haar assistent Jason Murray weet Karen alles netjes op te lossen.
First book of Vals I haven’t finished. I thought the plot was slow and laboured and all her characters are starting to sound the same. I may be done with this author.
Another brilliant Pirie story. I’m zooming through them. Out of Bounds has been my favourite so far, but this is a close second.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No