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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Full review coming for Shelf Awareness. But I really enjoyed this!
It's been a long time since I've read Val McDermid, and this is the first I've read from this series but I loved it! It was so interesting and the story just flowed along. I'm sure that reading the prior books in the series would give more background to the characters but I didn't feel that anything was lacking in the reading. The detail given to the crimes and solving them was fascinating. I'll definitely read what came before this book and what comes after.
I originally received a copy of the eBook from NetGalley in exchange for my review, clicking the read now button with the intent of going back to the library, reading the first books in the series, and then reading this one. As with so many of the "read now" button clicks from last year, I never got around to any of them, and found myself with a NetGalley backlog of books that had already been published. In an attempt to clear my NetGalley shelf, I purchased this audiobook through Libro.fm. I never did manage to read the first four books, but fortunately that didn't seem to matter. While I am sure having all the history from the first four books would provide a richer experience, I never felt like I was missing out. In fact, Val McDermid did an excellent job of providing background without it feeling like there a massive info-dump.
I previously bailed on another of McDermid's series, the one that the TV series Wire in the Blood was based upon, and I think that was mostly because I couldn't stand the main character. I did not have that problem here. I really like DCI Karen Pirie and her subordinant, Jason.. She's skilled, intelligent, and passionate about her work and Jason is a great sidekick. There are multiple cases that crop up in Broken Ground and McDermid does an excellent job of pacing, never letting the reader get bored or overwhelmed. I will absolutely be going back to read the beginning of this series.
I previously bailed on another of McDermid's series, the one that the TV series Wire in the Blood was based upon, and I think that was mostly because I couldn't stand the main character. I did not have that problem here. I really like DCI Karen Pirie and her subordinant, Jason.. She's skilled, intelligent, and passionate about her work and Jason is a great sidekick. There are multiple cases that crop up in Broken Ground and McDermid does an excellent job of pacing, never letting the reader get bored or overwhelmed. I will absolutely be going back to read the beginning of this series.
This was by far my favourite Karen Pirie novel, and I find myself loving her character even more. She is a female character that I can empathise with; she is strong and determined, but doesn't coincindentally possess high cheekbones, flawless skin and the body of a supermodel. She is sarcastic, occasionally grumpy, views her hair as a hindrance rather than something to be fawned over, and loves her food.
After the events of the previous books, where she experienced so much turmoil, Karen seems to be on a slightly upward trajectory and I was so thankful to read that. I liked the references to how her experiences had changed her. So many stories just gloss over events in the past and the characters return to 'normal', but Karen is changed, and that's OK, she accepts it and is learning to live with her new 'normal'.
My only minor gripe with the story is the constant interference of the senior officer at the station, a woman that I could happily buy a one-way ticket to Mars for... I do confess to rather enjoying hating her though! As much as it's nice to have a character to root for, sometimes we all like to have someone to internally boo and hiss at, and she fits the bill perfectly.
It was nice to revisit previous characters from other novels, and I really enjoy Karen's relationships with all of them. They each bring something to her life and I thought that it was nice to see them interact both professionally and personally.
I will now be waiting, not patiently at all, for the next instalment in the series.
After the events of the previous books, where she experienced so much turmoil, Karen seems to be on a slightly upward trajectory and I was so thankful to read that. I liked the references to how her experiences had changed her. So many stories just gloss over events in the past and the characters return to 'normal', but Karen is changed, and that's OK, she accepts it and is learning to live with her new 'normal'.
My only minor gripe with the story is the constant interference of the senior officer at the station, a woman that I could happily buy a one-way ticket to Mars for... I do confess to rather enjoying hating her though! As much as it's nice to have a character to root for, sometimes we all like to have someone to internally boo and hiss at, and she fits the bill perfectly.
It was nice to revisit previous characters from other novels, and I really enjoy Karen's relationships with all of them. They each bring something to her life and I thought that it was nice to see them interact both professionally and personally.
I will now be waiting, not patiently at all, for the next instalment in the series.
A Scottish police procedural (thanks to Net Galley for their free preview in exchange for an honest review.) I haven't read a ton of McDermid and I didn't much care for her protagonist DCI Karen Pirie who ostensibly is still suffering from the loss of her significant other and seems to be taking it out on everyone else. That her boss has it in for the Historic Crimes Unit and has planted a spy in her midst in the form of DS McCartney doesn't help. Her boss is but a caricature of the bitch boss. I would have liked to understand her more. But I suppose seeing her only through Pirie's eyes the view we get is biased in the extreme.
A body has been found by a couple with the help of a crofter. They had been trying to dig up two Indian motorcycles, presumed now to be worth a considerable sum, that had been buried by the woman's grandfather who was "taking" them rather than let them be destroyed as post-war trash. Unbeknownnst to them, the pannier of one also contained a slug of diamonds that another GI was trying to smuggle out of Europe. I was a bit surprised they hadn't bothered to look in the pannier before burying it, but never mind.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. The characters just weren't particularly likeable, not that it's a necessary criteria for liking a bit. They just seemed a bit "off."
Note that the formatting in this ARC for Kindle is really awful, but I assume it will have been fixed by the time of publication.
A body has been found by a couple with the help of a crofter. They had been trying to dig up two Indian motorcycles, presumed now to be worth a considerable sum, that had been buried by the woman's grandfather who was "taking" them rather than let them be destroyed as post-war trash. Unbeknownnst to them, the pannier of one also contained a slug of diamonds that another GI was trying to smuggle out of Europe. I was a bit surprised they hadn't bothered to look in the pannier before burying it, but never mind.
I was a bit disappointed with this book. The characters just weren't particularly likeable, not that it's a necessary criteria for liking a bit. They just seemed a bit "off."
Note that the formatting in this ARC for Kindle is really awful, but I assume it will have been fixed by the time of publication.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Val McDermid, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I am always pleased to find a new Val McDermid novel ready to be devoured, particularly because she has a few strong series that I have come to enjoy. After a devastating personal loss, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie is back. Shuffled off within Police Scotland to head-up the new Historic Cases Unit (HCU), Pirie begins work on a rape/murder from three decades ago. With only the description of the assailant’s vehicle, Pirie begins combing through records well before thorough databases were created. Meanwhile, two treasure hunters are combing rural Scotland with a hand-drawn map, seeking the ultimate prize, two motorcycles from around the end of the Second World War. After locating the spot and digging through much peat, they locate not only the crates, but a body that’s suffered numerous gunshots wounds. What adds to the intrigue is that a number of artifacts on and around the victim date it back no earlier than 1995. DCI Pirie is called to the scene and thus begins her meatier case, trying to locate what might have happened. With the peat preserving the victim’s body, an identification is possible, as is some other history about the man left in the bog. With Pirie working this case, she must also juggle all that is going on with her other investigation, turning up many forgetful witnesses and belligerent individuals. However, Pirie is not one to give up easily and she soon creates a document trail that may solve both cases in short order, if only she can get a few key pieces of evidence to line up properly. That will require assistance from higher up the chain of command, always a daunting task. McDermid provides the reader with some excellent insight in this well-established series. Recommended for those who enjoy DCI Karen Pirie in action, as well as readers with a keen interest in cold cases.
It has been a while since I read Val McDermid, but doing so always proves to be a worthy task. She’s able to get to the heart of the matter in a timely fashion, while also building up her setting and characters effectively, thus keeping the reader fully committed. DCI Pirie proves to be a great character who has evolved since the beginning of the series. Still handling the death of her husband, Pirie is only now coming out of the fog. She’s able to keep her mind sharp and wits about her as she tackles some less than simplistic police work within the HCU. Added to that, there is the strain of a less than compassionate superior and Pirie must forge ahead just to stay above the fray. Many of the other characters found within the novel develop effectively over this time and show that their presence is not only essential, but entertaining for the reader. Juggling a few cases can be tough for both the police and the reader, trying to keep facts and witnesses straight, though McDermid writes in such a way that it is reasonable and usually straightforward. The reader is able to digest the larger story with ease, helped sometimes by short chapters that keep the narrative’s momentum. Those familiar with McDermid’s work will know she does well to keep the sarcasm high between intense moments, balancing the reading experience. McDermid’s writing holds out until the final sentence and readers will surely be pining for more in the near future.
Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another winner. I love your writing and ideas, hoping you have a few more pieces to dazzle your fans in the coming months.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
I am always pleased to find a new Val McDermid novel ready to be devoured, particularly because she has a few strong series that I have come to enjoy. After a devastating personal loss, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie is back. Shuffled off within Police Scotland to head-up the new Historic Cases Unit (HCU), Pirie begins work on a rape/murder from three decades ago. With only the description of the assailant’s vehicle, Pirie begins combing through records well before thorough databases were created. Meanwhile, two treasure hunters are combing rural Scotland with a hand-drawn map, seeking the ultimate prize, two motorcycles from around the end of the Second World War. After locating the spot and digging through much peat, they locate not only the crates, but a body that’s suffered numerous gunshots wounds. What adds to the intrigue is that a number of artifacts on and around the victim date it back no earlier than 1995. DCI Pirie is called to the scene and thus begins her meatier case, trying to locate what might have happened. With the peat preserving the victim’s body, an identification is possible, as is some other history about the man left in the bog. With Pirie working this case, she must also juggle all that is going on with her other investigation, turning up many forgetful witnesses and belligerent individuals. However, Pirie is not one to give up easily and she soon creates a document trail that may solve both cases in short order, if only she can get a few key pieces of evidence to line up properly. That will require assistance from higher up the chain of command, always a daunting task. McDermid provides the reader with some excellent insight in this well-established series. Recommended for those who enjoy DCI Karen Pirie in action, as well as readers with a keen interest in cold cases.
It has been a while since I read Val McDermid, but doing so always proves to be a worthy task. She’s able to get to the heart of the matter in a timely fashion, while also building up her setting and characters effectively, thus keeping the reader fully committed. DCI Pirie proves to be a great character who has evolved since the beginning of the series. Still handling the death of her husband, Pirie is only now coming out of the fog. She’s able to keep her mind sharp and wits about her as she tackles some less than simplistic police work within the HCU. Added to that, there is the strain of a less than compassionate superior and Pirie must forge ahead just to stay above the fray. Many of the other characters found within the novel develop effectively over this time and show that their presence is not only essential, but entertaining for the reader. Juggling a few cases can be tough for both the police and the reader, trying to keep facts and witnesses straight, though McDermid writes in such a way that it is reasonable and usually straightforward. The reader is able to digest the larger story with ease, helped sometimes by short chapters that keep the narrative’s momentum. Those familiar with McDermid’s work will know she does well to keep the sarcasm high between intense moments, balancing the reading experience. McDermid’s writing holds out until the final sentence and readers will surely be pining for more in the near future.
Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another winner. I love your writing and ideas, hoping you have a few more pieces to dazzle your fans in the coming months.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the 5th book in a mystery thriller series, but I had no problem being fully involved in the story without reading the prior books. I didn't feel like there were any characters or situations that were referenced from prior books that were not fully introduced or explained in this book. I enjoyed how the 3 different story lines/cases featured in this book were interwoven and resolved. I was enthralled with the Scottish setting and references, too. Some definitely required a little context solving on my part, but it was part of the charm of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and these characters and will probably look at picking up more in this series.
This was the 5th book in a mystery thriller series, but I had no problem being fully involved in the story without reading the prior books. I didn't feel like there were any characters or situations that were referenced from prior books that were not fully introduced or explained in this book. I enjoyed how the 3 different story lines/cases featured in this book were interwoven and resolved. I was enthralled with the Scottish setting and references, too. Some definitely required a little context solving on my part, but it was part of the charm of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and these characters and will probably look at picking up more in this series.
Thank you Grove Atlantic for a copy of Broken Ground for review. Broken Ground is the 5th book in Val McDermid's Karen Pirie series.
Broken Ground is only the second DCI Pirie book I have read in the series but I was never lost. What I love about Val McDermid's writing, especially in her longer series, is she drops hints along the way of important events in the character's past that may be affecting them now, but she does it in a way that feels organic. So whether you have read them all or remember all the characters, you can enjoy each book as they come along and don't need a reference book to follow along like some series writers.
DCI Pirie is the head of the HCU (historical cases unit) which is pretty low on the food chain but she brings the proper strength behind it. Cold cases are harder to solve and require a lot of faith but DCI Pirie and her team treat them with the tenacity and intelligence needed.
It is no surprise that I love this much given how much I respect and enjoy the author's other series with Carol Jordon and Dr. Tony Hill, but I am a big fan of this one as well now. I think she writes varied and interesting police officers with complicated personal lives as well some some more complicated crimes in each book she writes. Broken Ground is no exception and any fans of police procedural series will enjoy this one, especially with the usual aspect of solving cold cases.
Broken Ground is only the second DCI Pirie book I have read in the series but I was never lost. What I love about Val McDermid's writing, especially in her longer series, is she drops hints along the way of important events in the character's past that may be affecting them now, but she does it in a way that feels organic. So whether you have read them all or remember all the characters, you can enjoy each book as they come along and don't need a reference book to follow along like some series writers.
DCI Pirie is the head of the HCU (historical cases unit) which is pretty low on the food chain but she brings the proper strength behind it. Cold cases are harder to solve and require a lot of faith but DCI Pirie and her team treat them with the tenacity and intelligence needed.
It is no surprise that I love this much given how much I respect and enjoy the author's other series with Carol Jordon and Dr. Tony Hill, but I am a big fan of this one as well now. I think she writes varied and interesting police officers with complicated personal lives as well some some more complicated crimes in each book she writes. Broken Ground is no exception and any fans of police procedural series will enjoy this one, especially with the usual aspect of solving cold cases.
I've read and enjoyed Val McDermid's books in the past (apparently I've even read the first one in this series, but I had no memory of the main character), but she hasn't been on my radar recently, so I was interested to give her newest book a try. Unfortunately, I found it so plodding and boring that I had to give up. This book was just not doing anything to stir my interest in this murder case, in the office politics of the Historic Cases Unit, or in Karen Pirie's personal life. I finally threw in the towel around 30%. If very slow paced police procedurals are your thing, or you are already attached to this character, you may have more luck with this one than I did.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another wonderful read from Val McDermid. This is the 5th book in the DCI Karen Pirie series and, while it could easily be read as a stand alone, I appreciated the continued development of ongoing characters and their relationships. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series and this one did not disappoint. As always, it was engaging and twisty and very well written. Given how much I like this series, I have just picked up the first book in Val McDermid's Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series.