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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3 1/2 stars. Still not sure why I didn't like this all that much. The plotting was great; really interesting mystery, but I found this a really draggy read. I'm also pretty over the whole detective whose boss hates him/her trope--it's overdone. This was OK, not the best Val McDermid has to offer
medium-paced
Typical great mystery by Val McDermid. Loved the way the author built up the evidence. Also loved the fact that librarians were key to the investigation.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I thoroughly enjoyed this but not because of the mystery. I felt like this is a great exploration of Karen’s character- under all kinds of duress and facing some of her biggest frustrations. I also really enjoy the evolution of her relationship with “the Mint” who has really grown on me as a character. There are three crime investigations that Karen is part of in this book and in my humble opinion that’s probably two too many - however, if you just enjoy Karen Pirie’s character and reading about her unearthing the layers of an old crime - it’s a compelling read.
Karen Pirie is fast becoming my favourite series character. Broken Ground delivers on McDermid's trademark of cleverly researched procedural detail, with Pirie's Historical Crimes Unit providing the perfect vehicle for the kind of internal-political tension that drives a plot along. A terrifically satisfying read!
A good continuation of the series, however for me, the ending felt a little bit flat and unfinished.