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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I've been looking for a new mystery-detective series and was intrigued when I came across a review of one of Jane Casey's novels (I forget where or of which novel). I I was impressed with The Burning, Casey's second novel, the first in her series featuring DC Maeve Kerrigan. I see that other readers were disappointed that this wasn't a more traditional serial killer/thriller but, to me, this is one of The Burning's many strengths. DC Kerrigan is part of a large team investigating a serial killer (dubbed The Burning Man) who has killed four young women. Kerrigan's role is, to be put it mildly, peripheral. Part of what makes The Burning interesting is watching Kerrigan try to distinguish herself in an investigation that, aside from being a complete sausage-fest, is comprised of men of equal or greater rank, most of whom have their own, self-serving agendas. Everyone is jockeying to make or protect their reputation and leaving Kerrigan all but sidelined until a fifth victim is found. Some of the details at the crime scene seem out-of-character for The Burning Man and Kerrigan is assigned to investigate the victim's background to help determine whether or not the murder is the work of a copy-cat. In essence, then, The Burning, is the story of a smaller investigation within a larger, more urgent, investigation.
I won't get into any plot details here save to say that it could have been a bit tighter in places and that I had a few minor quibbles with Casey's use of split-narrative (mostly DC Kerrigan and Louise -- one of the fifth victim's friends). In a series debut, though, I am more interested in characterizations than plotting anyway and Casey's character work is excellent. DC Kerrigan is definitely a protagonist I look forward to following: Casey makes her believable, likable, and unique without relying, as so many mystery writers do, on a combination of quirks, hobbies, and personal demons. Even more promising, Casey does well with her secondary and minor characters -- the area where strong writing tends to distinguish itself. I'll definitely be reading more in the series and hope Casey is able to stay true to her characters while improving her plotting skills.
I won't get into any plot details here save to say that it could have been a bit tighter in places and that I had a few minor quibbles with Casey's use of split-narrative (mostly DC Kerrigan and Louise -- one of the fifth victim's friends). In a series debut, though, I am more interested in characterizations than plotting anyway and Casey's character work is excellent. DC Kerrigan is definitely a protagonist I look forward to following: Casey makes her believable, likable, and unique without relying, as so many mystery writers do, on a combination of quirks, hobbies, and personal demons. Even more promising, Casey does well with her secondary and minor characters -- the area where strong writing tends to distinguish itself. I'll definitely be reading more in the series and hope Casey is able to stay true to her characters while improving her plotting skills.
This wasn't a bad book, but it was far from great. I did enjoy some of it, but found some parts slow. I have to admit, I guessed who Rebecca's murderer was almost from the start. This is the first book in a series, so I think the author spent a lot of time setting up the characters. While this is fine, it kind of takes away some of the suspense that a really good mystery should have. I found this book to be more about police procedures than anything else, not a thriller, but I enjoy police procedure books so it was okay. Okay.... a good word for this book.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Fantastic! Set in London, this book is told from differing points of view, by two women involved in the story. It is very interesting to be able to read two sides of the story. There is a serial killer on the loose and a murder task force is working hard to catch him. What will happen in the end is anyone's guess. It won't be what you expect.
****thank you NetGalley for this great mystery read****
I enjoyed the dual narration with Maeve who is trying to solve the serial killer crime of the "Burning Man" serial killer with her team in London and also with Louise who is a best friend to a young woman who is also found dead in a similar fashion that the Burning Man leaves his victims ..... But did he do it or is it a copy cat crime. I will read more from Jane Casey..
I enjoyed the dual narration with Maeve who is trying to solve the serial killer crime of the "Burning Man" serial killer with her team in London and also with Louise who is a best friend to a young woman who is also found dead in a similar fashion that the Burning Man leaves his victims ..... But did he do it or is it a copy cat crime. I will read more from Jane Casey..
Suspenseful and well written. Very enjoyable. First in the series of books and will certainly read more. Highly recommended.
While the writing wasn't awful, the characters, plot and pacing of this book held no surprises whatsoever for me. It all seemed "by the numbers." There was never any doubt about who killed Rebecca Haworth and the conceit of alternating chapters didn't add anything to the story. That it had to be wrapped up via an out-of-character confessional letter and a couple of pretend newspaper articles were just further testimonies to the awkward arc of the storyline.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A psychological thriller in which the psychology makes no sense, a police procedural in which the procedure makes no sense, and a serial killer story in which all the young women who are murdered are either ciphers or users (in all senses of the word). I think the series shows promise, but comparisons to Tana French are publishers’ poppycock.