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kit_moonstar's review against another edition
3.0
So, this was a good read, but there was a sense of dread for me throughout the whole book. Crombie is the sort of author who will let you get attached to a character for half a book and then kill them off. Plus she never seems to go more than a book or so before shaking things up for Gemma and Duncan, so I just knew something terrible was going to happen, and I was right. Spoilers ahead: That put a bit of a damper on the story for me, both with what happens and just the sense of dread while I read. I don’t mind tension in my story, but it’s not fun dreading what might happen with every turn of the page.
But other than that, this was an excellent installment of the series. The mystery itself was interesting. One of the things that Crombie often does in these novels in weave in flashbacks to past events that have bearing on the current plot. Sometimes this works well and sometimes it doesn’t, but this time it was quite compelling. I also really enjoyed the way Gemma and Duncan’s relationship continues to evolve. They’re definitely having growing pains, but I like the fact that their relationship isn’t stagnant nor are we stuck in some sort of will they won’t they cycle. The mysteries themselves have been hit or miss at times for me in this series, but the relationships are what really keep me reading. Four out of five stars.
Spoiler
Gemma ends up losing the baby.But other than that, this was an excellent installment of the series. The mystery itself was interesting. One of the things that Crombie often does in these novels in weave in flashbacks to past events that have bearing on the current plot. Sometimes this works well and sometimes it doesn’t, but this time it was quite compelling. I also really enjoyed the way Gemma and Duncan’s relationship continues to evolve. They’re definitely having growing pains, but I like the fact that their relationship isn’t stagnant nor are we stuck in some sort of will they won’t they cycle. The mysteries themselves have been hit or miss at times for me in this series, but the relationships are what really keep me reading. Four out of five stars.
paige1947_'s review against another edition
5.0
This is number 8 in this series. After being a bit disappointed in number 7 I was a bit nervous about this one. But it turned out to be the best one yet. As Gemma and Duncan continue their relationship and solve murders I get more and more wrapped up in them. This one had a touch of humor and more than a touch of tears.
marlisenicole's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Blood, Death, Murder, and Addiction
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
Minor: Suicide
mojoshivers's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the rare mystery series that has a compelling ongoing personal story between its two leads and great, intricate murders in every installment. In most series either the leads’ backstories leave you wanting or the mysteries are just run-of-the-mill.
This book especially gave a double dose of amazing character development for Duncan and Gemma (New house! Blending their two families! Gemma wants to get married but does Duncan! Gemma has a miscarriage!) and a great mystery involving three murders all connected by one miserable S.O.B. who ruined hundreds of lives and abused every woman he was ever with. Even by the end of it I was reeling at all the shocking developments with the last forty pages being tremendously tumultuous.
Such a good book and I think the best installment I’ve read so far.
This book especially gave a double dose of amazing character development for Duncan and Gemma (New house! Blending their two families! Gemma wants to get married but does Duncan! Gemma has a miscarriage!) and a great mystery involving three murders all connected by one miserable S.O.B. who ruined hundreds of lives and abused every woman he was ever with. Even by the end of it I was reeling at all the shocking developments with the last forty pages being tremendously tumultuous.
Such a good book and I think the best installment I’ve read so far.
emertbyrne's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lookingtoheaven's review against another edition
3.0
Best yet
Best yet of the series. I thought this might be my last but I am going to keep reading since this one was good
Best yet of the series. I thought this might be my last but I am going to keep reading since this one was good