Scan barcode
helenlouise0304's review against another edition
4.0
There are common elements to Val McDermid's Tony Hill books: a series of murders (of course) committed by an unknown assailant, some kind of doubt about Tony's usefulness as a profiler, and the ever present will-they-won't-they tension between Tony and Carol Jordan.
Yet, despite all this, every time I read the newest installment of this series I find myself more drawn into the story than ever before.
As always, the whydunnit is a bigger question than the whodunnit, and the great thing is that once you're given the answer, you don't feel cheated, because all the pieces are there (and I admit, I did manage to figure out the motive before it was spelled out, which I'm proud of!).
The subplot of Tony finding out more about his father was extremely well done, and the ending poses some interesting possibilities for McDermid to address in the seventh book.
The only weak point I found was the team dealing with the cold case on the side; I feel like the book could easily have worked without it. Other than that, a strong effort as always.
(oh, and a word of friendly advice: never begin a McDermid book before bed. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to sleep until you know what happens next.)
Yet, despite all this, every time I read the newest installment of this series I find myself more drawn into the story than ever before.
As always, the whydunnit is a bigger question than the whodunnit, and the great thing is that once you're given the answer, you don't feel cheated, because all the pieces are there (and I admit, I did manage to figure out the motive before it was spelled out, which I'm proud of!).
The subplot of Tony finding out more about his father was extremely well done, and the ending poses some interesting possibilities for McDermid to address in the seventh book.
The only weak point I found was the team dealing with the cold case on the side; I feel like the book could easily have worked without it. Other than that, a strong effort as always.
(oh, and a word of friendly advice: never begin a McDermid book before bed. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to sleep until you know what happens next.)
ivy1302's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Slow but good. Ending made me cry buckets. I love this series so much.
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
2.0
I had trouble getting into this book. McDermid threw a lot of characters at you right off the bat, and didn't do a good job of establishing the existing characters' backgrounds. Even though she sketched out each of the victims' lives, I didn't feel invested in any of them or disappointed at their deaths. The story finally picked up steam in the final 75 pages.
aemorrison2001's review against another edition
4.0
Really couldn't put it down. Very nearly stayed up all night to finish, which is crazy for me. In terms of the main story, this book had one of the best, "didn't see it coming" endings of any thriller I've ever read. Adore McDermid!
paigeken's review
4.0
Val McDermid is the perfect read for when I'm looking for a mystery. This one kept me guessing till the very end.
prof_shoff's review against another edition
3.0
As always, McDermid delivers a good vacation read. I was a bit disappointed in the ending - while I could see it coming, I hoped for a different presentation - but overall I enjoyed it.
vgillispie's review
5.0
Genuinely puzzling and great subtle character development. I always feel so immersed in McDermid’s novels.
mariberries's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, the book was good. I love this series and I enjoy the books almost as much as the tv show Wire in the Blood. The whodunit cases were pretty good. I still love Tony and Carol together both working cases and the 5 minutes they have not working cases.