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481 reviews for:

Holy Island

L.J. Ross

3.59 AVERAGE


I found this book disappointing, given the good reviews here and on Amazon - two-dimensional, clichéd characters, implausible plot and irritating (for me) prose style. I only kept reading to find out if I had identified the culprit(s) correctly, but then at the end the storyline didn't resolve properly. The epilogue made it clear that it isn't really a standalone book and, from reviews of the next two in the series, it is now obvious that they form a trilogy. It would be better if that was made clear from the start instead of giving the impression that this book is a complete story. I'm left as frustrated as I would be if I'd given up on a single book a third of the way through as I don't want to waste time and money on the other two books.
dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
ramblingbeth's profile picture

ramblingbeth's review

3.75
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

harriet_r_b62's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 25%

Badly written, very cliched plot and characters

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This first in the series is pretty predictable but picked up toward the end. I wanted to read it because it takes place in a location I love but I will probably try the next in the series as well.

The mystery was good but the unconscious sexism was painful and the MC was not likeable for me at all
dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 This is the first of a long series of mystery novels centred around the main character DCI Ryan. Ryan is introduced in this novel. He is living quietly on Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and returns from a sabbatical to lead an investigation on the island. The plot was gripping, with plenty of twists and red herrings. I’m looking forward to reading the second book now, as there were some unresolved elements after reading this one.

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