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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
A thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying, easy read.
I went into this hoping for a gripping, entertaining story and that's exactly what I got. The procedural elements are pretty much by the numbers, but then that's exactly what I wanted - there's a lot to be said for the comfort factor of just kicking back and enjoying this sort of mystery as it plays out. I enjoyed the dynamic between DCI Ryan and Dr. Taylor, and likewise the insular, everyone-knows-everyone island setting, even if it's a bit Hot Fuzz/'the Greater Good' in places. Lindisfarne makes for an evocative location, too. If the occult goings-on stretched my disbelief a little bit, I can forgive that because in the main this was just a nice little detective story that did what I wanted it to.
I'll definitely check out the next book at some point!
I went into this hoping for a gripping, entertaining story and that's exactly what I got. The procedural elements are pretty much by the numbers, but then that's exactly what I wanted - there's a lot to be said for the comfort factor of just kicking back and enjoying this sort of mystery as it plays out. I enjoyed the dynamic between DCI Ryan and Dr. Taylor, and likewise the insular, everyone-knows-everyone island setting, even if it's a bit Hot Fuzz/'the Greater Good' in places. Lindisfarne makes for an evocative location, too. If the occult goings-on stretched my disbelief a little bit, I can forgive that because in the main this was just a nice little detective story that did what I wanted it to.
I'll definitely check out the next book at some point!
The audiobook amplifies the flaws, in my opinion. I think they might be more palatable in the print version. In summary the characters and plot were stereotypes. Any reader has to suspend any disbelief to swallow the sudden appearance of a vicious serial killer with satanic overtones. Yet, no one asked what had provoked sone one on a population of 180 suddenly kill 3 people in quick succession.
But, if you like ‘Vera’, can swallow hard or are on a long flight, you can probably go with the flow.
But, if you like ‘Vera’, can swallow hard or are on a long flight, you can probably go with the flow.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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
mysterious
medium-paced
Detective Chief Inspector Ryan retreats to Holy Island seeking sanctuary when he is forced to take sabbatical leave from his duties as a homicide detective. A few days before Christmas, his peace is shattered and he is thrust back into the murky world of murder when a young woman is found dead amongst the ancient ruins of the nearby Priory.
When former local girl Dr Anna Taylor arrives back on the island as a police consultant, old memories swim to the surface making her confront her difficult past. She and Ryan struggle to work together to hunt a killer who hides in plain sight, while pagan ritual and small-town politics muddy the waters of their investigation.
This book was amazing.The folklore of the place,the characters,the plot was very good.
It kept me guessing towards the end.
Starting book 2!
This is a great thriller story, with all the ingredients of a good crime novel. The setting, the suspects and the unfolding of the events was all well paced, with a very satisfying outcome. Set on Lindisfarne, it leant itself really well to a locked-room type mystery, and the descriptions of the island, its history and its current occupants were very atmospheric.
It’s such a shame that it was let down by the ick of the main DCI’s behaviour. As the first in a long series, these characters had a great opportunity to allow us to get to know them really well, to begin a slow-burn connection that would allow us as readers to get behind them - instead the narration threw us into shallow descriptions and reckless actions that felt like a barrier we had to climb over instead.
It’s such a shame that it was let down by the ick of the main DCI’s behaviour. As the first in a long series, these characters had a great opportunity to allow us to get to know them really well, to begin a slow-burn connection that would allow us as readers to get behind them - instead the narration threw us into shallow descriptions and reckless actions that felt like a barrier we had to climb over instead.
I enjoyed this book although didn’t find it an easy read as crime isn’t something I tend to reach for, but had heard good things.
The plot kept me guessing and I enjoyed that I could recognise the areas, although I feel elements of the storyline were a bit rushed, and I did find that the narrator flicking between perspectives slightly confusing. Not sure I’ll rush to read another DCI Ryan but wouldn’t be opposed to it in the future.
The plot kept me guessing and I enjoyed that I could recognise the areas, although I feel elements of the storyline were a bit rushed, and I did find that the narrator flicking between perspectives slightly confusing. Not sure I’ll rush to read another DCI Ryan but wouldn’t be opposed to it in the future.
I’d never even heard of LJ Ross before but I was staying in Alnwick and the hotel had a set, as did every single shop selling books in the area, including the castle and gardens. At some point I decided to read the blurb of book 1 and was intrigued enough to buy it. Well - now I’m a fan and will have to get all the rest, so well done to Alnwick: I hope Ross has you on commission!
Barely a 3 for me. Which is sad since I really liked the first half. I might not have totally guessed the baddie, but I was close with some of it.
I'm not sure what to say... I'm not really liking Ryan. Hated the romance. Am willing to continue with the series, but am not sure I'll finish it unless the stories get better.
I know, I know... a little harsh. I just didn't connect with this one - it jumped the shark WAY TOO MUCH for me, just over the top ridiculousness.
I'm not sure what to say... I'm not really liking Ryan. Hated the romance. Am willing to continue with the series, but am not sure I'll finish it unless the stories get better.
I know, I know... a little harsh. I just didn't connect with this one - it jumped the shark WAY TOO MUCH for me, just over the top ridiculousness.