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nixbix_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
It took me a long time to get into this book, and even now that I’ve finished it, I don’t think I was ever fully invested.
Right from the start, DCI Erika Foster is unstable - she’s back at work not long after her husband was killed on the job under her command. She has all the tact & diplomacy of an exploding bomb, and this seems to apply to all humans who interact with her. Within a day of being on the case, she infuriates most of the people on her team, her boss, her bosses boss, and the victim’s family. I’m all for having unlikeable people as the hero or having a main character with unresolved trauma, but there is a limit.
I found the story to be filled with cliche upon police procedural cliche. I read on in the hope that it would get better, but that hope faded. I will say that I never guessed who the killer was, so that’s a positive.
Right from the start, DCI Erika Foster is unstable - she’s back at work not long after her husband was killed on the job under her command. She has all the tact & diplomacy of an exploding bomb, and this seems to apply to all humans who interact with her. Within a day of being on the case, she infuriates most of the people on her team, her boss, her bosses boss, and the victim’s family. I’m all for having unlikeable people as the hero or having a main character with unresolved trauma, but there is a limit.
I found the story to be filled with cliche upon police procedural cliche. I read on in the hope that it would get better, but that hope faded. I will say that I never guessed who the killer was, so that’s a positive.
cooperca's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, the story and plot kept me engaged, compelling me to turn the pages to see where it would lead. DCI Erika Foster is back on the force after suffering a traumatic event. As she delves into the death of young socialite Andrea, secrets start to come out and she's the only one to see the connections with other murders.
Although I enjoyed the storyline, my biggest issue was the portrayal of DCI Erika Foster. She obviously hasn't reconciled with her trauma and shouldn't have been let back into on the job, much less leading a murder investigation. She's argumentative, overly emotional, and is often her own worst enemy. A female lead doesn't need to be so dramatic to be seen as tough.
Although I enjoyed the storyline, my biggest issue was the portrayal of DCI Erika Foster. She obviously hasn't reconciled with her trauma and shouldn't have been let back into on the job, much less leading a murder investigation. She's argumentative, overly emotional, and is often her own worst enemy. A female lead doesn't need to be so dramatic to be seen as tough.
ricin22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sonya92's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brandidean's review against another edition
1.0
Did not really like anything about this book. Characters were irritating, mystery was dull. But everyone else in book club liked it at least a little bit.
britt002's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.5
evoss14's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable thrill ride. Flawed but admirable characters that draw you in. This is the first of the Erika Foster detective series. I look forward to reading more.
aefsargent's review against another edition
5.0
This book caught me by surprise -I loved it. If you enjoy Deborah Crosbie, I think this is for you. Off to track down the second book in the series!
maty_sousa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0