Reviews

I was going to stop early on—bored with the harshness of so-called Christians. But then I realized it was just part of one strand of the story—how religion as practiced by individuals—is more about the individual than the framework of said religion. That’s why I look sideways at boastful Christians who don’t practice their own tenants but use the identity as some sort of inoculation against whatever they happen to fear. But I digress.

I liked the character-driven story, and as someone else put it, I really liked DCI Nelson. What a decent, if curmudgeonly, man.

The same reviewer mentioned the flaws inherent in this genre—the truth-seeking protagonist in danger of her/his life towards the end. I have to go back and read the first of this series, and I understand it has the very same template.

I’ll read the first one and then decide about #3. How many times can her life, or her child’s, be threatened while solving a crime?

bhnmt61's review against another edition

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4.0

I started this several days ago but still had most of it left to go for a travel day yesterday. There is a mystery in this second installment in the Ruth Galloway series, but it is entirely secondary to the developing complications between the series regulars. Absorbing and twisty, exactly what I wanted for airports and planes. I’m not sure I’m going to like future installments, though, since there are hints that some of my pet peeves are coming (for example-I am out if there is a series-spanning love triangle, no surprise there). Will read at least one more to find out.

katiegilley's review against another edition

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3.0

Ruth Galloway is no Armand Gamache, but I'm seeing story lines strengthen and the complexities of relationships take center stage -- so I'm not giving up on this series yet! Plus: a cozy cottage on a saltmarsh, tea, and toast. Please and thank you!

ingo_lembcke's review against another edition

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4.0

Most of my review from the first book also applies here:
too introvert, personal issues, nice scenery, but not too suspenseful.
Interesting MC, but I do not really like Nelson, the policeman. The other persons are interesting and believable. Felt too long, and it is more a 3.5 star, rounded up to 4.
Recommended for the MC and the scenery, although I have not been to that part of the UK.
Felt more like a romance-drama with a bit of crime thrown in, the dramatic scenes near the end where way over-the-top, too much (fog etc.) happening and thrown in.

lhirl's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

vickydaddo's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective 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

3.75

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