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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
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
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It took a while for me to get going on this one, as McDermid gives you a lot of information in the first chapter, but once you know who each of the characters are, and their nicknames, this becomes a great murder mystery. The characters are interesting and likeable, the plot is exciting and keeps you reading. My only small criticism is that in the end, the murderer becomes obvious, long before the characters realise who it is. However, the journey is far worth the slightly disappointing destination.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Having seen the TV show that was based on this novel, I was expecting a lot more Karen Pirie than the reader actually gets, but despite this, I still enjoyed this novel immensely. The characters are so well drawn from life and feel so real that you feel like you’re reading a true crime novel rather than a work of fiction. Safe to say I’m already a fan and looking forward to the next in the series, hopefully featuring Karen a wee bit more.
Wow wow wow, this left me completely gobsmacked. There are so many twists and turns in this brilliant book. Some are heartbreaking others are just horrifying. There’s also a sense of immense anger and rage, against prejudice both of someone’s gender and the nasty malicious rumour of innocent until proven guilty, as lies are more interesting than the truth. And considering what has happened in recent times this is incredibly prescient. What a start to a series and I cannot wait to read more.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated