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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this. It only took so long to read because some library books came in after I started it so I read those before continuing with this. Anyway, it’s a good story with a good cast of characters. The description of the scenery and life on Lewis is outstanding. One aspect of the ending I thought a bit weak so knocked off a star.
Merged review:
Really enjoyed this. It only took so long to read because some library books came in after I started it so I read those before continuing with this. Anyway, it’s a good story with a good cast of characters. The description of the scenery and life on Lewis is outstanding. One aspect of the ending I thought a bit weak so knocked off a star.
Merged review:
Really enjoyed this. It only took so long to read because some library books came in after I started it so I read those before continuing with this. Anyway, it’s a good story with a good cast of characters. The description of the scenery and life on Lewis is outstanding. One aspect of the ending I thought a bit weak so knocked off a star.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So, I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I couldn't put this one down. I really loved the main character--so flawed and broken in a very real way. He is often the author of his own unhappiness, but I can't help but like the guy. I found myself hoping against hope that he would get it together. As the plot unfolds, and we learn more about his past and psychology, I was even more impressed with how robust and rich a character he is. I also loved the setting, like a character in its own right. The description of the harsh beauty and culture of the Hebrides was rich and vivid. I also very much enjoyed the mystery itself. I can't say enough nice things about this book. Knocked it off in one day because I could not put it down.
This one's been on my 'to read' list for a while now and I'm so glad I've taken the time to read it. A 5 star read and so much more than a crime thriller. In fact, the crime and it's resolution is in a way secondary to the story line that follows Detective Sergeant Fin Macleod back to his childhood roots on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. In a way this is quite a tragic story and while there are bits that were slightly unbelievable for me and ever so slightly cliche, I loved the depths that were transcended in Fin's character which created quite a strong connection for me with him.
Fin Macleod is a complex man whose life has been marred by tragedy and an event that draws him back to the island of his origin, gives him the opportunity to face everything he is repressing and denying. I loved being transported on the journey with Fin and I found myself resonating with him and in a small way being confronted by my own demons and things that are left unsaid and not spoken about. Fin's exchange with the son that he didn't realise he had (one of the slightly cliche bits for me), Fionnlagh, summed up how this story connected with me:
"Fin looked at him squarely. "Sometimes there are things about yourself that you just don't want to talk about." "Why?" "Because talking about them makes you think about them, and thinking about them hurts". p 287.
Set in the backdrop of the rugged, mystical and far flung Isle of Lewis, plagued by cold, dark and grey features, "The Blackhouse" gave me an insight into aspects of the human soul and the complexity of all of our journeys, marred by decisions that we don't know why we made, tragedies that befall us, and markers that direct our footsteps. The feelings that beset people, regrets that they hold are explored through the characters in this story. "The Blackhouse" is raw and provocative. A great read that will stay with me awhile and I look forward to reading the next two books in this trilogy.
Fin Macleod is a complex man whose life has been marred by tragedy and an event that draws him back to the island of his origin, gives him the opportunity to face everything he is repressing and denying. I loved being transported on the journey with Fin and I found myself resonating with him and in a small way being confronted by my own demons and things that are left unsaid and not spoken about. Fin's exchange with the son that he didn't realise he had (one of the slightly cliche bits for me), Fionnlagh, summed up how this story connected with me:
"Fin looked at him squarely. "Sometimes there are things about yourself that you just don't want to talk about." "Why?" "Because talking about them makes you think about them, and thinking about them hurts". p 287.
Set in the backdrop of the rugged, mystical and far flung Isle of Lewis, plagued by cold, dark and grey features, "The Blackhouse" gave me an insight into aspects of the human soul and the complexity of all of our journeys, marred by decisions that we don't know why we made, tragedies that befall us, and markers that direct our footsteps. The feelings that beset people, regrets that they hold are explored through the characters in this story. "The Blackhouse" is raw and provocative. A great read that will stay with me awhile and I look forward to reading the next two books in this trilogy.
I was a little worried that this might be a Shetland wannabe. So relieved that it was a great yarn, good descriptions of the island and the weather, and a ending that leaves me wanting more. I liked the back and forth between present day and past, and the switch in voice. A good read.
2023 Pop Sugar reading challenge-a book wih a color in the title.
Loved it, but the main character was a wee bit hard to like at times.
Loved it, but the main character was a wee bit hard to like at times.
This is the first in a trilogy set on the remote Scottish island of Lewis. The author does a good job of creating the claustrophobic atmosphere of small communities bound by history, tradition and secrets. Although the crime aspect is pretty grim, it's set in a unique place which adds a harsh beauty to the story.