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jwoodsum's review against another edition
4.0
At the beginning of the book, Tony and Carol are totally estranged after the horrors of the last book. Very painful to see both of them hurting so badly, but (spoiler alert) slowly working toward reconciliation.
pitosalas's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this one up while shopping in London no less. I had never heard of the author but it was recommended by them. I flew through this book. It was a pretty standard murder mystery so nothing too profound but a good, engaging read, well written. I recommend it.
peacockknees's review against another edition
2.0
I don't want to ever see the word 'Landie' ever again, sorry Val at least the TV Show is good
dogearedandfurry's review against another edition
4.0
This series never lets you down. Another great entry.
alixv's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pjgal22's review against another edition
4.0
I was so angry after reading the end of The Retribution that I decided I was finished with the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series. Recently, though, I realized how much I missed these characters (and McDermid’s unrivaled prose and plotting, which puts most other crime fiction to shame), and I relented and picked up this next book in the series. Much like Tony and Carol’s, it wasn’t a perfect reunion, but (for now anyway) I’m willing to continue with them on their journey as it appears there may be hope yet for these two.
As far as the crime end of the narrative, McDermid, as usual, pulls no punches. Her books are definitely not for the squeamish as very bad things can and do happen to people that you have come to care about. While she doesn’t describe each and every detail of the heinous acts committed by this particularly sadistic serial killer, there’s enough to make you squirm and even feel sick to your stomach at times.
As a side note, I thought the addition of Flash to Carol’s life was a master stroke - who better but a dog to help heal her psychic wounds? - but I admit that I was a bit nervous as to whether or not she would survive beyond this installment. It was thus a real treat to see her not only survive but save the day.
As far as the crime end of the narrative, McDermid, as usual, pulls no punches. Her books are definitely not for the squeamish as very bad things can and do happen to people that you have come to care about. While she doesn’t describe each and every detail of the heinous acts committed by this particularly sadistic serial killer, there’s enough to make you squirm and even feel sick to your stomach at times.
As a side note, I thought the addition of Flash to Carol’s life was a master stroke - who better but a dog to help heal her psychic wounds? - but I admit that I was a bit nervous as to whether or not she would survive beyond this installment. It was thus a real treat to see her not only survive but save the day.
beebeetlebee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
4.0
Firstly, I enjoyed this.
But one of the problems with reading books in series is that to really understand what is going on you need to have read the previous books in the series. That is the case with this book. So much of what happens in this book is about the characters coming to terms with the horrific event in the previous book. As I had read the previous book in the series only a short time ago this was far more enjoyable.
I like the characters in these books and they way the change and adapt. Highly recommended but only if you have read The Retribution.
But one of the problems with reading books in series is that to really understand what is going on you need to have read the previous books in the series. That is the case with this book. So much of what happens in this book is about the characters coming to terms with the horrific event in the previous book. As I had read the previous book in the series only a short time ago this was far more enjoyable.
I like the characters in these books and they way the change and adapt. Highly recommended but only if you have read The Retribution.
corbylv16's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0