A review by winniefoster
Past Lying by Val McDermid

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

McDermid is an excellent writer but there was something tired and predictable about this. The novel-within-a-novel feels like an overused trope and the simmering undercurrent of resentment at lockdown restrictions makes the Covid patient subplot feel exploitative rather than emotional. A lot of readers will 'solve' the central case long before the detectives do.