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A review by rgoth
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Having heard so much about Rankin's reputation as a master of crime fiction, I was excited to start this series for the first time, but unfortunately, my high expectations led to a sense of disappointment.
The core of my dissatisfaction revolved around the main character. Although I could appreciate his troubled past and the impact of his PTSD, I found him to be fundamentally unlikable. I struggled to connect with him on any meaningful level. His episodes of blackout during sex and the unsettling trend of strangling women were deeply disturbing, making it nearly impossible for me to root for him. Rather than adding tension to the narrative, these traits felt like obstacles, detracting from both the investigation and the overall story arc. Instead of captivating me, they left me feeling uneasy and disengaged.
The core of my dissatisfaction revolved around the main character. Although I could appreciate his troubled past and the impact of his PTSD, I found him to be fundamentally unlikable. I struggled to connect with him on any meaningful level. His episodes of blackout during sex and the unsettling trend of strangling women were deeply disturbing, making it nearly impossible for me to root for him. Rather than adding tension to the narrative, these traits felt like obstacles, detracting from both the investigation and the overall story arc. Instead of captivating me, they left me feeling uneasy and disengaged.