A review by d_audy
The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A dark and challenging debut to this series, an interesting foray from a female writer's perspective into the darker territories occupied by the likes of Michael Connelly, Thomas Harris or Jo Nesbø, and with the same brilliance.  You can sense McDermid's fascination and even admiration for the police forces and their work, but it doesn't stop her from also showing their flaws, especially from a queer, feminist perspective.