A review by bhalpin
Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

dark mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Listened on audio. Narration was competent but not spectacular. Jimmy Perez sounded a lot like Sean Connery. Secondary characters are far more interesting and sympathetic than Jimmy Perez. Maybe that's the point? But look
, women who exist only to get harmed and thereby develop a tragic story for the men is one of the worst, stupidest cliches of cop fiction, and it's on full display here. Having watched the show, I knew Fran was going to die eventually, but her death was completely unnecessary to the narrative and relegated her to the role of a prop for Perez's development. Didn't expect this level of casual misogyny from a female author, but there you go. 
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