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A review by _onemorechapter_
Perfect Crime by Helen Sarah Fields
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
๐ป.๐พ: Suicide, Murder, Loneliness, Mental Health Issues, Stress
๐ญThis is the fifth book in the DI Callanach series, a gripping and intense addition to the crime thriller genre. This novel showcases Fieldsโ ability to craft intricate plots, build suspense, and develop compelling characters, making it a worthy read for fans of crime fiction. The book dives deep into the murky waters of crime investigation, mental health issues, and the complexities of human relationships.
Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, Fields masterfully blends elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological drama to create a compelling story that is hard to put down.
The story revolves around a series of deaths that initially appear to be suicides. However, DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner begin to suspect that a serial killer might be orchestrating these seemingly self-inflicted deaths. The narrative is driven by their relentless pursuit of the truth as they navigate through a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and chilling encounters.
This one ties up some loose ends left hanging from the first two books in the series. Although these loose ends are primarily concerned with Lucโs backstory!
Actually, in the story, there are two series of crimes: the supposed suicides and the murders of two elderly people, both related to Callanachโs past. In fact, Callanach is even considered a suspect of these two murders at some point, since it appears that someone is trying to incriminate him. If we take a deeper look into the details and, especially, if we know Callanachโs past, told in past novels, we can guess, with a certain degree of security, who is taking out the elderly people and why.
Fields excels in character development, particularly with her protagonists, Callanach and Turner. Callanachโs complex background and struggle with his past add depth to his character, while Turnerโs dedication and resilience make her a formidable counterpart. Their dynamic is a highlight of the series, and โPerfect Crimeโ continues to explore their relationship in a nuanced and believable manner and takes the majority portion of the book(zero complaint).
Some new members have joined the team. Although Max Tripp has worked with them for years, he has now been promoted to Detective Sergeant. DC Janet Monroe and DI Pax Graham have now both transferred permanently.
The secondary characters, including the victims and suspects, are also well-crafted. Fields give them enough backstory and personality to make their plight and actions believable and engaging.
Regarding the suicides, even though there were several candidates, I guessed the culprit right away. Still, the interest is kept up.
Fieldsโ writing is sharp, descriptive, and evocative. She effectively creates a dark and tense atmosphere that complements the grim subject matter. Her ability to describe scenes vividly makes us feel as though they are right there alongside the detectives, experiencing the tension and urgency of the investigation. The pacing is well-balanced, with short, punchy chapters with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, more contemplative scenes that allow for character development and reflection.
Overall, it is a fantastic addition to this series. An excellent police procedural with entertaining but believable characters and an exciting serial killer plot line.
๐.๐ Way better than Book 4 and we finally get some answers and the story progresses between the MCs and unlike the last installment this book does give at least 45% to Luc which is very good if you have read book 4 you will understand what I am talking about.
๐.๐.๐ Looking forward to the Book 6!
๐ธ๐ด๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: โญโญโญโญ
๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: 4.26 (5858)
๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐: Crime Fiction, Thriller and Police Procedural
๐ธ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐: D.I. Callanach (Book 5)
๐ธ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐: Yes
Dark and sinister with plenty of action to have you ripping through the pages. Highly entertaining. A great series.
๐ญThis is the fifth book in the DI Callanach series, a gripping and intense addition to the crime thriller genre. This novel showcases Fieldsโ ability to craft intricate plots, build suspense, and develop compelling characters, making it a worthy read for fans of crime fiction. The book dives deep into the murky waters of crime investigation, mental health issues, and the complexities of human relationships.
Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, Fields masterfully blends elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological drama to create a compelling story that is hard to put down.
The story revolves around a series of deaths that initially appear to be suicides. However, DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner begin to suspect that a serial killer might be orchestrating these seemingly self-inflicted deaths. The narrative is driven by their relentless pursuit of the truth as they navigate through a labyrinth of clues, red herrings, and chilling encounters.
This one ties up some loose ends left hanging from the first two books in the series. Although these loose ends are primarily concerned with Lucโs backstory!
Actually, in the story, there are two series of crimes: the supposed suicides and the murders of two elderly people, both related to Callanachโs past. In fact, Callanach is even considered a suspect of these two murders at some point, since it appears that someone is trying to incriminate him. If we take a deeper look into the details and, especially, if we know Callanachโs past, told in past novels, we can guess, with a certain degree of security, who is taking out the elderly people and why.
Fields excels in character development, particularly with her protagonists, Callanach and Turner. Callanachโs complex background and struggle with his past add depth to his character, while Turnerโs dedication and resilience make her a formidable counterpart. Their dynamic is a highlight of the series, and โPerfect Crimeโ continues to explore their relationship in a nuanced and believable manner and takes the majority portion of the book(zero complaint).
Some new members have joined the team. Although Max Tripp has worked with them for years, he has now been promoted to Detective Sergeant. DC Janet Monroe and DI Pax Graham have now both transferred permanently.
The secondary characters, including the victims and suspects, are also well-crafted. Fields give them enough backstory and personality to make their plight and actions believable and engaging.
Regarding the suicides, even though there were several candidates, I guessed the culprit right away. Still, the interest is kept up.
Fieldsโ writing is sharp, descriptive, and evocative. She effectively creates a dark and tense atmosphere that complements the grim subject matter. Her ability to describe scenes vividly makes us feel as though they are right there alongside the detectives, experiencing the tension and urgency of the investigation. The pacing is well-balanced, with short, punchy chapters with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, more contemplative scenes that allow for character development and reflection.
Overall, it is a fantastic addition to this series. An excellent police procedural with entertaining but believable characters and an exciting serial killer plot line.
๐.๐ Way better than Book 4 and we finally get some answers and the story progresses between the MCs and unlike the last installment this book does give at least 45% to Luc which is very good if you have read book 4 you will understand what I am talking about.
๐.๐.๐ Looking forward to the Book 6!
๐ธ๐ด๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: โญโญโญโญ
๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐: 4.26 (5858)
๐ธ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐: Crime Fiction, Thriller and Police Procedural
๐ธ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐: D.I. Callanach (Book 5)
๐ธ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐: Yes
Dark and sinister with plenty of action to have you ripping through the pages. Highly entertaining. A great series.