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A review by katmarhan
The Blackhouse by Peter May
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
9.5/10
The writing is excellent—moody, evocative, intense.
The characters are multi-faceted and layered; they felt true to this place and time.
The plot is really two storylines, unspooling side by side. Fin Macleod, now a detective in Edinburgh, is investigating a murder on the Isle of Lewis that bears similarities to one of his recent cases. That “current” timeline is written in 3rd person but from Fin’s POV. Fin grew up on Lewis and knew the murder victim. The second storyline, in first person by Fin, tells of his youth and his experiences with the other locals.
There is tragedy woven throughout the stories, well beyond the murders. This is a somber tale, but a powerful and well-written one.
The writing is excellent—moody, evocative, intense.
The characters are multi-faceted and layered; they felt true to this place and time.
The plot is really two storylines, unspooling side by side. Fin Macleod, now a detective in Edinburgh, is investigating a murder on the Isle of Lewis that bears similarities to one of his recent cases. That “current” timeline is written in 3rd person but from Fin’s POV. Fin grew up on Lewis and knew the murder victim. The second storyline, in first person by Fin, tells of his youth and his experiences with the other locals.
There is tragedy woven throughout the stories, well beyond the murders. This is a somber tale, but a powerful and well-written one.