Reviews

I’m not generally a fan of time jumping to tell a story, but there was little enough of it that it wasn’t too distracting.
Other than that, a perfectly serviceable modern crime story. I love the relationships, I just wish there were less story and more nuanced characters. I would like to like the bad guys a little and dislike the good guys a little more.

csdaley's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

3catsinatrenchcoat's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved this Karen Pirie story! I’m pretty WWII’d out, but this angle was different and interesting. I was fascinated by Karen’s involvement in a domestic violence incident, and I loved meeting Hamish. And Jason is just so adorable. McDermid makes the long slog off sorting through paperwork and asking the same question endlessly of different people interesting, and that is an amazing skill! I just wish the ending hadn’t been wrapped up quite so quickly.

hollyxbeth's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

thechemicaldetective's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Is there a word for that delicious feeling when, after putting off finishing a captivating book, you discover that the same author has already written many more? Vielmehrbuchfreude?

After hearing Val McDermid conducting slick interviews at Theakstons’ Festival of Crime, then talking eloquently about her own books before headlining a rock band, I purchased “Broken Ground” and made a glorious discovery.

Two motorcycles and a body preserved in Highland peat pose a challenge for the cold case squad led by Karen Pirie. The dual timelines and interlocking stories are skilfully plotted, but what makes this such an easy read (in a good way) are the characters: Dog Biscuit, the Macaroon, the ginger ninja Mint, River, Ruari, Dandy and Willow, Joey and Shirley and the gorgeous Hamish Mackenzie, the kilted hipster sex bomb. All mouth and no trousers? Or something more dangerous? No spoilers here.

Police procedural at its finest. And a full back catalogue to look forward to!

More...