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celtic67's review
4.0
This is a debut novel and what a debut it is!
On the face of it a crime novel and has all the tropes of the modern day crime novel. A damaged detective and a loyal sidekick. But it is much more than that. It explores the themes of loyalty, family and mental health.
In Malkie the author has created a character who wants to do the right thing, even if it means going against the advice of and clashing with others; including his sidekick Steph.
Doug explores a range of topics such as depression, PTSD and the grey areas between some in the police force and the criminal fraternity. Nobody wears the white hat, though Malkie tries, he doesn't quite manage it though trying valiantly. As I said a brilliant debut and much more than just a crime novel. A book to make you think as well as turning the pages.
Another plus is the novel is set in an area I'm familiar with; Livingston and the wider West Lothian area. This was an extra plus for me. Well done Doug and already looking forward to book 2!
On the face of it a crime novel and has all the tropes of the modern day crime novel. A damaged detective and a loyal sidekick. But it is much more than that. It explores the themes of loyalty, family and mental health.
In Malkie the author has created a character who wants to do the right thing, even if it means going against the advice of and clashing with others; including his sidekick Steph.
Doug explores a range of topics such as depression, PTSD and the grey areas between some in the police force and the criminal fraternity. Nobody wears the white hat, though Malkie tries, he doesn't quite manage it though trying valiantly. As I said a brilliant debut and much more than just a crime novel. A book to make you think as well as turning the pages.
Another plus is the novel is set in an area I'm familiar with; Livingston and the wider West Lothian area. This was an extra plus for me. Well done Doug and already looking forward to book 2!
majic's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jessycat's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lagadema's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.75
I enjoyed reading this gritty complex mystery with sometimes graphic descriptions. It was interesting how the main characters were built with all those flaws that made them realistic. As far as I was getting into the story I was more hooked in the search for what happened. Overall, it is a good start to a series, and I would love to see how it will develop.
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