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saltycorpse's review
2.0
I've liked Eva Dolan's previous Zigic/Ferreira books, but this one really seemed like a very poorly researched swing and a miss. The story revolves around the murder of a trans woman, and honestly it really feels like Dolan did none percent research. Pronouns are all over the place, there's really no distinction between trans women, men who cross-dress, and drag queens (not that there can't be overlap). Dolan also continuously goes back and forth between pronouns and names for trans characters when it doesn't make sense to, as if it's all interchangeable. It just was confusing and a little yikes. I certainly am no expert on trans terminology, nor am I trans myself, but I went into this feeling like I knew more than Dolan about basic gender/sexuality identity stuff, which was...awkward.
Another aspect I found a bit odd is that the book does nothing to educate the reader or give the reader any knowledge needed to understand or even conceptualize aspects of being trans, like body dysmorphia, depression, and other mental health issues prevalent among members of the trans community for example. Dolan seems to highlight shame, and outright villainizes one of the strongest trans characters, Evelyn, who is an advocate for trans rights as well as staunchly against trusting the police - with good reason. Yet this character is more or less framed as being wrong in her criticisms and ultimately just kind of a shitty person. I would like to have seen a deeper exploration of the idea put forth that Evelyn is "using" her trans sisters to advance her agenda and platform, because it could have been a really good exploration of how social justice can breed its own type of narcissism at the expense of what some "crusaders" are claiming to try and protect. Yet Evelyn, for all her strength, at the end is shown as kind of a defeated husk forced to admit Police = okay, I guess?
The victim of the murder, Corrine, is also painted to be a horrible person, which on one hand subverts the martyr stereotype of a murder victim yet at the same time was really one-dimensional. It wasn't framed with any depth, only that Corrine and her soon-to-be-ex wife, Nina, were acrimonious and hated each other, both of them reduced to "mean girls".
I feel if a little more effort was put into this in terms of research, it could have been a much, much better book. I do assume she did no research as usually when authors do, they thank those who assisted them in the acknowledgments, but there was no mention of that. Hopefully the next in this series is better, because this one ain't it.
Another aspect I found a bit odd is that the book does nothing to educate the reader or give the reader any knowledge needed to understand or even conceptualize aspects of being trans, like body dysmorphia, depression, and other mental health issues prevalent among members of the trans community for example. Dolan seems to highlight shame, and outright villainizes one of the strongest trans characters, Evelyn, who is an advocate for trans rights as well as staunchly against trusting the police - with good reason. Yet this character is more or less framed as being wrong in her criticisms and ultimately just kind of a shitty person. I would like to have seen a deeper exploration of the idea put forth that Evelyn is "using" her trans sisters to advance her agenda and platform, because it could have been a really good exploration of how social justice can breed its own type of narcissism at the expense of what some "crusaders" are claiming to try and protect. Yet Evelyn, for all her strength, at the end is shown as kind of a defeated husk forced to admit Police = okay, I guess?
The victim of the murder, Corrine, is also painted to be a horrible person, which on one hand subverts the martyr stereotype of a murder victim yet at the same time was really one-dimensional. It wasn't framed with any depth, only that Corrine and her soon-to-be-ex wife, Nina, were acrimonious and hated each other, both of them reduced to "mean girls".
I feel if a little more effort was put into this in terms of research, it could have been a much, much better book. I do assume she did no research as usually when authors do, they thank those who assisted them in the acknowledgments, but there was no mention of that. Hopefully the next in this series is better, because this one ain't it.
jmatkinson1's review
4.0
One morning the body of a woman is found at a local beauty spot, strangled to death. However it is not as it seems because the woman, Corinne, was formerly known as Colin and was transitioning from male to female. The Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit is called in to investigate and uncovers two separate lines of enquiry. Was Corinne's murder something to do with her complex relationships with family? Was it related to a series of local rapes? Or was it related to a spate of attacks on trans individuals? Each line of enquiry has possibilities and each plus the team in different directions. However when a transgender victim commits suicide and blames the police for hounding her, Detectives Zidig and Ferreira realise that the very existence of the unit is endangered.
This is the fourth in a series of novels by Dolan but is the first that I have read. There is a certain degree of expectation that readers know something of the backstory of the protagonists but not so much that it makes the book impenetrable. Dolan has a lot of fans and I can see why. The plot is tight and keeps the reader guessing with 'red herrings' and suspects who lead in a different direction. The whole premise of attacks against the transgender community is handled sensitively and is topical without seeming sensationalist. Although on the surface a standard police procedural this book is so much more and all the better for it.
This is the fourth in a series of novels by Dolan but is the first that I have read. There is a certain degree of expectation that readers know something of the backstory of the protagonists but not so much that it makes the book impenetrable. Dolan has a lot of fans and I can see why. The plot is tight and keeps the reader guessing with 'red herrings' and suspects who lead in a different direction. The whole premise of attacks against the transgender community is handled sensitively and is topical without seeming sensationalist. Although on the surface a standard police procedural this book is so much more and all the better for it.
ejcoates's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I found it a real chore to get through and very nearly gave up. I think this was because I didn't resonate with the detectives and felt somehow distant from them. Furthermore, the representation of trans life left me feeling really depressed, but I admire Dolan for depicting the brutal reality of the situation. To balance it out, I think I could have just done with one happy ending or trans character satisfied with their life.
The conclusion of the novel really came together in a satisfying way though. The crimes were resolved in a satisfying way and I did start to warm to the characters. Overall, a little too long and a little slow.
The conclusion of the novel really came together in a satisfying way though. The crimes were resolved in a satisfying way and I did start to warm to the characters. Overall, a little too long and a little slow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Transphobia, and Violence
andrew61's review
4.0
Fourth in this excellent series finds logic and ferrara investigates the murder of a trans gender woman against the backdrop of cid's general investigation into a series of sexual assaults which intersect .
Internal police politics finds 'hate crimes' unit under pressure and the plotting and eventual climax was excellently done. I can't wait until the next in the series.
Internal police politics finds 'hate crimes' unit under pressure and the plotting and eventual climax was excellently done. I can't wait until the next in the series.
anetq's review
4.0
Dolan is as always relevant and writes great crime fiction - this time it's a trans woman murdered, but is it a hate crime? Or did the rampant rapist take her for a woman? Or is it domestic? Everything is weaved into a tale of life and transition and families working through changes.
thebooktrail88's review
4.0
Locations in the novel on The Literary Travel Agency: Visit WHD here
Eva Dolan for me writes a very unique brand of crime fiction. It’s gritty and very hard hitting yes, but it manages to include some of the most marginalised people in our society in a way we start to understand them in new ways. Some writers would be afraid to look at how transgender people are treated – but not Eva – and kudos to her for that. The uncomfortable nature of these issues and the way Eva writes about it in the cold light of day make for some really heartbreaking and gripping reading.
Characters are fleshed out..plots are picked and primed, the time and place are evoked with panache. The issues dealt with in modern society are new and ones which continue to grow, and putting them at the heart of a gripping drama does bring them into the spotlight.
No worries about Eva standing on her soapbox either – this isn’t a social conscience kind of novel but one which rather shows society as it is – no matter how unflattering the light and angle.
Corrinne is a very memorable character for many reasons. Eva Dolan is a memorable author too. She writes with a scalpel and cuts open the very worst scars of society.
Eva Dolan for me writes a very unique brand of crime fiction. It’s gritty and very hard hitting yes, but it manages to include some of the most marginalised people in our society in a way we start to understand them in new ways. Some writers would be afraid to look at how transgender people are treated – but not Eva – and kudos to her for that. The uncomfortable nature of these issues and the way Eva writes about it in the cold light of day make for some really heartbreaking and gripping reading.
Characters are fleshed out..plots are picked and primed, the time and place are evoked with panache. The issues dealt with in modern society are new and ones which continue to grow, and putting them at the heart of a gripping drama does bring them into the spotlight.
No worries about Eva standing on her soapbox either – this isn’t a social conscience kind of novel but one which rather shows society as it is – no matter how unflattering the light and angle.
Corrinne is a very memorable character for many reasons. Eva Dolan is a memorable author too. She writes with a scalpel and cuts open the very worst scars of society.
steph1rothwell's review
5.0
Watch Her Disappear is the fourth book in the series that features Zigic and Ferreira and is my favourite one so far. You can always rely on Eva Dolan to write something a bit different and in this book the hate crimes unit are looking into the murder of a transgender woman and other attacks that they suspect are linked. Corrine, the victim doesn’t come across as a very nice person, either as Corrine or in her previous life as Colin. In all honesty, I had more sympathy, if not liking for her family.
All the trans women who featured appeared more confident and happy when they could live their lives as women. Eva demonstrates how the trans community are regarded in society. Some people are supportive but many treat them with no respect and as an object of ridicule. Some of the terminology used by members of the police force excluding Zigic and Ferreira made me cringe slightly and it was believable. Even more believable was the storyline regarding the attitude of certain people on social media.
Alongside the investigation is another that is looking into rape. The two detectives who are involved in the case know who is responsible but it is impossible to prove it. Ferreira is also doing some work on this case and I loved how she could get under the suspect’s skin.
The last third of the novel, when I had figured out who was responsible if not why was impossible to put down. I felt upset for Ferreira who struggled with guilt and frustration at having to stand aside. She has been a favourite character since the first book, I just like everything about her.
I read a lot of series fiction and with all the books that I read I usually fall behind but this is one series that I have kept up to date with. I hope that it will continue.
With thanks to the publisher for my copy received.
All the trans women who featured appeared more confident and happy when they could live their lives as women. Eva demonstrates how the trans community are regarded in society. Some people are supportive but many treat them with no respect and as an object of ridicule. Some of the terminology used by members of the police force excluding Zigic and Ferreira made me cringe slightly and it was believable. Even more believable was the storyline regarding the attitude of certain people on social media.
Alongside the investigation is another that is looking into rape. The two detectives who are involved in the case know who is responsible but it is impossible to prove it. Ferreira is also doing some work on this case and I loved how she could get under the suspect’s skin.
The last third of the novel, when I had figured out who was responsible if not why was impossible to put down. I felt upset for Ferreira who struggled with guilt and frustration at having to stand aside. She has been a favourite character since the first book, I just like everything about her.
I read a lot of series fiction and with all the books that I read I usually fall behind but this is one series that I have kept up to date with. I hope that it will continue.
With thanks to the publisher for my copy received.
sarahs_bookish_life's review
4.0
Even though Watch Her Disappear is the fourth book in the Zigic and Ferreira series, they all read easily as stand alone’s, but as it’s a great series I would definitely recommend reading them all.
The author has yet again come up with a gripping case for the detectives to work on. As stated in the description, this is certainly a complex case and nothing is straight forward, which makes things even harder for the two detectives.
There was something quite chilling about the whole story line. I’m not sure if was to do with the type of crime it was but what was happening to the trans women in the story really got to me. In part some of it was quite upsetting and uncomfortable to read but I think that’s what made this novel even more compelling.
Watch Her Disappear is quite an atmospheric read that really gets under the readers skin. The author has a way of writing that just draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end. This is a brilliant series that lovers of crime really should read.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The author has yet again come up with a gripping case for the detectives to work on. As stated in the description, this is certainly a complex case and nothing is straight forward, which makes things even harder for the two detectives.
There was something quite chilling about the whole story line. I’m not sure if was to do with the type of crime it was but what was happening to the trans women in the story really got to me. In part some of it was quite upsetting and uncomfortable to read but I think that’s what made this novel even more compelling.
Watch Her Disappear is quite an atmospheric read that really gets under the readers skin. The author has a way of writing that just draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end. This is a brilliant series that lovers of crime really should read.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
snazzybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Book reviews and more on www.snazzybooks.com
Watch Her Disappear, the fourth in the DI Zigic and DS Ferreira series, is another great Detective novel by Eva Dolan She's an author I've only read one other book by (After You Die - read my review here) so far, which I also hugely enjoyed!
DS Ferreira is back, and still a really cool character - strong, opinionated and fiery - which makes you want to read more about her and her working relationship with Detective Inspector Zigic, who I also really like. Together they make a great team heading up Peterborough's Hate Crimes unit, and it's quite refreshing to read a crime novel that isn't strictly set in the CID department, but instead Hate Crimes, and in my home city of Peterborough (strange to read about murders and such in Ferry Meadows, somewhere I used to go a lot when I lived in Peterborough!)
I found the subject matter really interesting, and learning more about men or women transitioning to a different gender. It's not something I personally know a huge amount about, but from reading Watch Her Disappear it feels like the author has done her research, and presented it all in a convincing, reasoned way. She has approached a difficult subject really well, in my opinion; it's just a shame more people (such as some of those in the novel) don't treat the subject with a bit more compassion and understanding.
There's plenty of shocking moments and grit in this novel, but it never feels superfluous or overexaggerated, and I like her writing style. The characters involved - for example Corrinne and Nina - aren't black and white 'good' or 'bad', and the narrative really makes you think about whether someone is as bad as they're made out to be, or whether someone else (who everyone might put on a pedestal) might be at fault too. I really hate when characters are oversimplified - it makes me feel insulted as a reader, but I know I'm never in danger of feeling like that with a well-written crime novel - and this certainly falls into that category!
I am so pleased that Watch Her Disappear is as well written and intriguing as After You Die, with twists and turns leading the reader skillfully to the final conclusion, and I certainly will be reading more by Eva Dolan!
Many thanks to Vintage Books for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an unbiased and honest review
Watch Her Disappear, the fourth in the DI Zigic and DS Ferreira series, is another great Detective novel by Eva Dolan She's an author I've only read one other book by (After You Die - read my review here) so far, which I also hugely enjoyed!
DS Ferreira is back, and still a really cool character - strong, opinionated and fiery - which makes you want to read more about her and her working relationship with Detective Inspector Zigic, who I also really like. Together they make a great team heading up Peterborough's Hate Crimes unit, and it's quite refreshing to read a crime novel that isn't strictly set in the CID department, but instead Hate Crimes, and in my home city of Peterborough (strange to read about murders and such in Ferry Meadows, somewhere I used to go a lot when I lived in Peterborough!)
I found the subject matter really interesting, and learning more about men or women transitioning to a different gender. It's not something I personally know a huge amount about, but from reading Watch Her Disappear it feels like the author has done her research, and presented it all in a convincing, reasoned way. She has approached a difficult subject really well, in my opinion; it's just a shame more people (such as some of those in the novel) don't treat the subject with a bit more compassion and understanding.
There's plenty of shocking moments and grit in this novel, but it never feels superfluous or overexaggerated, and I like her writing style. The characters involved - for example Corrinne and Nina - aren't black and white 'good' or 'bad', and the narrative really makes you think about whether someone is as bad as they're made out to be, or whether someone else (who everyone might put on a pedestal) might be at fault too. I really hate when characters are oversimplified - it makes me feel insulted as a reader, but I know I'm never in danger of feeling like that with a well-written crime novel - and this certainly falls into that category!
I am so pleased that Watch Her Disappear is as well written and intriguing as After You Die, with twists and turns leading the reader skillfully to the final conclusion, and I certainly will be reading more by Eva Dolan!
Many thanks to Vintage Books for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an unbiased and honest review