Reviews

Dead Girls Dancing by Graham Masterton

becky_efc's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

TW: Animal cruelty and death 

balthazarlawson's review against another edition

4.0

The final kill count for this book was 55 dead and 3 dogs.

Another gory story from Cork where Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire has deal with here complicated private life and equally complicate police life. This book carries on where the previous book in the series ends and she has to pull her life back together following the death of her one time boyfriend, the suicide of the Assistant Commissioner, her new relationship with a pet detective and a case of arson that kills a dance company.

Life isn't easy but it's enjoyable to read about.

jjbankhead's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Death, Violence, Rape, and Sexual assault

lynsey284's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent book really enjoyed it feel was one of the best Katie Maguire books only thing now is having to wait until next year for the next instalment

canada_matt's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Those who have followed me closely this summer will know that I am currently in the middle of an epic binge of Irish police procedurals by Graham Masterton. The author never ceases to impresses with a collection whose crimes prove as chilling and graphic as anything I have come across. The narrative flow is smooth and characters develop throughout the series, adding something for those who have followed from the opening novel. Masterton shows how he can use Irish-themed ideas to keep the series flowing, educating and entertaining in equal measure.

A fire in Cork’s downtown core leaves many dead, including an entire dance troupe. Of those who survive, one little girl is unclaimed and since she is not speaking, there is no way to track her. Detective Superintendent Katie Macguire works as best she can to help her, but there’s something not entirely right about the situation or this young survivor.

While the investigation turns to an arson inquest, DS Macguire is forced to deal with her own personal issues, which includes trying to  understand what’s going on with her current lover. He has a secret he failed to share with her, but seems keen to make a future with her, no matter what the cost. Another love interest emerges and complicates the scenario, especially since there is a workplace aspect. Then again, DS Macguire never does things in a straightforward manner.

As the investigation takes on new importance, there is an IRA angle that could explain it all. DS Macguire and her team must be careful, as this could leave more bodies in the wake of these discoveries. The little girl could be the key to it all, though learning the truth about her identity could create even more trouble for the Garda. Politically rich and full of Irish flavouring, Masterton keeps the series strong with another stellar novel.

Graham Masterton has created something well worth the attention I have been giving it. With strong themes, set in the heart of Ireland, this is a police procedural that will tug on the reader’s lapels and not let go throughout. Themes related the political goings-on and regionalism prove successful in keeping the tension up, while providing the reader with something new and exciting. What luck I had in discovering this series and how pleased I am that things have been going so well.

Masterton is at the top of his game with this collection of novels, though he was a household name for many who love the horror genre over the last number of years. There is strong narrative development, both within the book and throughout the entire series, allowing the reader to get a sense of what is going on and stray focussed. Character development builds with each novel, offering a cast that is reliable and permits the reader to see growth. The development of DS Katie Macguire is most prominent, as should be the case with any strong protagonist, but it is primarily her personal life that keeps readers intrigued. Masterton supplies great plot twists and countless cliffhangers to leave the series ever-evolving, which has me rushing back to find the next novel as soon as I complete a review. I can see things getting more intense with these novels, which only means that Masterton is honing his skills even more.

Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for keeping me highly entertained throughout. 

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micrummey's review against another edition

4.0

The reason I didn't give this a 5 star rating was the over use of gratuitous violence through out the book a lot of which was unnecessary. Having got the negative point out of the way, the book overall was excellent.
A page turner of a novel with several strands which come neatly together as DCI Kate Maguire tries to solve an arson with plenty of deaths, a shooting and a mysterious young girl with no name.
The dialogue is crisp and seems to have an authenic feel of the republic of Ireland about it. The characters are well developed and Masterton has keen observational skills.
The first book I've read that mentions post Brexit I'm sure more will follow