Scan barcode
lemopolis's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
athravan's review against another edition
3.0
This is book #5 in the Katie Maguire series and it will help to have read the previous stories, but is by no means essential as major events are recapped. She is an Irish Detective Superintendent whose character and personality I really admire. A kickass lady who won't put up with anything, has had to fight to be respected in a male-dominated career, but who isn't afraid to show her fragile side as well. I would describe this series as "character driven crime", with more time being spent on Katie, her personal life and feelings, as the actual crimes themselves. The crimes are gruesome, and at times graphic and disturbing, as nuns are being brutally assaulted and murdered, whilst she is also investigating a dreadful act of animal cruelty in some slain horses. The mystery and suspense parts were gripping and intriguing.
I did think that there was a little too much focus on Katie's personal (especially romantic) life (such as the lovey-dovey action between her and John, which really didn't mesh well with animal suffering and tortured nuns) and not quite as much procedural crime investigation as I'd have liked. One has to start to question with how messed up and confused Katie seems to be romantically and sexually, how she manages to get anything at work done at all! It doesn't quite gel with the strong image of a crime fighting team leader.
Overall it was an engaging and enjoyable read, but I hope the next book keeps this as a crime book with good characters, and not Katie's sexual escapades with a bit of side crime.
I did think that there was a little too much focus on Katie's personal (especially romantic) life (such as the lovey-dovey action between her and John, which really didn't mesh well with animal suffering and tortured nuns) and not quite as much procedural crime investigation as I'd have liked. One has to start to question with how messed up and confused Katie seems to be romantically and sexually, how she manages to get anything at work done at all! It doesn't quite gel with the strong image of a crime fighting team leader.
Overall it was an engaging and enjoyable read, but I hope the next book keeps this as a crime book with good characters, and not Katie's sexual escapades with a bit of side crime.
petra_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Over the last month, I have listened to/read the Katie Maguire series in publication order and Blood Sisters, book 5, will have been my last one for a while, I think.
Blood Sisters continues from where [b:Taken for Dead|23526044|Taken for Dead (Katie Maguire #4)|Graham Masterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1416445664s/23526044.jpg|43128907] left off. Katie is still dealing with the fallout from previous cases and her private life is anything but settled. John is back, but Katie avoids telling him about her pregnancy. Professionally, she is investigating the horrific deaths of 23 horses as well as the murder of a nun.
The story line with the nuns was interesting, but I found the animal cruelty case rather off-putting. But that's a personal dislike, I generally just hate reading anything to do with dead animals.
I really enjoy the police procedural and crime aspects of the story, but what I found a bit disappointing, is the clearly repetitive nature of the story lines now. How many more things can possibly happen in Katie's house?
I enjoyed the first couple of books immensely. But the way Katie has developed (or not) is becoming slightly annoying. I just wish she'd sort out her sex life, and I'm getting so bored with the continuous female attraction thing that's going on.
On the positive side, there is a different audio book narrator, and it is completely safe to listen to the audio again after the previous fiasco.
The book once again leaves things unresolved, and I will definitely pick up the next one (still hoping Katie will sort herself out), but I am going to give it a little break for now.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Blood Sisters continues from where [b:Taken for Dead|23526044|Taken for Dead (Katie Maguire #4)|Graham Masterton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1416445664s/23526044.jpg|43128907] left off. Katie is still dealing with the fallout from previous cases and her private life is anything but settled. John is back, but Katie avoids telling him about her pregnancy. Professionally, she is investigating the horrific deaths of 23 horses as well as the murder of a nun.
The story line with the nuns was interesting, but I found the animal cruelty case rather off-putting. But that's a personal dislike, I generally just hate reading anything to do with dead animals.
I really enjoy the police procedural and crime aspects of the story, but what I found a bit disappointing, is the clearly repetitive nature of the story lines now. How many more things can possibly happen in Katie's house?
I enjoyed the first couple of books immensely. But the way Katie has developed (or not) is becoming slightly annoying. I just wish she'd sort out her sex life, and I'm getting so bored with the continuous female attraction thing that's going on.
On the positive side, there is a different audio book narrator, and it is completely safe to listen to the audio again after the previous fiasco.
The book once again leaves things unresolved, and I will definitely pick up the next one (still hoping Katie will sort herself out), but I am going to give it a little break for now.
I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
sarahgb's review against another edition
1.0
Well they do say the more you read into a long series, the more the likelihood you'll come across a duff one and I have to say this is it. Or at least this is the point that I've finally decided that the main character is just too irritating, the plots are too horrific and convoluted. Plus the author has some favourite sentences for certain situations and repeats them ad infinitum. It's nauseating. I won't be reading anymore of the series.
ida's review against another edition
3.0
Read as part of the Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019, prompt #47 Two books that share the same title
More...