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kimstefanie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia and Child abuse
Moderate: Rape
schopflin's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I don't feel this is McDermid at her best. A lot of the historical section feels clunky and overlong, and there are some jarring anachronisms (they weren't drinking tea out of mugs in 1963 and no defense barrister needed to downplay his upper class origins). Bennett and Clough feel a little clichéd as characters in the first sections (wearing hats and smoking a lot are not substitutes for personality) and Heathcote is well-drawn but unpleasant company. However, the sense of place is powerfully evoked and it had me turning the pages. There's no mention later that despite her distrust of the police, Ma Lomas reported Alison missing to Grundy before Ruth called the station. I am also surprised that no-one makes the point in the revelatory chapters that if Hawkin had not been hanged, a life in prison for child sex offences alone, with the shadow of doubt of murder over him, would have been far from pleasant. Bennett and Clough could also have reflected that hanging was society's choice at the time. But I suppose the book was already so long by then there wasn't much room for reflection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Rape
lizclairlee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Child abuse
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