Scan barcode
A review by thechemicaldetective
Broken Ground: A Karen Pirie Novel by Val McDermid
5.0
Is there a word for that delicious feeling when, after putting off finishing a captivating book, you discover that the same author has already written many more? Vielmehrbuchfreude?
After hearing Val McDermid conducting slick interviews at Theakstons’ Festival of Crime, then talking eloquently about her own books before headlining a rock band, I purchased “Broken Ground” and made a glorious discovery.
Two motorcycles and a body preserved in Highland peat pose a challenge for the cold case squad led by Karen Pirie. The dual timelines and interlocking stories are skilfully plotted, but what makes this such an easy read (in a good way) are the characters: Dog Biscuit, the Macaroon, the ginger ninja Mint, River, Ruari, Dandy and Willow, Joey and Shirley and the gorgeous Hamish Mackenzie, the kilted hipster sex bomb. All mouth and no trousers? Or something more dangerous? No spoilers here.
Police procedural at its finest. And a full back catalogue to look forward to!
After hearing Val McDermid conducting slick interviews at Theakstons’ Festival of Crime, then talking eloquently about her own books before headlining a rock band, I purchased “Broken Ground” and made a glorious discovery.
Two motorcycles and a body preserved in Highland peat pose a challenge for the cold case squad led by Karen Pirie. The dual timelines and interlocking stories are skilfully plotted, but what makes this such an easy read (in a good way) are the characters: Dog Biscuit, the Macaroon, the ginger ninja Mint, River, Ruari, Dandy and Willow, Joey and Shirley and the gorgeous Hamish Mackenzie, the kilted hipster sex bomb. All mouth and no trousers? Or something more dangerous? No spoilers here.
Police procedural at its finest. And a full back catalogue to look forward to!