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urskae's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Medical trauma, Murder, and War
drjoannehill's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Murder mysteries are not generally fun but this one is particularly sad, not only for the connections to the Balkan conflict and genocide in the 1990s. Quite a complex plot and set of characters to start with, but it all comes together. As with other McDermid books there's an interesting side plot about Scottish politics and economics. I guessed whodunnit fairly early again!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Genocide, Grief, Murder, and War
glorifiedloveletters's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Even when I figured out whodunit, I didn't know the WHY until near the end, which is a great sign of McDermid's skill as a mystery writer. That said, I wish some of the dialogue was less expository, and I wish she didn't have such internalized fatphobia. Still, I am enjoying the Karen Pirie series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Genocide, Murder, and War
Moderate: Fatphobia, Rape, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide