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Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid

5 reviews

urskae's review against another edition

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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

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lmackswt's review against another edition

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

4.5

Although the result of a side-plot is devastating (if you are invested in the main character) the story keeps you engaged. The resolution -- while not 100% satisfactory -- is realistic in terms of the legal system. 

I highly recommend Val McDermid's various series. She is a master of pacing, her characters are dynamic and real, and her plot lines are always interesting and often informative.
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drjoannehill's review against another edition

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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!
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hedwig2's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

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glorifiedloveletters's review against another edition

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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.
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