I'm a great fan of Val McDermid's Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series, but this is only the second book I've read featuring Karen Pirie.
Head of the cold case division of Police Scotland, Karen uses work to keep her busy as she struggles with the loss of her partner. She likes her job and has an excellent reputation for solving difficult cases, but she also has a reputation for contravening authority is creative ways.
When a car crash leaves three young men dead and the young driver in a coma--a curious situation arises. The young man's DNA has a familial connection to a murder that occurred 22 years ago. The first complication arises when Karen realizes the young man was adopted, so tracing the familial connection will be more difficult.
While getting information about how to navigate the legal system to find out about the boy's biological father, Karen takes an interest in a case that a detective seems to be too eager to write off as a suicide.
The relationship between Karen and her second in command adds just the right touch of humanity. Jason provides the perfect foil for Karen; while he lacks Karen's sharp intelligence, his dedication and loyalty more than make up for it. McDermid's characters always feel genuine, her writing flows, and her complex plots have perfect pacing.
I'm all for more of Karen Pirie and will check the library for the two books I've missed.
Library copy.
Mystery/Suspense. 2016. 464 pages.
The Trespasser has a slow, thoughtful pace as Conway and Moran try to navigate the treacherous waters of a murder that at least one detective on the squad wants solved quickly with a predictable outcome. As Conway and Moran seek to give the case a more thorough investigation, they have to be cautious with their information.
French has the ability to toss in situations that keep the reader on edge about the outcome. About half way through, a situation occurs that really worried me, making me question so much of my first thoughts. Near the conclusion, another twist occurs. These aren't the kind of gaudy twists that you find in some books, they are plausible changes as a result of characters' thoughts and actions.
I've read and reviewed all of this series, and French never disappoints. Now--two more years before another book, and I've been wondering who will be featured. Breslin? Oooh, that makes me uneasy.
French is one of the best in the business.
Library Copy
Police Procedural. 2016. 449 pages.
The Lies Within by Jane Isaac is the third in the DI Will Jackman series by Jane Isaac, and I enjoyed it as much or more than the previous books. Isaac manages to write intriguing police procedurals that keeping me engaged with her characters as I try to determine the what, why, and who of the mystery.The prologue is a trial scene in the present, but Chapter One flashes back about 10 months. Jackman has been seconded to a neighboring district to review some adult sexual offence cases when the murder of a young woman occurs that has similarities to two of the cases he has been reviewing. Although he is not in his home district, he asks to be assigned to the case.
The victim is the nineteen-year-old daughter of Grace Daniels. Devastated, Grace's despair and depression worry her family; Grace, consumed by grief, can't seem to return to a normal life. A chance connection with an old acquaintance provides some support, and Grace is able to move away from her fugue state. It is clear from the beginning that this new relationship is problematic.
Isaac concentrated more on Grace Daniels than on DI Jackman in this book. However, a character from the last book puts an awkward spin on Jackman's role in Leicestershire, and I'm curious to know if the character will make an appearance in future books.
A clever plot and well-drawn characters make this third entry in this series a winner.
NetGalley/Legend Press
Police Procedural. May 2, 2017. Print length: 288 pages.
I'm a big Tana French fan too, wish the books came sooner. Like Val McDermid's Hill/Jordan series, but haven't read this one. So a couple of books to add to my Amazon list.
ReplyDeleteThe Karen Pirie series is good. I've liked the two books I've read in the series. :) And Tana French is hard to wait for, isn't she?
DeleteThe Val M. sounds very interesting to me. I can't read TF. Just too intense.
ReplyDeleteThe Tana French series is intense, but I love the dynamics between the characters which provide so much of the tension. McDermid's Karen Pirie series also focuses on characters, but in a different way. :)
DeleteIsn't it terrible that I was a little relieved when reading your thoughts on McDermid's book about men being murdered and not women? Aside from that (or in addition to), I like the sound of Out of Bounds.
ReplyDeleteI guess I can take comfort in knowing I have a lot of Tana French ahead of me to read until the next release. :-) I don't know why I haven't read more by her yet.
I love mystery and suspense, but lately, I'm kind of hyper-aware of the victims being young girls/women. I do like the trend toward female detectives taking prominence, though. :)
DeleteI've read several Val McDermid books but I think they have all been standalones. I'm going to have to take a look at this series because I alway enjoy a good, solid series more than a standalone when it comes to crime fiction.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one and A Darker Domain, and there are two more in the series that I hope to find in the library. I like the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series a lot, but it tends to be darker.
DeleteI need to try a Val McDermid. I've been aware of her books for years but have never picked one up. But I agree with you about French....her books are very intense, but she never disappoints. :)
ReplyDeleteMcDermid is good! Intriguing characters and suspenseful plots that keep me turning the pages. Of course, I love that the books are all set in Scotland! She has also written some nonfiction that I'd like to read.
DeleteI haven't read any books by Val McDermid so I need to check them out. Oh, I'm a big fan of Tana French! I don't think I've ever been disappointed by her books. Each of them is good but I think The Trespasser top the chart. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I got your postcard. The letter that you re-post, haven't got that yet. :(
McDermid has two other series that I haven't even read yet!
DeleteIt was returned again. My attempt to mail it in the plastic envelope they returned it in, did not work. :( It is on the way once more in a new envelope--went out about a week ago!
These all sound terrific! I am especially intrigued by Out of Bounds.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all of them!
DeleteThese all sound really great! You know what I'd like to see from Tana French? I'd love to see a book featuring one of her earlier characters. Just curious to see where they are now sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree! In fact, my mind wandered to Rob and Cassie the other day!
DeleteI have a Tana French book in the library waiting to be read. Obviously, I should pick it up. We've been traveling and I've felt like working in the yard now that I have two good knees. Not as much reading. How are your garden spaces coming along?
ReplyDeleteAfter all that traveling, you have energy for yard work? My knees are OK, but my enthusiasm waxes and wanes for gardening these days. Everything has to be done before the heat gets too intense. Once the heat and humidity mount, I'm back inside. Your knee surgeries have certainly put you back on an active path--thank heavens for good surgeons!
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