Reviews

Past Lying by Val McDermid

annymac's review against another edition

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

4.0

baratate's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this twisty thriller set during lockdown - but that's all I'm going to say for fear of spoiling any of it for anyone!

nicolarr's review against another edition

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5.0

Gripping and very well set against the backdrop of Covid.

jennyellwood's review against another edition

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3.0

Good plot. Awkward writing style.

mrwbeav's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

3.5

Case of competing Scottish crime authors and an adoring  author who wants their help but ends up dead. Set during the Covid lockdown. Too much vulgarity for my taste. 

sueemmy's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

As a police procedural set during lockdown, the tone of this reflects the isolation and desperation of that time making the story tight and a tad anxious. The levels of twist upon twist are staggering. Taut and totally entertaining. And McDermid's masterful ability to use her setting as almost a character adds an intensity. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

makeemouse's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5

otterbuntycat's review against another edition

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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? No

3.25

It’s easy to work out the end quite quickly, which is a shame.

tlw_ede's review against another edition

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4.0

It's a book by Val McDermid, so you know it is well written, with an intriguing mystery.
That said, I really appreciated that it was situated during the height of Covid in the UK. This of course made for a different-than-usual investigation in itself.
But it also captures the timeframe of those days. Even if you lived in a place in the world where the implementation of the covid-rules was stricter / looser, it makes for an additional layer on the story that I really appreciated.

claire20001's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

4.0