Scan barcode
chartsh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jdgcreates's review against another edition
4.0
Another good Vera installment with a bit more input from the other characters and Holly too. I do find the endings a little frustrating because there is no way the reader could ever figure out the killer and their motive since that information is held back until Vera does her big reveal. Maybe that's how all mysteries work? Anyway, still loving the series.
ninadavidsen's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emoloneybaloney's review against another edition
2.0
Not my fav of hers. Slower and almost too many characters to track. At least on audio
mdesoer's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge Ann Cleeves fan, so this review is colored by my overall view of her books. However, I must say that it really did keep me on my toes. I was confused by the evidence and had no idea whodunit until it was revealed. Then, everything made sense. That's the most we can hope for from a good police procedural/whodunit/mystery.
There was particular development in this book of DS Holly (not sure her last name) and she felt more 3-dimensional in the past.
No spoilers, but two men are found dead close by but killed in different locations and by different means. They both seem to be linked by their obsession with studying moths but, other than that, there seems to be nothing about them that would place them together. Pulling on this small string of their joint interest, the case is very slow to unravel.
There was particular development in this book of DS Holly (not sure her last name) and she felt more 3-dimensional in the past.
No spoilers, but two men are found dead close by but killed in different locations and by different means. They both seem to be linked by their obsession with studying moths but, other than that, there seems to be nothing about them that would place them together. Pulling on this small string of their joint interest, the case is very slow to unravel.
kitts17's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy an Ann Cleeves book, be it the Shetland series or Vera. This was no different although the consistent body shaming did get on my nerves. Vera is fat we get it!
This book had a lot of characters each of which was well developed, I almost needed a map of who was who. The plot had numerous red herrings and I was kept guessing right to the end. What I really like about these books is that although the murder scene is described it is not too gruesome. There is a lot of subtle humour throughout which really made me smile. A good read.
This book had a lot of characters each of which was well developed, I almost needed a map of who was who. The plot had numerous red herrings and I was kept guessing right to the end. What I really like about these books is that although the murder scene is described it is not too gruesome. There is a lot of subtle humour throughout which really made me smile. A good read.
juniperd's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A good instalment in the 'Vera Stanhope' series, but it did drag a bit for me.
One thing I really, really noticed during this read is how often Vera's weight is referenced. She is noted to be fat, and the number of times she's called fat, overweight, slovenly... it was, for me, too much, too often. Like, okay. We get it. Vera, on the page and on the screen, is kind of sloppy. And, sure, a little bit overweight. She's a woman of a certain age who doesn't take particularly good care of herself. But is this a feature that needs to be mentioned so often in the story? I read the e-book edition and did a search on terms... 37 times is Vera's appearance referenced, with a focus on her weight. Is it just me, or is that excessive? It's clear Cleeves thinks this is a fault, a flaw in Vera, and uses every opportunity to point it out to the reader. To what end, is my question.
One thing I really, really noticed during this read is how often Vera's weight is referenced. She is noted to be fat, and the number of times she's called fat, overweight, slovenly... it was, for me, too much, too often. Like, okay. We get it. Vera, on the page and on the screen, is kind of sloppy. And, sure, a little bit overweight. She's a woman of a certain age who doesn't take particularly good care of herself. But is this a feature that needs to be mentioned so often in the story? I read the e-book edition and did a search on terms... 37 times is Vera's appearance referenced, with a focus on her weight. Is it just me, or is that excessive? It's clear Cleeves thinks this is a fault, a flaw in Vera, and uses every opportunity to point it out to the reader. To what end, is my question.
tanja_alina_berg's review against another edition
2.0
I had such high hopes for this Vera Stanhope mystery! A killing of two men, who seem to have nothing else in common than catching moths - it sounded so promising. I was so disappointed. There was no real character development among the old faithfuls and the murder mystery never interested me much.
dunnettreader's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first Vera Stanhope mystery I have read, and I confess to never having seen the series 'Vera' that is based on the books. I felt that I was in the hands of a really good mystery writer. There is a good balance between the revelation of the details that lead to the solving of the mystery and the quirkiness of the team of detectives. Vera Stanhope is a force of nature in the Northumberland & City Police. She is canny, annoying, intuitive, and relentless. The vast and lonely Northumbrian countryside is a key ingredient in the story.
When two violent deaths occur in a quiet valley, Vera and her team are called in. The residents of the valley, a trio of retired couples, seem at first to be unconnected to the murders, but they all have secrets of their own. An interest in moths appears to be the only connection between the two dead men, but when a third person is killed, other links are revealed.
There is nothing flashy or amazing about this mystery, but it is an excellent example of a well-plotted, enjoyable piece of crime fiction. I will seek out more in this series. Recommended.
When two violent deaths occur in a quiet valley, Vera and her team are called in. The residents of the valley, a trio of retired couples, seem at first to be unconnected to the murders, but they all have secrets of their own. An interest in moths appears to be the only connection between the two dead men, but when a third person is killed, other links are revealed.
There is nothing flashy or amazing about this mystery, but it is an excellent example of a well-plotted, enjoyable piece of crime fiction. I will seek out more in this series. Recommended.