Killing the Shadows, 28 Jun 2005

By	Rich Milligan (Thatcham, Berkshire) - See all my reviews

On paper I guess the plot idea looked quite interesting and it certainly would seem to be full of intrigue and originality. Not only have we got another serial killer on the loose, this is a serial killer who is killing the writers of novels that feature serial killers in them. And if that wasn't enough, we also have a sub-plot featuring a serial killer and another sub plot featuring another murderer. Mind you, you don't pick up a McDermid novel and not expect a great amount of blood and gore do you! Just to add another twist to the tale the main serial killer (the one that's killing the writers of serial killer novels) is killing the novelists in a fashion as described in one of their books. Confused? To be honest the novel reads quite straight forwardly so this convoluted mess does sort itself out somewhat.

But such a complex and manufactured story is going to take some sever writing skill to carry it off and I'm afraid that this time Ms McDermid just doesn't do the job. The characters are either carbon copies of previous ones or cartoon cut-outs with no real personality traits. The sub plots are at the best pointless diversion, why have the Spanish serial killer of tourists? How did this tie in with the main plot? Finally the technical accuracy of some of the tools and methods used are suspect to say the least.

The final disappointment is the rushed and almost incomplete ending, after slogging through 500+ pages of story I do expect something a little better than sneaking up behind the killer and then happy ever after. I must admit, contrary to some of the other reviews here, I didn't spot the killer, but there again I wouldn't have expected this character to have done it, in such a wild and fantastic plot development.

The book is very readable and any fan to thrillers will churn through it in a matter of days, but don't blame me if you're left with a slightly stale taste in you mouth when finished.

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Wonderful. The Third Best Book I Have Ever Read, 25 Feb 2001

Better than The Mermaids Singing which is some mean feat!

I have ranked this third in my 'favourite books of all time list' The only books i have read which are better than this are James Patterson's Cradle and All, and Patricia Cornwell's 'Point of Origin' And considering the fourth on my list, 'Say It With Poison' By Ann granger, it must be pretty good. I would reccomend this book to any crime reader worth their salt. It is terrific, the plot is great, along with the subplot which happens all the way across the channel in Spain!! She has suceeded on a phenomenal level with this truly great book. I have lent it so far to several of my friends, and they are now all hooked on Val McDermid (but got a surprise with A PLace of Execution!)

I would truly love it if she were to write another Fiona Cameron novel as she is such a wonderuflly compelling character, although i do feel a bit jealous of Kit for some reason!

As far as i am concerned that is the best thing a writer can do. Come up with a character that if u met in real life, u would instantly fall head over heels in love with. (Tami Hoag has also done this with Kate Conlan in Ashes to Ashes which i also reccomend)

All in all the best read i have had in ages, and probably the best i will have for a long time!!!!!!!!!!

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