Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well worth writing a review, 31 Oct 2003
By A Customer
Having just finished the third book in the trilogy, after reading them back to back - I'm compelled to write a recommendation. Denise Mina brings to life a range of characters and I particularly liked Maureen - how refreshing to have such a flawed 'heroine' with very real problems of her own solving the mysteries. She's sharp, very human and spunky and I can't remember the last time I warmed to a character in a book to this extent. Mina touches on many complex themes in all the books - mental illness, child abuse, alcoholism and the seemy underworlds of London and Glasgow, and unlike other authors in this genre manages to be very credible. Definitely the best crime books I've read recently.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping Conclusion, 15 Jul 2002
By A Customer
Those who have already followed the exploits of Maureen O'Donnell in "Garnethill" and "Exile" only need to know that this third book in the trilogy is now out in paperback. Anyone who hasn't yet encountered Denise Mina's wry, atmospheric take on crime fiction should do themselves a favour and read the books in order, as they are interlinked.Once again expect dry wit, razor-sharp dialogue, lifelike characters and Glasgow as the natives see it. Also, there's a twist in the tail which may surprise you!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
outstanding!, 2 Nov 2006
I'm reviewing Resolution as its the final one in the trilogy, but you have to take all 3 novels together to get the sheer brilliance of the Garnethill books. I read them a wee while ago now and I would definitely rate them as some of the best books I have read, not just the best crime books I have read. They are phenomeonal!
They have a fantastic heroine in Maureen with a good grasp of tragedy, comedy, self-deprecation and humour. The surrounding characters are well drawn and engaging. Glasgow comes to life perfectly with its real mix of unpleasantess, big city pride, history and new found class...and in a twist made even more brilliant by its simplicity...the person concerned with the crimes is herself a victim of crime and therefore exactly what's needed to show the pain and misery and after effects that crime and fear have. You see it like it is and hear it like it is with Maureen and its pretty hard-going in places, but I like a book that challenges me...
These aren't your average run-of-the-mill starts with a murder kind of books; they're too smart and complex for that! You'll be made to think about crime, fear, mental illness, friendship, family, religion, authority and human nature, all bound together with a sly banter and wit to stop it all becoming too worthy. In less skilled hands these issues would have you jumping off the next bridge, in Mina's hands they have you turning the pages like a blur and ordering the next novel before you've finished this one.
Each of the three is quite different in style; Resolution has the most big twists and surprises, more like a traditional crime novel. Exile is poignant and unpleasant, while Garnethill is bold and upfront. Maureen develops and changes with each novel and the trilogy aspect really works as you grow to know her better and better with each book. I felt pleased for her at the end of Resolution, but more than a bit disappointed and saddened that I wouldn't be seeing her again. Rarely do you get the chance to become so fond of a character!
My recommendation for these three? Ask for them for Christmas, take yourself off to a quiet space and revel in the chance to read something so good that isn't overshadowed by hype...and offers a handy excuse to avoid the family once the novelty has worn off! These novels will make you think of them in a whole new light believe me!
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