I'm pushing, or being pushed, towards 72. I've been a voracious, compulsive reader for 65 years. I believe I've read at least something by the very best authors in this genre from A.C. Doyle, through arguably the best : Raymond Chandler, more recently : James Lee Burke.
Not to mention a number of British/Scottish and Irish authors. E. George, the author of the Rebus series and one of my favorites, Buren, featuring hapless, Jack Taylor. For a number of years I've been inundating myself with classic noir.
I'll admit that almost all American detective/murder mysteries are pretty much suck. Why? I know every 'cus word' and can visualize every conceivable method of killing - I've quite an imagination - and simply don't need to read of graphic and seven or more ridiculous improbable killings obviously written for the small minded to move a usually poorly written novel.
However, I very much like mysteries by authors from and about those nations mentioned above. Far better crafted, far less wholesale murders, and great plots.
Frankly, though I purchased this book quite some time ago, I admit I was a bit put off by the Prologue. Sounded too common, trite, overly used. But I'd bookmarked the first chapter - after seeing the number of satisfied readers. Not the fastest of readers, it took me part of three consecutive days to finish.
Totally surprised at the culprit, not too much so with the other 'evil doers' especially considering our current intensely corrupt moronic 'fearless leader', ( just my opinion) and with an MA in American history, I'm not astonished at the nefarious activities of those with great wealth and/or political power, most often one and the same.
More to the point, I'm greatly pleased with Girl in the Ice. An intricate plot, excellent back story, with a superb understanding of human nature. Too often too many plots are difficult for me to follow. I'm interested (or not) by the style of writing. Don't like it, in the trash. A few years ago I finally read Hemingway For Whom the Bell Tolls. I actually threw it against the wall wondering why that garbage remains an American classic! Nearly puked at how often 'I love you,' was mentioned. Myself, being an incurable romantic, were I to go on as those two idiots did, I would hope someone would shoot me!
I've one serious objection. The all too frequently 'saved in the nick of time' usage. Certainly, if a series is forthcoming, the protagonist must survive. Yet, I would suggest a more creative, imaginative method to extricate the hero.
For example, David too often would catch and nearly subdue or actually very nearly strangle Erika. But she saved by a colleague just dropping in at an improbable time of night. With Erika, a veteran, ranking officer having twenty five years on the job, one would think that she would have some expertise in hand to hand combat. Erika made only one good physical attack when she drove the base of her palm into the base of David's nose. However, such a strike will often drive the cartilage into the brain with an instant kill.
I would guess that few would know this, so usually a writer can get away with it. But not the more than once nick of time rescue. Uh,uh! Not once did Erika kick the SOB in the groan, nor fingers to the eyes, nor clap both ears, bend back a finger. She may have been thin, but so was David and she would have been far more desperate! Yeah?
Right, I'm critical. I bought the book, I've the right and you asked for it. Kudos to you!
All this and yet I simply couldn't put it down. I feel your forte is plotting that while this was involved it wasn't hard to follow. Plus your ability to develop wonderful characters and real life dialogue.
Caution : it only takes one error of these I've stated to squelch a discerning reader. For instance, the old American western's in which every six shot revolver never requires reloading. Then too, for myself - the frequency of which the following this occurs is ridiculous - '...her eyes sparkly emerald green, ever so slightly lifted at the outside corners gave her an exotic Euro-Asian appeal. Standing fifteen yards away, she was gorgeous!' Fifteen yards? 45 feet? He'd need a telescope to see the color of her eyes! Or, ...'I guess there were two or three cars parked across the street.' Come on! Either there were two or there were three. This shouldn't be a guess with so few vehicles at this distance. Or...'yeah, I saw her once or twice!' Another example of stupidly on this person's part.
Both distance - vertical or horizontal is ALWAYS stated in round numbers but at absolutely impossible distances. Let's be realistic. Such examples, ludicrous beyond comprehensive, put me off. Realism, please! Too, Erika is very nearly strangled to the point of passing out - twice! She's bashed in the face several times but doesn't receive even a concussion. Hmm.
Still and all, I've just purchased the sequel!
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Popular Highlights in this book
Erika Foster had been waiting for half an hour in the grubby reception area of Lewisham Row Police Station.Highlighted by 349 Kindle readers- ‘Yeah, she has a younger brother, David, and an older sister, Linda.’Highlighted by 307 Kindle readers
- Get off the cross, someone needs the wood! She laughed, despite her tears, saying, ‘I need to get a grip, don’t I?’Highlighted by 113 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
a gripping serial killer thriller
The blurb on the cover doesn’t lie: this is a gripping serial killer thriller, one you will be hard pressed to set down! I first came across this author on crimebookjunkie‘s website, and knew I had to get the first book!I got it on Audible and started listening to it, and I didn’t want to stop listening! It’s very easy to get wrapped up in Erika’s life and troubles, which she needs to figure out while also having to find a serial killer and politics at work.Erika has been on leave for a few months after a case went wrong and her husband (a DI) and other officers were killed. After being cleared, the first case she works is one that will put her life at risk several times. Erika follows her gut when she senses she is onto something or when something is wrong, which leads to conflicts at work.I was so into this story that I listened to it on the way to work, and while I was working! I just had to find out what happened next! I can’t wait to start the others in this series!
Top reviews from other countries
TheMummaStartup
A gripping and thrilling murder mystery
Reviewed in India on August 22, 2022
flyingdutchman
Un bel thriller, scritto bene.
Reviewed in Italy on November 6, 2017
