When a landslide on a motorway uncovers a skeleton, DCI Karen Pirie, head of Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit, finds herself and her team investigating the death of investigative journalist Sam Nimmo.
Nimmo had been the prime suspect in the murder of his girlfriend when he disappeared. Was his death revenge for killing his girlfriend? Or was he investigating something worth killing over? In the meantime, the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager has raised an allegation of murder.
Now Karen and her team have a series of puzzles that will test them to their limits.
~
Val McDermid's Karen Pirie series is right at the top of my list of favorites. I've consistently rated these books highly-- either as Best Reads of the Year or as "A's." Although I do have to say that this latest entry, Silent Bones, felt a bit lackluster, a lackluster McDermid novel is still better than most writers' best.
One of the reasons why McDermid's writing is so strong is due to the cast of characters she creates. Karen and her team of Daisy and Jason are interesting people, and not only do I enjoy keeping up with their private lives, but the way the team has come together is fascinating. Jason, in particular, was originally treated as if he were a joke, but with Karen's guidance, he's become much stronger and is a valuable member of the team.
The plot of Silent Bones centers on a group of the well-heeled and entitled who think the rules do not apply to them. My patience wears thin with those types of people, and the only new character in this book that I took a shine to was Folasade Cusack. Her comment about an industrial hoover made me snort tea up my nose. Yes, I definitely wouldn't mind seeing her again!
As I said earlier, the plot of Silent Bones didn't really grab me, but any time spent with Karen, Daisy, and Jason is time well spent indeed. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Silent Bones by Val McDermid
eISBN: 9780802164407
Atlantic Crime © 2025
eBook, 432 pages
Police Procedural, #8 Karen Pirie
Rating: B
Source: Net Galley
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