I haven’t read the preceding books in this series, and I have to say that for the most part, I am glad.
Difficult to fully understand the main character, on the one hand is nonchalant, to the point of what appears to be boredom when told that someone she knew has died, one of her best friends is killed at the start of the book and I thought the dismissal of this was due to shock - it isn’t. This becomes more apparent when the child of someone who appears to be a close friend is injured and she positively glazes over at the news. On the other hand, she is painted to be a completely dedicated and besotted grandmother who is desperate to spend time with her grandchild - someone she cares for deeply and longs to be around and interact with and keep safe. That clash is difficult to comprehend.
Furthermore, the lead character, for me, is not a likeable character. She is depicted as an almost perfect specimen of a human being - fit and healthy for her age - her bullet wound appears to be almost healed within a week, she’s good looking and brilliant at everything she turns her hand to - whether this is being a lawyer, a private detective or playing handball. There is a fixation on status as well, not sure if this is a cultural difference but we are told how much she earns and she boasts about how much she used to earn in her previous job, she has a swanky expensive flat (where hers is the only one with a balcony, just to add exclusivity) and a brand new Volvo (mentioned more than once) - none of which adds anything to the storyline. She has an air of arrogance about her, she didn’t say it, but I did frequently think she was going to say to people “don’t you know who I am?” I realise she is relatively famous but it’s almost her defining trait.
It’s a real shame because the story is great, full of mystery, conspiracy and a bit of action. It’s clever in places but unfortunately for me, what could have been a 4 star is demoted to just a 3.
Difficult to fully understand the main character, on the one hand is nonchalant, to the point of what appears to be boredom when told that someone she knew has died, one of her best friends is killed at the start of the book and I thought the dismissal of this was due to shock - it isn’t. This becomes more apparent when the child of someone who appears to be a close friend is injured and she positively glazes over at the news. On the other hand, she is painted to be a completely dedicated and besotted grandmother who is desperate to spend time with her grandchild - someone she cares for deeply and longs to be around and interact with and keep safe. That clash is difficult to comprehend.
Furthermore, the lead character, for me, is not a likeable character. She is depicted as an almost perfect specimen of a human being - fit and healthy for her age - her bullet wound appears to be almost healed within a week, she’s good looking and brilliant at everything she turns her hand to - whether this is being a lawyer, a private detective or playing handball. There is a fixation on status as well, not sure if this is a cultural difference but we are told how much she earns and she boasts about how much she used to earn in her previous job, she has a swanky expensive flat (where hers is the only one with a balcony, just to add exclusivity) and a brand new Volvo (mentioned more than once) - none of which adds anything to the storyline. She has an air of arrogance about her, she didn’t say it, but I did frequently think she was going to say to people “don’t you know who I am?” I realise she is relatively famous but it’s almost her defining trait.
It’s a real shame because the story is great, full of mystery, conspiracy and a bit of action. It’s clever in places but unfortunately for me, what could have been a 4 star is demoted to just a 3.