Helpful Score: 7
Wow. I really enjoyed this one. Not only were there more twists and turns than a bag full of pretzels, it really made me itch to visit Shetland to witness Up Helly Aa. This a well crafted page turner that will keep you guessing until the end. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 6
When my mother said she didn't guess 'who dun it' I had to read it. This was written well where there were no lulls in the story and you didn't want to put it down. I didn't guess the correct person for either murders.
Nina R. (britishladybooklover) reviewed Raven Black (Shetland Island, Bk 1) on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is an excellent book, very atmospheric and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down. I'm dying to read the next one in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
WOW, this was a very good book. I discovered this book at the local library. Hadn't heard of Ann Cleeves but the cover just caught my attention. Usually I figure out "who did it" but I was completely wrong! Engaging author, I will definitely read the other books in this series!
Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) -
Having watched all the seasons of Shetland I had pre-conceived notions about what certain characters were like; but obviously the film makers had some different notions. That didn't take away from being able to enjoy this first book in the series. It takes almost 100 pages for Cleeves to explain her detective's non-Scots name, which fits with the TV show's explanation. (The book notes that Jimmy Perez had some Mediterranean features, which the TV Jimmy does not; and after so many generations in Scotland I didn't feel that was possible.)
The mystery is ok, but about halfway through I decided who the killer was; mainly because a peripheral characters gets so much âair-time' that I figured that was the reason. (And I hardly ever figure out whodunit.)
I thought the book was a little too long, and after the killer is revealed I wanted more about some of the sub-plots to be wrapped up in those final six pages, but they were left hanging.
I think the publisher Thomas Dunne Books should have included a detailed map of the scene, although maps of Shetland are easily available on the internet.
The mystery is ok, but about halfway through I decided who the killer was; mainly because a peripheral characters gets so much âair-time' that I figured that was the reason. (And I hardly ever figure out whodunit.)
I thought the book was a little too long, and after the killer is revealed I wanted more about some of the sub-plots to be wrapped up in those final six pages, but they were left hanging.
I think the publisher Thomas Dunne Books should have included a detailed map of the scene, although maps of Shetland are easily available on the internet.
I have mixed feelings. I think it was well written, with a good story and somewhat intriguing ending. But it didn't explore the historical or geographical parts of the area, as some noted. This is a quick read, and enjoyable, but not thoroughly enjoyable.
Kimberly N. (kimberlyrav) -
I thought this was a great start to the series. I couldn't figure the killer at all. I was surprised by it when it was revealed. I thought the book had great descriptions, likable characters and Id deff like to continue the series.
Donna C. (darkcoffeeclouds) -
A young girl is found dead in a field and the police begin questioning everyone in an effort to find out who did it and why. The community was sure it was an old man who lived alone and was a bit "daft". He was questioned after another girl went missing 8 years earlier but that girl's body was never found. This time Detective Jimmy Perez wants to make sure the right person is caught and not rush to judgment to get a fast resolution.
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series and already have it downloaded to my kindle.
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series and already have it downloaded to my kindle.
I loved the Island setting of this first book of Ann Cleeves set on Shetland Islands. It was a great atmosphere for a mystery and the characters were very interesting. The plot was suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning. A shocking twist at the end was an unexpected surprise. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
