Helpful Score: 1
I read a lot of crime fiction, especially British police procedurals. This is one of the best I've read in awhile. In fact, it mines new ground (to my knowledge) in this genre. While it is fiction, the story unfolds with evidence logs, witness statements, telephone analysis, flow charts, etc., included, inserted in the story as they are created/collected by the police characters. It makes the story seem very real to be able to see these documents. The author was herself a civilian analyst for the police, so I assume these documents are quite authentic. It sets a mood that made me feel like I was part of the "incident team." Haynes is a good writer and really knows how to develop a plot, so I hope to see many more Louisa Smith books from her in the future.
I read a lot of crime fiction, especially British police procedurals. This is one of the best I've read in awhile. In fact, it mines new ground (to my knowledge) in this genre. While it is fiction, the story unfolds with evidence logs, witness statements, telephone analysis, flow charts, etc., included, inserted in the story as they are created/collected by the police characters. It makes the story seem very real to be able to see these documents. The author was herself a civilian analyst for the police, so I assume these documents are quite authentic. It sets a mood that made me feel like I was part of the "incident team." Haynes is a good writer and really knows how to develop a plot, so I hope to see many more Louisa Smith books from her in the future.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Under a Silent Moon (DCI Louisa Smith, Bk 1) on + 1442 more book reviews
DCI Louisa Smith is in charge of her first major crime case and is spearheading investigation into two deaths discovered in Morden Village. Both victims are linked to many of the same people. While one is clearly a murder the other appears to be a suicide.
The author has inserted dispatch logs, emails and charts to mark the progress of the investigation which I particularly enjoyed reading. I found myself looking forward to each item as it appeared and purusing the information with interest. The author's intent is to demonstrate how these items impact actions of those involved in the case. One understands why when one realizes that the author worked as a police analyst prior to taking up writing.
While there are many characters to keep in place but I didn't find it difficult to do so. Each has his/her own role and the novel explores the extremes of their emotions. DCI Smith is worried about success as it is her first time in this role. Others are unsure about following the lead of a newcommer. Some indicate the genden of the lead is a consideration. Those interviewed are afraid of giving away too much of themselves.
Considerable writing is devoted to the romantic and sexual activitiess of participants. Sometimes I wondered if the author wanted to be writing a romantic novel and couldn't really decide before returning to the investigation. I found that aspect distracting and it contributed to my rating of the read. Now I wonder if the author wanted to be certain that readers continue with this series as it is the first in a series she is developing as well as her first series. In addition, I did figure out the killers early on as the plot was easy to follow.
Why did I choose to read this novel? I do like to try new authors and early comments caught my interest.
The author has inserted dispatch logs, emails and charts to mark the progress of the investigation which I particularly enjoyed reading. I found myself looking forward to each item as it appeared and purusing the information with interest. The author's intent is to demonstrate how these items impact actions of those involved in the case. One understands why when one realizes that the author worked as a police analyst prior to taking up writing.
While there are many characters to keep in place but I didn't find it difficult to do so. Each has his/her own role and the novel explores the extremes of their emotions. DCI Smith is worried about success as it is her first time in this role. Others are unsure about following the lead of a newcommer. Some indicate the genden of the lead is a consideration. Those interviewed are afraid of giving away too much of themselves.
Considerable writing is devoted to the romantic and sexual activitiess of participants. Sometimes I wondered if the author wanted to be writing a romantic novel and couldn't really decide before returning to the investigation. I found that aspect distracting and it contributed to my rating of the read. Now I wonder if the author wanted to be certain that readers continue with this series as it is the first in a series she is developing as well as her first series. In addition, I did figure out the killers early on as the plot was easy to follow.
Why did I choose to read this novel? I do like to try new authors and early comments caught my interest.
