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Allan Stanton #1
Grave Situation
Halifax cop Allan Stanton is a troubled homicide detective who has lost everything, including his family and his sense of justice. When he finally decides to leave the force and start over, he's assigned a string of murders that all bear the signs of a serial killer collecting trophies.
As Stanton unravels each grisly crime scene, the mounting evidence points uncomfortably close to him and a case more disturbing than anything he's ever seen.
As Stanton unravels each grisly crime scene, the mounting evidence points uncomfortably close to him and a case more disturbing than anything he's ever seen.
425 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
700 people are currently reading
1963 people want to read
About the author
Alex MacLean
15 books122 followersAlex MacLean is the author of the Detective Allan Stanton mysteries—Grave Situation, One Kill Away, Sorrowful Road, Into Thin Air, and The Quiet That Followed—with a sixth on the way. He is also the author of The Banished, a historical novel of the Acadian expulsion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
January 25, 2016
Crime? Check! Serial Killer? Check! Awesome forensics? Check! Gruesome acts? Check! Good plot? Check! Great characters? Check! There! Review done, ta-da! No, not quite, I have more to say about this book.
Anyone that knows me well knows that crime fiction is my most read and most loved genre. I was eager to get stuck into a new author and see what he had to offer this hard core crime fanatic. He did not disappoint me readers, not one bit, this was a really good read.
Halifax cop Allan Stanton is a troubled homicide detective who has lost everything, including his family and his sense of justice. When he finally decides to leave the force and start over, he's assigned a string of murders that all bear the signs of a serial killer collecting trophies.
Switching viewpoints from a number of characters including the killer's (I love it when that aspect is included) this book gets off to a great start with a senseless murder in a small town. With very little forensic evidence left at the scene, Stanton does not have a lot to go on, the one by one bodies start to fall and he cleverly starts to see they link up, the Psychologist is called in to deliver a profile (I love a Profiler element!). Yes, it seems Stanton has a serial killer on his hands.
The book gives us a fair bit of insight into Stanton's personal life and troubles, not all crime books personalise the cop(s)in this way, but those that do make it easier for the reader to connect with and like the character in my opinion, and I really liked Stanton as a character.
Particularly well written are the autopsy and forensic details in this book, I really was hooked on the facts that they were uncovering, finding out what the dead bodies were trying to say about how they died. Overall the plot is great, it's a book that pumps along at a good pace and keeps you guessing about a lot of things.
When the reveals came I was honestly surprised, I had not even considered where it would go or why, but it was a great element to the book, something a bit different from your average crime novel, interesting and not something you are going to guess easily. You do know who the killer is early on as we hear from his perspective on his first kill BUT you have no clue as to why he is killing the way he is, or keeping parts of his victims.
I thought the killer was really well written as a character, lots of elements there that took me by surprise, he's a mixed bag, fluctuating and fearful at times, then lethally cold blooded the next. I felt sorry for him at times, then hated him five minutes later. Interesting reading.
A pleasant surprise this was for me and I would be eager to read other works by Alex Maclean, this was a book I thought was really well done and very enjoyable, I was not bored for a second. 4 stars from me for this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, many thanks.
Anyone that knows me well knows that crime fiction is my most read and most loved genre. I was eager to get stuck into a new author and see what he had to offer this hard core crime fanatic. He did not disappoint me readers, not one bit, this was a really good read.
Halifax cop Allan Stanton is a troubled homicide detective who has lost everything, including his family and his sense of justice. When he finally decides to leave the force and start over, he's assigned a string of murders that all bear the signs of a serial killer collecting trophies.
Switching viewpoints from a number of characters including the killer's (I love it when that aspect is included) this book gets off to a great start with a senseless murder in a small town. With very little forensic evidence left at the scene, Stanton does not have a lot to go on, the one by one bodies start to fall and he cleverly starts to see they link up, the Psychologist is called in to deliver a profile (I love a Profiler element!). Yes, it seems Stanton has a serial killer on his hands.
The book gives us a fair bit of insight into Stanton's personal life and troubles, not all crime books personalise the cop(s)in this way, but those that do make it easier for the reader to connect with and like the character in my opinion, and I really liked Stanton as a character.
Particularly well written are the autopsy and forensic details in this book, I really was hooked on the facts that they were uncovering, finding out what the dead bodies were trying to say about how they died. Overall the plot is great, it's a book that pumps along at a good pace and keeps you guessing about a lot of things.
When the reveals came I was honestly surprised, I had not even considered where it would go or why, but it was a great element to the book, something a bit different from your average crime novel, interesting and not something you are going to guess easily. You do know who the killer is early on as we hear from his perspective on his first kill BUT you have no clue as to why he is killing the way he is, or keeping parts of his victims.
I thought the killer was really well written as a character, lots of elements there that took me by surprise, he's a mixed bag, fluctuating and fearful at times, then lethally cold blooded the next. I felt sorry for him at times, then hated him five minutes later. Interesting reading.
A pleasant surprise this was for me and I would be eager to read other works by Alex Maclean, this was a book I thought was really well done and very enjoyable, I was not bored for a second. 4 stars from me for this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review, many thanks.
December 29, 2011
This is a seriously mixed review. First, the good: Alex MacLean is at his best at crime scenes and autopsies. I don't know how accurate his descriptions are, but they are riveting. Now the bad: MacLean's dialogue and internal monologues are weak. At first, I thought the stilted speech/thought had something to do with the characters being Canadian, but I soon realized that I was being charitable; it's MacLean, not Canada. MacLean could certainly have used a better editor. He uses "parent's" when he should have used "parents'". "Toronto" is an international city, and does not need to be followed by "Ontario." The suspect enters a graveyard with a shovel and duffel bag, but leaves only with the shovel; the police don't find the duffel bag. What happened to it? A psychiatrist says, "the murderer is sorry for what they did," one of many examples of lack of subject/pronoun agreement. "It's never about the victim's..." Finally, motive was weak, and the driving force behind the plot was preposterous. Sorry, but I can't recommend this one.
October 18, 2011
"Grave Situation" by Alex MacLean is the perfect book to read if you're looking for a book that makes you think. Allan is trying to solve a string of cases that bring him to the very abyss of sanity himself. I found myself flipping back several times to see if a clue I thought I'd picked up on made sense in an earlier scene. I was drawn into the story to the point that I wanted to jump in and help solve the cases.
MacLean has a knack for getting into the actual heads of each of the characters. He fleshes out the characters' backstories so well that even though I was appalled at some of their actions, a part of me came to understand what compelled them to behave as they did. I'm almost ashamed to say that a very tiny part of me even empathized with some of the more unappealing characters. This I can only attribute to the author's expertise in humanizing the thoughts and feelings of his characters.
MacLean also has the gift of painting a scene so vividly, that if I didn't know better, I would feel that I was actually in the scene as a silent observer. He has a talent for using the exact words necessary to convey the nuances, feels, and smells of what's going on in each chapter.
Overall, this is a fantastic crime thriller. It is the kind of book that you can't put down until you find out what happens next. If you do put it down, you can't wait to get back to it. I found myself thinking about the characters and their outcomes well after I finished the book. I look forward to reading more by this intriguing author. But be warned, it will have you looking over your shoulder. When reading "Grave Situation" here's a word to the wise...keep the lights on.
MacLean has a knack for getting into the actual heads of each of the characters. He fleshes out the characters' backstories so well that even though I was appalled at some of their actions, a part of me came to understand what compelled them to behave as they did. I'm almost ashamed to say that a very tiny part of me even empathized with some of the more unappealing characters. This I can only attribute to the author's expertise in humanizing the thoughts and feelings of his characters.
MacLean also has the gift of painting a scene so vividly, that if I didn't know better, I would feel that I was actually in the scene as a silent observer. He has a talent for using the exact words necessary to convey the nuances, feels, and smells of what's going on in each chapter.
Overall, this is a fantastic crime thriller. It is the kind of book that you can't put down until you find out what happens next. If you do put it down, you can't wait to get back to it. I found myself thinking about the characters and their outcomes well after I finished the book. I look forward to reading more by this intriguing author. But be warned, it will have you looking over your shoulder. When reading "Grave Situation" here's a word to the wise...keep the lights on.
October 29, 2020
A typical mystery/suspense story. I found the serial killer storyline pretty easy to figure out. I was only slightly surprised at what was being done with the parts. I did feel bad for Allan and his family situation. Will I read more of the series? Maybe. I won't go out of my way but if one of the books fit a challenge, I will definitely read it.
December 17, 2017
This was a very enjoyable and pleasant read.
A series of strange murders, where body parts are being removed, have the police totally baffled. The story moved along well, and kept my interest throughout. The lead Detective, Allen Stanton, is a likable person you can't help but feel a little bad that his family life has suffered so much because of his job. Slowly and methodically the clues come together, but I did not solve this one myself, ahead of time. So good job Mr. MacLean. You kept me guessing about who was behind it all. :)
A series of strange murders, where body parts are being removed, have the police totally baffled. The story moved along well, and kept my interest throughout. The lead Detective, Allen Stanton, is a likable person you can't help but feel a little bad that his family life has suffered so much because of his job. Slowly and methodically the clues come together, but I did not solve this one myself, ahead of time. So good job Mr. MacLean. You kept me guessing about who was behind it all. :)
December 16, 2015
Read this in just over a day as I couldn't put it down ! It's set in Halifax in Canada and not many of the books I read are Canadian ones, I must say. I loved this though.
It was all about a nice detective called Allan Stanton and his search for a serial killer on his patch. Sounds like any old murder 'n' mayhem story but the writer really takes you there and doesn't gloss over things like an autopsy and you feel like you're there attending it too !! It's a very detailed book and I usually zone out in books with too much description but not this one.
I guessed who it could be less than 20% in but that didn't spoil it in the least as there were plenty of twists and turns throughout.
There was a repeated apostrophe error that was annoying writing parent's a lot yet sometimes getting it right !!
He did mention in the book that serial killers usually come from dysfunctional families which is scary as there are more of those every day in our society. However, he said Ted Bundy wasn't from one. I disagree as I'm sure Bundy was brought up thinking his grandmother was his mum and his mum was his his sister.......I might be wrong but I'm sure it's the case so he should be lumped in with the others !!
Usually I won't give a book 5 stars in Goodreads if there are errors but had to overlook them in this one's case as it was so good !!
It was all about a nice detective called Allan Stanton and his search for a serial killer on his patch. Sounds like any old murder 'n' mayhem story but the writer really takes you there and doesn't gloss over things like an autopsy and you feel like you're there attending it too !! It's a very detailed book and I usually zone out in books with too much description but not this one.
I guessed who it could be less than 20% in but that didn't spoil it in the least as there were plenty of twists and turns throughout.
There was a repeated apostrophe error that was annoying writing parent's a lot yet sometimes getting it right !!
He did mention in the book that serial killers usually come from dysfunctional families which is scary as there are more of those every day in our society. However, he said Ted Bundy wasn't from one. I disagree as I'm sure Bundy was brought up thinking his grandmother was his mum and his mum was his his sister.......I might be wrong but I'm sure it's the case so he should be lumped in with the others !!
Usually I won't give a book 5 stars in Goodreads if there are errors but had to overlook them in this one's case as it was so good !!
August 25, 2015
Well, once again I have read a series out of order. I first read One Kill Away (Bk 2) a short while ago and loved it! I then added GRAVE SITUATION to my wish list. I received a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review ... thank you so much!
Allan Stanton is a great series character. He has personal issues with an ex-wife and a young son that he doesn't get to see near often enough. Being a detective, he sees all the worst of humanity and the more he sees, the more he wants to walk away. He has just about decided to leave the force and move closer to where his son resides.
But right now he has another case. A string of murders with the serial killer taking trophies from each of his victims. These are gruesome murders and there's no rhyme nor reason to why these particular people were chosen.
The story line is well written. Dialogue is believable. Characters are carefully fleshed out to show not only the good, but the bad as well.
And... I have it on good authority that we will definitely see more adventures of Allan Stanton.
4.5 stars
Allan Stanton is a great series character. He has personal issues with an ex-wife and a young son that he doesn't get to see near often enough. Being a detective, he sees all the worst of humanity and the more he sees, the more he wants to walk away. He has just about decided to leave the force and move closer to where his son resides.
But right now he has another case. A string of murders with the serial killer taking trophies from each of his victims. These are gruesome murders and there's no rhyme nor reason to why these particular people were chosen.
The story line is well written. Dialogue is believable. Characters are carefully fleshed out to show not only the good, but the bad as well.
And... I have it on good authority that we will definitely see more adventures of Allan Stanton.
4.5 stars
October 11, 2016
A highly enjoyable book from a previously unknown to me writer. The book follows a couple of different paths, and focuses on different characters. The main character though is Allan Stanton, who is a Detective with the Halifax Police Force. He has problems of his own, his wife and son have left him and moved away. He gets frustrated with a case which seems to be heading nowhere, he is also questioning his own career decisions and fast approaching burnout. Another case falls across his desk, again with no evidence, no witnesses and seemingly no motive. A spate of murders seem to indicate that a serial killer could be on the loose. Early on the reader is told who the killer is, but we have to wait to find out the reasons behind this spree. For fans of Police procedurals, and forensic based tales this book will appeal to you.
The only downside I had with this book was that some of the dialogue seemed rather unnatural. Nonetheless an engrossing read.
The only downside I had with this book was that some of the dialogue seemed rather unnatural. Nonetheless an engrossing read.
November 20, 2014
This is a cut and dry mystery/suspense with a straight forward plot structure. Not really any surprises here as to how this is going to shape up.
I wish there had been some more plot twists or depth to these characters. I enjoy Mr. Maclean's writing style. It is very linear and not overly verbose. However, I felt some things were left by the wayside in this one.
The main detective's relationship with his child is one. It seems to be a big part in one section then is forgotten for a while in the next.
The biggest void for me is the killer's motivation. Nothing quite fits into the analysis provided of a serial killer. Even if this guy doesn't fit the mold, he still has so little depth to him to be almost scenery instead of a main character.
All in all it is a comfortable ride with not much of interest along the way.
I wish there had been some more plot twists or depth to these characters. I enjoy Mr. Maclean's writing style. It is very linear and not overly verbose. However, I felt some things were left by the wayside in this one.
The main detective's relationship with his child is one. It seems to be a big part in one section then is forgotten for a while in the next.
The biggest void for me is the killer's motivation. Nothing quite fits into the analysis provided of a serial killer. Even if this guy doesn't fit the mold, he still has so little depth to him to be almost scenery instead of a main character.
All in all it is a comfortable ride with not much of interest along the way.
October 12, 2016
Too much detail.
First of all don't read this book after dark, way too gruesome. Another thing is long long descriptions. Feel for the main character, he is torn between his job and his son. Murders, grave digging, body parts for sale.
First of all don't read this book after dark, way too gruesome. Another thing is long long descriptions. Feel for the main character, he is torn between his job and his son. Murders, grave digging, body parts for sale.
August 19, 2020
I overlooked the gruesome beginning, hoping to find a new series to follow in an interesting city; I was sadly disappointed. I gave up after the second senseless murder, the protagonist's stilted interior dialog, and the killer's confused motive.
August 29, 2018
Allan Stanton is Halifax cop, a detective on the Murder squad and he is having a hard time in pinning down a suspect for a string of murders. Working long hours has disrupted his home life and his wife and young son have left him as a result. The setting is the Canadian maritime provinces and the English reflects that. First time author for me and the first of a trilogy. Looking forward to the next two.
October 15, 2011
The book is telling two stories. One of lieutenant Alex Stanton working on some serial killings and the other of the serial killer.
There are several bodies found who all seem to be connected. Alex is put on the case and he gets personally too involved. How will he handle this when he finally faces the killer.
The book takes of a bit slow, a lot of detail and a lot of repeating. Specially the personal story of Alex seems to be repeated at some point. Despite that the book does catch an intriguing tone which makes you continue the book.
What I liked a lot is the detailed description of some parts of the book, it makes you feel like your watching an episode of CSI combined with Criminal Minds. (they could pick the script up easily) on the other hand those detailed description might stop some other people from continuing the book.
If you like a good crime novel and are not easily freaked out by well detailed description this book makes a good read.
There are several bodies found who all seem to be connected. Alex is put on the case and he gets personally too involved. How will he handle this when he finally faces the killer.
The book takes of a bit slow, a lot of detail and a lot of repeating. Specially the personal story of Alex seems to be repeated at some point. Despite that the book does catch an intriguing tone which makes you continue the book.
What I liked a lot is the detailed description of some parts of the book, it makes you feel like your watching an episode of CSI combined with Criminal Minds. (they could pick the script up easily) on the other hand those detailed description might stop some other people from continuing the book.
If you like a good crime novel and are not easily freaked out by well detailed description this book makes a good read.
December 8, 2016
Haven't yet finished the book, and don't know if I will, but wanted to comment. First, I was thrilled to discover this was a Canadian mystery/thriller - set in Halifax. Initially I thought it was the British Halifax.
The commenter who mentioned that the dialogue was clunky and stilted, perhaps because the author is Canadian, gave me a chuckle. As a Canadian, I can assure you that this is not at all typical of some of our better authors. The dialogue, inner and outer, is wooden and stiff. What has really set my teeth on edge and threw me into fits of lashing out at the author are the diary bits. No young woman would ever, ever write like that in a diary. I can see that he may have been trying to bring some humanity to a young woman struggling with addiction, but it doesn't work. All in all a very disappointing book and story. There are some bright spots that may reveal a glimmer of talent but there is no emotional depth to the story or the characters.
The commenter who mentioned that the dialogue was clunky and stilted, perhaps because the author is Canadian, gave me a chuckle. As a Canadian, I can assure you that this is not at all typical of some of our better authors. The dialogue, inner and outer, is wooden and stiff. What has really set my teeth on edge and threw me into fits of lashing out at the author are the diary bits. No young woman would ever, ever write like that in a diary. I can see that he may have been trying to bring some humanity to a young woman struggling with addiction, but it doesn't work. All in all a very disappointing book and story. There are some bright spots that may reveal a glimmer of talent but there is no emotional depth to the story or the characters.
July 4, 2011
Grave situation is one of those stories where you just have to thank the Gods that you aren't Allan Stanton. The story starts with him a such a low level you wonder will he be able to rise to the challenge of his new case. This is no ordinary murderer though and you'll be wondering right up till the end what the hell is going on. The attention to detail is very good with lots of contemporary comments on modern life that giver the novel a fresh perspective.
The book is well written, the structure solid and it keeps your interest from start to finish. I wasn't completely satisfied with the last chapter but that's just me. I want to know where it goes from here! Alex MacLean is a new author that should be on your 'ones to watch' list!
Michael G. Thomas - Author of the Star Crusades series.
The book is well written, the structure solid and it keeps your interest from start to finish. I wasn't completely satisfied with the last chapter but that's just me. I want to know where it goes from here! Alex MacLean is a new author that should be on your 'ones to watch' list!
Michael G. Thomas - Author of the Star Crusades series.
January 26, 2012
This is a typical murder mystery book, a divorced cop who is trying to find a killer. The story line was good but not the best. There were some plot holes to me at least for example they talk about not having a lot of murders etc.. but he is divorced because he is always working on a case and they mention that there has only been one person missing so they know that is who it is when they find a body, just didn't make sense for me.
I felt the author was trying to show off a bit also with his knowledge and research, that got a little bit tedious in parts like walking the reader through the whole autopsy, it seemed the only reason Allan was there was so the author could show off his research in the book.
The book was not a bad read at all tho and if you like murder mystery books it is worth a look at.
I felt the author was trying to show off a bit also with his knowledge and research, that got a little bit tedious in parts like walking the reader through the whole autopsy, it seemed the only reason Allan was there was so the author could show off his research in the book.
The book was not a bad read at all tho and if you like murder mystery books it is worth a look at.
August 22, 2011
Grave Situation was a unique detective mystery book. I have usually encountered many commonplace books of whodunits, but this book, pretty much like Pallahniuk's concept, revolves around strongly educating the reader to better understand and be put in the shoes of the main character, and other strong characters in the book.
I have always enjoyed being engrossed in the insanity of the character. The murderer here had strong issues, and it was presented well. While I could write on and on as to what was presented, it might ruin the story and the author, who has done an excellent job, will despise me.
Overall, this is a book every detective crime fan should read through. In fact, every other detective out there should go through this book as a refresher.
I have always enjoyed being engrossed in the insanity of the character. The murderer here had strong issues, and it was presented well. While I could write on and on as to what was presented, it might ruin the story and the author, who has done an excellent job, will despise me.
Overall, this is a book every detective crime fan should read through. In fact, every other detective out there should go through this book as a refresher.
June 15, 2013
DNF, Can't recommend.
October 20, 2018
The initial murder scene is very graphic and disturbing , then the autopsy is given in just too much detail for me. DNF
January 10, 2019
Too dark for me
I prefer stories with a glint of humor and more hope. I also could not identify with the main character.
I prefer stories with a glint of humor and more hope. I also could not identify with the main character.
December 17, 2020
Not interested in graphic sex
September 8, 2020
Bleak! Detective Allan Stanton's wife has left him, he feels he is alienating his son, the case he has worked on for months has petered out with no suspects - he is generally adrift. Now he is on the trail of a killer who is taking body parts - the eyes were gruesome and I almost gave up on the book (I've always been a bit squeamish, something which got worse a few years ago when steroids gave me the worst nightmares of my life ... and as I was reading murder mysteries late at night there are no prizes for guessing what those nightmares were about!)
It's a straightforward mystery with an interesting branch examining the previous lives of two of the victims (it seems as if it is leading somewhere but, ultimately, doesn't).
And, kudos for the ending, I did not see that coming - banal, commercial and almost normal (except for you'd need to be out of your mind to come up with it!)
"Grave Situation" is a sometimes harrowing read but, assuming I get a good nights sleep tonight, I'm a fan.
It's a straightforward mystery with an interesting branch examining the previous lives of two of the victims (it seems as if it is leading somewhere but, ultimately, doesn't).
And, kudos for the ending, I did not see that coming - banal, commercial and almost normal (except for you'd need to be out of your mind to come up with it!)
"Grave Situation" is a sometimes harrowing read but, assuming I get a good nights sleep tonight, I'm a fan.
March 20, 2019
I really enjoyed parts of this story, a stand alone police procedural story, and then again other parts of it I didn't. I thought the mien used to present the story was unique to start with, allowing the victims to have a voice, to be known, then that ended even though the victimizations didn't. I liked the Juxtapositioning of Allan, the tired cop, and the killer Hoss, and their thoughts about everything gelled with the rest of the story. And I liked the characterizations of those two but thought the author lost a wonderful chance to do more with each of them. The portion of the book dealing with the death of Herb Matteau Sr. had real possibilities that were lost. All in all I enjoyed the book but did not love everything about it, thus the four stars instead of five. Well done author.
August 2, 2017
A dark crime thriller. A disturbed and violent serial killer driven by demons of his past. I liked the author's descriptiveness, of the slithers of moonlight and heavy Halifax rain, almost mirroring the dark foreboding nature of the trail to find the killer. At times though I felt it was a bit too graphic for shock tactics. I must admit though despite the overly gory tale, I'd definitely read more books by the author, who I feel has a strongly unique and intriguing writing style which makes it a strong story as well as a thriller.
April 8, 2021
Twisted plot
Though too many characters in this book contemplated and/or committed suicide, and felt “hopeless, just wanting it all to end,” the deepening intrigue surrounding the murders was compelling. It felt like the author wasn’t sure if he wanted to write a drama or a crime mystery. The drama only detracted from the crime trail and wasn’t authentic anyways. However, the shock value of the nature of the crimes made you really want to find out who was responsible. I might read this author again.
Though too many characters in this book contemplated and/or committed suicide, and felt “hopeless, just wanting it all to end,” the deepening intrigue surrounding the murders was compelling. It felt like the author wasn’t sure if he wanted to write a drama or a crime mystery. The drama only detracted from the crime trail and wasn’t authentic anyways. However, the shock value of the nature of the crimes made you really want to find out who was responsible. I might read this author again.
May 19, 2017
I found this mystery to be lovely long and in need of serious editing. While the grammar errors were few in number (but still present) there were a number of dreadfully slow passages. I did consider abandoning this book a number times. The main character was a man in serious need of work/life balance, generating some sympathy but with equal amounts of annoyance. I can't see myself reading further in the series.
July 4, 2019
Excellent Mystery
This an excellent book with an ending you might not be able to guess without the author’s help. It is a very sad story, not one to be read if you suffer from depression. More than anything else I think the story shows us how complex humans are and how our life experiences shape our actions. The is not enjoyable in the traditional sense, but it is valuable to our understanding of people.
This an excellent book with an ending you might not be able to guess without the author’s help. It is a very sad story, not one to be read if you suffer from depression. More than anything else I think the story shows us how complex humans are and how our life experiences shape our actions. The is not enjoyable in the traditional sense, but it is valuable to our understanding of people.
December 21, 2020
This was a quite forgettable novel to me. I finished the book about 2 days ago and i had to refresh my memory of it by reading a synopsis. That's bad. At least parts of a book should stick with you longer than that. The hero of the book was equally forgettable. I can't say this was an awful book. The writing was competent, but competent isn't enough. Don't ask me about the plot. Read the synopsis, but don't bother reading the whole book.
October 29, 2021
Cracking Read
Excellent police procedural with a cast of interesting characters.
Loved the flashback sections and also the fact that it started as a why-did-it before developing into the more normal whodunnit.
Plenty of character background and a plot that moves along at a nice pace allowing the reader to guess and second guess themselves silly.
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment of the life Allan Stanton
Excellent police procedural with a cast of interesting characters.
Loved the flashback sections and also the fact that it started as a why-did-it before developing into the more normal whodunnit.
Plenty of character background and a plot that moves along at a nice pace allowing the reader to guess and second guess themselves silly.
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment of the life Allan Stanton
May 20, 2018
Excellent read
Lots of twist and turns in this book.
Feelings of grief by families who experience death of a loved one, feelings at a loss because your family has left you and guilt for committing the crimes.
All of this and more between the pages of this story.
Mr MacLean knows his craft very well.
Don't miss out on reading his books.
Lots of twist and turns in this book.
Feelings of grief by families who experience death of a loved one, feelings at a loss because your family has left you and guilt for committing the crimes.
All of this and more between the pages of this story.
Mr MacLean knows his craft very well.
Don't miss out on reading his books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews