Not for me - 2 star

The most interesting part of this book was the author's notes and her understanding and acquired knowledge of Dissociative identity disorder. For some will question that such a mental illness exists but by encompassing this as the central theme Catriona Ward has certainly ensured we the reader will at least in part, be a little wiser on completion. However nomatter the issues I as an avid reader must judge this book on its enjoyment factor, and sadly I found it difficult and very confusing....but of course I hear you say that is exactly the point.....and naturally I smile and agreeLauren disappeared many years ago, sister Dee has never given up hope, Ted lives alone presenting at the very least signs of autism to his neighbours. Ever watchful, ever present Olivia observes as events unfold always an active witness a silent voice...... the ever resourceful cat. As the story concluded, as the horror unfolded, and the true nature of Ted's life on "The Last House on Needless Street" is revealed only disbelief and sadness remain.

Powerful and emotional - 5 star

Sometimes as the last page closes and you slowly ease yourself back into the now, a feeling of such profound emotion can take your breath away. Beartown is special, it is not just a book put together with words, it is a journey, a coming of age story, life in a small community, and when a happening occurs, and when the fallout settles, nothing or no one will ever be the same again. 

Don’t be misled into believing that ice hockey is the central theme it is simply a means to the transcendence. The prosperity of Beartown rises or falls on the young shoulders of the hockey players none better or more charismatic than Kevin Erdhal. When success rewards with a feeling of invincibility, and decisions taken lead to aggression and destroyed lives, the hope,friendship,and love,once the heart of this community,lies buried and shattered in the gathering storm

This is writing of the finest order what is a book if it does not stay with you, what is a book if it does not make you question and look deep within yourself as it showers you in love, shock, hope, friendship, and tears. Highly, highly, recommended.

A solid read - 4 star

DI Tony McClean is great antihero. He does not need to work, he has inherited great wealth and this gives him the power to question and indeed show 2 fingers to his superiors if they hinder his doggedness to solve a case. He is a typical good cop working on instinct, living close to the edge, taking risks and acting like an arse😀although he would use the word maverick. An explosive start sees a body dropped from a great height entangled in a tree before smashing to the ground. With few leads to rely on and a police hierarchy increasingly at odds with McClean, the DI begins to smell the stench of a coverup. What is the relationship between a wealthy entrepreneur, a renowned gangster and an ex policeman. A solid read with strong characters, excellent plot, and explosive finish kept me enthralled and engrossed until the final page.

Rubbish! - 1 star

Let me say from the start that I am a no 1 fan of Mz McDermid and rate the Karen Pirie as one of the best if not the best modern detective series. By comparison 1979 is terrible. New kids on the block Allie and Danny want and need a front page scope. Danny in particular is hoping to become the new Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein and unbelieveably a story presents itself very close to home. No sooner can the reader catch his breath than Allie discovers a terrorist threat in the heart of Scotland and with Danny's help hopes to make the big time. This is 1979 and homophobia, misogyny, heavy male drinking back slapping culture is all the rage and quite rightly Val McDermid incorporates these vital elements within her story. I use the word story loosely, the plot is way over the top, reminiscent of a badly made for tv series, and whilst i laud her highlighting issues of the time, the overall effect makes for very poor reading. Avoid at all costs!