This review is from: Natural Causes (The Inspector McLean Mysteries) (Kindle Edition)
I see that all the one star reviews are complaining about the opening chapter. I must admit that I initially decided not to get this book after reading the opening in the “Look Inside” feature.
Still, as it was free, and had a number of positive reviews, I decided to take a chance. In fact the opening chapter feels completely out of step with the rest of the book, which is a fairly decent detective novel. Some reviewers have complained of supernatural elements in the story, but they are written subtly enough that you can choose to treat them as real or imaginary, as suits. (John Locke does a similar thing in some of his excellent Donovan Creed and Emmett Love stories – although that’s not to imply that James Oswald is in a class with John Locke!).
So, a decent read, which would have been better with a less graphic opening. Good enough that I’m going to take a chance and pay for the second book in the series.
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This review is from: Natural Causes (The Inspector McLean Mysteries) (Kindle Edition)
Natural causes starts off with a shocking scene which grabs your attention. The story then develops into a most enjoyable crime novel, with a hint of horror/fantasy. The characters are interesting and the main character likeable. The story is set in Edinburgh with lots of wee references to the city. I for one am very much looking forward to the next in this series. I would certainly recommend this book – I was gripped from the beginning and couldn’t put it down.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Natural Causes (The Inspector McLean Mysteries) (Kindle Edition)
This book was free. Incredible! I’d have paid for it and been more than happy. Comparisons with Rebus are inevitable. I’m a big Rankin fan and it can be difficult reading similar tales by a different author. But this stands the test. The narrative flows off the page. The settings are real, the people are credible and Inspector McLean doesn’t have so much baggage that he’s weighed down by his angst. But he has enough history to make him a compelling character. I wanted to know more about him and James Oswald doesn’t do an immediate ‘reveal’ it’s like an onion, it comes in layers. The plot is excellent. It’s a complex and compelling mix of the ordinary with a twist of the supernatural. But it’s all totally plausible, with richly detailed locations and some detailed descriptions of the crime scenes. There are numerous disparate strands to the plot as it snakes its way forward. Each could be a stand alone tale but it’s all brought together. I really liked the way the ever so genteel Morningside set are portrayed; all their airs and graces hiding a dark underbelly. Without doubt, one of my best reads this year. Thanks Mr Oswald; a real belter.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Unfortunate opening chapter,
I see that all the one star reviews are complaining about the opening chapter. I must admit that I initially decided not to get this book after reading the opening in the “Look Inside” feature.
Still, as it was free, and had a number of positive reviews, I decided to take a chance. In fact the opening chapter feels completely out of step with the rest of the book, which is a fairly decent detective novel. Some reviewers have complained of supernatural elements in the story, but they are written subtly enough that you can choose to treat them as real or imaginary, as suits. (John Locke does a similar thing in some of his excellent Donovan Creed and Emmett Love stories – although that’s not to imply that James Oswald is in a class with John Locke!).
So, a decent read, which would have been better with a less graphic opening. Good enough that I’m going to take a chance and pay for the second book in the series.
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|Enjoyable and well written,
Natural causes starts off with a shocking scene which grabs your attention. The story then develops into a most enjoyable crime novel, with a hint of horror/fantasy. The characters are interesting and the main character likeable. The story is set in Edinburgh with lots of wee references to the city. I for one am very much looking forward to the next in this series. I would certainly recommend this book – I was gripped from the beginning and couldn’t put it down.
Was this review helpful to you?
|What a compelling story.,
This book was free. Incredible! I’d have paid for it and been more than happy. Comparisons with Rebus are inevitable. I’m a big Rankin fan and it can be difficult reading similar tales by a different author. But this stands the test. The narrative flows off the page. The settings are real, the people are credible and Inspector McLean doesn’t have so much baggage that he’s weighed down by his angst. But he has enough history to make him a compelling character. I wanted to know more about him and James Oswald doesn’t do an immediate ‘reveal’ it’s like an onion, it comes in layers. The plot is excellent. It’s a complex and compelling mix of the ordinary with a twist of the supernatural. But it’s all totally plausible, with richly detailed locations and some detailed descriptions of the crime scenes. There are numerous disparate strands to the plot as it snakes its way forward. Each could be a stand alone tale but it’s all brought together. I really liked the way the ever so genteel Morningside set are portrayed; all their airs and graces hiding a dark underbelly. Without doubt, one of my best reads this year. Thanks Mr Oswald; a real belter.
Was this review helpful to you?
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