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morethanmylupus's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The remote island of Inis Mor was a perfect setting for this novel, especially in a snowstorm. I visited Inis Mor when I traveled around Ireland, and it was fun to see some familiar places pop up. I liked Cara and appreciated that she's very aware that she's not an incredibly experienced detective. It was a refreshing change from the amateur detectives bungling everything while thinking they're experts. The other characters weren't fully fleshed out but I liked the group dynamics. The mystery itself was a bit repetitive and quite predictable. That said, I was enjoying this one and stayed up late finishing it.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Violence
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for a copy of this book.
It's been ten years since the death of Garda Cara's husband, Cillian. She and five or her and Cillian's childhood friends gather for the anniversary, on a remote Irish island.
Things soon take a turn for the worst when one of the friends turns up murdered as a winter storm rages leaving the island cut off from the rest of the world.Cara as the only Garda on the island is left to investigate until back-up can arrive from the mainland, knowing the murderer has to still be on the island.
The group went their separate ways ten years ago, and being together again brings back old feelings and resentments.
In many ways this is a classic closed circle mystery, but the setting is one not seen much giving this trope a fresh spin.
This was a very enjoyable read, made much better by Jacqueline Milne's excellent narration.
It's been ten years since the death of Garda Cara's husband, Cillian. She and five or her and Cillian's childhood friends gather for the anniversary, on a remote Irish island.
Things soon take a turn for the worst when one of the friends turns up murdered as a winter storm rages leaving the island cut off from the rest of the world.Cara as the only Garda on the island is left to investigate until back-up can arrive from the mainland, knowing the murderer has to still be on the island.
The group went their separate ways ten years ago, and being together again brings back old feelings and resentments.
In many ways this is a classic closed circle mystery, but the setting is one not seen much giving this trope a fresh spin.
This was a very enjoyable read, made much better by Jacqueline Milne's excellent narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Suicide
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
heather_harrison's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"So we just have to not get murdered until then, is that it?" - The Stormstorm.
Thank you to NetGalley for this audio copy of The Snowstorm by Triona Walsh.
Set on the remote town in the wild Aran Islands off the Coast of Ireland over the New Years break - Cara and her friends are reunited for the 10 year anniversary of their friend's death after nearly a decade apart.
It has all the hallmarks for a potentially great mystery - an isolated and atmospheric setting, a friend group with a tumultuous past, a storm cutting them off from the rest of the world, and a murder. As Cara, who also happens to be the island's sole police officer, begins to unweave the trail - things get more and more complex.
The story has a relatively slow build up and the plot did get slightly repetitive - which did detract a bit. There were plenty of amusing lines peppered throughout - but I can't go past;
"The smell of bacon and sausages filled the room. A finer Parisian perfume wouldn't have lifted the mood so well"
Because that smacks of delicious honesty and I could practically taste the New Years fry up as soon as I heard it.
The audio version of this story did it great justice, as you're able to hear the character names and locations as they're intended, as well as the gorgeous, if sparing, inclusion of the native Irish tongue. Hearing some characters complete with accents really did bring it to life.
This is Walsh's premier publication - and would be a good fit for fans of Alice Feeney or Lucy Foley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Grief, Stalking, and Alcohol