Reviews

‘an intriguing read . . . keeps the reader guessing . . . a lot to enjoy in this romp through the Cambridge Commons . . . a strong sense of place and a narrative style that is both energetic and engaging.’ [Dead Letters]

- Margaret Murphy, SHERLOCK

Little Bones by Sam Blake

Posted on May 17, 2017 in Little Bones, Sam Blake | 4 Comments

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Attending what seems to be a routine break-in at the home of artist, Zoe Grant, Detective Garda Cathy Connolly makes a grisly discovery: an old wedding dress with a baby’s bones sewn into its hem. And then the dress’s original owner, Zoe’s grandmother, is found dead in a Dublin suburb. Cathy and her team struggle to untangle a crime that goes back generations. Meanwhile, a killer has already left two dead in the States – and now he’s in Dublin. They must find him before he kills again. It’s a strong and intriguing opening to Sam Blake’s first novel, Little Bones, which I received as a review copy.

I liked the strongly drawn female characters – especially the kick-boxing Cathy Connolly – and I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that at the beginning of the novel she is horrified to discover she is pregnant after a one-night stand with an old friend. What should she do? She’s had a Roman Catholic upbringing, this is Ireland, and abortion is illegal. But what would single parenthood do to her cherished career?

There’s freshness to the setting and the characters and a warmth to the writing. The strong plot lines are skilfully woven together. I did find a coincidence late on in the novel a bit hard to swallow, but nevertheless this was a gripping and well-paced read from a promising new writer.

 

4 Comments

  1. Margot Kinberg
    May 17, 2017

    I hear very good things about this one, Christine. And it sounds like a very intriguing plot and some solid character development. Glad you enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • Christine Poulson
      May 18, 2017

      Thanks, Margot. Yes, this is a promising debut. Her next one has just come out.

      Reply
  2. moira@clothesinbooks
    May 28, 2017

    This sounds good, very promising, though bones in the wedding dress is horrible. I’ll rely on you to tell me it’s not all too gruesome!

    Reply
    • Christine Poulson
      May 28, 2017

      No not too gruesome, though I did wonder how plausible it was. Could they really be concealed in that way? A promising first outing with good female detective but not without some flaws. I am irritated when a professional woman behaves in a very unprofessional way for no good reason (it’s not the main character) which does happen here.

      Reply

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