4N

What were the best features of the book?

Just being back on the Shetland Island was great. Ann Cleeves always writes a close to her vest type of book where the murderer is usually the least expected. But I think if you pay close attention, you can pick up the murderer as with Simon lying - that was my first clue.

I liked how so many characters were made to seem suspicious. It kept me really interested. I also liked the feeling of the island and the characters. There were quite a few surprises and some of the chapters ended with cliff-hangers so that keeps me interested too.

I love the island and the characters are always very realistic. I liked that Sandy got a starring role in this one. Our boy has matured and become a real police officer. I'm as proud as his mum would be.

I like the setting and the main cast of characters, how their lives progress.

I liked being offered a diverse group of characters that could have been suspects, Also Sandy getting to be more than just a sideline doing Jimmy's bidding. He had promise of being a good detective in this one even if he is still second guessing everything he does.

Ann always writes a very readable story - in-depth characters and intricate plots which keep you guessing to the last.