Not that Chibnall’s novel is a lazy carbon copy. His murder is more elaborate (“Why antlers?” asks Nicola) and his choice of victim more inspired [than Broadchurch] ... Chibnall also excels with his cast of suspects, all of whom add color and complexity to the proceedings ... This whodunit is at its most involving when the spotlight is on Nicola and Harry ... A page-turning delight ... Unlike Broadchurch, the book’s big reveal is more eye-opening than jaw-dropping. It still makes for a satisfying end to a superlative murder mystery.
The type of 'good enough' mystery that’s pleasant to read and easy to forget ... Nicola’s efforts to tamp down her feelings in order to function lend some emotional authenticity to the otherwise prefabricated texture of this mystery.
Hopefully, this is the start of a beautiful series ... Despite the contemporary setting, there’s a classic feel to this police procedural. The mystery is rooted in human emotions, like classic whodunits of a century ago. The cast of suspects is varied and interesting, much more than stereotype or even archetype, but the true delight is the introduction of Nicola and her team, a group of misfits who complement each other with dry humor and absolute commitment to their jobs.
