Another winner

Although Ms. Mina is evolving to be slightly less bleak, this is still harsh stuff. I continue to follow her because she's unfailingly original, with non-stock characters, and a sly, sharp-edged humor. Her characters are not simple, and their decisions are not simple. Much of the action is unexpected, yet rings true.

AUDIO: Although the reader has little range, you can distinguish easily between characters. She's a good actress, and has a beautiful voice.

20 people found this helpful

An ordinary story

Although I enjoyed this book,it didn't make me want more. The characters were very believable in that they seem so normal. It also made me realize the impact of instant TV, Internet news on newspapers' existence. The IRA exists as an everyday entity in the story and the protagonist deals with it as she sorts out the questions about her former boyfriend's death. The narrator did a nice job of differentiating between characters so you knew what was happening. I am glad I read it but I haven't gone immediately hunting for the next book by this author.

16 people found this helpful

slip of the knife

Overall I enjoyed this thriller. There were parts that were long and overly drawn out and the ending was somewhat predictable. However, I enjoyed learning about Glaswegians and the conflict between the British and the Republicans.
She is a fine writer of mystery.

8 people found this helpful

Grrreat Storrry!

Note that my title is an attempt at sounding Scottish. This story not only takes place in Scotland but it is read by an actual Scot. Perhaps she has a Glasgow accent with a bit of "Cockney" English but a great and intriguing accent that grows on you as the book proceeds. Don't put this one down too soon, give it time to grow and you will love it. Interestingly, this is one of the only books written and read by a woman that I've ever really loved. It is NOT a "Chick Book" even if she is a single mother with the usual weepy moments about her son!

10 people found this helpful

Great Read

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This book held me page by page by page. I had genuine concern for the characters, and just had to find out how this would all unravel

What does Jane Macfarlane bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator is fabulous, she has a wonderful gentle lilt, and brings the characters to life, one by one.

Any additional comments?

This is one of those books I'll probably pick up again in a year or so--definitely worth a re-read.

5 people found this helpful

What a great storyteller Denise Mina is!

What does Jane Macfarlane bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very spot on emotionally, but very understated and "transparent" reader. She allows the listener to forget about the reader and hear the emotional life of the book. That's very very tricky IMHO. Very well done.

Any additional comments?

Denise Mina always grabs my attention through her characters and their quirky emotional lives that are easy to relate to. I've never ever been disappointed by one of her books. One of the best storytellers out there.

5 people found this helpful

she is always good

You can count on Mina to be interesting, sassy and smart... while she writes a good story with fascinating characters and venues. This book is one of her best!

6 people found this helpful

Horrible Story

This story is really awful. It has an interesting premise, but it was not enjoyable for me. I only got through the first 2 hours, I think.

It is too late to request a refund for this story because I purchased it in 2014. That is what I like about audible, I can have numerous "books" stacked to read and not make a mess of my office or bedroom. If I had a hard copy of the book, it would have gone into the incinerator.

What little of the story I heard is horrific in that it starts off with a murder of a naked man who begged for his life. That was sad enough. However, what made me quickly stop my car, pull over and remove the iPod was when the description of the brutal rape, mutilation, sodomy and murder of a baby was heard. I had to vomit. I had tears in my eyes. Who writes this crap?

I wish that Audible would indicate when the narrator has an accent and will be using terminology, idioms, etc. that are different than American English. For example "arse" instead of "ass" is comical. Also comical was the expression that someone was getting on their "tits". Does than mean "nerves"? After about 30-40 minutes of listening not including numerous rewinding, I was able to understand what the narrator was saying, I gave two stars for performance because I was getting use to the voice and rhythm. However, based on this experience, I will now listen to a sample of the story prior to purchasing it, no matter how interesting the descriptions and reviews read.

If asked if I will read another story by this author. The answer is a resounding NO!

1 person found this helpful

Couldn't Finish this One

Would you try another book from Denise Mina and/or Jane Macfarlane?

No. But I might read the book rather than listen to it on tape. The story was draggy but maybe reading it would be different.

Would you recommend Slip of the Knife to your friends? Why or why not?

No. But I also wouldn't keep them from listening to it for themselves. As they might have liked the accent of the narrator and enjoyed the story. It just wasn't for me.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jane Macfarlane?

Not sure. I've listened to many English narrators as well as American, but this one just didn't work for me.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Sorry, but no. I could not stand to listen to the narrator. The swear words turned me off in the beginning and I put it down. The story did not grab me and the voice of the narrator almost put me to sleep.

Any additional comments?

I usually finish a book, even if it is not particularly good. But this one was not one I could bear to listen to for another second. I like to drive and listen to books. But this one I couldn't finish listening to.

1 person found this helpful

Another suspense winner from Mina

Although the level of coincidence strains belief, the suspense and the careful drawing of characters, along with the painstaking procedure of crime solving keep the interest high. The reader is one of the best and I'll listen to anything she reads!

3 people found this helpful