What do You think about Report For Murder (1998)?
Not only was this the first book in the Lindsey Gordon series, it was also my first book I have ever read by this author. I have heard so many great reviews about McDermid and was so excited to be finally able to read one of her books. Although after half way through the book, I read a review that said "this is not the book to read if wanting to discover what all the great reviews are about McDermid". I believe that McDermid's earlier work was not considered to be of high calibre as her later productions. I have to admit, I was quite taken back with the style of this book which was very old school murder mystery and I did wonder what all the raving was about the author. However, I did enjoy the book and enjoyed getting to know the characters. There was plenty of suspense right throughout the book but quite predictable ending. That said, I am very interested in continuing with the series and if McDermid’s work has improved greatly from this series then I am looking forward to reading some of her later work.
—Sinead
This is the second novel by Val McDermid that I have read recently. The first was called Dead Beat: A Kate Brannigan Mystery. Report for Murder is also part of a series with a female detective named Lindsay Gordon. Both of the novels are available for only $1.79 on Kindle, which is a steal. Report for Murder is an entertaining book and an quick read, and it has enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. I guess you could call it a Lesbian-amateur-sleuth-cozy, in which the heroine, a journalist, is asked to investigate a murder in an elite school, of which one of her college friends has been accused. She goes about the investigation like a bull in a china shop with her new lover trying to hold her back from some of her wilder acts, such as going to confront a possible murderer all alone. Because this is essentially a cozy, Lindsay gets away with all sorts of hair-raising adventures before she finally pins down the killer. It's not very believable, but it's fun, and very enjoyable.
—Celia
Agatha Christie with lesbian romance. McDermid's first novel and first in a series with socialist feminist reporter Lindsay Gordan. Sent from Glasgow to Derbyshire to cover a fundraiser for a public girls school, it's a clash of cultures from the beginning, though gently told, with concern and dignity for all. When the guest artists, a graduate of the school is murdered, the journalist goes to solve the crime and get herself a whopping good story. As well as a lover who is about as opposite her as possible. A very good story, first in a series.
—Gail
