Silent Bones is brilliant - really intricate, gripping and asking some tough questions; a perfect crime novel -- KATE MOSSE
A beautifully structured, witty and twisty novel with the friendship between the magnificent Karen Pirie and her team at its heart -- ANN CLEEVES
A propulsive, razor-sharp thrill-ride full of humour, heart, and trademark twists. I love Karen Pirie, and Silent Bones adds to a classic series that just keeps getting better -- CHRIS WHITAKER
Excellent * THE TIMES *
Powerful, moving and wise - Val McDermid's books are always enthralling -- HARLAN COBEN
A corkscrew twist at every turn * DAILY MAIL *
Showcases the agile plotting that makes this among the best crime fiction series today * IRISH TIMES *
McDermid blends procedural tension with eerie rural isolation * I PAPER *
Although Pirie is well worth following, the main reason to do so is McDermid's fiendishly elaborate plotting... It's fun to read too - right up to a final plot twist that not even the world's finest clairvoyant could see coming * SCOTSMAN *
McDermid delivers suspense, authentic characters and an exploration of hidden power and deceit * WOMAN & HOME *
A gripping mystery to dive into * HEAT *
McDermid is at the top of her game in the masterful latest installment of her DCI Karen Pirie series . . . McDermid's procedural instincts are as strong as ever, and she balances them with wrenching developments in Karen's personal life . . . Readers will rest easy knowing they're in the hands of a seasoned storyteller * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW *
Fiendishly elaborate plotting, fun to read [with] a final plot twist that not even the world's finest clairvoyant could see coming * SCOTSMAN *
The bones in question actually speak volumes . . . readers will be rewarded by a richly textured experience * KIRKUS REVIEWS *
Another exquisite mystery * CANBERRA WEEKLY *
Val McDermid's most tortuous, tense and ingeniously planned novel yet * PS MAGAZINE *
Once again, Val McDermid has given us a top-tier example of what crime writing should be. SILENT BONES excels in plot, setting and characterization * DEADLY PLEASURES MYSTERY MAGAZINE *
Pirie herself is a nuanced character . . . I don't want to give away the grand finale, but it was about the most true-to-life ending I could imagine * BOOKPAGE *
A masterclass in Scottish cold case investigation and politics in a tightly wound plot . . . The author realistically draws together the plots, avoiding coincidences and combining believable clues with solid police insight . . . McDermid's various series and standalones have put her in the top tier of mystery writers * SUN SENTINEL *
Not many writers can stand toe to toe with Val McDermid . . . SILENT BONES is so deviously plotted, with McDermid always in full command, that I read it while holding my breath practically the entire time. It is an exhilarating read and a worthy entry in this memorable series * BOOKREPORTER *
What makes this book such a rush is the way McDermid turns what seem like separate cold cases into a single maze of past crimes, corruption, and the kind of dark secrets that only very powerful people can hide . . . By the time the twist lands, you are picking your jaw up off the floor and wondering why you have not been reading Val McDermid all along -- TERESA BROCK, BEST THRILLER BOOKS
Turn yourself over to a skilled mystery author who will take you on a perfect literary journey. Plot, pacing, characters - everything works. . . Pirie and her team go about their rapidly expanding workload with characteristic thoroughness and good humour, and you sense a satisfying conclusion will be the end result. -- C