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Mermaids Singing
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
This was the summer he discovered what he wanted--at a gruesome museum of criminology far off the beaten track of more timid tourists. Visions of torture inspired his fantasies like a muse. It would prove so terribly fulfilling.The bodies of four men have been discovered in the town of Bradfield. Enlisted to investigate is criminal psychologist Tony Hill. Even for a seasoned professional, the series of mutilation sex murders is unlike anything he's encountered before. But profiling the psychopath is not beyond him. Hill's own past has made him the perfect man to comprehend the killer's motives. It's also made him the perfect victim.A game has begun for the hunter and the hunted. But as Hill confronts his own hidden demons, he must also come face-to-face with an evil so profound he may not have the courage--or the power--to stop it..."The Mermaids Singing "is a chilling and taut psychological mystery from Val McDermid.
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review
deeannloso
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Bailedbailed

Had to bail on this one. Not what I expected at all and very boring. 🙁😴

Gabbymags123 That‘s very disheartening when that happens…. Thank goodness it‘s not frequent 11mo
deeannloso @Gabbymags123 Definitely. 😊📚 11mo
35 likes2 comments
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deeannloso
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“The bodies of four men have been discovered in the town of Bradfield. Enlisted to investigate is criminal psychologist Tony Hill. Even for a seasoned professional, the series of mutilation sex murders is unlike anything he's encountered before. But profiling the psychopath is not beyond him. Hill's own past has made him the perfect man to comprehend the killer's motives. It's also made him the perfect victim.”

27 likes1 stack add
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jen_hayes7
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Working on a scarf while trying to read and be covered in cats is as complicated as it is cozy. This book, on the other hand, is a dark one. I‘d watched the show, Wire in the Blood, but still wasn‘t prepared for everything going on here. #lennox #huey #catsoflitsy #readharder2022

Johanna414 I love that yarn, and I can relate to that struggle... 2y
jen_hayes7 @Johanna414 Thank you!! Same here! It‘s even prettier than it looked in the skein. 😻 2y
25 likes2 comments
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Cazxxx
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Pickpick

Absolutely loved the story and the creepiness of this crime thriller, however, some things in this book haven‘t aged well along with the attitudes of some of the characters
Caution also if you don‘t like graphic details of torture and murder as this is very detailed
Overall it‘s a pick from me as I‘m obsessed with crime and forensics but I can understand this isn‘t for everyone

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OutsmartYourShelf
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Pickpick

I don't think it's a book I could say I enjoyed reading, as it is obviously dated now (pub. 1995) & both attitudes & technology have thankfully moved on. I think it is important to remember that portraying certain views does not indicate approval of or agreement with them. It is a very dark book with graphic torture/death & there is also the killing of a dog. Read with caution.

Bonus points though for having a pub named A Wunch of Bankers. 4🌟

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick That's an excellent pub name! 🤣 3y
31 likes1 comment
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Tove_Reads
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Three series I haven‘t started yet, but will start in the next some weeks. Heard so many good things! 😍

EadieB I think you may want to read the Myron Bolitar books first and Mickey Bolitar is a spinoff character from his first series. Start with 4y
Tove_Reads @EadieB Can‘t get it ☹️ asked the library, but don‘t know if they‘ll get it 4y
EadieB @Tove_Reads Oh not good! I read the Mickey Bolitar Young Adult series. It's good too but Myron is better. 4y
34 likes3 comments
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Marni
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The book was a good start to the series, but there were some aspects that just didn‘t age well. Will continue to read the series though.
#virtualMountTBR
#read2020
34/36

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Marni
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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“You always remember the first time.”

#FirstLineFridays

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Marni
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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First session for the #Bookly readathon! Let‘s see how much I can manage to read!

9 likes1 stack add
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Marni
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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After reading the 7th in this series for the Tartan Noir prompt of #booked2020 I had to go back and start from the beginning!!

Cinfhen Ha!!! That‘s awesome 🧡 4y
Cinfhen Hope the series doesn‘t disappoint!!! 4y
7 likes2 comments
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jenniferw88
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Just read an article in Waitrose magazine featuring an interview with Val McDermid.

56pts +1 participation +5 task completed = 62pts #NFNov @rsteve388 @Clwojick

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night_shift
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Looking through the #booked2020 prompts having to google some things. Didn't know what tartan noir was, but found this interesting article about it with some suggestions:
https://crimereads.com/val-mcdermid-on-the-remarkable-rise-of-tartan-noir/

Have you read any Scottish crime fiction you'd wanna suggest?

Andrew65 I love Scottish Crome Fiction. Rebus Series by Ian Rankin, Shetlands Series by Ann Cleeves, The Lewis Trilogy by Peter May, Tony Maclean Series by James Oswald, DCI Daley Series by Denzil Meyrick (edited) 4y
Susanita Great article! In addition to the works and authors mentioned, there‘s Peter May‘s Hebrides series. I loved it! Also Ann Cleeves who wrote the Shetland series, which I haven‘t read yet but I‘ve been watching the show. 4y
Susanita I see @Andrew65 beat me to the punch and gave me more to add to TBR! 4y
See All 29 Comments
Laughterhp Thanks for posting this! I didn‘t know what Tartan Noir was either! If it counts, I‘ll probably read a book from this series. 4y
Andrew65 @Laughterhp This looks good! 4y
Andrew65 @Susanita Oh you have a treat in front of you, I loved the Shetlands books, just a shame there were only eight of them. Jimmy Perez is a great character. 4y
Mandoul Lots of good suggestions by @Andrew65 i would also add Stuart Macbride's Logan McRae series, which are set in the north of Scotland 4y
Andrew65 @Mandoul How did I forget them, although only half way through that series. 4y
Crazeedi So many more authors for me to check out! @Andrew65 4y
night_shift @Andrew65 thanks for all the suggestions! Definitely have some stuff to look into now! 4y
night_shift @Laughterhp you're welcome! Figured I couldn't be the only one lol 4y
night_shift @Mandoul thanks for the suggestion! @susanita I don't think I've seen that show.. maybe I'll see if I can find it! @Crazeedi same! 4y
Andrew65 @UnidragonFrag I also love Val McDermid‘s Tony Hill / Carol Jordan Series, in fact would make my top 10. Although didn‘t put this as although written by a Scottish Author the books are set in the North of England. (edited) 4y
Andrew65 @Crazeedi You Know me, always plenty of suggestions! 😂 4y
Crazeedi @Andrew65 👍😉❤ 4y
night_shift @Andrew65 oh! That's what I've tagged for this post as I've heard it was good, but I guess I can't use it! 😅 4y
Andrew65 @UnidragonFrag That depends , Wikipedia describes ‘Tartan Noir as a form of crime fiction particular to Scotland and Scottish writers. It has its roots in Scottish literature but borrows elements from elsewhere, including from the work of American crime writers of the second half of the twentieth century, especially of the hard-boiled genre, and of European authors.‘ Tony Hilll/ Carol Jordan Series is written by a Scottish Author so possibly👇 (edited) 4y
Andrew65 Counts. I think I would count it if I was you. Book 2 in that series is on of my favourite all time books. 4y
night_shift @Andrew65 maybe I'll use it but I think I'd rather use one set in Scotland to make it all well rounded, I guess? 4y
Andrew65 I would recommend the first book of the Rebus Series 4y
Andrew65 Or first book in the Shetlands Series 4y
Andrew65 Or first book in the Lewis Trilogy 4y
night_shift @Andrew65 lol thanks! 4y
Andrew65 @UnidragonFrag I used to be decisive but now I‘m not so sure. 4y
night_shift @Andrew65 I think, after looking at the 3, I'm leaning towards the Rebus series. But we'll see what I find at the library. They all sound good 😂 4y
Andrew65 @UnidragonFrag I love the writing of the Rebus series and Rebus is a great character. 4y
Susanita Shetland is available in the US on PBS and something called Britbox. A streaming service I think? Maybe Netflix as well. I‘m halfway through season 4 on PBS. I think I know who did it, but I could be completely wrong! 4y
night_shift @Susanita cool, thanks! 4y
52 likes29 comments
review
BarbaraTheBibliophage
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Pickpick

If you like grisly, psychological thrillers this one‘s for you. Must be okay with details, and also plenty of 1990s style prejudices. The main characters aren‘t shiny, pretty people which works in their favor for me. Sadly, I guessed the killer about 69% through but missed some key details. Solid 3.5 stars for the genre.

Full review www.thebibliophage.com
#thebibliophage2019

95 likes2 stack adds
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Heideschrampf
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Mehso-so

Finished my first #audioembroidery project (a grain filled heating cushion for a friend) with Val McDermid‘s first #tonyhill novel. It‘s a bit antiquated but a well plotted psycho story and well rounded characters. I just get a bit bored with the whole genre at times, so it‘ll probably be a while before i‘ll dip back into my mum‘s crime story stash...

saresmoore I love it! 5y
mreads The towel came out fantastic 👍👍👍 5y
52 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Heideschrampf
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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julesG By hand or with a sewing machine? 5y
mreads Nice work 5y
Heideschrampf @mreads thanks 🙏 5y
julesG Wow! Impressive! 5y
59 likes5 comments
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MariaSolArg
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Pickpick

Terminado libro #21
#elcantodelassirenas #valmcdermid
Reseña: Las únicas dos cosas que le puedo criticar es que, no está se explota mucho en la vida pasada de los personajes y lo otro, me esperaba que el asesino fuera más sanguinario ya que usa réplicas de instrumentos de tortura de la inquisición. Lo demas me encantó, ni siquiera se imaginan quién es el asesino.

#elcantodelassirenas #valmcdermid
#leeressexy #libros #libro #amoleer

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MariaSolArg
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Empezando
El canto de la sirenas de Val McDermid
Sinopsis: Un asesino en serie está sembrando el terror en la pequeña ciudad de Bradfield. Han aparecido los cadáveres de cuatro hombres brutalmente torturados y mutilados. La policía está desorientada a causa de la falta de pistas. Debido al depravado modo de actuar del asesino, decide recurrir a la colaboración de Tony Hill, un psicólogo experto en el estudio de mentes criminales....

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jenniferw88
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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🎶 Hey, I just met you
And this is crazy,
But here's my number,
So #callmemaybe 🎶

Probably need to have read the book to know why I chose this one - I won't reveal it as it is a spoiler!

@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB #HeatofJuly

Cinfhen Those lyrics are so damn catchy 😬😂😂 6y
CampbellTaraL @Cinfhen So much so that I'm running off to sing them loud and off key at my spouse in the shower so he's stuck with the ear worm too! 😂 6y
Cinfhen Ha! Share the 👂🏼🐛 @taraWritesSci 6y
BarbaraBB Yeah such an earwurm! 6y
94 likes5 stack adds4 comments
review
nozpow
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
Pickpick

Very dark tale of pyshological profiler with dark mental aspects himself and up and coming female police CID officer tracking down a warped serial killer with sadist tendencies. Nice plot and characters but its USP is the dark obsessive sexual sadism. Later made into TV show "wire in the blood"

RaimeyGallant Nice review. 6y
9 likes1 stack add1 comment
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AmCheri
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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My second McDermid but first of the series.

1 like1 stack add
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RiaWritten
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Panpan

This book has not aged at all well in the 23 years since its publication. Intensely problematic. I can explain why in the comments if requested. (Also Erin Purr says hello. #catsoflitsy)

rubyslippersreads 😻😹😻 6y
22 likes1 comment
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rockpools
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Bailedbailed

🙁Bailing at 45%. Partly because it's right at the gruesome limit of what I want to read, but mostly because I don't care enough to carry on.

Maybe it's the wrong series - too much in the serial killer's head; or my expectations were too high; maybe I should start the series at a random mid-way point when the characters have settled in; or maybe I should just listen to Val on panel & gardening shows & admit her books aren't for me. Not sure.

Booksnchill Love all Val McDermid‘s books but they don‘t get any less serial killery😱💀 if that helps with your decision! 6y
rockpools @Booksnchill Thanks 😂! I'll bare that in mind! I'm not sure if it's the serial killeryness or the profileryness that put me off a bit... 6y
Booksnchill I think perhaps her profileriness and serial killeriness are the 2 spheres of her series!!! Off to submit these to the OED as words of the year candidates!! 6y
rockpools @Booksnchill 😹Excellent! 6y
51 likes4 comments
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RiaWritten
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Is it weird that murder mystery paperbacks are my literary comfort food? Let‘s read a bit before bed...

Annl They are mine also! 6y
TrishB Me three 👍🏻 6y
dragondrool Me four! 6y
30 likes1 stack add3 comments
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RiaWritten
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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That time when no one was in the break room so I turned off the communal tv so I could read. 👻👻👻

LauraBrook Thank god for quiet! Communal TVs drive me crazy. 6y
TheWordJar Yes! 🙌 6y
29 likes2 comments
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jenniferw88
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Woohoo! Just registered for audio and ebook loans from my local libraries! I see a lot more reading in my future!

HollyB3 It‘s the best. I can‘t get to my library on a regular basis, so still having the opportunity to use the library from the comfort and convenience of my home is fantastic. 6y
Suet624 It IS the best!! 6y
Mollyanna My books per year definitely went up once I was able to have ebooks and audios on my phone. 6y
Andrew65 @Mollyanna Mine too! 6y
Q84 Oh yeah! I love the digital loans! Audio books are great for cooking, cleaning, car rides, and any other chance I can squeeze it in. Helps when I can be actually reading. 6y
73 likes5 comments
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Michelle_mck
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Listening to older books in my library loving revisiting the beginning of the series

78 likes2 stack adds
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geekybookgirl2
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Val McDermid is one of my favourite crime authors. I really love her Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series.

6 likes1 stack add
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kellock
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Pickpick

I'm not going to lie, it was a but graphic for me in parts but I liked the structure of the story and the plot kept me engaged right to end. I didn't guess who the murderer was, not that I ever do 🤣 I'd read more McDermid books.

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kellock
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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I had forgone lazy weekends reading in bed - i had forgotten how lovely and relaxing they are.

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kellock
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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I made a good dent in this today. I'm liking it, the switching between the police and serial killer action is working for me.

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kellock
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Next up in my #bloodyscotland quest, a Val McDermid. I've heard her talk forensics and I've seen her drinking and singing, now it's time to read a book 📚

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Andrew65
Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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#mermaids Could only be The Mermaids Singing for me. This book by Val McDermid isn't about Mermaids and you have to think carefully about why it is called that when you finish the book. It is the first book in one of my top ten series of all time, Tony Hill / Carol Jordan Series. Great combination between a profiler and a detective, and they both have issues! This is a really good introduction to this series.

CrowCAH Sounds interesting! A book not about mermaids, but that's the title hmmm?! 7y
Andrew65 @CrowCAH For a long time I thought the title needed an apostrophe! 7y
20 likes2 comments
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ephemeragrrl
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
This post contains spoilers
show me
Panpan

The book is over 20 years old now and it shows, in regards to attitudes to both gay & trans people. Characters are hugely homophobic, the trans element is not well managed & it falls into tired & predictable old patterns. But I rarely give up on a book & gritted my teeth to the end. Taking one for the team here....

I honestly can't recommend this but would consider reading some of her more recent work.

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GuiltyFeat
The Mermaids Singing | Val McDermid
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Panpan

Well that was just plain terrible. I was hoping to kick off a new series, but this was absolutely the worst written book I have read in years.

Truly awful prose, clunky dialog, laughable diary entries. Unnecessary adverbs reducing the impact of every sentence. The author's contempt for the reader's intelligence was overwhelming.

I cannot think of a book that I've read that was less sophisticated than this. Bloody awful.

shawnmooney Why don't you tell us how you really feel? LOL. When I don't like a book, I also like to be scathing. :-) 👍 8y
GuiltyFeat @shawnmooney I'm so careful about what I read. Sure I like to be surprised and challenged, but it's rare that I will pick something, pay for it and choose to read it only for it to turn out terrible. I wasn't expecting this to be so bad, and it was egregiously so. 8y
[DELETED] 2232195534 Was this her first book? I've read others in the series but not this one for some reason. And seen the TV adaptation prior to reading the books. I liked her book, A Place Of Execution a lot. 8y
GuiltyFeat @kaysreadinglife It's the first of her books to feature Tony Hill from Wire in the Blood. She had written several books in two different series before this. 8y
ephemeragrrl Just finished this, had remember the TV series fondly, but as I read it I remembered the poor elements. Not great. Her book on Forensics though, that's actually awesome 7y
31 likes1 stack add5 comments