Killing the Shadows

by Val McDermid

Book Overview

A killer is on the loose, blurring the line between fact and fiction. His prey: the writers of crime novels who have turned psychological profilers into the heroes of our times. His bloodlust shatters... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312266154
• ISBN13: 9780312266158
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 422 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

A superb product from a top contemporary mystery writer.

This is as satisfying a modern mystery as I have read in years. The basic plot description reads as a serial killer of serial killer thriller writers. I will add to this that Ms. Mc Dermid gices us in 1 book: a) 3 seprarate serial killer investigation in varying degrees of detail and all interesting; b) several intelligent detectives, none of them Lestrade-ish or tokenish; c) interesting victims; d) a very charismatic heroine in all senses; e) red herrings in the classic tradition, as well as a surprising main villain. Just read this one; you will not be dissapointed.

Stunning

Britin has many shining stars of writing, almost all of whom can outstrip most their American counterparts by miles, in my opinion. (sorry, folks!) Minette Walters, Reginald Hill, Ian Rankin, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James, Nicci French, John Connolly, and Val McDermid. These are all the shining lights of British writing, and with this spectacular new novel by Val McDermid proves why she is among them. It was a while ago that i read this (it came out in the UK in 2000), but it's all still fresh in my mind. the compelling characters, the cracker of a plot, the great writing...All of it. The plot, first of all, is startlingly original (although on first appearances it seems to not to be, but if you look closer, it actually is.). The occasional passages from the books of the dead writers are refreshing and invigorating, and the "diary" of the criminal also adds pace and interest to the book. The beginning chapter is truly inspirational, and although it is one of the sections which come from the books of the slain writers, we must not forget that it ultimately comes from McDermid, and shows how great her talent really is. The actual device of killing writers is interesting in itself, and because i have an intense interest in them, that made the plot, for me, all the more enjoyable. it gives insight to the world and mind of a writer, and the closed environs of the publishing world. The claustraphobia and loneliness of the profession is brought over well in how Kit feels and acts. Which brings me on to the characters. Fiona Cameron is a great lead. Resourceful, intelligence, an all-round no nosense person and woman of the nineties. She's interesting and compelling. Senisble and attractive, even though we can't actually see her. Haunted, too, by the death of her sister Leslie, which gives a great Epilogue to the tale. There are some other great characters, too. Terry, for example, who lights up the page whenever she appears, and Steve Preston, who's repressed feelings for Fiona make the book shimmer with an undisclosed tension. Upon reading A Place of Execution, i didn't think she could do any better, but she has. This is probably one of the best novels of the year, certainly the best she has written. It is compelling, exciting, interesting, haunting, chilling. A expertly told tale. This morning i began her latest novel "The Last Temptation" ... and ithe third novel in the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series. So far she is showing signs of improving yet again. ...Val McDermid is probably Britain's brightest star, and this novel is worthy of her immense talent.

Absolutely Teriffic!

Val McDermid's Killing the Shadows is a rare treat -- a serial killer targeting crime writers and killing them using methods that the writers have used to kill the characters in their books. McDermid's characters are believable and likeable, the plot moves swiftly, and the puzzle is wonderfully difficult. I've read many, many a mystery and thriller, and this is definitely one of the best that I've read in a long time. She's definitely in Thomas Harris territory (and some of the crimes in "Shadows" give him a real run for the money). Buy It!

Brilliance sustained and enhanced

Val McD has surpassed the excellent Place of Execution with this superbly written work.Psychologist Dr Fiona Cameron goes to investigate a serial killer in Toledo, Spain and feels she has left behind the bitter taste from her last case for London`s Metropolitan Police in which they went against her advice and the murder of a young London woman remains unsolved.On return to England ,another serial killer starts his rampage of gruesome murder,targeting crime novelists and re-enacting their deaths in the same way of a victim from each of their books .Dr Cameron has more than a vested interest as her lover ,Kit Martin is a crime writer and may be on the hitman`s list.With the case in London still open,the Toledo case unsolved and a serial killer targeting mystery writers ,on the rampage,Dr Cameron has a personal and professional crisis which could crossroads at any time.Intricate,fast paced,intelligent and with more twists than a mountain stream,this is a great bet for another Edgar nomination and a must read for all true fans of modern crime thrillers.

Have Spare Light Bulbs At Hand

This is only the second novel I have read by Ms. Val McDermid, the first was, "A Place Of Execution", and it left me as uneasy as I imagine the writer wished. "Killing The Shadows", is again a wonderful book that should be read under highly lit conditions, with standby lights and perhaps a generator. This lady's work does not just get under the skin; her words burrow into the marrow of your bones, and when appropriate the geometric center of the brain. The picture of her on the jacket has her taking the measure of a potential reader, as if deciding whether they can handle her invasive writing.This particular book contains events that many will find gruesome and seriously deviant to say the least. What is interesting is these passages are from the imagined work of other writers, so the initial impulse is not to credit her with the grisly scenes, rather a third party. The passages she uses are not gratuitous. They are integral to introducing the behavior of a serial killer, and a possible source for his demented inspiration. What drives the killer is more complicated than that, or this book would not have Ms. McDermid's name upon it. These portions of the book are also a small part of the reading, and should not discourage anyone from enjoying this writer's craft.The characters she creates are little short of brilliant. One of them is a PHD Candidate named Terry. If this character were based on a real female, she would be on many men's list of women to meet, and also a woman who would be more than a match for most. The author presents very bright, attractive, strong women without their needing to mimic the undesirable characteristics of their male counterparts. Terry is one of the best female characters I have read in some time.A certain genre of writers are the targets of this book's killer, or are they? The best part of that query is that you will not know until the last pages of the book why everything took place as it did. One of the keys to a great thriller/mystery is how well the author sustains uncertainty and suspense. No author does this better that Ms. McDermid. She sets blind alleys, manipulates misdirection, and false conclusions brilliantly. No matter how many books you have read that required an answer to, "Who...", you will find this lady's work on par with anyone's.Unconditionally recommended.