I really enjoy the Karen Pirie books; I came to McDermid's work through the Tony Hill books but have to say, Karen has become a favorite character. I love the dimension she brings to personalities, the growth and change in Karen, in Jason, and am intrigued by some of the new characters. This book has two mysteries, one a cold case linked with a more recent event and then a truly cold case. The story juggles both and it's interesting to read through it in the same way that Karen and team are juggling -- I think it's the first time I've really felt the pace/pressure that must happen when all the things start coming together at the same time, but require different focus. I definitely recommend picking this one up, if you've read the others. If not, start with book 1 and enjoy the ride to this point!

Sensational and clever as always. I don’t know how she remains so fresh, current and mischievous. The characters are full and real as always, and cases are always complex and great. Research top-notch and engrossing. Another hit indeed!

Had the absolute pleasure of reviewing the latest Val McDermid book #Stilllife today. Number 6 in the Karen Piirie series.
Karen heads the HCU (Historical Crime Unit) based in St Andrews. Scotland. A great series and I've been waiting since 2018 for the next instalment. It was worth the wait and I haven't been dissapointed.

Feb 2020 it was announced ITV would use the same Production team that produced Bodyguard and Line of Duty to televise the Karen Pirie series, so hopefully a great series is waiting in the wings.

The book is due for publication in October.

I couldn't put it down! The latest in the Karen Pirie series see her juggling two cases. Whilst I figured out the "whodunnit" easily in one of the mysteries, it didn't diminish my enjoyment reading about Karen and the HCU's investigation. Val McDermid turned out another great read!

480 pages

5 stars

DCI Karen Pirie has quickly become my favorite character to spring from Ms. McDermid's creative mind.

Karen and her partner, Jason have their hands full in this, the latest in the Karen Pirie series. It all begins with a body that is retrieved in a fishing net and a skeleton found inside a camper van.

Unknown identities, forgery, broken hearts and outright lies feature in this book. Karen is still at odds with her immediate boss and the man who carelessly ran into Phil, Karen's love, is getting out of prison. Her plate is full, but with the aid of her team and a collection of forensic friends, she motors on. Her young sidekick Jason gets into trouble.

This is a superbly written and plotted novel, as are all of Ms. McDermid's offerings. I like Karen. She seems so human. I really felt what she was feeling as the author's descriptions are so very apt and spot on. I was traveling in the car with the protagonist and a witness to the shenanigans of the wrong do'ers. I loved the assertive manner with which she handled the France detectives and her interrogation of one of the suspects was sheer genius. More please, Ms. McDermid !.

I want to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for forwarding to me a copy of this most remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.

I'm a long time fan of Val McDermid. Still Life brings back one of my favorite characters, Karen Pirie. She has a lot of things happening, but as usual, she is totally in control and my admiration for her only grows. Keep 'em coming, Ms. McDermid!