Raven Black [#books #review]

by Ann Cleeves

Shetland
White Nights →

Rating: 8/10

Outside it was completely silent. There was no sound of wind. In Shetland, when there was no wind it was shocking. People strained their ears and wondered what was missing.

(Page 1)

Even though I had already watched the episode of the television series based on this novel, and therefore I knew the story, the book still satisfied me: I wanted to keep reading, to know how it continued, and I enjoyed the reading. I don't know if I'll continue the series, having seen many episodes of Shetland, but I'd certainly like it.

Quotes

Twenty past one in the morning on New Year's Day. Magnus knew the time because of the fat clock, his mother's clock, which squatted on the shelf over the fire. In the corner the raven in the wicker cage muttered and croaked in its sleep.

[incipit]

Perez? Wasn't that Spanish? It was a very odd name, she thought, for a Shetlander. But then, he seemed a very odd man.

Fran

(Page 39)

'[...] But overnight I was thinking about what Jimmy said. You disturbed my sleep Jimmy, but you were right. We explore the other options first. We only bring in the old man when we're absolutely sure.'

Great, Perez said to himself. So now it's my responsibility if things go wrong. He thought Taylor was cleverer and much more devious than he'd realized.

(Page 111)

It's such a compliment, isn't it, when another person becomes passionate about a book you love. It gives you a connection.

Mr Scott

(Page 127)

For God's sake, leave your mother out of this. She saw how it would be if they got together permanently. The first sign of trouble and he'd be off to Celia, looking for a shoulder to cry on, depending on her to put everything right. Perhaps it was healthier to hate your mother. Perhaps she should be grateful that Margaret had treated her like shit.

(Page 364)

He drove back to Lerwick. Before going to his office he called at his house and phoned his mother.