Customer Reviews

Union Jack

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I didn't like this book...and I worship Val McDermid's writing!

I could understand virtually none of the union babble that took up a great deal of the book. I felt like I was reading one of those papers you are assigned in school that you read to say you read, but very little of it actually sinks in.

I was able to follow both the beginning and ending parts of the novel (both of which I liked), and I did not guess who was behind the murder. However, this just wasn't Val's strongest novel, and as much as I'm a supporter of her work, I have to say, unless you're a journalist yoursels, skip over this book.

I enjoyed this book because of the atmosphere, and also because you don't expect the end, which should always be the case in a good crime story.

It's a nice change to read good lesbian crime story that's taking place outside the US

Lindsey Gordon isn't a detective, but she is one of these characters who is constantly getting embroiled in murder investigations. This is the fourth such experience for the British lesbian and former journalist who has been transplanted to the US where she now teaches Journalism.

When Lindsey returns to the UK to complete research for her dissertation, she finds herself not only involved in UK trade union politics, but also a murder suspect. Intent on clearing her name and ensuring that she can return to the States, Lindsey and her girlfriend dive head first into solving one, or maybe two, murders.

This is a great whodunnit with well developed and likeable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing right up until the very end.

A final comment I'll add is that while the book is about trade unions, there was remarkably little politics and what was included actually served the story -- unlike some novels that seem to be more politics than plot.

If you've ever enjoyed any lesbian mystery novel in the past, you're likely to enjoy this one.

Lindsay Gordon is a former journalist who returns to the United Kingdom to attend a trade union conference that will provide material for her doctoral dissertation. She is not a stranger to these meetings since she used to work as a trade delegate ten years ago. Nothing has changed in a decade. There is hypocrisy, prejudice, sexual harassment and debauchery among the attendants. Somebody is also writing a newsletter that is making accusations on the members of the conference.

To make matters worse Tom Jack, a union boss, dies when he falls out of Lindsay's tenth floor hotel room. The police are quick to suspect on Lindsay due to her animosity towards Jack as well as it being her hotel room. In order to clear her name she decides to investigate the death with the help of her lover, Sophie Hartley. What they discovered is an ugly blackmail and embezzling scheme involving several people at the trade union.

I liked reading this novel with its satire and quick wit. The plotting is well done and the story ends well. I am aware that this is not the first Lindsay Gordon novel but I will try to read the others. I am enjoying Ms. McDermid's novels and characters.

Lindsay Gordon is a former journalist who returns to the United Kingdom to attend a trade union conference that will provide material for her doctoral dissertation. She is not a stranger to these meetings since she used to work as a trade delegate ten years ago. Nothing has changed in a decade. There is hypocrisy, prejudice, sexual harassment and debauchery among the attendants. Somebody is also writing a newsletter that is making accusations on the members of the conference.

To make matters worse Tom Jack, a union boss, dies when he falls out of Lindsay's tenth floor hotel room. The police are quick to suspect on Lindsay due to her animosity towards Jack as well as it being her hotel room. In order to clear her name she decides to investigate the death with the help of her lover, Sophie Hartley. What they discovered is an ugly blackmail and embezzling scheme involving several people at the trade union.

I liked reading this novel with its satire and quick wit. The plotting is well done and the story ends well. I am aware that this is not the first Lindsay Gordon novel but I will try to read the others. I am enjoying Ms. McDermid's novels and characters.