Field of Blood (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A sensational murder provides the young journalist Paddy Meehan with her big professional break when she realizes that she has a personal connection to one of the suspects.Launching her own investigation, Paddy uncovers lines of deception that go deep into the past - and that could spell even more horrible crimes in the future if she doesn't get the story right.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031615458X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316154581
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #148,558 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another tough but brilliant Mina offering, May 18, 2007

By	Laurie Fletcher "Laurie Fletcher" (Casper, Wyoming, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Denise Mina is without peer in her detailed portrayal of the underbelly population of England's cities. Hers are the bluest-of-blue-collared people with whom we avoid eye contact if we notice them at all. And if we do notice, we look quickly away, likely without any curiosity. She uses our stereotypes of the underclass to introduce us to her stories and then smacks us down with brilliant characterizations. Unlike a previous reviewer, I think it is absolutely essential that her settings are British and that she doesn't always provide a regional thesaurus for our ease of comprehension. In fact, there isn't any pandering to the audience in any of Mina's books; she seems to write for herself without a shred of coyness or trickery and if she catches us unawares, it may be because we weren't paying attention.

In "Field of Blood", Mina uses a sensational true murder as her departure point: In 1993, two 10-year-old boys murdered a toddler in Liverpool and the resulting trial was predictably sensational, even by British standards. In her similar story, Mina delves into the background of not only the boys and their families but also the community from which they arose. Our guide is Paddy Nelson, the new copygirl at the Scottish Daily News who has visions of a life as a tough, incisive reporter but a reality that is much drearier, even in its complexity. The story weaves through the official investigation, Paddy's hit-and-miss investigation, and Paddy's fractured personal life. Perhaps this would be a good time to mention that I was initially repulsed but then truly captivated by the slobby, sophomoric girl who grew and matured over the course of the book.

Make no mistake, Denise Mina writes very tough books with mature subject matter and unflinching plotlines and these books aren't for everyone, but they are for me. In fact, she's one of a new breed of lady writers coming out of the British Isles who write big, beautifully plotted, very dark psychological thrillers. That club includes Mo Hayder, Minette Walters, and my favorite (favourite?), Val McDermid, who provided Denise Mina with the detailed workings of a regional newsroom.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 'It's justice that's rare - truth is relative.', January 25, 2008

By	J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

While this is the first of Denise Mina's novels featuring Paddy Meehan it is the second that I have read. No matter: it was nice to make her acquaintance again.

Ms Mina writes tough, uncompromising crime fiction and Paddy Meehan, aspiring journalist is on one level a most unlikely hero. Of uncompromising blue collar Catholic stock in a time and a place where such things matter, Paddy dares dream of a career. Her chance comes after an horrific crime in which three year old Brian is murdered and one of the suspects, a young lad, is part of her extended family circle.

Follow the twists and turns of this novel and a linked but secondary story about the 'other' Paddy Meehan which, while it forms part of the rich backdrop is not directly relevant. Or is it?

I'm delighted to read that Ms Mina intends to write five books about Paddy Meehan. The third is available now, and I'm off to hunt it down.

Highly recommended to those who like rich, gritty crime fiction.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a real page-turner, June 6, 2007

By	Tim G "capaytg" (Northern California) - See all my reviews

The owner of the local bookstore suggested I try a Denise Mina book, so I took a gamble with this one and it sure paid off. The main character is very appealing and the storyline never slows down. Showed up to work sleepy after staying up late to find out what happened next. Ended up immediately reading her Garnethill trilogy afterwards. I'm hooked on Denise Mina. Loved also the glimpse into Glasgow that her books allow. Highly recommend this book.