Title: Field of Blood
Author: Denise Mina
First published January 1, 2005
456 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316154581 (ISBN10: 031615458X)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
In the captivating novel, The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham, readers are transported to the 1920s, where they follow the journey of Kitty Fane, a stunning woman who yearns for love.
However, when her husband discovers her infidelity, he drags her to the heart of a cholera outbreak, leaving Kitty to reflect on her life choices. As she faces the consequences of her actions and is stripped of her privileged life, she discovers a newfound conscience and learns to find love in unconventional places.
With its elegant prose and timeless message of growth, forgiveness, and redemption, The Painted Veil is a must-read for anyone who craves a tale of self-discovery and transformation.
About the Author
Denise Mina, a native of Glasgow, was born in 1966. Her father’s work as an Engineer led the family to follow the North Sea oil boom of the 1970s all around Europe.
After leaving school at the age of sixteen, she worked in a variety of low-paying jobs, such as a meat factory worker, barmaid, kitchen porter, and cook. Eventually, she found her calling in auxiliary nursing for geriatric and terminal care patients.
At the age of twenty-one, Denise took her exams and was accepted to study Law at Glasgow University. She later pursued a PhD thesis at Strathclyde University on the ascription of mental illness to female offenders while also teaching criminology and criminal law.
Despite receiving a grant for her studies, Denise misused her time and stayed home to write her first novel, “Garnethill.”
Editoral Review
In “Field of Blood,” Denise Mina delivers a gripping crime novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. First published in 2005, the book is set in Glasgow, Scotland, and follows the story of Paddy Meehan, a young journalist who becomes embroiled in a dark and twisted murder case while trying to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of newspapers.
Mina, a Scottish crime writer, is known for her gritty and realistic portrayals of Glasgow’s working-class neighborhoods and her ability to create complex and flawed female characters. “Field of Blood” is no exception, as it weaves together themes of ambition, class politics, and religious tensions in a fast-paced and satisfying mystery.
The plot centers around the murder of a young boy in a well-to-do Glasgow neighborhood and the subsequent investigation that ensues. Paddy, who comes from a working-class background, is assigned to cover the story by her editor, and she quickly becomes obsessed with finding the truth behind the murder.
Along the way, she must navigate a web of corruption and deceit within the newsroom and confront her own biases and presumptions about the case. Mina’s writing is sharp and incisive, and she expertly builds suspense through skillful pacing and a strong sense of place.
Glasgow is portrayed as a city with a rich history and a complex social hierarchy, and Mina makes full use of this backdrop to explore the themes of the book. While the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, there are a few minor flaws that can be mentioned.
Some readers might find the ending a little too tidy, and some of the characters’ motivations may not be entirely clear. However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise excellent book.
Overall, “Field of Blood” is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone looking for a well-crafted and intelligent mystery. Its exploration of gender issues, class politics, and religious tensions make it a timely and relevant book, and its strong female protagonist is refreshing and inspiring.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and satisfying read. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
