Title: Talking to the Dead
Author: Harry Bingham
First published January 1, 2012
337 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345533739 (ISBN10: 0345533739)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
Meet Detective Constable Fiona Griffiths, an odd and overintense investigator who is quick on her feet and highly intuitive. Assigned to a murder case involving a young woman and her six-year-old daughter, Fiona discovers a platinum credit card belonging to a wealthy steel tycoon who has been dead for months.
As she dives deeper into the case, Fiona realizes there is more to this tragedy than meets the eye. Ignoring orders and protocol, she takes matters into her own hands and uncovers a dark world of crime and murder.
But as she delves deeper into the case, Fiona risks not only her own safety but also her own sanity, as she confronts the ghosts of her past that threaten to pull her back into the abyss at any moment. Talking to the Dead is a gripping mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Harry Bingham has made a name for himself through his acclaimed crime series featuring the unforgettable character Fiona Griffiths. Critics, authors, and readers alike have all sung the praises of his books, and for good reason.
If you’ve had the pleasure of reading one of Harry’s books, don’t forget to join the Fiona Griffiths Readers Club. By clicking the link below, you’ll receive a wonderful welcome gift, and you’ll be among the first to know when Fiona Griffiths returns for another thrilling adventure.
Editoral Review
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham is a gripping crime thriller that will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. First published in 2012, this novel is part of the Fiona Griffiths series, which follows the life of a young detective who suffers from a rare mental illness that affects her perception of reality.
Harry Bingham is an accomplished author and freelance writer who has written several novels that have been critically acclaimed in the literary world. Talking to the Dead is set in the city of Cardiff, Wales, and introduces readers to Fiona Griffiths, a young detective who is assigned to the suspicious case of a woman who found a human hand in a suburban garden.
Along the way, Fiona discovers that there is more than meets the eye in this case and becomes increasingly entangled in a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to take her down. Bingham’s writing style is captivating and immersive, drawing in readers with its complex yet relatable characters, gripping plot, and vivid descriptions of the city of Cardiff.
Throughout the novel, Bingham maintains a masterful balance between the detective’s personal life and her professional responsibilities, creating a dynamic and nuanced portrayal of a crime scene investigation.
One of the main strengths of Talking to the Dead is the depth of character development.
Fiona Griffiths is a complex and multi-dimensional character, struggling with her mental illness while trying to carve out a place for herself in the world of law enforcement. Bingham’s portrayal of her is nuanced and empathetic, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the novel.
The other characters in the novel are also well-drawn and fully realized, each with their unique motivations and secrets. The plot is twisty and unpredictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Bingham’s use of foreshadowing and red herrings is masterful, and readers will find themselves second-guessing their assumptions about the case. The pacing is excellent, giving readers just enough time to catch their breath before ramping up the tension once again.
One possible flaw of the novel is that some readers may find the subject matter to be too graphic. The murders and crimes that Fiona investigates are often gruesome and disturbing, and some readers may be put off by the level of violence depicted in the novel.
Overall, Talking to the Dead is a masterfully crafted crime thriller that should be on every reader’s must-read list. With its vibrant characters, captivating plot, and beautiful writing, this novel is a standout in the genre.
I highly recommend it to fans of crime fiction who are looking for a fresh and innovative take on the genre. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5, giving it a high score for its outstanding writing, characterization, and plot development.