‘The Distant Echo’ by Val McDermid

My Review (5 stars out of 5)

When four drunken students discover the body of a woman in an ancient Pictish cemetery, they soon find themselves suspected of her murder. With blood on their clothes, they struggle to maintain their innocence as they try to move on with their lives.  When a cold-case review is mounted twenty-five years later, the four men are still under suspicion. Following an arson attack, one of the pals is found dead. At first it seems like bad luck, but when another of the men dies, the remaining pair realise they are being hunted.  

I’m ashamed to say this is only the second Val McDermid novel I’ve read, but it won’t be the last – I’ve already ordered book two in the Karen Pirie series. This one starts off with a murder and the consequences of the four pals as they endeavour to distance themselves from the crime. When one of the cops from the original case heads up a cold-case investigation, DC Karen Pirie goes on the hunt for missing evidence. Meanwhile, a new face turns up with accusations, seeking revenge for the murder.

DC Pirie doesn’t have much of a role in this story but she’s an interesting character. Ms McDermid’s storytelling skills ramp up the tension as the story progresses, creating memorable characters and backstories without losing pace. As we fly towards the conclusion, the final furlong is a thrilling ride for all concerned.

An exciting murder mystery that’s as clever as a fox with a bag of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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