Heather Critchlow

Last year I read Unsolved, the first book to feature true crime podcaster, Cal Lovett. I've been looking forward to book two, Unburied, ever since.

Cal's life has been defined by the disappearance of his older sister, Margot, when he was nine. Decades have passed and as the book begins, it seems like there might finally be some progress in finding out what happened to her. Taking himself away from all that's going on in the investigation, he goes to the Scottish Highlands and a new cold case for his podcast practically jumps in his lap, that of a mother murdered on her doorstep.

It was great to catch up with Cal again. I always wish for a short recap of previous events when I start a new book in a series, but it pretty much all came back to me as Heather Critchlow managed to remind me of what happened in the first book without giving too much detail, making it a good standalone read for anyone who hasn't read the first book (although I do highly recommend starting with Unsolved).

The small village feel is present in spades. Whilst a few people are welcoming to Cal, many look at him with suspicion and there's always a sense of not knowing who might be on his side and who might not. It's fair to say Cal's stay in the village is a bit of a rollercoaster ride and I was surprised by the conclusion.

Unburied is a really engaging and fast-paced crime story. There's not as much podcasting in this one I don't think, with more focus on Margot and on Cal's enquiries, but it was a really excellent read with great characters and skilled plotting. I'm hoping for more of Cal and justice for Margot…please!… (más)

I'm a sucker for a podcast novel. I'm not sure why as I never listen to podcasts but I find them a really fascinating focus for a crime novel.

In Unsolved, Cal Lovett is the presenter of a true crime investigative podcast in which he tries to find out what happened to people who have gone missing. When Cal was a child his older sister, Margot, disappeared and it's clear that it is this that is driving his need to help others who are missing loved ones. He decides to investigate a missing woman in Scotland and heads there to look into what happened 35 years earlier.

Unsolved is a truly gripping read which I flew through. There's something about the combination of the cold case in Scotland, the modern day podcast and Cal's own experience that makes for the perfect crime novel. The writing is sympathetic towards the loved ones of the missing women, the desire to know what happened fighting against the need not to know, and it gave me lots to think about as well as being a rollicking good suspense. I loved the red herrings and the plot twists, and the small-town Scottish setting, where everybody knows everybody else and not much happens to excite a young woman yearning for more.

I'm really pleased that this is the first of a trilogy featuring Cal Lovett. He's a character with depth, lots bubbling away under the surface, and the ending of Unsolved made me eager to know what happens next. This is a brilliant debut novel, tense, dark and beautifully written.… (más)