Out of bounds by Val Mcdermid

Talk about women, and multi-tasking (wholehearted pun intended)!Out of Bounds is the first novel, I'm reading by Val McDermid, which is a shame on my part, because this book is the 30th one by the author, same as my age. However, I thank my lucky stars to have been introduced to Val McDermid's style of writing.

Out of Bounds is unlike any other crime/mystery/thriller/detective novel that I've come across.

What makes this story different are the multiple layers of sub-plots at play. 
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There is not one mystery that Detective Karen Pirie is trying to solve. 

Talk about women, and multi-tasking (wholehearted pun intended)!

I'm sure if you're an avid reader of Val McDermid's precious works, Detective Karen Pirie must not be new. To me, she was and nothing like any other detectives I've known before. I sincerely appreciated her sharpness, quick wit and the way she jumped the gun on countless occasions. If you've not been introduced to Detective Karen Pirie, here is your golden chance. I'm not just stopping here because I surely would be reading more to get a glimpse into her life. Nosy me, I know! But, that's how I've become a reader/reviewer.

I'll leave Detective Karen Pirie alone for now and focus my attention back on the plot.

My God! Out of Bounds left me speechless and kept me guessing! I loved the chase and thrill that accompanies reading such novels and lately, I had found some really lazy ones.

Here, Detective Karen Pirie is trying to solve two historic murder cases and one fresh case. Yet, nothing was messy about the writing. Everything was crisp and clear. The way Val McDermid's writing carefully faded in and out of these three cases was spectacular. It's not an easy feat to achieve this kind of skill. It displays the author's keen sense to detail and not making the reader have a whiplash by changing scenes abruptly.

Out of Bounds was a treat for the senses.

Although the book is not fast paced, it is paced well enough to keep the reader on its toes. I admired Val McDermid's red herrings and intelligent plot line. The clues were not shoved into the plot; they were carefully placed and now when I'm retracing my steps, I keep wondering "How did I miss that?"

That is why Out of Bounds deserves a standing ovation and Val McDermid to become one of my favorite crime/mystery/thriller authors.

Get your copy of Out of Bounds by Val McDermid.