Distant Echo

by Val Mcdermid
Distant Echo cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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  • ID: 6549
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-11-23
brilliant 5.00

The Distant Echo is praised for its intricate plotting and gripping narrative, with a cold case investigation that resurfaces decades later. The novel explores the emotional impact of murder and the ripple effects of violence, set against a gothic backdrop in St Andrews.

The Distant Echo is celebrated for its masterful plotting and compelling story. The novel begins with a cold case from 1978, where four university students discover a young bartender dying in the snow. The suspicion around the boys lingers, and the case is reopened in the present day, bringing back the mystery and tension of the past. The novel delves into the emotional turmoil surrounding murder, showcasing the grief of the victim's family, the pressure on the police, and the fascination with violence. The atmosphere is gothic and immersive, set in wintertime St Andrews, with excellent characterization that adds depth to the story. Despite Karen Pirie being a minor character, the novel stands out as the best in the series, with a surprising yet satisfying ending that remains captivating upon rereading.

Quick quotes

    The very first thing to say about this book is the incredible plotting. The plot begins literally on page one, and the plot hurtles forward from there.

    The murder begets more anger, more crime, more death, and the consequences reverberate on down the years.

    It is a classic to be savoured again and again.

crimebooks.uk · Unknown · 2025-11-23
entertaining 4.00

The Distant Echo by Val McDermid is a gripping introduction to the Karen Pirie series, blending a cold case murder with a sinister present-day mystery. The novel effectively uses flashbacks to deepen character connections and build suspense, leaving readers eager for more.

The Distant Echo by Val McDermid is a compelling start to the Karen Pirie series, weaving together a chilling cold case with a present-day mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story begins in 1978 with the discovery of a young barmaid's body, and the four young men who found her become the prime suspects. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, the suspicion lingers, and the case is reopened decades later. The novel's use of extended flashbacks allows readers to connect deeply with the characters, particularly Alex Gilbey, as he grapples with the past and the sudden, mysterious deaths of his friends. The introduction of Graham Macfadyen adds another layer of intrigue, as his motives remain ambiguous. While DC Karen Pirie is present, she does not take center stage in this novel, leaving room for her to develop in future installments. The suspenseful plot and well-crafted characters make this a highly entertaining read, and the ending leaves readers eager to dive into the next book in the series.

Quick quotes

    McDermid offers up some interesting twists in this opening novel, which will entertain and intrigue the curious reader.

    While she does appear throughout the investigation, DC Karen Pirie is only peppered throughout the story, perhaps in a way to introduce her to the reader, though she does not take centre-stage, at least not in this novel.

    Kudos, Madam McDermid for an exciting opening novel. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next.

booksfromscotland.com · Unknown · 2018-05-21
compelling 4.25

The Distant Echo by Val McDermid is a compelling crime novel with a tightly constructed plot and well-developed characters. The story is split into two halves, focusing on the impact of a murder on four friends and the reopening of the case years later. The book is praised for its intricate plot, emotional depth, and insightful character development, making it a standout in the crime fiction genre.

The Distant Echo by Val McDermid is a gripping crime novel that has captivated readers with its intricate plot and compelling characters. The story is divided into two distinct halves. The first half follows four close friends during their student years as they cope with the pressure of being unjustly vilified as murder suspects in a small community. The second half takes place some 25 years later, as their rebuilt lives begin to crumble when a cold-case review reopens the case, and the suspects start being bumped off in suspicious circumstances. The book is well-written throughout, with a tightly constructed plot that keeps readers engaged. The first half is particularly gripping, as the author skillfully handles the behavior of the four protagonists, each reacting differently yet entirely believably to the pressure. The second half unfolds beautifully, with details that initially seem circumstantial turning into important turning points. The resolution, while not the most interesting aspect, is overshadowed by the masterful handling of character development. The book is praised for its avoidance of clichés and its genuine insight into the characters' psychological states. Overall, The Distant Echo is a masterclass in crime fiction, and readers are eager to explore more of Val McDermid's work.

Quick quotes

    Intricately woven plot, a compelling read, and more than one jaw-dropping twist!

    It's very much a game of two halves, the first following four close friends in their student years as they cope with the pressure of being unjustly vilified as murder suspects in a small community.

    The resolution is probably the least interesting aspect here, it's the handling of character here which really matters, and in that, it's something of a masterclass.

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