How The Dead Speak*

by Val Mcdermid
How The Dead Speak* cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 6553
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
myweekly.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-11-21
excellent 4.50

How The Dead Speak by Val McDermid is a gripping and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make it a standout in the crime fiction genre.

How The Dead Speak by Val McDermid is a masterclass in crime fiction. The novel's intricate plot and well-developed characters keep readers engaged from start to finish. The suspense builds steadily, making it a page-turner that's hard to put down. McDermid's writing style is sharp and engaging, and her ability to create complex characters adds depth to the story. The themes of justice and redemption are explored in a way that resonates with readers, making it a thought-provoking read. The novel's pacing is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, How The Dead Speak is a standout in the crime fiction genre and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    The plot is intricate and keeps you guessing until the very end.

    McDermid's writing style is sharp and engaging, making it a page-turner.

    The themes of justice and redemption are explored in a way that resonates with readers.

bookmarks.reviews · Unknown · 2025-11-21
positive 4.20

How The Dead Speak is a complex and engaging thriller with multiple plotlines that are skillfully intertwined. The book is praised for its deft plotting, compelling characters, and satisfying conclusion, though some reviewers note that the separation of the main characters, Tony Hill and Carol Jordan, is a challenge. The book is seen as a strong addition to the series, with some minor quibbles about the ending and the setup for the next installment.

How The Dead Speak is a transitional entry in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, and it is perhaps Val McDermid's most complex book to date. The novel features numerous plotlines that are elegantly choreographed and intertwined, making it a compelling read. The book is praised for its deft plotting, which holds the disparate elements together, and for its compelling characters. The dialogue is noted for its British touch, and the book is filled with a large, diverse cast of characters. The conclusion is satisfying, resolving everything on a potential up note while leaving readers waiting impatiently for the next installment. However, some reviewers note that the separation of Tony Hill and Carol Jordan is a challenge, as they are physically separated and far from the crime-fighting tag-team they made in their many successful prior adventures. The book is seen as a strong addition to the series, with some minor quibbles about the ending and the setup for the next installment. Overall, the book is a riveting read that showcases McDermid's writing and plotting talents.

Quick quotes

    McDermid’s numerous plotlines are easily distinguishable from each other, and when they intersect (as we know they must do), their crossing is neither strained nor obvious.

    Despite these very disparate elements, the whole coheres through some very deft plotting.

    The 11th in McDermid’s series is chock-full of crime and yet not as compelling as past installments.

crimebookgirl.com · Unknown · 2019-09-15
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer is a long-time fan of Val McDermid's Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, praising the character development and emotional depth. While the plot of How The Dead Speak is intriguing, the reviewer finds the characters and their personal journeys more compelling, particularly their redemption and growth.

The reviewer has been a devoted fan of Val McDermid's Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series for years, appreciating the realistic character development and the evolving relationships. In How The Dead Speak, the reviewer finds the plot intriguing but not as urgent as previous novels, as Tony and Carol are not directly involved in the investigations. Instead, the focus is on the characters' personal struggles and redemption, which the reviewer finds deeply satisfying. The reviewer also praises McDermid's skill in weaving together plot strands with an in-depth character study, highlighting themes of salvation and nuanced portrayals of complex issues.

Quick quotes

    I’ve been a big fan of Val McDermid’s books for many years, and Tony Hill and Carol Jordan are two of my favourite characters in crime fiction.

    It has been said that the series character is the privilege of genre fiction; the privilege for the reader is to watch that character unfold and grow in front of them.

    To me, plot isn’t the point of How The Dead Speak — Tony and Carol are the point.

fullybooked2017.com · Unknown · 2019-08-16
excellent 4.50

How The Dead Speak is a gripping police procedural that delves into the dark side of Roman Catholicism. The story features familiar characters and a clever twist that ties everything together, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer praises McDermid's storytelling and the emotional impact of the final pages.

How The Dead Speak by Val McDermid is a compelling addition to the police procedural genre. The story revolves around the discovery of human remains in the grounds of a former Roman Catholic children's home, uncovering dark and unpalatable truths about the institution. The reviewer appreciates McDermid's ingenuity and clarity as a storyteller, noting that the Jordan/Hill story initially runs on separate rails but beautifully comes together in a twist. The final pages are particularly impactful, evoking a strong emotional response. The reviewer also highlights the inclusion of familiar characters and the clever resolution of the plot. Overall, the book is praised for its engaging narrative and the emotional depth it brings to the genre.

Quick quotes

    McDermid is brave enough to initially consign Jordan and Hill to the outer darkness, but she is canny enough to keep us comfortable by placing familiar figures at the centre of the action.

    Her ingenuity and unmatched clarity as a storyteller make How The Dead Speak a very special book.

    And there is a bonus. McDermid — who, as fans of her band will know, is no mean singer — might just be performing a cover version of one of my favourite songs Save The Best For Last.

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