A Place of Execution

by Val McDermid
A Place of Execution cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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  • ID: 6768
  • Added: 2025-12-01
  • Updated: 2025-12-01
  • ISBN: 9780006512639
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In the quaint village of Scardale, the disappearance of thirteen-year-old Alison Carter in 1963 sent shockwaves through the community. Now, decades later, journalist Catherine Heathcote revisits the case, interviewing the lead detective, DI George Bennett, and uncovering a web of lies and deception that threatens to consume them all.

Reviews
R.W. Thorne Blog · R.W. Thorne · 2022-07-17
thrilling 4.00

The novel is described as thrilling and thought-provoking, with a dark style that enhances the crime elements. The reviewer found it both gruesome and captivating.

R.W. Thorne found 'A Place of Execution' to be a thrilling and thought-provoking crime novel. They appreciated the dark style that adds to the overall atmosphere of the book. The reviewer noted that the novel is both gruesome and captivating, with a multilayered narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The exploration of reality and illusion is particularly noteworthy, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    I found A Place of Execution a thrilling, thought-provoking, and at times gruesome crime novel.

    Benefiting as much from its dark style as its multilayered narrative.

    The novel is both gruesome and captivating.

Matthew Richardson · Matthew Richardson · 2020-08-23
atmospheric 4.20

The book is praised for its moody atmosphere and well-paced narrative. The reviewer highlights the fear and introspection brought to life by the author.

Matthew Richardson describes 'A Place of Execution' as a moody, well-paced, and hugely atmospheric crime thriller. They appreciate how the author brings to life the fear and introspection that permeate the story. The reviewer notes that the book's atmosphere is particularly effective, making it a compelling read. The exploration of reality and illusion adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Overall, though, this was a moody, well-paced and hugely atmospheric crime thriller.

    McDermid brings to life the fear and introspection that permeate the story.

    The book's atmosphere is particularly effective, making it a compelling read.

BooksPlease · 2017-05-24
excellent 4.50

The book is loved more than the TV adaptation, with a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The atmosphere and character development are particularly praised.

The reviewer enjoyed the TV adaptation but found the book even more compelling. They appreciated the intricate plot and the way the author builds tension throughout the story. The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly described, making it a thrilling read. The reviewer also noted that the book's exploration of reality versus illusion adds depth to the narrative, making it a standout in the crime genre.

Quick quotes

    I saw the TV adaptation first and quite enjoyed it. I then read the book and loved it.

    The atmosphere and character development are particularly praised.

    The book's exploration of reality versus illusion adds depth to the narrative.

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