Blue Lightning: A Thriller

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Gordon Griffin

Inspector Jimmy Perez takes his fiance home to Fair Isle, the tiny island he comes from, to meet his parents. The island is a magnet for bird watchers, who congregate at the local inn and lighthouse. When a local married celebrity who had an eye for the lads is murdered, Perez discovers that the suspects are very close to him indeed.

©2010 Ann Cleeves (P)2010 Soundings

ending a surprise

loved it. i like jmmy more than vera. ..I'm looking forward to the next chapter in his life

Slow-burning police procedural

This was my favorite of the first four Shetland books — I know because it forced me to immediately start the fifth book. It’s a slow-burning police procedural about a bird expert being killed on the Fair Isles. If Cleeves has a problem, it's that she creates such rich characters, even minor ones who are only around for a few chapters, so you want to scream at her when she kills them off. Bechdel test: Pass. Grade: A-

Narration: Very good. I like him slightly better than the narrator who takes over after this book.

In no way is this a thriller—still enjoyable

I really like the characters in this series, and there was a lot of characterization in this installment. So overall, my review is positive. But there was very little mystery, and certainly nothing approaching a thriller. There were long stretches without any reference whatsoever to the mystery. It was quite strange in that regard. But it was a treat to learn about fair isle and about rabid bird spotters. So I liked it, but...

Great story but..:

Another great story from Ann Cleeves but the narrator for Jimmy’s character sounds old, far to old to be Jimmy. Otherwise, an excellent story!

Ann didn’t have to do all that…

I won’t spoil the story, but it made me debate whether I would continue to read Ann Cleeves’ work…I don’t need that kind of drama in my life, lol…