The Skeleton Road

By: Val McDermid

Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron

When a skeleton is discovered hidden at the top of a gothic Victorian building in Edinburgh, which is scheduled for renovation, Cold Case Squad detective Karen Pirie is given the task of identifying the decades-old bones. Her investigation leads her back to past conflicts, false identities and buried secrets...

©2014 Val McDermid (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"McDermid remains unrivalled… Brilliant" ( Observer on Cross and Burn)

I started thinking with a Scottish accent

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I love Val McDermid's books and have been a fan for a long time. This did not feel like her other books, it seemed to take a very different direction. I would recommend it to people but would manage their expectations that it is not typical of her other work.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I loved it. I admit I was hoping for a happier ending but the story didn't build to an "and they lived happily ever after" scenario. That said, it didn't have a sad ending - it ended the best way it could.

What three words best describe Cathleen McCarron’s performance?

Amazing at accents

Was The Skeleton Road worth the listening time?

Yes it was. It was depressing at times and I felt so much compassion for the protagonist, I kept hoping things would look up for her. The story was very intriguing and had some interesting surprises along the way.

Any additional comments?

Val is a master at her art. I did find Cathleen's Scottish accent quite heavy and not always easy to follow. After a few hours, I started thinking with a Scottish accent. :-) I almost fell over when she read dialogue of American, European or English characters because her accent changed dramatically. She is very good at that. She gave an excellent performance.

The Skeleton Road - Highly Recommended!

Val McDermid does it again, fantastic story line that keeps you riveted right to the end. Cathleen McCarron, as the narrator, must be, in my humble opinion, one of the best narrators I have heard. Her ability to make the listener "live" the story is unbelievable. I will certainly look out for other books she has narrated.
In summary a brilliant storyline excellently narrated. Highly recommended!

Good, but not the best one

I found it too easy to guess the killer. But the story is definitely worth a read anyway.