Cross and Burn

By: Val McDermid

Narrated by: Gerald Doyle

Internationally best-selling crime writer Val McDermid' s work speaks for itself: her books have sold millions of copies worldwide, won numerous accolades, and attracted a devoted following of readers around the globe. Her latest, Cross and Burn , picks up where The Retribution left off: following the best crime-fighting team in the UK-- clinical psychologist Tony Hill and police detective Carol Jordan-- who when we last saw them were barely speaking, and whose relationship will now be challenged even further.

Guilt and grief have driven a wedge between long time crime-fighting partners psychologist Tony Hill and ex-DCI Carol Jordan. But just because they're not talking doesn't mean the killing stops.

Someone is killing women. Women who bear an unsettling resemblance to Carol Jordan. And when the evidence begins to point in a disturbing direction, thinking the unthinkable seems the only possible answer. Cornered by events, Tony and Carol are forced to fight for themselves and each other as never before.

An edge-of-your-seat page-turner from one of the best crime writers we have, Cross and Burn is a chilling, unforgettable read.

©2013 Val McDermid (P)2013 Recorded Books

They're Back!

If you could sum up Cross and Burn in three words, what would they be?

Fast-paced and complex.

What did you like best about this story?

How the series characters, especially Tony and Carol, develop a little more. And I really, really liked the story, too. The only reason I gave it four stars and not five is that I'd like more men in the stories, too.

Have you listened to any of Gerald Doyle’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't think I've heard Doyle's other performances, but I will definitely keep an eye out for him. I thought he did an excellent job narrating Cross and Burn, capturing accent, mood and voice superbly.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Once I got started, yes, I could have kept listening. In fact, I listened to the last half of the book straight through one long night when I had insomnia. Very engaging.

Any additional comments?

The crimes in this book, like others of McDermid's novels, are harsh, but, in my opinion, this book is a bit less gruesome, a bit more gentle, than the other books in the series. And I liked that. It was far less harrowing than The Retribution (that preceded Cross and Burn), and had a solid storyline, a really good mystery and British detective/police procedural.

Don't start the series here

In the last book (no spoiler), everything went FUBAR. I couldn't imagine how McDermid would resurrect the characters, but she did. This is another excellent serial killer book, in this case delving into sexism and gender roles but not in an obvious way. I simply loved every page, but if you haven't read the other books, don’t start the series here. Bechdel test: Passed (almost all main characters are female). Grade: A-

Narration: Doyle is excellent. He perfectly captures Tony Hill, Carol Jordan and friends. I hope the publisher never picks another narrator.

Picking up the pieces...

I love this series. I was devastated, as were the main characters, at the end of the last book.

This book gathers the pieces of those widely divided characters and loosely unites them in efforts to save one of their own. The serial killings, detective work, and eventual justice are all here. In fact, they are the force that pulls everyone closer. We are left with this loose network of characters and some hints for the future.

I believe that Val McDermid dropped in enough hints about the previous squad's history to allow this book to stand alone.

Gerard Doyle gives another excellent performance.

Note: There is an unrelated short story added after the book ends. Due to some poor editing, it just starts as if part of the book. It took a bit (staring at my ipod) to realize that it is an "extra." It is worth listening to it, just be aware that its title, introduction, etc. are at its end instead of at the beginning.

Another terrific book in the Dr. Tony Hill series

The writing is good, the characters believable and interesting and the plot thick enough to entertain. As usual, Gerald Doyle gives a fine reading. I recommend highly.

Really enjoyed this book.

Well worth my time; love how McDermid ties all the aspects of previous books into one great story after the next. Can't wait for the next edition,

great story

nothing better than another crime drama involving Tony h. and Carol Jordan. Such great character that you always root for.

wince and learn

The first half of #8 in this series felt very deja vu and second rate for a McDermid, but second half contained her usual engrossing storyline. However, for me, enduring the usual Mcdermid graphic, domestic-inspired violence wasn’t worth the second-half story. If you’re not planning on listening to all of the Tony Hill-Carol Jordan series, skip this one -- On the other hand, if you’re going to read only one in the series and don’t mind the graphic descriptions of brutally abused women, this might be THE one, as it could stand alone (despite its ties to The Retribution, #7). Also this one involves Paula MacIntyre more than most others, so it might be of interest to those who like her character. I winced at the violence, but I learned from McDermid's observations on human nature.

The usual ending that sees Tony and Carol's relationship heading around a new bend is marred by the omission of the "You have been listening to..." statement before the inclusion of a clever short story by McDermid - to me this is a three star novel with an extra star for the short story (once I figured out it wasn't the next chapter of the novel!). Narrator Doyle is excellent as usual.

Audio edition editing lacking

It’s annoying that all of a sudden the book ends and a completely different story/character started. Then that story ends and a female voice tells me I’m about to hear a short story. Why can’t this be corrected?