Field of Blood

While this is the first of Denise Mina's novels featuring Paddy Meehan it is the second that I have read. No matter: it was nice to make her acquaintance again. Ms Mina writes tough, uncompromising crime fiction and Paddy Meehan, aspiring journalist is on one level a most unlikely hero. Of uncompromising blue collar Catholic stock in a time and a place where such things matter, Paddy dares dream of a career. Her chance comes after an horrific crime in which three year old Brian is murdered and one of the suspects, a young lad, is part of her extended family circle. Follow the twists and turns of this novel and a linked but secondary story about the 'other' Paddy Meehan which, while it forms part of the rich backdrop is not directly relevant. Or is it? I'm delighted to read that Ms Mina intends to write five books about Paddy Meehan. The third is available now, and I'm off to hunt it down. Highly recommended to those who like rich, gritty crime fiction. Jennifer Cameron-Smith

in "Field of Blood," fast-developing young writer Denise Mina introduces us to a new detective, Paddy Meehan. A Glasgow native, and an ambitious young woman, as is her author, Meehan differs from her in some other, important ways: she just hasn't the best education, and you'd have to consider her fat. But she's smart, and determined to rise from copygirl at "The Scottish Daily News." That means taking on a mystery that nobody wants to touch. Two ten year old boys have tortured and killed a toddler: who wants to think of those implications? (This case, actually, is based on a similar, notorious, 1993 crime in Liverpool, England.) So Meehan takes the case on, and it costs her, as its implications spread into her own, already troubled, personal world. The Glasgow presence is palpable, the life of the city is on every page. And the author has produced a harrowing, hard-driving book, as Paddy Meehan discovers the truth behind the mystery, though it isn't the truth she wished to find.

I own a country store and am a serious book junkie. I put all my stuff on the shelves, free for the taking, and encourage others to do the same. I just happened upon this book in this fashion, a dog-eared paperback left by a stranger. For reference I am a Michael Connoly, Robert Crais, James Lee Burke sort of a person. Denise Mina is right up there with the best of them. I always feel like apologizing for the time I give up to mysteries...but I have to say that I love the writing, the characters, the insights these authors bring to the table....it is not just plot and action. Denise Mina writes about Glasgow. Her heroine is an Irish Catholic girl from a working class family....not an upwardly mobile LA male. Her heroine is quiet, self deprecating, subtle...and so is the writing. This was something completely different.....but I loved the characters, the insights, the writing.....Enough to drop everything and go out to Borders and buy the hardback of her new book. Highly recommended.

A number of years ago, I checked out from the library a book entitled "Garnethill". The author, Denise Mina, was new to me, but the blurb on the dustjacket sounded interesting. I took the book home, and I've been hooked on her books ever since. "Field of Blood" introduces a new character, Paddy Meehan, who much like Maureen O'Donnell from the "Garnethill" series, succeeds despite herself. The character is flawed, a bit inept, but she is committed to righting a wrong. I think she is a character most people can identify with. In any event, the writing is excellent, the humor is wry, the characters are interesting, the plot is suspenseful, and the story is fascinating.

I read just about every mystery published. I am sick to death of America's popular wannabe writers who mistake "plot twists" for actual plot. Forget actual research, character development, or anything else I learned in Writing 101. What a relief to read Mina! I have long been a fan of Rankin. It's incredible to find another of equal talent in such a small place. I was totally captivated by the world created here. Paddy is the most original character in ages. I may never read American again. Maybe we really are too shallow to say anything well.