Perfect Crime is the first book in the DI Callanach series I read with my eyes. My library didn’t have the audiobook available, and I’m bummed to miss out on the excellent narration from Robin Laing. His narration improves the story and gives both Ava and Luc improved personalities.
Book Information
Publisher: Harper Collins
Imprint: Avon
First Published: April 18, 2019
Format: ebook
ISBN: 9780008275228
Source: Library
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Series: D.I. Callanach #5
At book 5, I know what to expect from this series. The police procedural aspects are good. The crime is gruesome and over the top. The relationships and dialogue are clumsy. Luc and Ava navigate some ethical issues and do an abysmal job figuring them out. It is such a poor job that I can’t believe they are considered good at their jobs. I was disappointed with that narrative choice.
Things always seem to happen to Luc. Despite being a top detective, gorgeous and intelligent, Luc comes across as passive in his own life. I get that he’s still recovering from his traumatic experience in France, and his disengagement could be related to that. He’s so resigned and seems to prefer writing people off to having a difficult confrontation. I hope Luc grows towards the end of the series and gets into a healthier space.
Ava’s perspective in Perfect Crime feels like she’s going through a manic episode. Her actions in this story seem out of line with the previous books and out of line for the person in charge of the department. I’d describe her as reckless and impulsive. I found it unsettling, but I might be expecting this to be a more serious series than it actually is.
While Ava and Luc’s character growth stagnates, DS Lively shows some real development! That was a surprise!
The contrast between violent crimes, tense investigations, and silly and immature interpersonal interactions creates a weird mix. I expect it to be darker, more profound and serious, but perhaps I’m misinterpreting it. I am impressed that the “Will They Won’t They” has stretched for five books, though it had better be inevitable by the end of the series, or I’ll be upset.
Even though I find the DI Callanach series annoying and roll my eyes at the dialogue, I do enjoy it. I like the investigation, and I’ve become attached to Luc and Ava, though they may be erratic. Perfect Crime is par for the course for this series. I hope that the character growth experienced by Lively will be shared with the other characters eventually!
Links
D.I. Callanach Series reviews:
#1 – Perfect Remains
#2 – Perfect Prey
#4 – Perfect Silence
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