Book Details:
STORY PLOT:
Paddy Meehan is no stranger to murder–as a reporter she lives at crime scenes–but nothing has prepared her for this visit from the police. Her former boyfriend and fellow journalist Terry Patterson has been found hooded and shot through the head. Paddy knows she will be of little help–she had not seen Terry in more than six months. So she is bewildered to learn that in his will he has left her his house and several suitcases full of notes. Drawn into a maze of secrets and lies, Paddy begins making connections to Terry’s murder that no one else has seen, and soon finds herself trapped in the most important–and dangerous–story of her career.
MY REVIEW:
It was an absolute pleasure to read this book. primary characters are three-dimensional, fallible yet honorable. The dialogue is often hysterical and the main character’s thoughts and conversations sparkle with wit, sarcasm, charm and well-chosen Scottish profanity.
Denise Mina’s writing style is unfailingly original, with non-stock characters, and a sly, sharp-edged humor. Her characters are not simple, and their decisions are not simple. Much of the action is unexpected, yet rings true.
It’s a very good mystery -thriller to read alone and also great for your book club..
ABOUT AUTHOR:
Denise Mina is the author of The Dead Hour, Field of Blood, Deception, and the Garnethill trilogy, the first installment of which won her the John Creasey Memorial Prize for best first crime novel. She lives in Glasgow.
READING GROUP GUIDE:
QUESTIONS AND TOPIC for DISCUSSIONS :
Terry’s point of view? Is his death so early in the novel a surprise?
2. Paddy’s family members play important roles in this novel. How
have the Meehan family dynamics changed since the death of
Paddy’s father? What is the importance of Mary Ann’s vocation
to her mother? Discuss the alternative forms of “family” that the
novel presents. How does Paddy’s own defi nition of family change
in the course of the novel?
her work? What does the novel suggest about the balance between
personal and professional obligations for a character like Paddy?
4. Discuss the role Callum Ogilvy plays in the story. Does your
opinion of him change from the novel’s beginning to end?
5. Discuss the ways in which religion limits different characters’
views of each other in the novel.
6. Much of
Slip of the Knife
journalistic profession and the economic diffi culties facing
newspapers today. Describe some of these changes, and discuss
the ways in which they affect the kinds of journalism that gets
published.
McBree. Is either of them ever a sympathetic character? Why do
you think Denise Mina chooses to narrate parts of the novel from
Martin McBree’s perspective?
. McBree Explain why the Scottish police are protecting Martin
How does this novel change your understanding of presentday
relations between Scotland and Ireland? Among Scotland,
Ireland, and England?
9. What is
Slip of the Knife
Does the novel carry a message about what makes a political
cause just or unjust?
10. What do you think the future holds for Paddy and Dub as a
couple?
THE GIVEAWAY:
* 3 Copies*
From March 25th – March 29th
* USA & CANADA Only
*No P.O. Boxes
*Leave your Email-Id to enter
Thanks Valerie@Hachett for the review copy and the giveaway.
Kim said:
This book sounds fantastic.
formycontests@gmail.com
Monique said:
monique.burkes(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks!
Patty said:
Can’t wait to win it and read it…
Pingback: West Of Mars — Win A Book! » Blog Archive » Slip of the Knife – Review and Giveaway
Dr. Bill (William L.) Smith said:
Thanks!
Bill 😉
billsmith2003 (at) gmail (dot) com
Hope you’ll check out my book giveaway:
http://drbillsbookbazaar.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-giveaway-reliable-wife.html
http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/
Carol M said:
This sounds really good! Please enter me! Thank you!
mittens0831 at aol dot com
Margie said:
This one sounds good. Count me in please.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Joanne said:
This book sounds really good.
Nicola said:
Please enter me.
nicolama at cogeco dot ca
Cindy C. said:
Count me in.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
scottsgal said:
Thanks for the chance – would love to read this
msboatgal at aol.com
suzquiz said:
sounds very interesting
pine1211 said:
Love mysteries and thrillers. They are my favorite type of books to read.
bstilwell12 at comcast dot net
Heather said:
sounds like and awesome read. Pleae enter me for your contest
heatherdpear at hotmail dot com
Bethie said:
Looks like a great book. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
Marjorie said:
I enjoy a great mystery and would like to win and read this book.
Julie said:
juliecookies(at)gmail.com please enter me in the giveaway
Julie H. said:
What a great, to the point review! I also think they reader questions are a nice bonus, I think book clubs tend to forget about mysteries sometimes. Thanks for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Tabathia B said:
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the easy entry
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Vicki said:
I’d love to win this book!
readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com
karenk said:
please count me in…thanks
mike draper said:
She is a most enjoyable author. Put me in coach.
Mike Draper
Sandie Kirkland said:
Please enter me; I love Denise Mina! skirkland@triad.rr.com
Ruby E said:
Please include me in the giveaway – many thanks 🙂
Dawn M. said:
Ooo, this sounds really good. Count me in, please! :0)
Thanks!
Angie D said:
Please enter me! This book looks good!
email bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
CherylS22 said:
Please count me in – Thanks!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
Edna Tollison said:
Please enter me,
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
sumana said:
Edna,you are late.. I already announced the winners today morning.. I am sorry…but I have another giveaway going on, you can enter..