Derek Landy fans will be delighted to dive back into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant.
*Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an early copy of this book.
Please note that while I received this book in #bookmail, my review is entirely my own.
This is not a paid review, nor is this review an ad or sponsored in any way.*
I always enjoy stepping into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. Personally I’m a fan of crime thrillers and mysteries, so I was happy to see that Landy has returned to his investigative roots in this book. A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy is the latest installment in the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. This new book sets us up for a new trilogy and I must say that this book left me looking forward to what is coming next.
This book follows Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain as they try to stop a mysterious killer from murdering more innocent people. In order to stop this villain, they must solve riddles that the killer has left for them. Fast-paced and mystery focused, this book will have you gripped with each turn of the page. Concise, and featuring less characters than his previous works, Landy has created a story that flows really nicely. I also enjoyed the fact that Skulduggery and Valkyrie are working closely together again.
The tone of this book feels more mature than previous installments of this series. Landy’s passion for horror shines through in this book, successfully resetting the tone of this series. This book, while still showcasing Landy’s sharp wit, feels more serious than before. Some of the action described (injuries, deaths, etc.), definitely reads as though Landy is aiming for an older audience this time. Many readers have been a fan of Skulduggery Pleasant for years so I would argue that there is a certain element of nostalgia to be found in this book, and it is clear to see that Landy enjoys using certain tropes (mystery reveals, discovering parentage etc.)
I would argue that certain kinds of reveals can start to feel somewhat repetitive at times, however that doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of this book.
I think some characters will be missed, however I think the return to the classic Skulduggery/Valkyrie dynamic will please many readers, and we will see who returns to the pages as this new trilogy unfolds.
I’d recommend this book for readers 12+
Perfect for readers who enjoy crime mysteries as well as ideal for anyone who wants to become more familiar with horror.
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