22 Dead Little Bodies and Other Stories by Stuart MacBride
Comprised of four short stories ('22 Dead Little Bodies', DI Steel's Bad Heir Day', 'Stramash' and 'The 45% Hangover'), it took until halfway through the first short story to become evident that this book was not what I had been expecting, but that this was not necessarily in a negative way.
Expecting an explosive storyline with twists and red herrings along the way, these short stories instead focus on the day-to-day escapades of its two main characters, DS Logan McRae and DCI Steel, as they attempt to solve believable crimes. I do feel that the plots would be lacking if they weren't substantiated by the delivery of humour and sarcasm in the love-hate relationship between Logan and Steel.
Of all the stories, '22 Dead Little Bodies' was the longest but also what I felt was the weakest. The two key plots of a pair of bickering neighbours and a double murder/suicide potter along without any twists or turns, and could have been shortened by half to the same effect.
The other 3 stories, despite being shorter, definitely pack more of a punch. 'DI Steel's Bad Heir Day' focuses on a missing person and moral dilemma, 'Stramash' features an unexpected stand-off at a remote hotel and in 'The 45% Hangover' the relationship between Logan and Steel is pushed to the limits after a politician disappears in the lead-up to the Scottish referendum.
On reflection, I would certainly reach for Stuart MacBride again if looking for a no-frills, easy crime read scattered with humour, but when selecting crime fiction it is usually the possibility of a twist ending which appeals to me and maintains my attention throughout the read.
Submitted by Sarah
