I've always been aware of Chris Brookmyre, but to my shame, this is the first of his novels I have read (listened to). Wow!! What an incredibly clever story. I absolutely loved it, and although I guessed the twist, I think by that point in the novel, that was the writer's intention. Highly recommended.

The Cracked Mirror is set across two continents. We meet LAPD homicide detective, Johnny Hawke, and Penny Coyne, the little old lady based in remote Scotland but who loves to solve a murder.
Against all odds, their paths cross when a writer is murdered in LA and Hawke follows up a mysterious lead, meaning that both characters end up at a wedding venue with a mystery to solve.

This was a really cleverly written book and it really shouldn't work, but it does. I enjoyed the characterisation and loved how totally different they both were. The contrast of the depths of rural Scotland and the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles worked really well too.

Overall, something just didn't quite click for me and I didn't love it. But I very much appreciated the writing and thought that went into this book.

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

Penny Coyne a modern Miss Marple and Jonny Hawke a LA detective thier worlds collide in this riveting mystery. Lots of twists along the way. Kept me guessing till the end. Loved the plot and characters. The narrators Russ Bain and Sarah Barron lift this excellent book to the next level. Thanks to W. F. Howes audio and Netgalley for this review ARC.

Well... this one started out as what felt like a reasonably regular cosy crime mystery when we meet Penny Coyne who, as the local amateur sleuth, is trying to solve a murder at a nearby church. Then we switch to Johnny Hawke, seasoned LAPD homicide detective who skirts close to the edge of what he is allowed to do, but is always trying to find the truth, whose boss has assigned him to a high-profile Hollywood case.

I don't want to say more, because I am so glad I went in not knowing too much about this story. The only thing I will say is, as far apart as the two stories start, Penny and Johnny do cross paths and it may just be the next buddy-cop partnership we all need!

Penny Coyne is an elderly lady living in Scotland and Johnny Hawke in America. Their lives are about to collide following deaths in their home towns. This well paced novel will bring a homicide detective to work with a volunteer librarian to solve murders and maybe prevent more.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Loved the main characters and all they go through together. Their lives will be endangered in this enjoyable gripping novel. Plenty of plot twists to enjoy.

A 'cracking' detective crossover, prepare yourself for a book hangover because when the realisation dawns it's like having a bucket of iced water tipped over your head.

Wow. Just Wow.

When I requested this audio title, I forgot that I’d already read an early review copy of the title. I’ve submitted review for that, which I’ve copied below, but additionally….

This is a simply superb audiobook. There are two totally different narratives going on and the narrators capture each character to total perfection. The Scottish characters are sublime; the slightly posh arrogance of the quietly spoken easy coast Scots, (Perth) is perfectly delivered. The hard bitten LAPD cop is also delivered really well and the audio captures much humour which I’d missed in the reading version. I’ve polished this off in a couple of sittings.

Brookmyre has thrown away the rule book for this one. How is it possible for a mash up of Miss Marple and modern day LAPD to come together in a single volume. I went into this with an open mind. I’ve read and enjoyed other Brookmyre titles, but this is very different. It’s incredibly clever and it messes with your mind. Two completely different characters, writing styles and locations. Each are involved in solving murder, one in LA, the other in Perth, Scotland. Then their worlds come together via a wedding.

There’s no easy way to describe this story except it’s fiendishly clever. Red herrings and plot twists abound and the final twist is jaw dropping. On reflection, there were clues all the way there, but the writing is so cleverly crafted, they slide by unnoticed. I’m guessing this will be a marmite title. I loved it for its sheer audacity, A brave and inventive approach that, for me, worked. I suspect some will find it perhaps trying to be too clever. We must be thankful for publishers and authors prepared to gamble on something new and less formulaic. I hope this is a great success and happily give 5*