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1979 cover art

1979

By: Val McDermid
Narrated by: Katie Leung
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Publisher's Summary

The first in a thrilling new series from the queen of crime and an instant Sunday Times best seller narrated by acclaimed Scottish actress and Harry Potter star Katie Leung.

The shadows hide a deadly story....

1979. It is the winter of discontent, and reporter Allie Burns is chasing her first big scoop. There are few women in the newsroom, and she needs something explosive for the boys' club to take her seriously. Soon Allie and fellow journalist Danny Sullivan are exposing the criminal underbelly of respectable Scotland. They risk making powerful enemies - and Allie won't stop there. When she discovers a home-grown terrorist threat, Allie comes up with a plan to infiltrate the group and make her name. But she's a woman in a man's world...and putting a foot wrong could be fatal.

©2021 Val McDermid (P)2021 W F Howe

Critic Reviews

“McDermid is at her considerable best.” (Guardian)

"No one can plot or tell a story like she can." (Daily Express)

"One of today's most accomplished crime writers." (Literary Review)

"'As good a psychological thriller as it is possible to get." (Sunday Express)

What listeners say about 1979

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly dreary...

How is this not a winning recipe: Val McDermid, female lead, Scottish reader, and the year 1979!?!?

i am missing Karen Pirrie so was keen to give this ago as soon as it came out -- but I'm struggling. Keep drifting off and can't get interested in the characters.

i think it may have a lot to do with the reader who makes the whole experience a bit dreary. Her voice is quite pleasant but the actual reading is a bit lacklustre -- and loses focus every time she leaves those long pauses. i find myself wondering what she's doing (grabbing a drink?) which disrupts the flow in a strange way.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

1979. Just been published

Fabulous read. Or listen, actually. Great author,great story. Great narrator too - apart from the Belfast accent, but who can do that, apart from a local? Nah overall- just fab.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

I useless really enjoy Val's books. found this a bit long and disappointing Storyline have heard better. narration ok

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So good

This was such a great book. It's not until you read Val McDermid's wonderful books again after a long hiatus that you realize just how bloody good she is. Roll on the next one please Val 🤞

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointing rushed ending

Whenever it got interesting and tense the resolution was rushed. The build up at the end was solved in a very perfunctory and unsatisfying way

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Compelling listening

Brilliant plot made even better by Katie Leung’s performance. The sense of place and time are strong, characters captivating.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, characters and sense of place.

The politics of Scotland in 1979; form a backdrop to this story of crime investigation and murder. Investigations complicated by the homophobia and anti-gay laws of the time, which are well integrated without preaching. The narration is fantastic

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best yet

Loved it, fantastic narration, engaging and beautifully written would be one of the best this year if have listened to

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love it!

So fabulous to have a fresh tale from Val McDermid. Have consumed voraciously. More, more!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book!

Loved this book and the narrator. Scottish accent was brilliant. Made me miss home!
Loved this new character from Val McDermid, who does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next instalment. Highly recommend.

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