Karen Pirie

Although the press are raving about Lauren Lyle as KarenPirie I’m not yet convinced. However will stick at it as I’m enjoying the sentimental geographical trip round Fife where I lived for 38 years! (Wondering how they managed to film at the Cathedral but then realised that many ‘Hysterical’ Scotland properties are still closed since covid)

Love the Val McDermid Karen Pirie books, I'm never so keen on dramatisations generally. I thought the actress playing Karen was good, but in my mind's eye I'd always imagined her as a brunette, I can't remember whether that's how she is described or merely how I imagine her to be, so often that is the case for me the casting isn't right. The exceptions being Strike and Robin in their case they are both very close to how I perceive them from the books.

Ah, right. So from comments which have followed on from my earlier post, it's looking like this wasn't the end. Good. Cos otherwise it would have left me totally baffled. I read the book ages ago, and true to form, I can't remember 'who done it'.

I haven’t read the books but would like to know if Karen Pirie is supposed to look as if she has just left school. This spoiled it for me as the fact she had achieved such a promotion while looking as if she was on work experience seemed ridiculous.

I haven’t read the book but so far the TV series feels weak to me.

That's the bit that jars with me, Lovetopaint. I don't remember the books making a big deal of her being so young. I know I'm getting older, but she looks like a child, not a police sergeant.

I enjoyed it last night. I normally hate programmes where they jump back and forward in years, but I found it great. Looking forward to next week, although recording Bloodlands on BBC as it's on at 9pm. I love it too with James Nesbitt, set here in N.Ireland, he plays a dirty cop.

I enjoyed it in the end but found it took a bit of concentration to get into it and suss out the characters. Mind you I was tired and a bit distracted. Will stick with it.

Yes I agree with your posts Lovetopaint and Doodledog, in the books there is an unfolding back story to her personal life that paints a picture of someone who has had a few years of life's experiences at least. I would have put her in her thirties the actress who played her looks far too young.

monk08

Bit disappointed, read the book a couple of weeks ago and so many changes already. Will be really upset if they change the murderer. Karen was also not as imagined, but will see it through to the end.

I seem to remember the booking being set in New Years Eve? Am I right?

The body was found in the snow in December by 4 students and it was a policeman not a woman.
Also Rosie the victim had given birth to a son not a daughter.

Haven't read the book but confess to rather enjoying last night's offering. The only mental adjustment I needed to make was that Karen wasn't a bit too young. It's more that I'm pretty much a bit too old!

Well, I have binge watched it today and enjoyed it. I haven't read the book and I agree that the actress playing Karen looked too young but I like that she was feisty. The plot had several twists and it kept me interested.

Just finished binge watching the three episodes. Lauren Lyle is 29 irl, but does look younger. I’ve read two of the KP books, but not this one, I thought she made a good KP character wise. I agree that the Mint was perfect casting. Parathka was nothing like I’d imagined him.
I’d probably watch more if they make them (especially now I know you can get seven days free viewing without any ads if you subscribe. I’ve un-subscribed already).

I watched this last night - on Britbox - There appears to be only one episode at the moment.
I quite enjoyed it but did find it hard to understand the dialogue, not sure if it was my hearing or the accents - probably some of both.

One thing I cannot make out is the relationship between the policewoman who found Rosie and her family. She was at the house when Karen interviewed the brothers - or do I have it wrong?

She was in a relationship with one of the brothers Spice.

Thank you Calendagirl

I watched the last episode yesterday. Quite gripping with a few twists and turns. I too thought the portrayal of Karen not quite right but by the end Id quite taken to her. Hope there are more Piries in the pipeline.

We watche final episode last night. Haven't read the books but enjoyed the series hope they make another. Can't believe KP is 29 in real life.

I thought this was okay, but like others I'm so fed up with murder, murder, murder, especially dark storylines. I want a character-based drama series with a good plot, where no-one gets killed.

Just to add, if you read the book first you will probably be disappointed with the movie or series. The screen version cannot match the very detailed story you already have played out in your head. For that reason I'm more inclined to read the book after watching on the screen.