Review: Ruling Passion by Reginald Hill

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Ruling Passion by Reginald Hill


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I think this is where the Dalziel and Pascoe series really starts to hit its stride. Although I enjoyed the first two books, I didn't really think they were fully representative of the strengths of the series. This book, while not as strong as some of the later ones, feels like it has all of the elements in place. In particular, Andy Dalziel and Peter Pascoe both really come across as well-rounded characters.

It's a small thing, but I was also impressed with how Hill handled the passage of time between this book and the last. It was clear that some time had passed since the last book, and Peter and Ellie's relationship had evolved from "awkwardly reunited" to "seriously involved." Hill makes all of this clear without a lot of expository backstory at the beginning of the book.

If I have a complaint, it's that the chain of coincidences and previously unrevealed connections linking the crimes in this book feels a bit forced. Though it is quite entertaining watching it all being untangled.

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