Please note: I make a reference here not to the exact ending of the book, but to its tone; therefore, if you want to go into the book knowing absolutely nothing, please don't read the following...
I just finished reading this book for the second time (the readings being some years apart). But since - to me, anyway - the titles of Yorke's books can seem interchangeable, I didn't notice I was reading the same book until the first page or so. At that point, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to finish "Criminal Damage." I could not remember what eventually happened with the plot, but based on the beginning of the story, things seemed very grim. I'm glad I read on, however -- I find that most Yorke books end in, if not always in a hopeful way, then at least a neutral way (excepting, "No Medals for the Major"!) and things looked up after a while. "Criminal Damage" is not the feel-good novel of the year, but it is a very satisfying read for fans of Margaret Yorke and others who have yet to be delighted by her!
I just finished reading this book for the second time (the readings being some years apart). But since - to me, anyway - the titles of Yorke's books can seem interchangeable, I didn't notice I was reading the same book until the first page or so. At that point, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to finish "Criminal Damage." I could not remember what eventually happened with the plot, but based on the beginning of the story, things seemed very grim. I'm glad I read on, however -- I find that most Yorke books end in, if not always in a hopeful way, then at least a neutral way (excepting, "No Medals for the Major"!) and things looked up after a while. "Criminal Damage" is not the feel-good novel of the year, but it is a very satisfying read for fans of Margaret Yorke and others who have yet to be delighted by her!
