Much better than expected - Rated 
I enjoyed "Dying to Sin" quite as much as the other books.
Having read the earlier adverse criticisms, I was put off buying Booth's latest novel. However, because I have read and enjoyed all the previous Fry and Cooper stories, I ordered it from my public library just to see for myself. The adverse comments are, I must suppose, valid opinons of those who made them but I, for one, would like to register a very favourable reception. The development is slow, particularly in the middle section, but that would be the nature of such an investigation and is typical of Booth's novels. I was fascinated by the detail.
Wonderful Settings - Rated
Another book by Stephen Booth that transports the reader into the landscape of the Peak District in England. While reading, I could picture myself at the various locations even though I have never actually been there. The author manages to stimulate my imagination well. The atmosphere of the book is perfect for a british mystery story which makes Booth's books such a pleasure to read. The story itself might not be the best in the series, but of course, this is personal preference. A who-dunnit with the modern issue of immigration workers in a rural setting. The ending does not bring a huge surprise and we are somehow left dangling as to the future of the main character. I like to read this series because of its overall feel and the quite interesting relationship among the two main characters who are so different from each other. I am looking forward to the next book.
A Slow and Flat Read - Rated 
Dying to Sin is contemporary with the theme of people working in the UK from EU countries and the references made to Bernard Matthews in East Anglia and the recent serial murder case in Ipswich. This gives a strong contrast to the featured old deeper rooted beliefs and superstitions of the past.
The landscape is also well drawn and sets a strong atmosphere.
However, apart from Fry and Cooper and their continuing tenuous relationship, the other characters are so thin it is difficult to connect with them.
The plot drags along, lacking in any suspense, humour or pace. It felt a bit of an effort to finish the book and the question mark over whether the Fry/Cooper relationship will continue may be a timely one.
Disappointing - Rated 
Unfortunately this book was a disappointment. The story fails to build any suspense or interest, and the dialogue is made highly tedious by the author's research being delivered in lecture form. Everything is made so painfully literal. Other books in this series have been so much better.
Bland and Boring - Rated
Like previous reviewers,I have read all of the books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier ones, particularly as the Peak District is my favourite location in England.
However, I have felt this series has been going downhill for a while, and this eighth book has to be the worst yet....the plot is so understated as to be almost an afterthought....there is no suspense, no mystery, and none of the characters are sufficiently well drawn for the reader to have any interest in them whatsoever.
Like one of the previous reviewers, I almost gave up half way through, with the sheer boredom of it all. I persevered, simply to find out what happened, but sadly it didnt get any better.
As for the central detective characters....apart from Cooper, Fry and Murfin, the other senior detectives are such shadows that I feel I still dont know them, even after eight books.
Murfin was the only decent character from previous books, and I feel that he has now been sidelined and the small amount of humour that he brought to the series has been lost.
As for Fry, this character is simply unbelievable. She is just a constant depressing blot on the landscape and in real life, she would not still be there, year in year out, living such a miserable existence - she would have long ago moved elsewhere.
Still, females dont seem to have normal roles in this series, they all appear to be disfunctional or embittered, which doesnt give a very balanced view of a community.
Have to say, I wont be looking out for Book Nine,if there is to be one.
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