So pleased that McDermid has returned to her roots. Loved her first two series of her books but not a fan of the more violent latter series. Enjoyed pace of this book and the bike up of characters. Eagerly awaiting the next one.

A new Val McDermid series and it’s off to a strong start. Allie Burns is a young journalist working in Glasgow. In the male-dominated newsroom of the late 70s she has to work harder than her colleagues to prove that she should be there. But, an accidental meeting with Danny, the nicest of her fellow reporters, starts an investigative partnership which will help Allie to write the kind of stories she’s always wanted to. As a former journalist myself I loved the feel of this book. I started working in newsrooms almost two decades later than this book is set, but there was still much that was familiar about the atmosphere created here. Allie is a brilliant character. She’s determined but not arrogant, someone who it’s great to cheer on as she delivers on her ambition. The stories Danny and Allie investigate together provide a sense of threat which brings an edge to the plot, balanced out by the social threat of the various challenges both characters facing in living the lives they want. I’m already looking forward to the next Allie Burns adventure.

Five Stars to 1979! This is a compelling tale featuring Allie Burns, an investigative journalist, and it's the début of a new series by Val McDermid. Although I found that the story took some time to get going, I stuck with it and I'm pleased to say I'm glad I persevered as I ended up really enjoying it. Allie is a Fife born, Cambridge graduate working for the Glasgow Daily Clarion in 1979. Allie is struggling to get any meaningful stories, but fellow journalists, Rona Dunsyre and Danny Sullivan offer friendship and professional support. She forms a close relationship with Danny, especially whilst working on exclusives that boost their careers. The storyline offers excitement and danger by the bucketload, especially in the second two-thirds. The troubled times of the era are well captured and portrayed; the politics, the culture, the music, and the social norms, beliefs and attitudes. The audiobook was narrated by Katie Leung and listening to the story was a good decision. I thought it was narrated excellently with Kate's voice bringing the necessary worth and verve to the proceedings with good vocal distinction for the different people. Overall, 1979 is a super, very appealing book that deals with some big issues, is extremely immersive and is, in my opinion, authentic. Very highly recommended.

1979 by Val McDermid is the first in a new series introducing Allie Burns, as a reporter working in Glasgow. It has a fascinating storyline and interesting characters and it is all set in 1979. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Highly recommended

It’s 1979. Alison is trying to make her way as an investigative journalist but the men who run the newsroom are determined that she only writes ‘women’s stories’. When she begins working with Danny on an expose, it looks like she will finally get the byline she deserves. Corporate corruption, Scottish independence, the IRA, sexual politics and of course, because this is a Macdermid, a perplexing murder - this book is gripping, fast paced, topical and absorbing. Loved it.