The Recently Read posts are not book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
Settled Blood – Mari Hannah
THERE ARE NO LIMITS WHEN IT COMES TO REVENGE . . .
When a young girl is found dead at the base of Hadrian’s Wall, it’s not long before Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels realises her death was no ordinary homicide. She was thrown from a great height and was probably alive before she hit the ground.
Then a local businessmen reports his daughter missing, has Daniels found the identity of her victim, or is a killer playing a sickening game?
As the murder investigation team delve deeper into the case, half truths are told, secrets exposed, and while Daniels makes her way through a mountain of obstacles time is running out for one terrified girl.
My Thoughts:
This book is the second in the series for the protagonist Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels. After a strong start and gripping end to the first novel, The Murder Wall, I wondered how you could come back and beat that, but this novel does just that, it comes back stronger and a lot more sure of itself. The characters really have their place in this book and I really love Kate Daniels Sergeant Hank Gormley. For me, he was just a brilliantly down to earth guy who could definitely be warmed to. The rest of the supporting characters were strong, all carrying their own stories and were well fleshed out. The plot was incredible and the sense of place was just stunning. The location in which the crimes were set out were beautiful if not chilly and bleak, but they drew you in and you were there with them. What a beautiful and cold place Hannah weaved.
The story was also wonderfully weaved, with details and relationships being weaved together with such slight of hand, you often didn’t see it happening, until at the final hurdle, you realised, that it was a damn good read and you’re at the end!
The finale brought Kate Daniels into her own when she was pushed into a situation she couldn’t have foreseen and see needed to make a decision on facing it or not. Very real emotions that any of us would feel were considered. Brilliantly written. It had me hooked.
I can’t wait for book three now.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Oh, I’m already interested in the Northumbria setting! And the premise looks really interesting too. I can see why you are hooked on this series. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Rebecca Bradley says
The Northumbria setting is great Margot. A very cold and brilliant setting and I also love the female protagonist.
Annalisa Crawford says
I love the title!
Rebecca Bradley says
As do I! I hate titling my own work. I think it’s the hardest part!
Misha says
This sounds like a wonderful story. I love procedurals, but for some reason always miss out on the British ones. 😀
Rebecca Bradley says
This is definitely a British one worth trying out Misha!
Joanna (Lazuli Portals Trilogy) says
Sounds great, Rebecca – thanks for sharing 🙂