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Bled Out
D.I. Bambridge and D.C. Lawrence, one an experienced detective fighting his own demons, one a raw rookie trying to prove herself, are brought together to hunt for a killer whose victims are strung up and bled out.
Can they put their own personal problems aside as they seek the perpetrator of these horrific murders, or will they be taken to breaking point by a cold and calculating killer in a city where any innocent person is a potential victim?
On the streets, apprehension and fear mount as the two detectives battle themselves and each other as they desperately seek to bring safety to their city and the killer to justice.
Bled Out by Mark Simmons is a tense thriller that leaves the reader wondering, who exactly is the criminal?
Can they put their own personal problems aside as they seek the perpetrator of these horrific murders, or will they be taken to breaking point by a cold and calculating killer in a city where any innocent person is a potential victim?
On the streets, apprehension and fear mount as the two detectives battle themselves and each other as they desperately seek to bring safety to their city and the killer to justice.
Bled Out by Mark Simmons is a tense thriller that leaves the reader wondering, who exactly is the criminal?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
About the author
Mark Simmons
62 books17 followersMark Simmons has been writing Horror recreationally since a very young age, finding his inspiration from a cavernous backroom full of horror at his local video shop. Renting all manner of features, well before his age legally allowed him to do so.
Mark was born and raised on the coastline of Suffolk, England by North East parents. He also found his creativity stimulated by the rolling countryside and coastal emptiness of East Anglia. He currently lives on the banks of the River Stour with his Epidemiologist wife, The Doctor.
When Mark is not bringing his monsters and demons to the page he has worked for the last ten years in various areas of the Television Broadcasting industry. He has helped to provide the world with the top quality viewing that it deserves.
Mark enjoys watching all manner of movies but his greatest affinity is to horror flicks. He has a passion for classic and modern literature mainly in the horror and sci-fi fantasy genres.
He also has an acute ear for music, particularly the Metal persuasion. Football plays a small part in his life, playing a bit of 5-A-Side in his spare time and supporting a North East team of the Black and White striped variety.
He has recently published his second novel, Purged In Flame, the sequel to his debut novel, Of The Night, which are both available from Kensington Gore publishing.
Purged In Flame
http://amzn.to/2gnRzPe
Of The Night
http://amzn.to/1PNUNXn
This is the second of at least a three book deal that Kensington Gore Publishing hope will grow and grow.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 18, 2023
Bled Out is a book that has a cover that has a great shock factor. It did make me wonder what I had let myself in for, to be honest. Good job. I don't really have any triggers, eh?
I found it such a well-written thriller, not one for the feint hearted, that's for sure. It was so vivid in the details that you can't help but picture the scenes Mark Simmons writes about.
I enjoyed getting to know Bambridge and Lawrence as this addictive story unfolded. They are very well developed, and I could easily see them as real people with their flaws, too.
The twists and turns kept me wanting more until I really had to go to sleep. Don't worry, I picked it back up the next morning! A thriller that's definitely a 'just one more chapter' type of book!
Thanks to Hygge Book Tours and We Are Provoco for the copy of the book.
I found it such a well-written thriller, not one for the feint hearted, that's for sure. It was so vivid in the details that you can't help but picture the scenes Mark Simmons writes about.
I enjoyed getting to know Bambridge and Lawrence as this addictive story unfolded. They are very well developed, and I could easily see them as real people with their flaws, too.
The twists and turns kept me wanting more until I really had to go to sleep. Don't worry, I picked it back up the next morning! A thriller that's definitely a 'just one more chapter' type of book!
Thanks to Hygge Book Tours and We Are Provoco for the copy of the book.
April 21, 2023
Great new crime fighting duo, both battling their own demons while trying to catch the monster out on their streets.
It's gritty and descriptive and quite literally leaves you wanting more.
It's gritty and descriptive and quite literally leaves you wanting more.
April 17, 2023
My first read by the author and definitely won't be the last. Absolutely devoured this skillfully written thriller. The first chapter starts off with a bang, and from then, the pace never slowed down.
Loved both DC Lawrence and DCI Bambridge characters. As for me, a major plus point was a strong female character. Bambridge's character is very relatable and real. I enjoyed their interaction.
With flowing writing style and a solid plot, this is definitely a great read. I highly recommend it. I can not wait for the next installment.
Loved both DC Lawrence and DCI Bambridge characters. As for me, a major plus point was a strong female character. Bambridge's character is very relatable and real. I enjoyed their interaction.
With flowing writing style and a solid plot, this is definitely a great read. I highly recommend it. I can not wait for the next installment.
April 18, 2023
I knew this book was going to be horrifying, but I have to say Mark has done a great job, I could picture the story with no problem. D.I. Bambridge and D.C. Lawrence are great characters, they both have problems of their own, but they work so well as a team. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, you won't see them coming. I read this book in one sitting as, every page I turned I wanted to know more. Don't worry I'm not going to spoil it for you, just be prepared
April 18, 2023
This story was gripping. The writing was detailed enough to portray the gruesome element of hunting a serial killer, but not overly so that it made it unrealistic.
Mark Simmons did a great job when it comes to the pace of the story, it kept me wanting more and I found myself saying 'just one more chapter' a lot.
Both Bambridge and Lawrence make fantastic characters, they are both flawed and Mark did a great job in showing us their imperfections. I was unsure how they would work together as they appeared initially to be so different, but they came together when it mattered. As the story develops, we see that they are both troubled and have been impacted by something tragic.
I love it when I don't see the ending coming. I was gripped until the very end as the plot twists keep coming. This is my first read by Mark Simmons but I eagerly await the next DI Bambridge instalment.
Thank you Hygge Book Tours and Poeboy Publishing for the chance to join the tour and my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mark Simmons did a great job when it comes to the pace of the story, it kept me wanting more and I found myself saying 'just one more chapter' a lot.
Both Bambridge and Lawrence make fantastic characters, they are both flawed and Mark did a great job in showing us their imperfections. I was unsure how they would work together as they appeared initially to be so different, but they came together when it mattered. As the story develops, we see that they are both troubled and have been impacted by something tragic.
I love it when I don't see the ending coming. I was gripped until the very end as the plot twists keep coming. This is my first read by Mark Simmons but I eagerly await the next DI Bambridge instalment.
Thank you Hygge Book Tours and Poeboy Publishing for the chance to join the tour and my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2023
A gripping thriller that introduces a strong female detective fighting to find her place in a male dominated world. All the while, she and her partner must search for a psychotic killer.
November 24, 2025
This was my first introduction to Mark and wowsers, what an intro. Not gonna lie. It took me a few chapters to get into the book, as I wasn't really gelling with the way it was written. I had to reread a couple of passages a few times, and I was beginning to wonder if this book was for me.
However, something happened, and I was done for, and that was it, hook, line sinker. I was there. I found when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it, and it just took me longer to read because I haven't been reading much, but when I did read it, I sat and blitzed as much as I could. It was addictive.
You've got DI Bambridge, a broken, broken man that you want to look after. He lost his wife and he's on the hunt for answers. He has come back to work far too quickly. He's a mess. He is sleeping in his car, anywhere apart from his flat.
Then you have Thia Lawrence. A young woman trying to make a name for herself, but she's been saddled with Bambridge, and he has a bad name for himself. He's outspoken. He doesn't care. He's grieving. And what I loved about this book, okay, you begin to think, oh, is this going to be yet another detective story where you have a broken detective and blahdy, blahdy, blah; however, there was something that felt different. He is a broken man, yes, but he didn't try to hide the fact that he was broken. He wouldn't talk about it, but he never tried to hide it. He struggled with the case. He was quite happy to write it off straight away, when they thought they got their killer within the first couple of chapters. He just wanted to be left alone. And then Lawrence, she took him to one side after the third murder, and I felt like we broke new ground, and he listened and okay, maybe he did something he shouldn't have done, but Lawrence was there for him. Lawrence has her own personal problems with her jealous boyfriend.
So we've got two very complex characters, both in different stages of their life, one a newbie to the department, one very established within the department, both with baggage and both dealing with horrific murders. Then, THEN, you hear from the murderer, and jeez, they are not pleasant at all!!!! The way they speak in their chapters, and later on when you finally meet them, was well, I wouldn't say terrifying, because I wasn't terrified, but it was unsettling and it did make for some uncomfortable reading.
There was something magical about this book, and I really enjoyed how, as it was laid out, we followed the clues. There was no fast tracking, there was no eureka moment without a build-up. The characters didn't magically have the answers, and I appreciated that, and I was here for that. I found it evocative. I found it addictive. I found it just mesmerising, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and that ending. Wow. I mean, is it really an ending? Or does it make you think that something bigger is going to happen? I mean, we know there's a book two, but I have a fear we don't actually save the day afterall.
However, something happened, and I was done for, and that was it, hook, line sinker. I was there. I found when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it, and it just took me longer to read because I haven't been reading much, but when I did read it, I sat and blitzed as much as I could. It was addictive.
You've got DI Bambridge, a broken, broken man that you want to look after. He lost his wife and he's on the hunt for answers. He has come back to work far too quickly. He's a mess. He is sleeping in his car, anywhere apart from his flat.
Then you have Thia Lawrence. A young woman trying to make a name for herself, but she's been saddled with Bambridge, and he has a bad name for himself. He's outspoken. He doesn't care. He's grieving. And what I loved about this book, okay, you begin to think, oh, is this going to be yet another detective story where you have a broken detective and blahdy, blahdy, blah; however, there was something that felt different. He is a broken man, yes, but he didn't try to hide the fact that he was broken. He wouldn't talk about it, but he never tried to hide it. He struggled with the case. He was quite happy to write it off straight away, when they thought they got their killer within the first couple of chapters. He just wanted to be left alone. And then Lawrence, she took him to one side after the third murder, and I felt like we broke new ground, and he listened and okay, maybe he did something he shouldn't have done, but Lawrence was there for him. Lawrence has her own personal problems with her jealous boyfriend.
So we've got two very complex characters, both in different stages of their life, one a newbie to the department, one very established within the department, both with baggage and both dealing with horrific murders. Then, THEN, you hear from the murderer, and jeez, they are not pleasant at all!!!! The way they speak in their chapters, and later on when you finally meet them, was well, I wouldn't say terrifying, because I wasn't terrified, but it was unsettling and it did make for some uncomfortable reading.
There was something magical about this book, and I really enjoyed how, as it was laid out, we followed the clues. There was no fast tracking, there was no eureka moment without a build-up. The characters didn't magically have the answers, and I appreciated that, and I was here for that. I found it evocative. I found it addictive. I found it just mesmerising, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next and that ending. Wow. I mean, is it really an ending? Or does it make you think that something bigger is going to happen? I mean, we know there's a book two, but I have a fear we don't actually save the day afterall.
April 20, 2023
DI Bambridge and DC Lawrence are called to a scene at the Scenic Hotel where a call girl has been strung up over the bath and all her blood drained out. The area is totally cleaned by bleach. When they do a search of the garden area outside later, they find a pair of binoculars laying there so they bagged them for possible prints and took them to the lab for processing. A quick word with the pathologist and the lab have a name for the print off the binoculars for them so they go and pick him up for questioning.
Paul McNulty has a long list of past charges but none for murder and he is gobsmacked when arrested. As they interview him, DC Lawrence has concerns that they have arrested the wrong man but DI Bambridge seems to think he did it so when they meet DCI Stone outside the room, there are conflicting views.
DC Lawrence hasn’t been in the unit long, is a youngish black woman in her twenties working in homicide trying to learn to be a detective from DI Bambridge who is fighting a losing battle with himself over grieving for his wife who died a year ago. He basically can’t handle it and keeps disappearing on errands with his mind not on the job, not even this current job, their murder case although there is a bit of a spark.
Then a few days later there is a second body found behind some bins in a pub car park with the blood drained out but not strung up, just laying there. DI Bambridge and DC Lawrence attend the scene along with the pathologist but there is nothing to show of the murderer or much known of the victim but the landlord supplied a name for them.
What is the killer doing with the blood? How does he know who to attack? What is so special about the blood?
This is a great read and I really enjoyed reading it. The tension builds slowly from approx the middle of the book right to the end. The book is well written with good descriptive writing. I love the cover of this book, love the symmetry of it. I’m hoping there is a second book, as I would love to read it…now!
Paul McNulty has a long list of past charges but none for murder and he is gobsmacked when arrested. As they interview him, DC Lawrence has concerns that they have arrested the wrong man but DI Bambridge seems to think he did it so when they meet DCI Stone outside the room, there are conflicting views.
DC Lawrence hasn’t been in the unit long, is a youngish black woman in her twenties working in homicide trying to learn to be a detective from DI Bambridge who is fighting a losing battle with himself over grieving for his wife who died a year ago. He basically can’t handle it and keeps disappearing on errands with his mind not on the job, not even this current job, their murder case although there is a bit of a spark.
Then a few days later there is a second body found behind some bins in a pub car park with the blood drained out but not strung up, just laying there. DI Bambridge and DC Lawrence attend the scene along with the pathologist but there is nothing to show of the murderer or much known of the victim but the landlord supplied a name for them.
What is the killer doing with the blood? How does he know who to attack? What is so special about the blood?
This is a great read and I really enjoyed reading it. The tension builds slowly from approx the middle of the book right to the end. The book is well written with good descriptive writing. I love the cover of this book, love the symmetry of it. I’m hoping there is a second book, as I would love to read it…now!
April 20, 2023
Bled Out introduces DCI Bambridge and DC Lawernce, as they partner up to track a killer who leaves their victims missing something which is vital to life; all of their blood. Throughout an intense investigation, Bambridge is still coping with the recent death of his wife, while Lawernce is struggling to find footing on a male-dominated career path and deal with a crumbling romantic relationship at home. Can the two of them set their personal issues aside long enough to stop the murderer before they strike again?
Mark Simmons has created two complicated characters in Bambridge and Lawerence, and the reader can't help but feel for them as they pick through the messiness of their lives both on and off the job. We sometimes see through the killer's eyes as well, and get a glimpse at how twisted their mind is and how meticulous their planning can be. All this works together to keep your eyes glued to the page. Expect late nights as you can't fight the urge to find out what happens next.
Bled Out is a brilliant read for anyone who loves a good murder mystery.
Mark Simmons has created two complicated characters in Bambridge and Lawerence, and the reader can't help but feel for them as they pick through the messiness of their lives both on and off the job. We sometimes see through the killer's eyes as well, and get a glimpse at how twisted their mind is and how meticulous their planning can be. All this works together to keep your eyes glued to the page. Expect late nights as you can't fight the urge to find out what happens next.
Bled Out is a brilliant read for anyone who loves a good murder mystery.
January 5, 2024
This book was like a great episode of a crime TV show in a book! But the kind of crime TV show you need to binge watch and go straight onto the next episode rather than waiting a week! I need the next book now!! It comes to a somewhat satisfying conclusion but there's still a lot of unanswered questions and things to further investigate that I'm guessing will be the premise of book 2 and I need to know! 😂
I loved the characters of both Lawrence and Bambridge, learning about their pasts, presents and how they work together. I didn't like the character of the killer, they were creepy as hell 😂 Excellently written though!
The murders were interesting too! I guessed what the link between the victims was but had no idea of the significance of it. Can't wait to read the next one and find out what happens next! 😁
I loved the characters of both Lawrence and Bambridge, learning about their pasts, presents and how they work together. I didn't like the character of the killer, they were creepy as hell 😂 Excellently written though!
The murders were interesting too! I guessed what the link between the victims was but had no idea of the significance of it. Can't wait to read the next one and find out what happens next! 😁
March 6, 2023
My Thoughts: I knew this was going to be gruesome from the cover but let me tell you I was not prepared for the images this author was about to create with his writing.
The story was gripping and the writing was weirdly addictive.. I kept saying just one more chapter but then couldn’t bring myself to put it down.. one thing I know for sure is that this would make for a chilling film if it was ever made into one!
I loved the characters of both Lawrence and Bambridge because they weren’t perfect, they both had their flaws and their own battles to fight, but they came together when it really mattered.
Eagerly awaiting the next instalment!
The story was gripping and the writing was weirdly addictive.. I kept saying just one more chapter but then couldn’t bring myself to put it down.. one thing I know for sure is that this would make for a chilling film if it was ever made into one!
I loved the characters of both Lawrence and Bambridge because they weren’t perfect, they both had their flaws and their own battles to fight, but they came together when it really mattered.
Eagerly awaiting the next instalment!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews