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Avengers of Blood
A deadly game of cat and mouse is playing out in Forney County…
Detective Cass Elliot is still on suspension after killing a fellow officer and Sheriff Hoffner refuses to sign her release papers. But when four people are murdered in one night, one with the exceptional brutality of a lynching, the Medical Examiner side-steps Hoffner to hire Cass and loan her to Forney County’s overstretched police department.
As Cass and her partner investigate, they realize that three of the murders were committed by the same person but find no connection between the victims. Their frustration intensifies when another victim survives and disappears instead of coming to the police.
Sheriff Hoffner is frantic about anonymous letters claiming one of his star officers is dirty, and Cass suspects a link to the current crimes. The pieces fall together when she uncovers the true identity of the man who was lynched, revealing connections between the victims, the killer, and an unpunished crime committed nearly fifty years ago.
Detective Cass Elliot is still on suspension after killing a fellow officer and Sheriff Hoffner refuses to sign her release papers. But when four people are murdered in one night, one with the exceptional brutality of a lynching, the Medical Examiner side-steps Hoffner to hire Cass and loan her to Forney County’s overstretched police department.
As Cass and her partner investigate, they realize that three of the murders were committed by the same person but find no connection between the victims. Their frustration intensifies when another victim survives and disappears instead of coming to the police.
Sheriff Hoffner is frantic about anonymous letters claiming one of his star officers is dirty, and Cass suspects a link to the current crimes. The pieces fall together when she uncovers the true identity of the man who was lynched, revealing connections between the victims, the killer, and an unpunished crime committed nearly fifty years ago.
566 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2013
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Gae-Lynn Woods
7 books23 followersGae-Lynn Woods is a Texan who has traveled the world, lived overseas, and come back home. She and her husband, British jazz guitarist Martyn Popey, share a ranch in East Texas with a herd of Black Angus cattle, one very cranky donkey, and The Dude, a rescue kitty who now rules the world.
When she's not playing the roadie, tending to cows, fixing fence, or digging post holes, Gae-Lynn is working on the next Cass Elliot novel.
When she's not playing the roadie, tending to cows, fixing fence, or digging post holes, Gae-Lynn is working on the next Cass Elliot novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2013
As a mystery/thriller writer myself, there aren't too many authors I wait for, but after the twisty, colorful, surprising mesmerism that was The Devil of Light, I wanted more Cass and more Forney County. Avengers doesn't disappoint--all your favorite rednecks are back, plus some great new ones. I stayed up way too late again and loved every minute of it.
Glad I don't live in Texas, ha ha!
Toby Neal, Author of the Lei Crime Series
Glad I don't live in Texas, ha ha!
Toby Neal, Author of the Lei Crime Series
August 24, 2013
I loved this book from beginning to end, where familiar characters deal with the evils of human behaviour. Another great crime novel and even though not all questions are answered regarding the main characters, the story is satisfying and I'm looking forward to finding out more about Cass & Co.
Brilliant, extremely well written and highly recommended.
Brilliant, extremely well written and highly recommended.
January 29, 2015
While reading this crime thriller I was constantly reminded of the new song out on the radio "The Hanging Tree". Very apropos.
At the beginning we have a crime, a crime that reaches across decades, effects multiple lives, and sets them on an intersecting course that has deadly consequences.
This is the second book in the series. I didn't really pay attention to that fact when I bought it and did find myself slightly lost at times when parts of the plot line were continuations of events from the first book but it hardly effected my enjoyment of the book.
Even though this is book feeds off the previous one, the characters are very well written, so much so that I felt like I knew them even though I didn't read the first book.
One of the appeals of this book is that it is one that hooks you in quick and then keeps you reading longer than you expected. The ebb and flow of the plot line is masterfully written, so that it was rare that I skimmed through boring or non-essential filler stuff.
Cass is a great character and you really get interested in her story. She's really brought to life in a way that she becomes less of a fictional character and more of someone you might read about in your local paper investigating a crime scene.
There are plenty of twists to the story and one dosie that defiantly rates a "Damn!"
A definite addition for crime and mystery fans.
At the beginning we have a crime, a crime that reaches across decades, effects multiple lives, and sets them on an intersecting course that has deadly consequences.
This is the second book in the series. I didn't really pay attention to that fact when I bought it and did find myself slightly lost at times when parts of the plot line were continuations of events from the first book but it hardly effected my enjoyment of the book.
Even though this is book feeds off the previous one, the characters are very well written, so much so that I felt like I knew them even though I didn't read the first book.
One of the appeals of this book is that it is one that hooks you in quick and then keeps you reading longer than you expected. The ebb and flow of the plot line is masterfully written, so that it was rare that I skimmed through boring or non-essential filler stuff.
Cass is a great character and you really get interested in her story. She's really brought to life in a way that she becomes less of a fictional character and more of someone you might read about in your local paper investigating a crime scene.
There are plenty of twists to the story and one dosie that defiantly rates a "Damn!"
A definite addition for crime and mystery fans.
August 7, 2013
When I reviewed 'The Devil of Light', I called Gae-Lynn Woods one hell of a storyteller. That hasn't changed. With "Avengers of Blood," the "Devil" sequel, she's another step farther along cementing herself as one of this generation's premiere crime writers. "Avengers" picks up where "Devil" left off, with suspended Forney County, Texas, sheriff's detective Cass Elliot working her way back onto the job, impeded as usual by an incompetent boss and cheered by fellow investigators. And good ol' Forney County, where the most comical fictional newspaper ever exists (the Forney Cater), gives Cass and the crew plenty to do, as a new string of murders pile up and, initially, confusion reigns. It appears the killings are related, but the crew is having some difficulty finding a common thread until they get an old - and unusual - lead that starts to unravel the complex scheme. I can't (and won't) go into too much detail because part of the joy of reading Woods' writing is each new discovery. Suffice it to say she's come up with one of the most interesting villains I've ever encountered. Ms. Woods' sense of humor shines as brightly as her attention to detail, and there's just enough teasing of things to come in "Avengers" that'll have you champing at the bit for more. Bravo!
March 22, 2013
When I finished The Devil of Light, I was ready for more. I’ve been waiting for Avengers of Blood ever since, and it was well worth waiting for. Once past the gripping prologue, I was right back in good old Forney County, catching up with familiar characters. I felt right at home, and when somebody new showed up, I almost said, “Ye ain’t from around here, are ye?”
Ms. Woods has another winner here, with a spellbinding tale told in her own easygoing style. This book is every bit as engaging as her first one. Read it; you’ll enjoy it.
Ms. Woods has another winner here, with a spellbinding tale told in her own easygoing style. This book is every bit as engaging as her first one. Read it; you’ll enjoy it.
August 7, 2013
Great story.
August 15, 2018
Book two about Cass Elliot and another great book and story. I love this character and her partner Mitch. The story is thrilling and suspenseful and a real page turner. A gruesome murder and an unknown, as yet, evil leader of a cult that will go as far as they need to to keep their secret. The characters seem so real I think I might know a couple of them. My only problem with this book is that the next one is not out. Gae-Lynn can not write quick enough for me.
I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone that loves a good mystery-murder story.
I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone that loves a good mystery-murder story.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
June 4, 2015
Avengers of Blood is the kind of books in a series I love. It has the same characters from The Devil of Light, the previous novel, who I had gotten to know and love; or hate. This one had a different engaging plot with aspects of the previous book’s unsolved mystery threading its way through the story. It also had a satisfying ending that left some questions unanswered telling me that soon I would be spending more time with my friends. It was written so that a reader who hadn’t read the first one wouldn’t feel lost.
Ms. Wood’s gift is creating small town characters that ring true. It’s apparent she’s spent some time observing people and storing their interactions for fodder for her stories. All of the characters in the story are flawed, some more than others, just like the people in our lives. Even the characters you root for you’ll wish could get over their insecurities and move on. But they would not seem realistic if they shrugged off what’s been a part of their life.
This story’s premise could have come straight from almost any southern newspapers headlines. There’s a gruesome murder in the first chapter discovered by a murderer denied the revenge they’ve been waiting all their life to seek. That engaged this reader as I knew the denied murderer would seek their revenge on those that stole it from them.
Maxine, a new character, was introduced in this story and made for smile evoking reading with her interactions with Cassie, the protagonist.
The only issue I had with the writing was the author occasionally spent too much time showing character actions to avoid dialog tags. Sometimes a simple said, or asked would have let the conversation flow better than showing a character doing something that didn’t add to the scene as a way to identify who spoke.
That was a minuscule issue that won’t stop me from looking forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this novel to anyone who loves crime/mystery novels.
Here’s a link to learn more about this author and her books: Gae-Lynn Woods
Ms. Wood’s gift is creating small town characters that ring true. It’s apparent she’s spent some time observing people and storing their interactions for fodder for her stories. All of the characters in the story are flawed, some more than others, just like the people in our lives. Even the characters you root for you’ll wish could get over their insecurities and move on. But they would not seem realistic if they shrugged off what’s been a part of their life.
This story’s premise could have come straight from almost any southern newspapers headlines. There’s a gruesome murder in the first chapter discovered by a murderer denied the revenge they’ve been waiting all their life to seek. That engaged this reader as I knew the denied murderer would seek their revenge on those that stole it from them.
Maxine, a new character, was introduced in this story and made for smile evoking reading with her interactions with Cassie, the protagonist.
The only issue I had with the writing was the author occasionally spent too much time showing character actions to avoid dialog tags. Sometimes a simple said, or asked would have let the conversation flow better than showing a character doing something that didn’t add to the scene as a way to identify who spoke.
That was a minuscule issue that won’t stop me from looking forward to reading more from this author.
I recommend this novel to anyone who loves crime/mystery novels.
Here’s a link to learn more about this author and her books: Gae-Lynn Woods
July 4, 2020
Not sure if I have said this before.
But having met, heard about and seen on screen some of the real life residents of Texas I think it would have been wise to use a Pseudonym.
Gritty and close to home is a great read. But is some of the character types depicted in this work are actually capable of reading it. Then I think many would be angry and outraged by what I perceive to be an accurate description of many real life residents .
Such a shame as I would love to know what happens next.
But having met, heard about and seen on screen some of the real life residents of Texas I think it would have been wise to use a Pseudonym.
Gritty and close to home is a great read. But is some of the character types depicted in this work are actually capable of reading it. Then I think many would be angry and outraged by what I perceive to be an accurate description of many real life residents .
Such a shame as I would love to know what happens next.
April 25, 2015
Wow!
This series is one of the best I have read in a while. Woods has a way of making you feel like you know the people in the story. I can't wait till the next one to come out. Bravo.
This series is one of the best I have read in a while. Woods has a way of making you feel like you know the people in the story. I can't wait till the next one to come out. Bravo.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews