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Bitter Legacy #3
Derrière l’uniforme: Un héritage amer, T3
Son retour dans la police devait marquer un nouveau départ pour Will, mais lorsqu’il découvre que la corruption a infiltré jusqu’aux bancs de ses collègues, il ne pourra plus faire confiance à personne.
Après trois ans à travailler en tant que détective privé, Will Foster reprend son poste d’inspecteur de police, bien qu’il porte toujours la responsabilité de la mort d’un agent sous son commandement. Mais avec son retour dans les forces de l’ordre, il est déterminé à se racheter, et pour cela, il lui faut faire tomber le chef de la pègre, Joey Clarkson.
Will est prêt à ne pas compter ses heures et à faire des sacrifices pour son travail, même si cela vient empiéter sur sa relation naissante avec Tom Gray, mannequin de renommée internationale. Après tout, Tom a l’habitude de se laisser porter par le vent, mais à Londres, le crime ne s’arrête jamais.
Quand un meurtre dans un appartement de Soho entraîne Will dans le monde de la corruption, il se retrouve forcé d’enquêter sur ses propres amis et collègues. À présent, l’endroit où il était venu chercher sa rédemption semble bâti sur les mensonges et la trahison.Et quelqu’un a l’air prêt à aller jusqu’au meurtre pour s’assurer qu’il en reste ainsi.
#Police #Meurtre #Enquête #Mannequin #Rédemption #Corruption #RomanceContemporaine #MM
Ce tome clôt la série Un héritage amer.
« Dans ce roman, on a des rebondissements, du chantage et des trahisons, mais aussi de la romance et des scènes hot... la liste est longue. Je m’arrête ici, et vous recommande vivement de le lire ! » - Jess, Amazon« Dal Maclean nous livre comme à son habitude une histoire avec un scénario brillant, bien écrite et avec une grande puissance émotionnelle. Vous n’allez pas pouvoir arrêter de penser aux personnages de ce roman, même après l’avoir fini. » - Sally Malcolm, autrice de romance gay« Dans ce troisième tome remarquable et débordant de tension, Dal Maclean emporte son lecteur dans une aventure folle et émouvante ! » - Ulysses Dietz, auteur d’Urban Fantasy LGBT
Après trois ans à travailler en tant que détective privé, Will Foster reprend son poste d’inspecteur de police, bien qu’il porte toujours la responsabilité de la mort d’un agent sous son commandement. Mais avec son retour dans les forces de l’ordre, il est déterminé à se racheter, et pour cela, il lui faut faire tomber le chef de la pègre, Joey Clarkson.
Will est prêt à ne pas compter ses heures et à faire des sacrifices pour son travail, même si cela vient empiéter sur sa relation naissante avec Tom Gray, mannequin de renommée internationale. Après tout, Tom a l’habitude de se laisser porter par le vent, mais à Londres, le crime ne s’arrête jamais.
Quand un meurtre dans un appartement de Soho entraîne Will dans le monde de la corruption, il se retrouve forcé d’enquêter sur ses propres amis et collègues. À présent, l’endroit où il était venu chercher sa rédemption semble bâti sur les mensonges et la trahison.Et quelqu’un a l’air prêt à aller jusqu’au meurtre pour s’assurer qu’il en reste ainsi.
#Police #Meurtre #Enquête #Mannequin #Rédemption #Corruption #RomanceContemporaine #MM
Ce tome clôt la série Un héritage amer.
« Dans ce roman, on a des rebondissements, du chantage et des trahisons, mais aussi de la romance et des scènes hot... la liste est longue. Je m’arrête ici, et vous recommande vivement de le lire ! » - Jess, Amazon« Dal Maclean nous livre comme à son habitude une histoire avec un scénario brillant, bien écrite et avec une grande puissance émotionnelle. Vous n’allez pas pouvoir arrêter de penser aux personnages de ce roman, même après l’avoir fini. » - Sally Malcolm, autrice de romance gay« Dans ce troisième tome remarquable et débordant de tension, Dal Maclean emporte son lecteur dans une aventure folle et émouvante ! » - Ulysses Dietz, auteur d’Urban Fantasy LGBT
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
36 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Dal Maclean
6 books360 followersDal Maclean comes from Scotland. Her background is in journalism, and she has an undying passion for history, the more gossipy and scandalous the better. Dal has lived in Asia and worked all over the world, but home is now the UK. She dislikes the Tragic Gay trope, but loves imperfect characters, unreliable narrators and genuine emotional conflict in romantic fiction. As an author, and a reader, she believes it’s worth a bit of work to reach a happy ending. Agatha Christie, English gardens and ill-advised cocktails are three fatal weaknesses, though not usually all at the same time.
Her first book, "Bitter Legacy", was a 2017 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for best Gay Mystery, and was chosen by the American Libraries Association for their 2018 Over The Rainbow Recommended Books List.
Her first book, "Bitter Legacy", was a 2017 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for best Gay Mystery, and was chosen by the American Libraries Association for their 2018 Over The Rainbow Recommended Books List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 24, 2022
This review contains spoilers for Bitter Legacy and Object of Desire.
Let me preface this by saying: it is my firm belief that Dal Maclean can do no wrong and every book she publishes leaves me clamouring for more of her writing.
So, if you do not read this book, I don't know who you are, I don't know what you want. But you should know, I have a particular set of skills, skills I have acquired after a period of stanning Maclean, skills that make me hunt people like you, if you fix yourself and realise her work is perfect that will be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you do not, I will look for you, I will find you and I will tell you...
This book picks up where Object of Desire left off (yes, you need to read the first two books to enjoy this one), but on a much better note. This time, we are following Will’s pov. I still hate Tommy and everything that he stands for but I still give a damn what happens to him because of Dal’s writing.
Tommy is away on a modelling contract, one of his final ones, before he gets serious with school, while Will is attending a funeral of one of his colleagues. Having finally rejoined the police force, Will is also expected to attend a few positive social events. Like the engagement party for Jamie and Ben (our MCs from Bitter Legacy). While there, Will bumps into AC Christine Hansen, some DCI big wig, former flame, the one character I hate most this year and a colossal bitch…
He also spots the consigliere of organized crime boss Joey Clarkson monitoring Jamie’s party. This of course raises his hackles (and mine) and soon after they’re called to the first crime scene. It soon becomes clear that there is a conspiracy afoot. One that will have Will uncovering secrets and crimes that go back all the way to the people he trusts. He looks up to. Crimes that have been happening for decades.
Will and Jamie are eventually forced to team up to uncover this discombobulating web that is attempting to obscure the most horrific of crimes that affected London. And of course, Will and Tom have to endure more fucking drama because Maclean just can't let my heart rest.
This story isn’t simple. Or for the faint of heart. Tough subject matter is discussed and frankly, if you have a weak stomach, please fortify yourself. Get some tums. Swallow some cement. Because you shouldn’t deny yourself this police procedural.
Tom also grows a pair and grows up, performing a series of heroic deeds and showing his usefulness in making Will happy and utilizing his forensics postgrad. The discussion of trace DNA felt very organic and not like a textbook the way other procedurals come off. This book did leave me wanting more as there are some threads Maclean opted to leave- upended, frayed. And I like my seams fastened. However, nothing could diminish my love for this book.
Dal Maclean discusses this book on gaymysterypodcast.com, from about 9:18.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Let me preface this by saying: it is my firm belief that Dal Maclean can do no wrong and every book she publishes leaves me clamouring for more of her writing.
So, if you do not read this book, I don't know who you are, I don't know what you want. But you should know, I have a particular set of skills, skills I have acquired after a period of stanning Maclean, skills that make me hunt people like you, if you fix yourself and realise her work is perfect that will be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you do not, I will look for you, I will find you and I will tell you...
This book picks up where Object of Desire left off (yes, you need to read the first two books to enjoy this one), but on a much better note. This time, we are following Will’s pov. I still hate Tommy and everything that he stands for but I still give a damn what happens to him because of Dal’s writing.
Tommy is away on a modelling contract, one of his final ones, before he gets serious with school, while Will is attending a funeral of one of his colleagues. Having finally rejoined the police force, Will is also expected to attend a few positive social events. Like the engagement party for Jamie and Ben (our MCs from Bitter Legacy). While there, Will bumps into AC Christine Hansen, some DCI big wig, former flame, the one character I hate most this year and a colossal bitch…
He also spots the consigliere of organized crime boss Joey Clarkson monitoring Jamie’s party. This of course raises his hackles (and mine) and soon after they’re called to the first crime scene. It soon becomes clear that there is a conspiracy afoot. One that will have Will uncovering secrets and crimes that go back all the way to the people he trusts. He looks up to. Crimes that have been happening for decades.
Will and Jamie are eventually forced to team up to uncover this discombobulating web that is attempting to obscure the most horrific of crimes that affected London. And of course, Will and Tom have to endure more fucking drama because Maclean just can't let my heart rest.
This story isn’t simple. Or for the faint of heart. Tough subject matter is discussed and frankly, if you have a weak stomach, please fortify yourself. Get some tums. Swallow some cement. Because you shouldn’t deny yourself this police procedural.
Tom also grows a pair and grows up, performing a series of heroic deeds and showing his usefulness in making Will happy and utilizing his forensics postgrad. The discussion of trace DNA felt very organic and not like a textbook the way other procedurals come off. This book did leave me wanting more as there are some threads Maclean opted to leave- upended, frayed. And I like my seams fastened. However, nothing could diminish my love for this book.
Dal Maclean discusses this book on gaymysterypodcast.com, from about 9:18.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
Audiobook - 5++++++ stars
Story - 4.5 stars
- Loved this one so much especially because we got Will's POV. 🥰
-The mystery was engaging, enjoyed the twists and turns.😨😫 The investigation process and all that jazz.😎
-Will and Tom's relationship was okay, I like them together they kinda complement each other. 🤗
Overall, I had an amazing time listening to this one. Gary gets the medal. 🥳🥳
Story - 4.5 stars
- Loved this one so much especially because we got Will's POV. 🥰
-The mystery was engaging, enjoyed the twists and turns.😨😫 The investigation process and all that jazz.😎
-Will and Tom's relationship was okay, I like them together they kinda complement each other. 🤗
Overall, I had an amazing time listening to this one. Gary gets the medal. 🥳🥳
May 15, 2020
Audio – 5+++ Stars Gary Furlong is just….STUPENDOUS!
Story – 5 +++ INTENSE Stars
Please tell me this isn’t the end!!!
Tantor so got it right with this series by combining a gifted performer with a gifted author to produced one heck of a phenomenal audiobook.
I’ve read/listened to a fair share of romantic mystery/suspense novels and this is by far one of the best I’ve read/listened to. It didn’t matter that the romance took a backseat because the mystery/suspense was incredibly engaging and the connection/chemistry between the MCs was intense enough that the romance didn’t get completely overshadowed.
I loved the twists and turns and how the cases from book 1 to book 3 connected. It was all so well done; I can’t help but consider this author a genius storyteller.
Story – 5 +++ INTENSE Stars
Please tell me this isn’t the end!!!
Tantor so got it right with this series by combining a gifted performer with a gifted author to produced one heck of a phenomenal audiobook.
I’ve read/listened to a fair share of romantic mystery/suspense novels and this is by far one of the best I’ve read/listened to. It didn’t matter that the romance took a backseat because the mystery/suspense was incredibly engaging and the connection/chemistry between the MCs was intense enough that the romance didn’t get completely overshadowed.
I loved the twists and turns and how the cases from book 1 to book 3 connected. It was all so well done; I can’t help but consider this author a genius storyteller.
March 4, 2024
Dal Maclean, once again, delivered a story that's fast paced, with a mystery that kept me guessing all the way through. Will doesn't know who to trust and by halfway through Blue on Blue, I didn't either. The only things I could be relatively sure of was that Jamie was a good guy and that Tom and Will would make it. Things were a bit close there, a couple times, though. And what a small small world it really is.
Also, holy relationship angst, Batman! As much as I love angsty books, I tend to dread relationship angst, a lot. However, once I'm in the midst of it, I fucking love it. Tom and Will haven't learned communication skills and they both have some trust issues they weren't admitting, and boy were there consequences. Don't worry, too much, though, because they do get through it and they come out the other side stronger for the struggle. That struggle, though -- delicious.
I do hope we get more of both Jamie & Ben, and Will & Tom. I'm here for it.
--------------------
Edited on 31 Mar 2020: I have found out, both from another reader and the author, that Blue on Blue is intended to be the end of the Bitter Legacy series, which I find disappointing.
The ending of Blue on Blue read to me as a strong HFN, but still an HFN. Dal Maclean said it was written to be an HEA, so I have to accept that to be true, because it did not read that way to me. Also, she set it up so well to continue the plot threads, and there is a lot left unresolved. Getting into specifics, there, would get too spoilery, which I definitely do not want to do.
This whole series is pretty amazing, though, so while I am left with some disappointment that there won't be more, it's still one of my favorite series. Truly, my disappointment is a testament as to just how invested I am. I think if you go into this knowing that there will be the realism of not everything being wrapped up, and you've read and loved books 1 and 2, you'll love Blue on Blue as well.
Also, holy relationship angst, Batman! As much as I love angsty books, I tend to dread relationship angst, a lot. However, once I'm in the midst of it, I fucking love it. Tom and Will haven't learned communication skills and they both have some trust issues they weren't admitting, and boy were there consequences. Don't worry, too much, though, because they do get through it and they come out the other side stronger for the struggle. That struggle, though -- delicious.
I do hope we get more of both Jamie & Ben, and Will & Tom. I'm here for it.
--------------------
Edited on 31 Mar 2020: I have found out, both from another reader and the author, that Blue on Blue is intended to be the end of the Bitter Legacy series, which I find disappointing.
The ending of Blue on Blue read to me as a strong HFN, but still an HFN. Dal Maclean said it was written to be an HEA, so I have to accept that to be true, because it did not read that way to me. Also, she set it up so well to continue the plot threads, and there is a lot left unresolved. Getting into specifics, there, would get too spoilery, which I definitely do not want to do.
This whole series is pretty amazing, though, so while I am left with some disappointment that there won't be more, it's still one of my favorite series. Truly, my disappointment is a testament as to just how invested I am. I think if you go into this knowing that there will be the realism of not everything being wrapped up, and you've read and loved books 1 and 2, you'll love Blue on Blue as well.
April 2, 2020
4.5 stars. Dal Maclean is amazing at playing your emotions. My God, this wore me out! I'm finding it very hard to concentrate on reading my books right now but when I did pick this up, I was completely in it, immersed. I won't say that was always enjoyable, because some of those emotions she plays so well are fear, rage, pain and sorrow. And holy hell, the frustration was maddening!
To make this bearable *ok, not really but you'll live* the writing is top notch, the crime and investigation are tense and awesomely edge-of-your-seat and the characters are truly three dimensional. I loved this book being from Will's point of view even though I wanted to shake him really hard at times. Will is a genuinely good guy and this story put him through an emotional wringer in so many ways it hurt to read it sometimes. I also loved how Tom has grown. Though he still had issues of his own, I admired the fact that he didn't give up on himself and Will when things were so topsy-turvy. All of the characters, both good and bad, were incredibly well rendered, so believable and distinct. Without fail, Eve Kelly gives me chills. On the flip side of that, I absolutely loved seeing Ben & Jaime happy and !
However much the author made me work for it, the ending was fitting though far from resolved, so I'm hoping for more of this world. LOL, do I need any further proof that booknerds are masochists? :)
To make this bearable *ok, not really but you'll live* the writing is top notch, the crime and investigation are tense and awesomely edge-of-your-seat and the characters are truly three dimensional. I loved this book being from Will's point of view even though I wanted to shake him really hard at times. Will is a genuinely good guy and this story put him through an emotional wringer in so many ways it hurt to read it sometimes. I also loved how Tom has grown. Though he still had issues of his own, I admired the fact that he didn't give up on himself and Will when things were so topsy-turvy. All of the characters, both good and bad, were incredibly well rendered, so believable and distinct. Without fail, Eve Kelly gives me chills. On the flip side of that, I absolutely loved seeing Ben & Jaime happy and !
However much the author made me work for it, the ending was fitting though far from resolved, so I'm hoping for more of this world. LOL, do I need any further proof that booknerds are masochists? :)
March 25, 2020
Phenomenal storytelling as usual. Maclean is crazy talented.
The romance took a big backseat though. That bummed me out.
The romance took a big backseat though. That bummed me out.
March 29, 2020
I really enjoy the style and flavor of this author's mysteries. I do wish I'd done a reread of the second book in this series, before diving in. (I've reread the first book a couple of times, and figured I was good to go, but I didn't realize how closely this mystery with all the secondary characters would tie into the ones before it.)
This is a police procedural/thriller that follows Will Foster, from book 2, as he tries to balance out his return to the police force and murder investigations with his conviction that somehow he isn't going to be enough for Tom, no matter how much he loves him. Will's trying to make the inevitable less hard on Tom, as they pursue their careers.
There is a lot of push-pull and miscommunication in the romance part of this story, but you really have to feel for both men. Will is totally overwhelmed, busy at work and asked to do promotional things that stress him out. Tom is in the background, waiting to get more of his man's attention, not sure why things don't seem to be settling into the happy ending he expected. And jealousies - their own and others - don't make things easier.
The murder of a prostitute also digs up a lot of past dirt from cases that were supposed to be over. What's more, Will begins to wonder who on the force he can really trust not to be in the pay of the local gangster boss. But one man he does trust completely is James, even if dragging the newly-engaged James into his messy case isn't what he'd have preferred.
The plot is, as usual for this author, twisty and filled with interesting, dubious characters. The ending has some surprises, and yet manages a satisfying resolution of both the mystery with its underlying dark currents, and the romance. If I had done the reread, this might have been 5 stars for me, as it would have let me fall into the story deeper had I remembered the big cast of characters. If you like procedural thrillers, with romance on the side, I recommend this whole series.
This is a police procedural/thriller that follows Will Foster, from book 2, as he tries to balance out his return to the police force and murder investigations with his conviction that somehow he isn't going to be enough for Tom, no matter how much he loves him. Will's trying to make the inevitable less hard on Tom, as they pursue their careers.
There is a lot of push-pull and miscommunication in the romance part of this story, but you really have to feel for both men. Will is totally overwhelmed, busy at work and asked to do promotional things that stress him out. Tom is in the background, waiting to get more of his man's attention, not sure why things don't seem to be settling into the happy ending he expected. And jealousies - their own and others - don't make things easier.
The murder of a prostitute also digs up a lot of past dirt from cases that were supposed to be over. What's more, Will begins to wonder who on the force he can really trust not to be in the pay of the local gangster boss. But one man he does trust completely is James, even if dragging the newly-engaged James into his messy case isn't what he'd have preferred.
The plot is, as usual for this author, twisty and filled with interesting, dubious characters. The ending has some surprises, and yet manages a satisfying resolution of both the mystery with its underlying dark currents, and the romance. If I had done the reread, this might have been 5 stars for me, as it would have let me fall into the story deeper had I remembered the big cast of characters. If you like procedural thrillers, with romance on the side, I recommend this whole series.
June 30, 2020
And that makes it three extraordinarily brilliant romantic police procedural suspense novels out of three.
I hope it's not the end, there's still loose ends available to continue pulling!
I hope it's not the end, there's still loose ends available to continue pulling!
May 12, 2020
6 chapters in and all I can say is that I loathe immature fools.
I don't know if I'll finish this one.
__________________________________________
So, I actually finished it.
Dal Maclean is a really good police- procedural writer. I think there's a lot here that makes this a terrific police thriller. And I believe the ending lends itself for a dramatic and fast- paced continuation of the corrupt discoveries made inside the MPS.
But, I am here for what I am here and that just isn't delivered. I would like to say that I was able to focus on the huge parts of the story that I did enjoy, instead I honestly was so frustrated with the relationship and romance portrayed, that I'm pretty sure I've decided not to continue with any more Dal Maclean books.
If your relationship is making you feel worthless, insecure, less-than, fearful, miserable...
Then maybe it isn't a fucking good relationship. Staying on it without ever having an adult honest conversation with the partner that you live with is hella unhealthy. (That caricature of a conversation inside an interview room, after shocking events, that lasts all of 3 minutes isn't resolving months of a depressing relationship. That was an annoyingly bad take.)
Living in constant and unrelenting doubt about the relationship that you are in is toxic.
And also... condom politics between long term, established partners???.... Ugh. Hard pass.
I don't know if I'll finish this one.
__________________________________________
So, I actually finished it.
Dal Maclean is a really good police- procedural writer. I think there's a lot here that makes this a terrific police thriller. And I believe the ending lends itself for a dramatic and fast- paced continuation of the corrupt discoveries made inside the MPS.
But, I am here for what I am here and that just isn't delivered. I would like to say that I was able to focus on the huge parts of the story that I did enjoy, instead I honestly was so frustrated with the relationship and romance portrayed, that I'm pretty sure I've decided not to continue with any more Dal Maclean books.
If your relationship is making you feel worthless, insecure, less-than, fearful, miserable...
Then maybe it isn't a fucking good relationship. Staying on it without ever having an adult honest conversation with the partner that you live with is hella unhealthy. (That caricature of a conversation inside an interview room, after shocking events, that lasts all of 3 minutes isn't resolving months of a depressing relationship. That was an annoyingly bad take.)
Living in constant and unrelenting doubt about the relationship that you are in is toxic.
And also... condom politics between long term, established partners???.... Ugh. Hard pass.
September 8, 2023
Update after re-read: Much to my dismay, I'm knocking this down a star. I mostly stand by my earlier review: the mystery is excellent, and while the romance is hard -- Will basically spends a big chunk of the book sabotaging himself and Tom, owing to his fear and mistrust and lack of belief in himself and them -- it also feels authentically rooted in the struggles of a second-chance romance where both characters have scars and baggage from round one. But I can't ignore the dramatic dip in the quality of the writing, which was impeccable in book 1, still excellent but plagued by some sloppiness and typos in book 2, but seems to have had no (or extremely poor) copy editing this time around. It stuck out much more on the re-read. This is a 5-star story trapped in the body of a 1-star edit, with distractingly bad comma issues and overall a much less tight, polished feel. Story-wise, it's done; but quality-wise, it reads like a rough draft. And it is so jarring and such a shame to do that to this story and these characters.
Also not flagged in my original review is fatphobia towards one character in particular, whose extreme weight gain is unkindly described and makes her a subject of both repulsion and pity to other characters.
All this considered, 3 stars would probably be a more accurate rating. But I still remember the obsessive hold this book had on me the first time around, and even though it was a more frustrating experience this time -- seriously, the commas!!! -- I still couldn't put it down on the re-read. 4 stars it is.
____________________________________
Soooooooooo I obsessively read this whole series in under a week, including an almost full re-read of Bitter Legacy before moving on to Object of Desire and Blue on Blue, and it’s no exaggeration to say that my brain, it is broken. Not mad about it though. As a displacement activity for all the things stressing me out that I have absolutely no control over, I give this high marks.
Per my current fever-dream fugue state, I’m not sure how to go about reviewing this. I definitely recommend this series for anyone who loves high-stakes, twisty, cynical, hard-bitten romantic suspense with beautiful, flawed, frustrating, damaged, ultimately brave, ride-or-die heroes, and who is also willing to suspend disbelief around things like “would they really let the subject of the investigation just tag along?” or “how many laws does someone have to break before they lose their police protection?” or “are we just supposed to ignore the raging UST between all four of these bizarrely hot guys, and if so, WHY???” You know, the important questions.
So since my brain, it is broken, I leave you instead with some random thoughts and observations – mostly on book 3, but also on the series as a whole because it all ends up being so interwoven that it gets hard to keep everything separate. No spoilers.
The romances: Look. You’ll either love them or you’ll hate them. Because these characters make you work for it, and the process is not, for the most part, pretty. I LOVE Jamie and Ben, but I could see how some people will nope out of the dynamics at play for 9/10ths of that book and/or just not buy the HEA. I really like Will and Tom, too – maybe not quite as much as Jamie and Ben, but this is like saying I don’t like sour cream and onion potato chips quite as much as salt-and-vinegar: I will still shove them happily in my face, forever and ever, amen.
Object of Desire left us with a seemingly solid HFN. Blue on Blue picks up a few months down the line in Will’s POV. And the theme of this book (really the theme of this whole series, but especially in this one) is trust and its enemy, paranoia, both in the mystery and on the relationship side.
What I thought was fascinating here is that we are getting what we don’t normally see once couples get together, HEA, curtain drop: the very real work and doubt and fear and second-guessing that goes on in a relationship where trust has previously been broken to the tune of a lot of hurt and heartbreak and self-destruction. Will loves Tom, but he doesn’t trust him. Will is convinced Tom will break his heart again, that he’ll come to his senses and realize Will isn’t what he wants after all. Will is so sure of this that he is practically facilitating it through his own actions and reactions, by putting up a protective wall around himself and always holding back, never fully investing or doing anything that (in his mind) would make Tom feel trapped -- with the effect of making Tom feel unwanted. Tom, no idiot, feels this lack of trust -- he doesn't even blame Will for it, given the way their last affair ended -- but he doesn’t know how to fix it, nor what to do with his own desperate love and jealousy and sinking conviction that Will is trying to get clear of him in a way that makes him (Will) blameless.
(This makes it sound very willful and manipulative. It’s not. Will slowly comes to realize -- with help from a scornful, but 100 percent correct, minor character -- that he’s in the process of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Will’s actions are driven by fear and disbelief in Tom’s staying power -- in part driven by Will's awareness that Tom made major, life-changing decisions in the immediate aftermath of multiple traumas -- and insecurity about his own desirability and worth, not malice.)
So the romance in this installment is very much about building something new in the wreckage of the old: figuring out how to learn from the past, but not let it control you. It’s pretty painful for both Will and Tom, and there is a lot of dread and anticipation of misery before they finally, finally have a proper discussion about what’s going on and how to move forward. The relationship conflict is maybe a bit too neatly resolved once the confrontation is had, but I’m hardly complaining: Will’s personal turmoil on top of the mystery stuff being ramped up to 15 means that it’s wonderful to finally get some happiness with these two.
Jamie and Ben, meanwhile, are HEAing like nobody’s business. While Jamie is central to the mystery arc, and Ben has a meaty (and incredibly satisfying) scene with a crucial book 1 character, their relationship arc was pretty much resolved in Bitter Legacy. They are devoted, besotted, and solid, and it’s lovely.
I end the series being happy with where both couples ended up, but this was high-angst stuff all the way. And damn, would it have been too much to ask for a cozy Will-and-Tom epilogue after all that torment??
Also, still laughing about Pezmo.
The mystery: Gulp. This was SO much. And so cleverly weaving in elements and characters from books 1 and 2. And it really created a feeling of paranoia and doubt and confusion in the reader to match what Will (and later, James) was feeling. This was edge-of-your-seat, high octane stuff. And Dal Maclean is NOT afraid to tear shit down. The utter disdain for powerful people who use and dispose of the vulnerable while protecting themselves; the compromises and difficult choices and reality that no one’s hands are entirely clean. All the mysteries in this series are so well done, and the way they all end up interlinking – hats off.
The complexity of victims becoming villains: It was incredibly satisfying and bittersweet that Steggie has such a crucial role in this book. And I love the fact that Jamie is still sincerely grieving him, even though most people don’t know or understand why. And also that Ben allows space for Jamie’s grief, despite his own very complicated feelings about it. This whole book was Steggie’s revenge, and it couldn’t be more fitting to that determined, damaged man.
And speaking of villains – without spoiling anything in this book, it is interesting that Tom still expresses concern over Nick’s fate even after everything that goes down in this and the previous book. And it’s also interesting that Nick’s culpability over some of the events in this book is left in doubt; I mean, he is definitely behind some of what happens, but his role in the rest of it is open to question. I’m also bemused that Nick’s fate is unresolved. If Dal Maclean ever blesses us with another installment (PLEASE!!!), this is the obvious hook.
The friendships: I LOVE that the two #hotcops become BFFs in this one. And I love that Tom and Ben bonded over their #hotcops’ shared peril, and hopefully will develop as strong and good a friendship as Jamie and Will do – as neither Ben nor Tom, though surrounded by beautiful shallows, seem to have much in the way of proper friends they can trust.
Though would it have killed Dal Maclean to give us a foursome?? If there is none of this fanfic out there, I am going to be VERY DISAPPOINTED.
The ending: Much as I would have LOVED a satisfying epilogue where all the baddies got their just desserts, Jamie and Ben got their lavish wedding, Tom and Will got to chill in domestic bliss while Will cooks and Tom studies (and waxes, because: standards), and Magnus got Helen Mirren (it could happen!), the fact we don’t get that is fitting for this series. Justice will, or won’t, grind on in its own time. Some of the baddies will get off scot-free. Jamie and Ben, and Will and Tom, will carry on loving each other, hopefully happily, hopefully ever after – but at least with the conviction to try and not just to accept that hard things and hurt people can’t change. There’s so much left up in the air here, but by the end the fundamentals – the trust, the devotion, the determination, the love – are nailed down. And it wouldn’t be true to this hard-boiled series to expect more than that.
The commas: THE COMMAS!!! This book had some typos – even moreso than book 2 – but more jarringly, it had startling comma issues. Like commas consistently either missing or in the wrong place – enough to be not just noticeable, but distracting. Is there a rogue copy editor on the loose?? Are they another one of Ben’s broken-hearts?? Is there no end to the wreckage that fuckboy left behind??? (Or more likely: did this book fall victim to the March 2020 pandemic-induced chaos, with corners cut to rush it out on schedule? If so: bad decision!)
All in all – a series that absolutely took over my life for a week, that absorbed me and frustrated me and delighted me and exhilarated me in equal measure. One that I can't wait to go back to. One for the keeper shelf. Not perfect, but what is?
Damn. What am I going to do for a displacement activity now?
Also not flagged in my original review is fatphobia towards one character in particular, whose extreme weight gain is unkindly described and makes her a subject of both repulsion and pity to other characters.
All this considered, 3 stars would probably be a more accurate rating. But I still remember the obsessive hold this book had on me the first time around, and even though it was a more frustrating experience this time -- seriously, the commas!!! -- I still couldn't put it down on the re-read. 4 stars it is.
____________________________________
Soooooooooo I obsessively read this whole series in under a week, including an almost full re-read of Bitter Legacy before moving on to Object of Desire and Blue on Blue, and it’s no exaggeration to say that my brain, it is broken. Not mad about it though. As a displacement activity for all the things stressing me out that I have absolutely no control over, I give this high marks.
Per my current fever-dream fugue state, I’m not sure how to go about reviewing this. I definitely recommend this series for anyone who loves high-stakes, twisty, cynical, hard-bitten romantic suspense with beautiful, flawed, frustrating, damaged, ultimately brave, ride-or-die heroes, and who is also willing to suspend disbelief around things like “would they really let the subject of the investigation just tag along?” or “how many laws does someone have to break before they lose their police protection?” or “are we just supposed to ignore the raging UST between all four of these bizarrely hot guys, and if so, WHY???” You know, the important questions.
So since my brain, it is broken, I leave you instead with some random thoughts and observations – mostly on book 3, but also on the series as a whole because it all ends up being so interwoven that it gets hard to keep everything separate. No spoilers.
The romances: Look. You’ll either love them or you’ll hate them. Because these characters make you work for it, and the process is not, for the most part, pretty. I LOVE Jamie and Ben, but I could see how some people will nope out of the dynamics at play for 9/10ths of that book and/or just not buy the HEA. I really like Will and Tom, too – maybe not quite as much as Jamie and Ben, but this is like saying I don’t like sour cream and onion potato chips quite as much as salt-and-vinegar: I will still shove them happily in my face, forever and ever, amen.
Object of Desire left us with a seemingly solid HFN. Blue on Blue picks up a few months down the line in Will’s POV. And the theme of this book (really the theme of this whole series, but especially in this one) is trust and its enemy, paranoia, both in the mystery and on the relationship side.
What I thought was fascinating here is that we are getting what we don’t normally see once couples get together, HEA, curtain drop: the very real work and doubt and fear and second-guessing that goes on in a relationship where trust has previously been broken to the tune of a lot of hurt and heartbreak and self-destruction. Will loves Tom, but he doesn’t trust him. Will is convinced Tom will break his heart again, that he’ll come to his senses and realize Will isn’t what he wants after all. Will is so sure of this that he is practically facilitating it through his own actions and reactions, by putting up a protective wall around himself and always holding back, never fully investing or doing anything that (in his mind) would make Tom feel trapped -- with the effect of making Tom feel unwanted. Tom, no idiot, feels this lack of trust -- he doesn't even blame Will for it, given the way their last affair ended -- but he doesn’t know how to fix it, nor what to do with his own desperate love and jealousy and sinking conviction that Will is trying to get clear of him in a way that makes him (Will) blameless.
(This makes it sound very willful and manipulative. It’s not. Will slowly comes to realize -- with help from a scornful, but 100 percent correct, minor character -- that he’s in the process of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Will’s actions are driven by fear and disbelief in Tom’s staying power -- in part driven by Will's awareness that Tom made major, life-changing decisions in the immediate aftermath of multiple traumas -- and insecurity about his own desirability and worth, not malice.)
So the romance in this installment is very much about building something new in the wreckage of the old: figuring out how to learn from the past, but not let it control you. It’s pretty painful for both Will and Tom, and there is a lot of dread and anticipation of misery before they finally, finally have a proper discussion about what’s going on and how to move forward. The relationship conflict is maybe a bit too neatly resolved once the confrontation is had, but I’m hardly complaining: Will’s personal turmoil on top of the mystery stuff being ramped up to 15 means that it’s wonderful to finally get some happiness with these two.
Jamie and Ben, meanwhile, are HEAing like nobody’s business. While Jamie is central to the mystery arc, and Ben has a meaty (and incredibly satisfying) scene with a crucial book 1 character, their relationship arc was pretty much resolved in Bitter Legacy. They are devoted, besotted, and solid, and it’s lovely.
I end the series being happy with where both couples ended up, but this was high-angst stuff all the way. And damn, would it have been too much to ask for a cozy Will-and-Tom epilogue after all that torment??
Also, still laughing about Pezmo.
The mystery: Gulp. This was SO much. And so cleverly weaving in elements and characters from books 1 and 2. And it really created a feeling of paranoia and doubt and confusion in the reader to match what Will (and later, James) was feeling. This was edge-of-your-seat, high octane stuff. And Dal Maclean is NOT afraid to tear shit down. The utter disdain for powerful people who use and dispose of the vulnerable while protecting themselves; the compromises and difficult choices and reality that no one’s hands are entirely clean. All the mysteries in this series are so well done, and the way they all end up interlinking – hats off.
The complexity of victims becoming villains: It was incredibly satisfying and bittersweet that Steggie has such a crucial role in this book. And I love the fact that Jamie is still sincerely grieving him, even though most people don’t know or understand why. And also that Ben allows space for Jamie’s grief, despite his own very complicated feelings about it. This whole book was Steggie’s revenge, and it couldn’t be more fitting to that determined, damaged man.
And speaking of villains – without spoiling anything in this book, it is interesting that Tom still expresses concern over Nick’s fate even after everything that goes down in this and the previous book. And it’s also interesting that Nick’s culpability over some of the events in this book is left in doubt; I mean, he is definitely behind some of what happens, but his role in the rest of it is open to question. I’m also bemused that Nick’s fate is unresolved. If Dal Maclean ever blesses us with another installment (PLEASE!!!), this is the obvious hook.
The friendships: I LOVE that the two #hotcops become BFFs in this one. And I love that Tom and Ben bonded over their #hotcops’ shared peril, and hopefully will develop as strong and good a friendship as Jamie and Will do – as neither Ben nor Tom, though surrounded by beautiful shallows, seem to have much in the way of proper friends they can trust.
Though would it have killed Dal Maclean to give us a foursome?? If there is none of this fanfic out there, I am going to be VERY DISAPPOINTED.
The ending: Much as I would have LOVED a satisfying epilogue where all the baddies got their just desserts, Jamie and Ben got their lavish wedding, Tom and Will got to chill in domestic bliss while Will cooks and Tom studies (and waxes, because: standards), and Magnus got Helen Mirren (it could happen!), the fact we don’t get that is fitting for this series. Justice will, or won’t, grind on in its own time. Some of the baddies will get off scot-free. Jamie and Ben, and Will and Tom, will carry on loving each other, hopefully happily, hopefully ever after – but at least with the conviction to try and not just to accept that hard things and hurt people can’t change. There’s so much left up in the air here, but by the end the fundamentals – the trust, the devotion, the determination, the love – are nailed down. And it wouldn’t be true to this hard-boiled series to expect more than that.
The commas: THE COMMAS!!! This book had some typos – even moreso than book 2 – but more jarringly, it had startling comma issues. Like commas consistently either missing or in the wrong place – enough to be not just noticeable, but distracting. Is there a rogue copy editor on the loose?? Are they another one of Ben’s broken-hearts?? Is there no end to the wreckage that fuckboy left behind??? (Or more likely: did this book fall victim to the March 2020 pandemic-induced chaos, with corners cut to rush it out on schedule? If so: bad decision!)
All in all – a series that absolutely took over my life for a week, that absorbed me and frustrated me and delighted me and exhilarated me in equal measure. One that I can't wait to go back to. One for the keeper shelf. Not perfect, but what is?
Damn. What am I going to do for a displacement activity now?
May 16, 2020
WOW - that was amazing.
If you've not read (or listened to) this series (starting with Bitter Legacy) then you're missing out on some incredible stories and characters.
I'll attempt a more coherent review at some point!
If you've not read (or listened to) this series (starting with Bitter Legacy) then you're missing out on some incredible stories and characters.
I'll attempt a more coherent review at some point!
May 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Years from now I don’t want to forget I read this amidst the worst worldwide pandemic since the Spanish flu. This was a very emotional read. I nearly called it several times.
Notes:
- Sloppy basic editing; quite a few instances of missing or wrong words
- Great mystery crime thriller
- Maclean is one hell of a good writer. I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.
- Not a romance but rather a love story on the back burner
- So much angst between the main couple it occasionally bordered on melodrama
Great addition to the series. Sad to think it’s the end of the series, which I highly recommend.
Years from now I don’t want to forget I read this amidst the worst worldwide pandemic since the Spanish flu. This was a very emotional read. I nearly called it several times.
Notes:
- Sloppy basic editing; quite a few instances of missing or wrong words
- Great mystery crime thriller
- Maclean is one hell of a good writer. I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.
- Not a romance but rather a love story on the back burner
- So much angst between the main couple it occasionally bordered on melodrama
Great addition to the series. Sad to think it’s the end of the series, which I highly recommend.
April 20, 2020
Igual de bueno que los anteriores. Me gustan muchísimo los protagonistas, lo imperfectos que son y qué bien están dibujados psicológicamente, tanto ellos como los secundarios. Creo que la autora es realmente buena en lo que concierne a las tramas de misterio, para mí ha sido imposible dejar de leer y está más presente que la parte romántica, aunque esta no falte.
Una serie que merece muchísimo la pena, sin duda dentro del género romántico de suspense es lo mejor que he leído, MM o FM.
Una serie que merece muchísimo la pena, sin duda dentro del género romántico de suspense es lo mejor que he leído, MM o FM.
February 1, 2021
Wow, that was gripping, intense and totally brilliant.
I loved getting Will’s POV. I needed it after book 2, to be honest.
I never thought for a minute that Will and Tom were walking into a HEA sunset at the end of book 2. And, 9 months after that, we find both men plagued by insecurities and trust issues. Something the players in the murder mystery know how to make the best of.
Both men assume too much and talk too little. Both men are scared shitless of their feelings and losing them at the same time. Both men are complex and vulnerable and brilliantly characterized.
Will is simply swoon-worthy: his integrity, his inability to look away when something’s wrong and his loyalty absolutely shine. Which doesn’t mean that he isn’t flexible enough to see past black and white solutions for the intricate issues he’s faced with. I loved how so many characters are various 'shades of grey'!
I loved seeing Tom as the more steadfast one here, even if there are times it might not look like that.
I hated the doubts and trust issues and how both men fall into some of their old behaviour patterns. When if I look at it, in the end ALL these two guys need to function again is ONE decent conversation.
And Oh. My. God. That plot is crafted skillfully and kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
I’m talking nail-biting and white knuckles here! Those plot twists! The angst who to trust, who to tell what and who to risk their lives for. The way the investigation weaves in the cases from book 1 and 2. Superb! The ever-present fear and danger!
Dal Maclean brings on tension galore, and I LOVED how Will and James (from book 1) make the best team of criminal investigators. Loved how they work together and support each other.
It’s maybe no wonder that Will and Tom’s personal relationship is a teeny bit side-lined here. But still, the writing is superb, and if you’re a fan of good quality crime novels this will be a delight!
And on a total minor point: it is rather amusing how beautiful all the main guys are!
I loved getting Will’s POV. I needed it after book 2, to be honest.
I never thought for a minute that Will and Tom were walking into a HEA sunset at the end of book 2. And, 9 months after that, we find both men plagued by insecurities and trust issues. Something the players in the murder mystery know how to make the best of.
Both men assume too much and talk too little. Both men are scared shitless of their feelings and losing them at the same time. Both men are complex and vulnerable and brilliantly characterized.
Will is simply swoon-worthy: his integrity, his inability to look away when something’s wrong and his loyalty absolutely shine. Which doesn’t mean that he isn’t flexible enough to see past black and white solutions for the intricate issues he’s faced with. I loved how so many characters are various 'shades of grey'!
I loved seeing Tom as the more steadfast one here, even if there are times it might not look like that.
I hated the doubts and trust issues and how both men fall into some of their old behaviour patterns. When if I look at it, in the end ALL these two guys need to function again is ONE decent conversation.
And Oh. My. God. That plot is crafted skillfully and kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
I’m talking nail-biting and white knuckles here! Those plot twists! The angst who to trust, who to tell what and who to risk their lives for. The way the investigation weaves in the cases from book 1 and 2. Superb! The ever-present fear and danger!
Dal Maclean brings on tension galore, and I LOVED how Will and James (from book 1) make the best team of criminal investigators. Loved how they work together and support each other.
It’s maybe no wonder that Will and Tom’s personal relationship is a teeny bit side-lined here. But still, the writing is superb, and if you’re a fan of good quality crime novels this will be a delight!
And on a total minor point: it is rather amusing how beautiful all the main guys are!
May 16, 2022
At least, I think that's the conclusion we're being led to with that dubious ending that wraps up nothing. And I really didn't remember enough of the details from the first book to follow some of the turns of the mystery, but there's enough summary that I wasn't lost, just wondering why I should care. I don't even care enough about the "romance" to go into that mess. Basically, stupid characters making stupid decisions.
Narration was stellar as always. Furlong's Californian accent was humorously British, but at least he tried.
Edit: Looking over other reviews, I feel the need to add that a large part of my reaction to this "conclusion" is based on the author's statement that this series was planned as a trilogy (once she decided to make it a series, anyway) and this is the planned ending for that trilogy. Which is no ending at all. 🤷♀️ If she does end up writing another book, I won't be reading it. My issues with this series have only grown with each book, so I'm not optimistic about anything else that may eventually come out down the line.
Narration was stellar as always. Furlong's Californian accent was humorously British, but at least he tried.
Edit: Looking over other reviews, I feel the need to add that a large part of my reaction to this "conclusion" is based on the author's statement that this series was planned as a trilogy (once she decided to make it a series, anyway) and this is the planned ending for that trilogy. Which is no ending at all. 🤷♀️ If she does end up writing another book, I won't be reading it. My issues with this series have only grown with each book, so I'm not optimistic about anything else that may eventually come out down the line.
March 24, 2020
If you’ve read Bitter Legacy and Object of Desire, you don’t need to be told how good this is. If you haven’t, go immediately and read Bitter Legacy!
As always, Dal Maclean delivers a brilliantly plotted, beautifully written, emotionally powerful story with characters who live with you long after you’ve finished the book. If gritty, angsty, immersive romantic suspense is your thing then you absolutely must read this series. I also highly recommend checking out the audios, brilliantly read by Gary Furlong.
This book gets all the stars!
As always, Dal Maclean delivers a brilliantly plotted, beautifully written, emotionally powerful story with characters who live with you long after you’ve finished the book. If gritty, angsty, immersive romantic suspense is your thing then you absolutely must read this series. I also highly recommend checking out the audios, brilliantly read by Gary Furlong.
This book gets all the stars!
Read
April 11, 2020Pausing at 10%. I've been trying to pick it up for more than a week. I hope to get back to it at some point. Nothing wrong with it, must be my mood.
April 11, 2024
I've given this an A for both content and narration at AudioGals.
Sometimes you read or listen to a book you intend to review and then sit staring at the screen wondering how the hell you can possibly encapsulate what you just experienced in a review and do the book justice. This is one of those times, because Blue on Blue, the third instalment in Dal Maclean’s incredible Bitter Legacy trilogy just… blew me away. In fact, every book in this series of complex, gripping, superbly written and expertly narrated romantic mystery/procedural/suspense novels has done that, and the series as a whole is easily one of the very finest of its kind.
Note: Blue on Blue is the third book in a trilogy and doesn’t really work as a standalone. There are spoilers for the earlier books in this review.
Newly returned to the Metropolitan Police, Detective Inspector Will Foster is doing the job he loves and has, for the past nine months, been living with the love of his life, Tom Grey, postgraduate student and part-time model. (Their story leading up to this point is told, from Tom’s PoV, in Object of Desire). Blue on Blue, which is told from Will’s PoV, opens with Will and his colleagues attending the funeral of an officer who was shot in the line of duty and then, somewhat incongruously, moving on to the party being held to celebrate the engagement of DI James Henderson to Ben Morgan (Bitter Legacy). He’s on his own – Tom is in LA on a modelling job and Will is finding their separation a bit tough, especially as he’s started to receive anonymous texts containing photographs of Tom with another man – obviously another model – in moments of relaxed intimacy. On edge at the party, Will is almost relieved to get a shout – a young woman has been found dead in a Soho walk-up, and the South Kensington MIT (Murder Inverstigation Team) is still on rotation so it’s Will’s case.
The victim is a young woman, most likely a sex worker, who appears to have been the target of a professional hit. That, in itself, is strange, and questioning the other occupants of the building doesn’t yield much by way of useful information. Will and his sergeant then go to interview the victim’s flatmate, who is clearly devastated by the news and who desperately urges Will to find the killer. Some of the things she says strengthen Will’s conviction that there is more going on here than meets the eye – a suspicion that is confirmed when the DNA test performed on the pile of vomit found at the scene but a few feet away from the body proves it to belong not to the victim, but to a woman who was convicted of murder thirteen years before. And who is still in prison.
The investigation is frustrating as hell and is taking all Will’s time and energy, but he can’t ignore a call from his superior – Assistant Commissioner Christine Hansen – who tells him that Ava Burchill (aka Jenna Haining from Object of Desire) has been attacked and hospitalised in prison and has asked to see Will. Will has no wish to see or speak to Ava and tries to wriggle out of it, citing his current case and absence of his DCI on business, but Hansen won’t take no for an answer. It turns out that Ava was injured in order to get a message to Will – a message from convicted serial killer Eve Kelly – that she wants to see him. Will isn’t happy at having to take more time away from his murder investigation but he decides to take the bait to see what Kelly wants – and comes away from that meeting realising that he’s stumbled across a hornet’s nest of police corruption linked to gangland boss Joey Clarkson, the man Will holds responsible for the death of his previous sergeant and whom Will has wanted to put away for years. This is too big for Will to handle alone, but when his superiors order him to direct his attention in another direction, he realises the corruption extends to the Met’s highest echelons and that there’s no-one he can trust. Apart, perhaps, from James Henderson – who has become a friend as well as a colleague since Will re-joined the Met – and who agrees, even knowing they might not come out of it alive, to help Will expose the truth.
And while all this is going on, Will is struggling in his personal life. The photos he’s being sent are only serving to re-inforce his own suspicions that Tom wants to end things between them, and it doesn’t help when Tom comes home with a friend in tow – Cam, the other man in the photos – explaining that Cam is in England shopping for an agent (and also to get away from a possessive ex). Will has been waiting for the other shoe to drop ever since Tom moved in, for Tom to realise it was an impulsive decision born of everything he’d been through and that he prefers his exciting, glamourous life to living with a mere copper in Leyton (in North East London – my old stomping ground!). Tom’s been more guarded around Will lately, too, and instead of actually talking about what’s going on (men!) Will, having no idea that he’s sending all sorts of mixed signals to Tom, instead prepares himself to be dumped. Again.
Like the mystery, the relationship between Will and Tom takes many twists and turns in this novel, and I’m not going to spoil any of them, save to paraphrase the great Bette Davis and say you’re in for a bumpy ride. (I will, however, say that yes, there is an HEA :)) The story is complex and brilliantly written as the author skilfully pulls everything together, including elements from plotlines begun in earlier books – many of which were complete surprises (I loved that!) – while also juggling a fairly large and well-realised secondary cast. Her principals really shine though, Will in particular, as the author builds on what we came to know of him through Tom’s eyes in the previous book, a confident, capable man who loves deeply and whose flaws and insecurities make him all too human. Also worthy of note is the friendship between Will and James, which is one of the best things in the book (seriously, I’d read the hell out of “Will and Jamie fight crime” stories!) – they’re dedicated coppers but their approaches are very different and complement each other extremely well.
There are times when you listen to an audiobook and you just know that the narrator completely ‘gets’ the author and their characters, and that’s been the case with every book in this series: Gary Furlong has done the impossible and taken already fantastic books to even greater heights. Everything about his performance here works on every level; all the technical stuff such as pacing, enunciation and character differentiation is excellent, but his vocal acting is outstanding and I would venture to say that he’s done his best work to date in these books. His portrayals of Will and Tom capture them perfectly, and he’s terrific when it comes to conveying the vulnerability and turmoil lying beneath the surface, and all the things they don’t say. His interpretation of Tom is particularly good; from the moment he first speaks in Blue on Blue, I could hear his insecurities and fears for his relationship with Will, his love for him, and all the things that Will misses because he’s so focused on his own fears. Mr. Furlong’s female voices are really good, too; his performance in a late-book interrogation scene featuring a young, female television presenter is gutwrenchingly emotional, and he demonstrates his facility with different UK accents with effortless ease when switching between Northern Irish (Des Salt) and Scottish (Alec Scrivenor) and others in-between.
A clever, complex mystery combined with an angsty, achingly tender romance and an incredible performance by a narrator who is completely in sync with his material, Blue on Blue is outstanding in every way and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
This review originally appeared at
Sometimes you read or listen to a book you intend to review and then sit staring at the screen wondering how the hell you can possibly encapsulate what you just experienced in a review and do the book justice. This is one of those times, because Blue on Blue, the third instalment in Dal Maclean’s incredible Bitter Legacy trilogy just… blew me away. In fact, every book in this series of complex, gripping, superbly written and expertly narrated romantic mystery/procedural/suspense novels has done that, and the series as a whole is easily one of the very finest of its kind.
Note: Blue on Blue is the third book in a trilogy and doesn’t really work as a standalone. There are spoilers for the earlier books in this review.
Newly returned to the Metropolitan Police, Detective Inspector Will Foster is doing the job he loves and has, for the past nine months, been living with the love of his life, Tom Grey, postgraduate student and part-time model. (Their story leading up to this point is told, from Tom’s PoV, in Object of Desire). Blue on Blue, which is told from Will’s PoV, opens with Will and his colleagues attending the funeral of an officer who was shot in the line of duty and then, somewhat incongruously, moving on to the party being held to celebrate the engagement of DI James Henderson to Ben Morgan (Bitter Legacy). He’s on his own – Tom is in LA on a modelling job and Will is finding their separation a bit tough, especially as he’s started to receive anonymous texts containing photographs of Tom with another man – obviously another model – in moments of relaxed intimacy. On edge at the party, Will is almost relieved to get a shout – a young woman has been found dead in a Soho walk-up, and the South Kensington MIT (Murder Inverstigation Team) is still on rotation so it’s Will’s case.
The victim is a young woman, most likely a sex worker, who appears to have been the target of a professional hit. That, in itself, is strange, and questioning the other occupants of the building doesn’t yield much by way of useful information. Will and his sergeant then go to interview the victim’s flatmate, who is clearly devastated by the news and who desperately urges Will to find the killer. Some of the things she says strengthen Will’s conviction that there is more going on here than meets the eye – a suspicion that is confirmed when the DNA test performed on the pile of vomit found at the scene but a few feet away from the body proves it to belong not to the victim, but to a woman who was convicted of murder thirteen years before. And who is still in prison.
The investigation is frustrating as hell and is taking all Will’s time and energy, but he can’t ignore a call from his superior – Assistant Commissioner Christine Hansen – who tells him that Ava Burchill (aka Jenna Haining from Object of Desire) has been attacked and hospitalised in prison and has asked to see Will. Will has no wish to see or speak to Ava and tries to wriggle out of it, citing his current case and absence of his DCI on business, but Hansen won’t take no for an answer. It turns out that Ava was injured in order to get a message to Will – a message from convicted serial killer Eve Kelly – that she wants to see him. Will isn’t happy at having to take more time away from his murder investigation but he decides to take the bait to see what Kelly wants – and comes away from that meeting realising that he’s stumbled across a hornet’s nest of police corruption linked to gangland boss Joey Clarkson, the man Will holds responsible for the death of his previous sergeant and whom Will has wanted to put away for years. This is too big for Will to handle alone, but when his superiors order him to direct his attention in another direction, he realises the corruption extends to the Met’s highest echelons and that there’s no-one he can trust. Apart, perhaps, from James Henderson – who has become a friend as well as a colleague since Will re-joined the Met – and who agrees, even knowing they might not come out of it alive, to help Will expose the truth.
And while all this is going on, Will is struggling in his personal life. The photos he’s being sent are only serving to re-inforce his own suspicions that Tom wants to end things between them, and it doesn’t help when Tom comes home with a friend in tow – Cam, the other man in the photos – explaining that Cam is in England shopping for an agent (and also to get away from a possessive ex). Will has been waiting for the other shoe to drop ever since Tom moved in, for Tom to realise it was an impulsive decision born of everything he’d been through and that he prefers his exciting, glamourous life to living with a mere copper in Leyton (in North East London – my old stomping ground!). Tom’s been more guarded around Will lately, too, and instead of actually talking about what’s going on (men!) Will, having no idea that he’s sending all sorts of mixed signals to Tom, instead prepares himself to be dumped. Again.
Like the mystery, the relationship between Will and Tom takes many twists and turns in this novel, and I’m not going to spoil any of them, save to paraphrase the great Bette Davis and say you’re in for a bumpy ride. (I will, however, say that yes, there is an HEA :)) The story is complex and brilliantly written as the author skilfully pulls everything together, including elements from plotlines begun in earlier books – many of which were complete surprises (I loved that!) – while also juggling a fairly large and well-realised secondary cast. Her principals really shine though, Will in particular, as the author builds on what we came to know of him through Tom’s eyes in the previous book, a confident, capable man who loves deeply and whose flaws and insecurities make him all too human. Also worthy of note is the friendship between Will and James, which is one of the best things in the book (seriously, I’d read the hell out of “Will and Jamie fight crime” stories!) – they’re dedicated coppers but their approaches are very different and complement each other extremely well.
There are times when you listen to an audiobook and you just know that the narrator completely ‘gets’ the author and their characters, and that’s been the case with every book in this series: Gary Furlong has done the impossible and taken already fantastic books to even greater heights. Everything about his performance here works on every level; all the technical stuff such as pacing, enunciation and character differentiation is excellent, but his vocal acting is outstanding and I would venture to say that he’s done his best work to date in these books. His portrayals of Will and Tom capture them perfectly, and he’s terrific when it comes to conveying the vulnerability and turmoil lying beneath the surface, and all the things they don’t say. His interpretation of Tom is particularly good; from the moment he first speaks in Blue on Blue, I could hear his insecurities and fears for his relationship with Will, his love for him, and all the things that Will misses because he’s so focused on his own fears. Mr. Furlong’s female voices are really good, too; his performance in a late-book interrogation scene featuring a young, female television presenter is gutwrenchingly emotional, and he demonstrates his facility with different UK accents with effortless ease when switching between Northern Irish (Des Salt) and Scottish (Alec Scrivenor) and others in-between.
A clever, complex mystery combined with an angsty, achingly tender romance and an incredible performance by a narrator who is completely in sync with his material, Blue on Blue is outstanding in every way and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
This review originally appeared at
February 28, 2023
4.75 stars
”Tom, can’t you see? We’re the same. We’re just afraid of each other. Each afraid of how much power the other has.”
“I don’t want to change my mind,” Tom said fiercely. “I don’t want anyone else. How much clearer can I be? I don’t want you to want anyone else. I get jealous. And I fucking hate that. I hate that I want you to be jealous.”
A fitting end to a highly bingeable series! The mystery was everything! And can I just say how much I love Will. He’s such a great all around guy, but to be honest I’m still not sure what he sees in Tom. I also loved the cameos with James and Ben.
”Tom, can’t you see? We’re the same. We’re just afraid of each other. Each afraid of how much power the other has.”
“I don’t want to change my mind,” Tom said fiercely. “I don’t want anyone else. How much clearer can I be? I don’t want you to want anyone else. I get jealous. And I fucking hate that. I hate that I want you to be jealous.”
A fitting end to a highly bingeable series! The mystery was everything! And can I just say how much I love Will. He’s such a great all around guy, but to be honest I’m still not sure what he sees in Tom. I also loved the cameos with James and Ben.
May 16, 2020
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Blue on Blue is the third book in the Bitter Legacy series and it mainly follows the couple from the second book; Object of Desire, but also James from the first book play a significant part. I would say you’d enjoy this book more if you’ve read the first two before starting in on this one. This time around the book is told from Will’s POV and we catch up with him at an engagement party for James and Ben, the couple from the first book. It’s not long before he’s called away on a murder. A murder that’s not quite what it seems, and raises questions he never wanted to ask, causing him to question the loyalty of the people around him.
That he and Tom are having issues in their relationship doesn’t help matters, neither is the fact that someone is deliberately trying to break them up, by having them followed and sending pictures meant to cause trouble. Then there is the fact that Will was constantly called away for the case and their relationship starts to fray even more.
For the most start when you re-visit a couple in a series, you expect them to live their happily ever afters once they’ve finally gotten together. There might be the odd challenge, but not to the point where you question if they’ll make it. In this book we question it and it’s not the odd challenge Will and Tom faced. The love was there but the lack of a solid foundation made itself known. Personally I enjoy the uncertainty – to a point – that they have to fight for their relationship and for each other. As with the previous books, the romance aspect is never really in the forefront, the investigation is the driving point
I’m a huge fan of police procedurals and Dal Maclean once again delivered an interesting mystery full of twists and turns. Suspects are coming out of the woodwork and it plays on your paranoid mind, not knowing who to trust and at the same time knowing that trusting the wrong person could get them killed. I can’t, or rather won’t, discuss the plot in too much detail as it will reveal too much for anyone who hasn’t read or listened to the book, but suffice to say Mclean stays true to form.
Gary Furlong is talented, there’s no two ways about it. This book definitely put his talents to the test, and he excels them all. I remember one part right in the beginning where he throws out one accent after the other – it was great, it made me nostalgic and it made me smile. I do love his accent in general, it adds so much to the sense of place. He also added much emotion to his performance and made you feel the toll the dancing around each other Will and Tom did. How much it hurt, how much they loved each other, but not knowing if it was enough. Furlong made it a joy to listen to this book and I believe this series wouldn’t have been what it is without him.
I’m loving every book Dal Maclean puts out and I can only hope there will be more books in the future.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2020
NOV 2020 Audiobook: Stellar! Gary Furlong was outstanding. Bumped it up to a full five stars.
---
APR 2020 Ebook review: 4.5 stars
Years from now I don’t want to forget I read this amidst the worst worldwide pandemic since the Spanish flu. This was a very emotional read. I nearly called it several times.
Notes:
- Sloppy basic editing; quite a few instances of missing or wrong words
- Great mystery crime thriller
- Maclean is one hell of a good writer. I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.
- Not a romance but rather a love story on the back burner
- So much angst between the main couple it occasionallybordered on ventured into melodrama land
Great addition to the series. Sad to think it’s the end of the series, which I highly recommend.
---
APR 2020 Ebook review: 4.5 stars
Years from now I don’t want to forget I read this amidst the worst worldwide pandemic since the Spanish flu. This was a very emotional read. I nearly called it several times.
Notes:
- Sloppy basic editing; quite a few instances of missing or wrong words
- Great mystery crime thriller
- Maclean is one hell of a good writer. I can hardly wait to see what she writes next.
- Not a romance but rather a love story on the back burner
- So much angst between the main couple it occasionally
Great addition to the series. Sad to think it’s the end of the series, which I highly recommend.
March 30, 2020
This review first appeared at All About Romance. I gave Blue on Blue an A.
Note: There are spoilers for the previous books in the Bitter Legacy series in this review. Blue on Blue is best if you read the books in the order they were released (don't skip!). There are NO spoilers for Blue on Blue in this review.
Lately, my favorite books are contemporary, queer, and full of romantic suspense. And very few authors do this as well as Dal Maclean. The Bitter Legacy novels are smart and clever, chock full of twists and turns that keep you guessing well into the final pages, and the romantic relationships (be still my heart) keep readers on tenterhooks until the bitter end. (See what I did there?) Blue on Blue picks up around nine months after Object of Desire. Tom and Will are a couple (yay!), but sharing their lives isn’t quite as easy as Will hoped (oh no). Blue on Blue kicks off with Will worried about his home life, and frustrated by a case with no easy answers.
A quick refresher: In Object of Desire, Tom Gray, a famous male model, was accused of harassing and then murdering his lover’s estranged wife. To prove his innocence, his legal team hired Will Foster, a former detective inspector who now works as a private investigator, to help them find the true killer. But Will and Tom already knew each other; two years earlier they were in a committed relationship – a first for Tom, who’s pathologically afraid of commitment. When Will admitted he was in love with him, Tom dumped him by sending him a text of an x-rated picture of him with another man. So there’s that. Their new partnership gets off to an awkward start, but by the end of the novel, the two are reconciled. Will, who during the course of the investigation became friends with Detective Sergeant James Henderson (the protagonist in Bitter Legacy), is mulling a return to the force.
When Blue on Blue begins, Will, recently returned to the Met as a Detective Inspector, and Tom are living together. Tom has returned to university to finish his degree in forensic science while continuing to model part time; Will works with Jamie at the Met, and the two couples (Jamie and Ben/Will and Tom) are friends outside the office, too. It seems like Will has it all – the job he loves, and the man he’s loved almost since the moment they first met. But appearances are deceiving. Will still feels guilty about the death of an officer under his command and blames himself for the events leading up to his murder, and Tom’s new friendship with a fellow model while away on a shoot, has him wondering if Tom’s attention is wandering once again. Just as this maelstrom of self-doubt and recrimination nears a crescendo – he’s surprised by Tom’s early return to London with his new ‘friend’ in tow, and Will’s team is drawn into a dangerous murder investigation.
Okay, look. I’m going to tell you the basics about this case and then that’s pretty much it. Like all Dal Maclean novels (which I’m assuming you’ve read if you made it this far), Blue on Blue is chock full of suspects and… people who you worry might also be suspects? (see: Object of Desire:
chock full of surprise villains). Sure, the bad guys are mostly just as bad as you’d expect, but the good guys… well, Dal keeps you on your toes. Again. The only people I 100% trusted in this book were Will and Jamie, and I recommend you follow my lead on this one.
When Will arrives at the crime scene in Soho, he finds his team working around the dead body of a woman, and a pile of vomit adjacent to the front door. The woman, most likely a sex worker, was killed execution style. It isn’t clear if she’s the one who vomited, or why a sex worker would be targeted for professional hit, and after a quick canvas of the building, Will’s left with more questions than answers. Further investigation leads them to a flat where their victim was living, and after a largely antagonistic back and forth with the victim’s devastated roommate, Will begins to believe there’s more to this crime than meets the eye. When his case links the victim to a jailed female serial killer (Ben’s mother), and to gangland boss Joey Clarkson – whom Will blames for the death of his fellow officer three years ago, Will realizes he’s uncovered a conspiracy that involves corruption within the highest levels of the Met. When his superior orders him to turn his investigation in a different direction, a suspicious Will isn’t sure he can trust her any longer. Will and Jamie find themselves in a desperate race to discover the truth behind the murder – and stay alive.
Meanwhile, as if his professional life isn’t difficult enough, Will is convinced Tom wants to end their relationship. Someone – he isn’t sure who – is sending him pictures that suggest Tom’s visitor is more than just a friend, and Tom’s acting guilty, too. Although their physical chemistry remains undiminished, there’s a new tension whenever they’re together. Will is happy with Tom; HE LOVES TOM!! But their previous break-up devastated him, and even when things between them have been going well, he worries commitment-phobic Tom will leave him again. So, instead of trying to talk to him about it (mumble because he’s a man mumble), he plans for the worst. AND WE DO, TOO. OH, MAN. Like the case that drives this novel, there are many surprises and twists ahead for Tom and Will, and I’m not going to spoil them for you here, except… I was so worried, I sent the author a direct message on Twitter begging her not to break these two up. Since Dal was kind enough to respond to my message, I’ll share her response with you, too: Bear in mind – my veins run with pure marshmallow.
Blue on Blue is hard to review without oversharing and ruining the many nasty and wonderful surprises lurking around its every dark corner. As usual, almost no one is above suspicion, and just when you think you have it figured out, the author proves you wrong. She brilliantly balances the crime with the romance, all the while juggling a massive cast of principal and secondary characters. Will is particularly well realized; Maclean masterfully reveals the all too human man behind his outwardly confident and capable persona. While my near obsessive focus was on the relationship between Will and Tom (who – much like Ben in Bitter Legacy, has matured into a character you root for), Will’s work friendships/partnerships are equally compelling. I loved the dynamic between Will and Jamie, and I hope we’ll see these two working together in future novels. They complement each other, and their investigation kept me glued to the pages. Oh reader, who am I kidding. This is a novel that shines on every level. It’s a gripping thriller/police procedural, and a gut-wrenching and tender romance. It’s sublime.
Friends, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery, Blue on Blue isn’t...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
Note: There are spoilers for the previous books in the Bitter Legacy series in this review. Blue on Blue is best if you read the books in the order they were released (don't skip!). There are NO spoilers for Blue on Blue in this review.
Lately, my favorite books are contemporary, queer, and full of romantic suspense. And very few authors do this as well as Dal Maclean. The Bitter Legacy novels are smart and clever, chock full of twists and turns that keep you guessing well into the final pages, and the romantic relationships (be still my heart) keep readers on tenterhooks until the bitter end. (See what I did there?) Blue on Blue picks up around nine months after Object of Desire. Tom and Will are a couple (yay!), but sharing their lives isn’t quite as easy as Will hoped (oh no). Blue on Blue kicks off with Will worried about his home life, and frustrated by a case with no easy answers.
A quick refresher: In Object of Desire, Tom Gray, a famous male model, was accused of harassing and then murdering his lover’s estranged wife. To prove his innocence, his legal team hired Will Foster, a former detective inspector who now works as a private investigator, to help them find the true killer. But Will and Tom already knew each other; two years earlier they were in a committed relationship – a first for Tom, who’s pathologically afraid of commitment. When Will admitted he was in love with him, Tom dumped him by sending him a text of an x-rated picture of him with another man. So there’s that. Their new partnership gets off to an awkward start, but by the end of the novel, the two are reconciled. Will, who during the course of the investigation became friends with Detective Sergeant James Henderson (the protagonist in Bitter Legacy), is mulling a return to the force.
When Blue on Blue begins, Will, recently returned to the Met as a Detective Inspector, and Tom are living together. Tom has returned to university to finish his degree in forensic science while continuing to model part time; Will works with Jamie at the Met, and the two couples (Jamie and Ben/Will and Tom) are friends outside the office, too. It seems like Will has it all – the job he loves, and the man he’s loved almost since the moment they first met. But appearances are deceiving. Will still feels guilty about the death of an officer under his command and blames himself for the events leading up to his murder, and Tom’s new friendship with a fellow model while away on a shoot, has him wondering if Tom’s attention is wandering once again. Just as this maelstrom of self-doubt and recrimination nears a crescendo – he’s surprised by Tom’s early return to London with his new ‘friend’ in tow, and Will’s team is drawn into a dangerous murder investigation.
Okay, look. I’m going to tell you the basics about this case and then that’s pretty much it. Like all Dal Maclean novels (which I’m assuming you’ve read if you made it this far), Blue on Blue is chock full of suspects and… people who you worry might also be suspects? (see: Object of Desire:
chock full of surprise villains). Sure, the bad guys are mostly just as bad as you’d expect, but the good guys… well, Dal keeps you on your toes. Again. The only people I 100% trusted in this book were Will and Jamie, and I recommend you follow my lead on this one.
When Will arrives at the crime scene in Soho, he finds his team working around the dead body of a woman, and a pile of vomit adjacent to the front door. The woman, most likely a sex worker, was killed execution style. It isn’t clear if she’s the one who vomited, or why a sex worker would be targeted for professional hit, and after a quick canvas of the building, Will’s left with more questions than answers. Further investigation leads them to a flat where their victim was living, and after a largely antagonistic back and forth with the victim’s devastated roommate, Will begins to believe there’s more to this crime than meets the eye. When his case links the victim to a jailed female serial killer (Ben’s mother), and to gangland boss Joey Clarkson – whom Will blames for the death of his fellow officer three years ago, Will realizes he’s uncovered a conspiracy that involves corruption within the highest levels of the Met. When his superior orders him to turn his investigation in a different direction, a suspicious Will isn’t sure he can trust her any longer. Will and Jamie find themselves in a desperate race to discover the truth behind the murder – and stay alive.
Meanwhile, as if his professional life isn’t difficult enough, Will is convinced Tom wants to end their relationship. Someone – he isn’t sure who – is sending him pictures that suggest Tom’s visitor is more than just a friend, and Tom’s acting guilty, too. Although their physical chemistry remains undiminished, there’s a new tension whenever they’re together. Will is happy with Tom; HE LOVES TOM!! But their previous break-up devastated him, and even when things between them have been going well, he worries commitment-phobic Tom will leave him again. So, instead of trying to talk to him about it (mumble because he’s a man mumble), he plans for the worst. AND WE DO, TOO. OH, MAN. Like the case that drives this novel, there are many surprises and twists ahead for Tom and Will, and I’m not going to spoil them for you here, except… I was so worried, I sent the author a direct message on Twitter begging her not to break these two up. Since Dal was kind enough to respond to my message, I’ll share her response with you, too: Bear in mind – my veins run with pure marshmallow.
Blue on Blue is hard to review without oversharing and ruining the many nasty and wonderful surprises lurking around its every dark corner. As usual, almost no one is above suspicion, and just when you think you have it figured out, the author proves you wrong. She brilliantly balances the crime with the romance, all the while juggling a massive cast of principal and secondary characters. Will is particularly well realized; Maclean masterfully reveals the all too human man behind his outwardly confident and capable persona. While my near obsessive focus was on the relationship between Will and Tom (who – much like Ben in Bitter Legacy, has matured into a character you root for), Will’s work friendships/partnerships are equally compelling. I loved the dynamic between Will and Jamie, and I hope we’ll see these two working together in future novels. They complement each other, and their investigation kept me glued to the pages. Oh reader, who am I kidding. This is a novel that shines on every level. It’s a gripping thriller/police procedural, and a gut-wrenching and tender romance. It’s sublime.
Friends, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery, Blue on Blue isn’t...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
December 16, 2021
Better, but that's because of the outstanding mystery, the romance not so much.
I liked that the couple got together and the issues that made them break the first time, was an issue here as well, I liked seeing then getting over it and finally talking, like adults. Did it obsessed me? The couple? Nope, but I got to see James and Ben, so that's a win.
Now, the mystery *grabs her pearls* was a clusterfuck so big, I couldn't deal!! Loved it!! Didn't know who to trust!! Didn't know where to look!! Who was it? Why? And the end? Dramatic but awesome!!! 🤯🤯🤯
I really enjoyed this because of the mystery and I recommend this author for the same reason. Lovely. ❤
I liked that the couple got together and the issues that made them break the first time, was an issue here as well, I liked seeing then getting over it and finally talking, like adults. Did it obsessed me? The couple? Nope, but I got to see James and Ben, so that's a win.
Now, the mystery *grabs her pearls* was a clusterfuck so big, I couldn't deal!! Loved it!! Didn't know who to trust!! Didn't know where to look!! Who was it? Why? And the end? Dramatic but awesome!!! 🤯🤯🤯
I really enjoyed this because of the mystery and I recommend this author for the same reason. Lovely. ❤
March 19, 2024
***Re-read March 2024. Still very much hoping Dal Maclean will continue with this series...I'm looking forward to the battles Will and Jamie will undoubtedly have with the higher-ups in the force and in general, dealing with the corruption they've discovered, thanks to lists entitled 'The Pig Farm' and 'The Diary Farm'.***
Heads up...this is an edgy, nail-biting whodunit/thriller with more twists and turns than a cow's digestive system [yes, that cow again ☺] and a small side of romance, although what romance there was is hot and just as I wanted the ending of the series to be. Onto my creme-de-la-creme shelf with you my beauty!! Other than that, what can I say about this story, the final read in the Bitter Legacy trilogy...outstanding and magnificent will do for starters. Dal Maclean has truly surpassed herself with this effort, and although the other two stories were really good, this one absolutely took the biscuit [and probably the mug of tea as well 😉].
My guess for the 'person on the inside' proved to be correct, and to be honest I was gobsmacked that our two wonderful DI's, Will and Jamie, hadn't cottoned on sooner than they did cos it just made perfect sense to me. The editing in this one was not good at times, with some phrasing which made no sense whatsoever e.g. vanishingly unlikely. What the hell? 😒
As far as the 'missing' person is concerned, well I can't honestly say that I would wish anyone dead, but I wouldn't be too bothered if he/she never showed their face again. And one thing I will spoil... Woot!!
Heads up...this is an edgy, nail-biting whodunit/thriller with more twists and turns than a cow's digestive system [yes, that cow again ☺] and a small side of romance, although what romance there was is hot and just as I wanted the ending of the series to be. Onto my creme-de-la-creme shelf with you my beauty!! Other than that, what can I say about this story, the final read in the Bitter Legacy trilogy...outstanding and magnificent will do for starters. Dal Maclean has truly surpassed herself with this effort, and although the other two stories were really good, this one absolutely took the biscuit [and probably the mug of tea as well 😉].
My guess for the 'person on the inside' proved to be correct, and to be honest I was gobsmacked that our two wonderful DI's, Will and Jamie, hadn't cottoned on sooner than they did cos it just made perfect sense to me. The editing in this one was not good at times, with some phrasing which made no sense whatsoever e.g. vanishingly unlikely. What the hell? 😒
As far as the 'missing' person is concerned, well I can't honestly say that I would wish anyone dead, but I wouldn't be too bothered if he/she never showed their face again. And one thing I will spoil... Woot!!
June 10, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this series, on one hand I like the mysteries, on the other I loathe the romance side in book 2 and 3. Also, there's many pet peeves of mine in these books which didn't help my experience reading them.
Blue on Blue follows the main characters from the past book, Tom and Will but in Will's perspective. This couple still has miscommunications and trust issues that hinder the detective's focus on the investigation endangering it. The most eye rolling aspect of their interactions is in intimate moments where Will becomes a bit possessive to prove a point to Tom and Cam (first pet peeve). I'm not satisfied with the "conversation" that fixed their relationship tho, I feel they needed to talk more. To me they're still bound by their traumatic events.
When in comes to the mystery, I had an idea of where it was going in the beginning, however as predicable as it felt, there was a twist that changed its aspect to the better and I liked it. However, I didn't expect this mystery to be too tied with characters from book one and book two, had I known that I would have re-read the books before diving into this one because I didn't remember much, thus didn't feel pretty much connected with the story in general (I dragged this book for too long tho so... yeah...).
And last, everyone has to be so utterly, breathtakingly beautiful? Is it necessary to make long detailed descriptions of the clothes (and how good they look on said person) a character is using in a small scene? This author does this a lot and I'm just not a fan haha.
Anyways...I do have a positive thing. It's that I like to see James and Will work together. Next book is promising in that aspect, the fact that they're just friends and never were together makes it even more enjoyable. It's great the author thought of this set up instead of starting with a 2-cop couple from the beginning :).
Will I read the next book? There's a new enemy to take down and I want to see the conclusion of this plot so yeah, I'll read it even if I don't enjoy parts of it, lol.
Blue on Blue follows the main characters from the past book, Tom and Will but in Will's perspective. This couple still has miscommunications and trust issues that hinder the detective's focus on the investigation endangering it. The most eye rolling aspect of their interactions is in intimate moments where Will becomes a bit possessive to prove a point to Tom and Cam (first pet peeve). I'm not satisfied with the "conversation" that fixed their relationship tho, I feel they needed to talk more. To me they're still bound by their traumatic events.
When in comes to the mystery, I had an idea of where it was going in the beginning, however as predicable as it felt, there was a twist that changed its aspect to the better and I liked it. However, I didn't expect this mystery to be too tied with characters from book one and book two, had I known that I would have re-read the books before diving into this one because I didn't remember much, thus didn't feel pretty much connected with the story in general (I dragged this book for too long tho so... yeah...).
And last, everyone has to be so utterly, breathtakingly beautiful? Is it necessary to make long detailed descriptions of the clothes (and how good they look on said person) a character is using in a small scene? This author does this a lot and I'm just not a fan haha.
Anyways...I do have a positive thing. It's that I like to see James and Will work together. Next book is promising in that aspect, the fact that they're just friends and never were together makes it even more enjoyable. It's great the author thought of this set up instead of starting with a 2-cop couple from the beginning :).
Will I read the next book? There's a new enemy to take down and I want to see the conclusion of this plot so yeah, I'll read it even if I don't enjoy parts of it, lol.
May 6, 2020
Another wonderful installment to Dal Maclean’s series Bitter Legacy.
I enjoyed the mystery plot very much, the romance was secondary and was a bit annoying at first, but I love all the characters and would love to read more about Will, Tom, Jamie and Ben.
I do not think this book can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed the mystery plot very much, the romance was secondary and was a bit annoying at first, but I love all the characters and would love to read more about Will, Tom, Jamie and Ben.
I do not think this book can be read as a stand-alone.
September 26, 2021
5 ++++++ stars audio and story!
March 30, 2020
4.5 because I wasn’t entirely happy with how Tom and Will’s issues were handled. Still feels like an HFN. Also seemed too complicated and hard to follow at times. I have a sieve-brain though, so I’ll reread and see if I can figure out what I missed. Will there be another volume I wonder? A couple of threads weren’t thoroughly tied up, that I could see.
March 28, 2020
Very good. A bit more thrillery than the previous two. I kinda guessed what was going on. The author drops a classic Agatha Christie signal early in the book, the way she does.
A wonderful wrap up of the three books, with room left for more to come, hopefully.
A wonderful wrap up of the three books, with room left for more to come, hopefully.
July 16, 2022
When this story opens, newly reinstated Detective Will Foster is the sole character that we hear from for quite some time. At the end of the first book in the series Object of Desire, Will and his ex-boyfriend Tom Grey were reunited in what I hoped was maybe a hopeful but uneasy reunion and they would try to reconnect. This story begins finding Will still navigating the abrupt renewal of this relationship and his new position with the South Kensington Police. A murder investigation that seems to be connected to gangland kingpin Joey Clarkson, Will’s old nemesis, has the mystery off and running in a complex and twisty way. There is some romance with trying to come to terms with all his insecurities, but this is less of a romance novel than the first two in the series, and instead focuses more on the detective and suspense story. I really loved the relationship and angst of the first two books, so this one was a bit of a let-down, but is still an overall good read especially if you have followed the first two books.
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