What do you think?
Rate this book
Judas Kiss
London: September 2008
Leo Harrison is investigating the murder of a woman washed up on the banks of the Thames. She has been raped, mutilated and a symbol carved onto her chest.
Unable to trace the symbol, the police call on the expert knowledge of Helena Carey, historian and occult specialist. She recognises the symbol as being the mark of serial killer Alexei Vorontsevich, executed for similar crimes in 1796.
They soon discover that the victim is the killer's third, and that all the female victims share the same rare genetic condition; but the connection to Vorontsevich remains elusive. When a fourth woman with the condition goes missing, Leo and his colleagues must find and save her from a manipulative, predatory killer.
Working together, Leo and Helena’s professional chemistry turns into personal happiness. Their passionate affair becomes a refuge from the brutal world that brought them together. But their happiness is short lived - death surrounds Helena and those close to her. The past won’t stay buried and the shadow of the murders never seems to be far from her door. When Helena is forced into revealing a dark secret, heartbroken Leo is left questioning everything he believes in.
As past and present collide, those standing in its wake will have to fight to survive. Challenging everything he believes in will allow him to see that truth hides in plain sight, time does not heal the stricken, hate is all consuming; but love is worse… Life will never be the same again.
Leo Harrison is investigating the murder of a woman washed up on the banks of the Thames. She has been raped, mutilated and a symbol carved onto her chest.
Unable to trace the symbol, the police call on the expert knowledge of Helena Carey, historian and occult specialist. She recognises the symbol as being the mark of serial killer Alexei Vorontsevich, executed for similar crimes in 1796.
They soon discover that the victim is the killer's third, and that all the female victims share the same rare genetic condition; but the connection to Vorontsevich remains elusive. When a fourth woman with the condition goes missing, Leo and his colleagues must find and save her from a manipulative, predatory killer.
Working together, Leo and Helena’s professional chemistry turns into personal happiness. Their passionate affair becomes a refuge from the brutal world that brought them together. But their happiness is short lived - death surrounds Helena and those close to her. The past won’t stay buried and the shadow of the murders never seems to be far from her door. When Helena is forced into revealing a dark secret, heartbroken Leo is left questioning everything he believes in.
As past and present collide, those standing in its wake will have to fight to survive. Challenging everything he believes in will allow him to see that truth hides in plain sight, time does not heal the stricken, hate is all consuming; but love is worse… Life will never be the same again.
496 pages, ebook
First published November 13, 2012
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Batty
1 book1 followerThis account is linked to Catherine Batty
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Author of The Chronicles of Judas series - a modern / urban vampire trilogy set in / around London.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Author of The Chronicles of Judas series - a modern / urban vampire trilogy set in / around London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 20, 2020
Had me hooked from the start.
This book was recommended to me by a friend, who knows the author. As I am a self-published author and love books about the supernatural, werewolves, vampires and the like I wanted to read a fellow self-publisher. I was not disappointed.
I loved C.L Batty’s characters from the start and the way she portrayed the immediate attraction between Helena and Leo. As you get involved with the story and the characters you begin to realise that there is more to Helena than meets the eye. Her very large ‘communal family’ who more or less lives in her mansion are also not what they seem.
As the story unfolds, you see other main characters develop and you know who you like and dislike. You even know which ones have a sense of humour and which is the ‘stroppy’ one. As you continue to read, you know what Helena must do, and hope that everything turns out OK, but at the same time you can see the disaster that is about to unfold.
There are some good twists and turns in the story, with the last few chapters leaving you wanting more. I have not given much of the story away as I feel it would ruin the read. I cannot wait to finish the trilogy!
I feel this story would suit older teens and above. There are some adult 'scenes' in the book and so I advise caution. It is a good introduction if you're thinking of starting the 'fantasy/vampire' genre books.
This book was recommended to me by a friend, who knows the author. As I am a self-published author and love books about the supernatural, werewolves, vampires and the like I wanted to read a fellow self-publisher. I was not disappointed.
I loved C.L Batty’s characters from the start and the way she portrayed the immediate attraction between Helena and Leo. As you get involved with the story and the characters you begin to realise that there is more to Helena than meets the eye. Her very large ‘communal family’ who more or less lives in her mansion are also not what they seem.
As the story unfolds, you see other main characters develop and you know who you like and dislike. You even know which ones have a sense of humour and which is the ‘stroppy’ one. As you continue to read, you know what Helena must do, and hope that everything turns out OK, but at the same time you can see the disaster that is about to unfold.
There are some good twists and turns in the story, with the last few chapters leaving you wanting more. I have not given much of the story away as I feel it would ruin the read. I cannot wait to finish the trilogy!
I feel this story would suit older teens and above. There are some adult 'scenes' in the book and so I advise caution. It is a good introduction if you're thinking of starting the 'fantasy/vampire' genre books.
December 20, 2012
Finally...a proper grown up Vampire story for Grown ups. This book has fast become one of my top five all time fave books. You will not want to put this book down as Ms Batty guides you effotlessly through the twists and turns of the fabulous plot that is Judas Kiss. Don't want to give too many spoliers away but I defy any woman not to fall in love with DS Leo Harrison, who is everything a male romantic lead should be and then some! Helena is the female lead and she is a proper kick ass heroine. The support cast for this novel are well rounded and cleverly thought out to enchance the story. You will be swept back in time as Helena's past is revealed, just when things were looking rosy for her and Leo. This book will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I cannot wait for the sequel, this is a fantastic debut!
January 2, 2015
I was expecting a gruesome crime story and I got that and so much more. While you suspect what is coming, it still manages to completely surprise you. A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me on the edge of my seat and completely enthralled in its wonderfully woven story
October 9, 2018
Gripped from page 1...
This is a first for me: a fantasy novel which had me entranced from start to end! Great story, superb characters, and very believable too. I can't wait to get Book 2 to continue my enjoyment of fantastical beings...
This is a first for me: a fantasy novel which had me entranced from start to end! Great story, superb characters, and very believable too. I can't wait to get Book 2 to continue my enjoyment of fantastical beings...
November 12, 2018
Good but expected
I really enjoyed this book, but within 5/6 chapters I had already guessed the main plot & then further down the book could guess the ending.
Still a good read, and looking forward to the second one.
I really enjoyed this book, but within 5/6 chapters I had already guessed the main plot & then further down the book could guess the ending.
Still a good read, and looking forward to the second one.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews