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Ice in the Blood
A gripping and emotionally-charged new thriller from the bestselling author of A DEATH IN SWEDEN and THE TRAITOR’S STORY. Jay Lewis is a former intelligence officer who’s been working as a security consultant on the Cote d’Azur for the last six months. It’s a life of luxury and excess, but also of violence and intrigue. And just as that violence begins to escalate, Jay finds his easygoing bachelor lifestyle thrown into disarray by the unexpected arrival of Owen, the ten year old son he’d never even known about, and whose life could already be in danger. How can he find a place for this boy in a life based on lies and subterfuge, and how can he keep him safe? A story about the loner life and about finding connections, ICE IN THE BLOOD also tackles the most crucial of questions—are killers born, or are they made?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2023
120 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Wignall
41 books560 followersArmy Child till age nine.
Settled back in a small town in the west of England.
Lancaster University - degree in Politics &
International Relations.
Writer.
Also writes as K.J. Wignall
Email: kevin@kevinwignall.com
Settled back in a small town in the west of England.
Lancaster University - degree in Politics &
International Relations.
Writer.
Also writes as K.J. Wignall
Email: kevin@kevinwignall.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2024
Top quality thriller from Kevin Wignall. He remains unorthodox and quite unpredictable in terms of plot.
It is a compelling read which you cannot leave. Some call it a page turner but his writing transcends such simple statements.. Fact is, there is jeopardy and confusion, where there is a blurring of good or bad.
In his case Jay is duplicitous, playing against his employer while carrying out his role as security adviser. A dangerous path when the major powers are represented by the KGB, the CIA and MI6. He appears to be keeping his options open while moving forward to ensure the planned coup in Belarus succeeds yet working to ensure it never happens.
It all sounds frightfully complex and yet the author weaves his story faultlessly and clearly through his protagonist. Matters are further complicated when a ten year old boy is dropped in his lap which threatens to undermine all his planning and revise his attitude to his mission.
It is action packed and full of graphic violence with all those surprises along the way which make it uncertain how Jay can close the circle and keep his newly acquired son alive.
The world of spies, spooks and espionage is deep, dark and open to betrayal. Wignall is one of the best for shining a light onto this world. He never rests and always comes up with a fresh angle to present the action in this drama.
This book is no exception and adds the lives of innocent players in this game to the death.
It is a compelling read which you cannot leave. Some call it a page turner but his writing transcends such simple statements.. Fact is, there is jeopardy and confusion, where there is a blurring of good or bad.
In his case Jay is duplicitous, playing against his employer while carrying out his role as security adviser. A dangerous path when the major powers are represented by the KGB, the CIA and MI6. He appears to be keeping his options open while moving forward to ensure the planned coup in Belarus succeeds yet working to ensure it never happens.
It all sounds frightfully complex and yet the author weaves his story faultlessly and clearly through his protagonist. Matters are further complicated when a ten year old boy is dropped in his lap which threatens to undermine all his planning and revise his attitude to his mission.
It is action packed and full of graphic violence with all those surprises along the way which make it uncertain how Jay can close the circle and keep his newly acquired son alive.
The world of spies, spooks and espionage is deep, dark and open to betrayal. Wignall is one of the best for shining a light onto this world. He never rests and always comes up with a fresh angle to present the action in this drama.
This book is no exception and adds the lives of innocent players in this game to the death.
November 15, 2023
I've read a number of Kevin Wignall's novels and enjoyed them all. Going in you have to realize that his main characters have few to no reservations taking the life of another person. Unfortunately, for me, this one seemed even less realistic than the others. Even still it was interesting to read but I was looking forward to the finish. Some of his earlier works were intriguing with a main character with some unlikeable traits but it seemed to work well with the story. Here the story and the interactions just didn't work. The ending may have been a setup for a followup story but if it is I won't be reading it.
March 7, 2024
Just OK.
I thought the entire time that something deeper and more sinister was coming with Jay's child. The table was set for that with his mother's frantic abandonment of the kid. I thought the whole point of the book would be, at some point, the kid was going to show himself as a sociopath or have some sort of disturbing behavior that would alter the course of the story. I thought it would be quite interesting to see how the story got darker as Jay realized his son was not a normal kid. That, however, never materialized. What we're left with is a by-the-numbers spy thriller. Not bad, but instantly forgettable. Too bad. There was a better story to tell. He just didn't tell it. It almost seemed like the author was going to go that route, and then just abandoned it.
On another note, over the course of a week, Jay left around 30 dead bodies strewn all over coastal France in a rich man's paradise, and yet absolutely no one seemed to really care at all. A little far-fetched to say the least. (The author's book To Die In Vienna was much better)
I thought the entire time that something deeper and more sinister was coming with Jay's child. The table was set for that with his mother's frantic abandonment of the kid. I thought the whole point of the book would be, at some point, the kid was going to show himself as a sociopath or have some sort of disturbing behavior that would alter the course of the story. I thought it would be quite interesting to see how the story got darker as Jay realized his son was not a normal kid. That, however, never materialized. What we're left with is a by-the-numbers spy thriller. Not bad, but instantly forgettable. Too bad. There was a better story to tell. He just didn't tell it. It almost seemed like the author was going to go that route, and then just abandoned it.
On another note, over the course of a week, Jay left around 30 dead bodies strewn all over coastal France in a rich man's paradise, and yet absolutely no one seemed to really care at all. A little far-fetched to say the least. (The author's book To Die In Vienna was much better)
November 17, 2024
Imagine being a freelance "security advisor" trying to influence a coup in Belarus, when someone drops a kid at your doorstep and says he's your kid and I can't handle him have a nice life.
Well. That happened to main character Jay Lewis. He's pretty sure a kid would cramp his style, but the kid's mom is kind of crazy and refuses to take him back. What choice does he have? The kid turns out to be precociously cynical, as well as charming, and the two find that they make a good team.
Sure, it's implausible, but most fiction is. I'm ok with that.
Well. That happened to main character Jay Lewis. He's pretty sure a kid would cramp his style, but the kid's mom is kind of crazy and refuses to take him back. What choice does he have? The kid turns out to be precociously cynical, as well as charming, and the two find that they make a good team.
Sure, it's implausible, but most fiction is. I'm ok with that.
January 26, 2024
Being a fan of Kevin Wignall, I looked forward to the latest novel, as my favourite book of his is A Fragile Thing, a book I have read over & over again.
This book however really disappointed me. The concept of just killing anyone in your path, and often with the knowkedge of his son, a son I find hard to be believable. I did persevere to the end . No, not for me. I am not a squeamish person at all but.....sorry not recomnended.
This book however really disappointed me. The concept of just killing anyone in your path, and often with the knowkedge of his son, a son I find hard to be believable. I did persevere to the end . No, not for me. I am not a squeamish person at all but.....sorry not recomnended.
October 8, 2023
Kevin Wignall is one of my favorite writers
I discovered these novels via Kindle Unlimited and am so impressed with the quality of writing, plot and story-telling. This is the best, imo, of an exceptional lot. I’ve read A Death in Sweden, To Die in Vienna and The Names of the Dead and would recommend them all.
I discovered these novels via Kindle Unlimited and am so impressed with the quality of writing, plot and story-telling. This is the best, imo, of an exceptional lot. I’ve read A Death in Sweden, To Die in Vienna and The Names of the Dead and would recommend them all.
October 15, 2023
I always start a book by this author with trepidation knowing it will be a page turner, unpredictable but somewhat saddened by the expectation that I will bond with characters that will not be revisited in sequels and the quiet goodbye leaves a longing for more. Kevin Wignall is my favorite author and this story is one of his best but I say that every time I finish one of his novels.
November 18, 2023
A huge rave!
Kevin Wignall is an outstanding writer. His plotting, characters, and pacing are all superb. While you could say the same about other authors, the quality of Kevin Wignal's writing is a cut above. His stories and characters are set apart, standing out from other books in the genre that feel like the same basic story over and over - all them running together.
Kevin Wignall is an outstanding writer. His plotting, characters, and pacing are all superb. While you could say the same about other authors, the quality of Kevin Wignal's writing is a cut above. His stories and characters are set apart, standing out from other books in the genre that feel like the same basic story over and over - all them running together.
January 14, 2024
Another great read from this author
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by Kevin Wignall. While the others were standalone stories, it would be interesting to see this one develop into a series, allowing us to see how the relationships develop. Good pace, characters, and plot.
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by Kevin Wignall. While the others were standalone stories, it would be interesting to see this one develop into a series, allowing us to see how the relationships develop. Good pace, characters, and plot.
February 4, 2024
Retired intelligence agent, now freelance security consultant Jay Lewis, is playing all sides as he tries to get the desired result for his latest client. As events start heating up, he is thrown a curve ball, when an ex drops of his ten year old child, who he knew nothing about. Good story that moves at a nice pace, with interesting characters and interactions.
November 20, 2023
This was my fourth Kevin Wignall book. So yeah, I guess that means I like his style. The plot twists. The characters have layers. And the dialog snaps, crackles and pops while advancing the plot and suiting the characters.
February 8, 2024
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this...
A bit of a departure for KW but enjoyed this very much. The comments about violence are well founded but surprisingly heartwarming at the same time. Sequel perhaps?
A bit of a departure for KW but enjoyed this very much. The comments about violence are well founded but surprisingly heartwarming at the same time. Sequel perhaps?
April 24, 2025
CIA agent
I know the title is ICE IN THE BLOOD, but putting your 10 year old son, even if you did just find about him, in the middle of a dangerous CIA operation is insane. Otherwise, I'd give it a five star.
I know the title is ICE IN THE BLOOD, but putting your 10 year old son, even if you did just find about him, in the middle of a dangerous CIA operation is insane. Otherwise, I'd give it a five star.
November 26, 2025
A Russian neighbours take over attempt
A suspenseful story of world spy agencies involving themselves solely and/or partly combined in defeating a take over coup of the presidency of a neighbour of Russia . Very enjoyable as I have found the authors other spy books I have read .
A suspenseful story of world spy agencies involving themselves solely and/or partly combined in defeating a take over coup of the presidency of a neighbour of Russia . Very enjoyable as I have found the authors other spy books I have read .
October 3, 2023
Ice in the Blood is warmer tgan you think!
Please read this book if you love espionage, action and great writing of believeable characters and non stop excitement. P. Erickson
Please read this book if you love espionage, action and great writing of believeable characters and non stop excitement. P. Erickson
October 6, 2023
Fantastic book!!
As usual Kevin did not disappoint in his story telling!! He is one of my most favorite authors and I have read every book.
As usual Kevin did not disappoint in his story telling!! He is one of my most favorite authors and I have read every book.
October 25, 2023
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!
One of the best books I have read in a long time, and I read a LOT! Keep em coming! Amazingly, I found NO typos.
One of the best books I have read in a long time, and I read a LOT! Keep em coming! Amazingly, I found NO typos.
December 4, 2023
Good Read!
Great stuff, very enjoyable read. Mixture of wild familial stuff nicely balanced against the shootem up stuff, very pleasant read.
Great stuff, very enjoyable read. Mixture of wild familial stuff nicely balanced against the shootem up stuff, very pleasant read.
December 27, 2023
Not his best.
I'm a Wignall fan, but this is not his best work. Not a waste of time, but not up to his usual standards. A bit clichéd.
I'm a Wignall fan, but this is not his best work. Not a waste of time, but not up to his usual standards. A bit clichéd.
January 4, 2024
good read
I always enjoy Kevin Wignal. This book is probably is not my favorite but it’s really good. Good characters, good plot and action
I always enjoy Kevin Wignal. This book is probably is not my favorite but it’s really good. Good characters, good plot and action
April 11, 2024
brilliant - Mr Wignall at his best.
Read it 2 sittings.
Excellently crafted. Flowed along and hugely readable.
No loose ends despite being a novella.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Read it 2 sittings.
Excellently crafted. Flowed along and hugely readable.
No loose ends despite being a novella.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
April 22, 2024
Great Read - Lots of Surprises
Surprising, funny, scary at times… spy whose (previously unknown to him) son shows up. Fasten your seat belt, you’re going to really enjoy this ride!
Surprising, funny, scary at times… spy whose (previously unknown to him) son shows up. Fasten your seat belt, you’re going to really enjoy this ride!
July 16, 2025
Great book with loads of action with a twist
Loved it. Read it on a cruise. The son in the story made it especially fun. Time to get another of Kevin’s books.
Loved it. Read it on a cruise. The son in the story made it especially fun. Time to get another of Kevin’s books.
April 3, 2024
wonderful - I hope this gets made into a movie
This is one of my favorite books by Kevin Wignall; a wonderful location, great characters and a strong storyline, together with Kevin’s descriptive writing make this my favorite book so far this year.
This is one of my favorite books by Kevin Wignall; a wonderful location, great characters and a strong storyline, together with Kevin’s descriptive writing make this my favorite book so far this year.
September 19, 2024
My first encounter with Wignall's work.
Fantastic story teller, grabbed my attention and then twisted and turned with a great plot. Real page turner, hard to put down.
Thoroughly enjoyable plot and characters.
Fantastic story teller, grabbed my attention and then twisted and turned with a great plot. Real page turner, hard to put down.
Thoroughly enjoyable plot and characters.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews