What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Bound
THE MCCARTHY MEN WERE ONCE STRONG AND PROUD. Now they are a family torn apart by lies. With both years and distance between them, they must now come together and seek justice for one of their own.
Will the shared thirst for vengeance finally repair the bond that once held the McCarthy men so close together? Or will it lead to their ultimate destruction?
Will the shared thirst for vengeance finally repair the bond that once held the McCarthy men so close together? Or will it lead to their ultimate destruction?
ebook
First published August 4, 2012
12 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Karina Gioertz
22 books53 followersA compulsive reader and stereotypical writer through and through, Karina finds hanging out with her imaginary friends while she sips matcha to be all the rage. Since 2012, she's written and published over thirty-five books, ranging from children's literature to crime thrillers. Before delving into her new love of YA Fantasy, her focus was primarily on writing romance. Those titles can be found under her pen name K.S. Thomas, including her most popular novels I Call Him Brady, Tin and Last Girl.
Originally born and raised in Bremen, Germany, she currently resides in sunny Florida with her daughter, a three-legged roo, a tamed wolf, a furry gremlin and a charming mister (AKA, their dogs).
Originally born and raised in Bremen, Germany, she currently resides in sunny Florida with her daughter, a three-legged roo, a tamed wolf, a furry gremlin and a charming mister (AKA, their dogs).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 19, 2012
Blood Bound
Karina Gioertz
A young voice was silenced. A life ended. Those in charge either ignored the muffled cries or turned a blind eye. Tommy McCarthy spent time in a cell that would give most people the feeling of being hemmed or closed in and a fear that they would never be released from the confines of this small cell. Lawyers are supposed to defend their clients. Lawyers advise their clients on the proper way to address the judge, their demeanor and dress in court and the respect they are supposed to show to everyone in charge. Tommy adhered to the plan created. Tommy kept silent until the judge passed sentence and the final decision was announced. Cries, yells, screams and hopes died as the sound of the metal door was bolted shut and he was now living in a cage filled with a bed, metal toilet and a radiator that leaked. The night scared him and he realized another person shared his cell. This frightened him even more. Richard Praier- just who is he? Why did everyone die when placed in a cell with this man? Tommy’s body was found the next morning. Who silenced his voice? Why? Questioned by the Warden Praier seemed unfazed and smug. Confident in his actions and feeling in control of his thoughts and words Praier never reacted to the rants and raves of the warden but not so in control when placed in solitary for a week. Even the guards in charge of him had an uneasy feeling.
Scott McCarthy just arrived home. Parking and securing his bike he hoped to be welcome back by his family. That welcome or hello was short lived. Home for his cousin’s funeral Scott appears to be an outcast in this family but why has yet to be revealed. What is the real story behind the hatred in this family? Why shun Scott? Concern for Tommy’s mother neutralized their anger and abated the arguments for now. Learning more about Tommy’s arrest Scott notes many inconsistencies about his behavior. Not believing that Tommy would carry a gun, rob anyone or kill them sets off red flags for him and he is determined to learn the truth. What really happened in that cell? Who killed him? Was he set up? Why?
As storm clouds soared through the already darkened sky Tommy McCarthy was released to his final resting place. Scott, although not really welcomes spent time with his aunt Tommy’s mother to learn more. As he and his cousins discuss what they know and piece some of the information the accountant shared with Scott it becomes apparent that the entire story has not been revealed. The police arrest Tommy and looked no further. What about the lawyer?
Tommy, Ryan, Ben and Scott: Family: Bound by Blood: What happened? No one thought the outcome of the trial was wrong? As the family gathers together after the funeral Scott is introduced to Natasha, Ryan’s fiancé and the conversation gets heated. Before leaving his aunt’s home Scott will find out the truth at all costs. How was he strangled to death on a radiator pipe in his prison cell? Why did the guards miss his corridor that night? What really happened? Why did his family give up?
Going to the prison was his first option and after meeting with a prisoner named Lawrence he is convinced it was not a suicide but a set up. Flashbacks into Scott’s past enlighten the reader about him and his past with his family. Brought into the brotherhood of the family why an outcast now?
What Scott begins to learn at the prison alarms him as he realizes that many things that look real are often just created or staged to make people believe what you want them to believe. Who wanted Tommy dead? Who set off this chain of events?
From the author of Country Girls, Karina Gioertz comes a novel that will bring cold chills down your spine. A novel whose events could have been ripped right out of the pages of the headlines of the news. Just what really happens behind prison doors? Blood Bound: Read my review to learn more.
The family meets to discuss their take on what might have happened to Tommy and something triggers in Scott’s mind and what he does next is short of attempted murder if you really think about it. Cornering the prison guard responsible for handing Tommy over to the man referred to as No Prayer who set in motion all that happened to him, teaching him more than just a simple lesson he would never forget we learn about the corruption within the prison system and the injustices done to many prisoners at the hands of those supposedly protecting them. Money is often the root of their actions as we learn the end result not always what some would like or expect.
The information mounts up as Scott and Ryan visit Sal’s auto shop the place of the robbery and Ryan finds a folder filled with interesting information. Links to the present and employees in their bar might help clarify the reasons for the murder but not all. Just who really killed Brad Horton the man Tommy went to prison for killing? How is the bartender at their pub linked? Who is Hilary McCleen and what is her link to Brad? Just why does everyone think Scott was involved? What do the mechanics working for Sal know? Just who is the one that really manipulated everyone?
When all of the horrors fit together and the final pieces are placed into this intricate puzzle more lives will be placed in danger, a link to Scott’s past will be revealed more family members will suffer and decisions will have to be made. What did the mob have to do with the pub? What part did the accountant play? What about their father or Uncle Teddy might have had something to do with Tommy? What did Tommy know and see that no one wanted repeated? Just who ordered the hit? Who knew about it and made sure it happened? The end you won’t believe and the reasons you have to read for yourself.
One letter would tell it all. Deceits, lies, betrayals, hate, jealously and greed all play a prominent role in what happened to Tommy. Just who and why he was killed will definitely make one family take a closer look at the definition of Blood Ties or Blood Bound. What does Scott learn that gets someone else killed? What is the real motive behind the murders? How does the mob fit in and what did Scott do that was hidden for many years? Shunned, hated, rejected and a secret that would change it all. Blood Bound: Find Out where the ties fell apart and the blood seeped through leaving just the plasma that we need to survive and the blood that binds us: Will they ever be able to repair what was done? Blood Bound: You decide the definition but definitely read this outstanding novel that will give you much pause for thought as author Karina Gioertz takes the reader inside the mind of a diabolical killer and the prison system to learn what happens when greed wins out and some things get out of control. Will there be justice for Tommy? What about Praier? That remains secret as I am Blood Bound not to tell. A voice silenced then heard: You figure out how?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s dedicate this review to all those who have been wrongly accused. This book gets: FIVE TOMMYS
Karina Gioertz
A young voice was silenced. A life ended. Those in charge either ignored the muffled cries or turned a blind eye. Tommy McCarthy spent time in a cell that would give most people the feeling of being hemmed or closed in and a fear that they would never be released from the confines of this small cell. Lawyers are supposed to defend their clients. Lawyers advise their clients on the proper way to address the judge, their demeanor and dress in court and the respect they are supposed to show to everyone in charge. Tommy adhered to the plan created. Tommy kept silent until the judge passed sentence and the final decision was announced. Cries, yells, screams and hopes died as the sound of the metal door was bolted shut and he was now living in a cage filled with a bed, metal toilet and a radiator that leaked. The night scared him and he realized another person shared his cell. This frightened him even more. Richard Praier- just who is he? Why did everyone die when placed in a cell with this man? Tommy’s body was found the next morning. Who silenced his voice? Why? Questioned by the Warden Praier seemed unfazed and smug. Confident in his actions and feeling in control of his thoughts and words Praier never reacted to the rants and raves of the warden but not so in control when placed in solitary for a week. Even the guards in charge of him had an uneasy feeling.
Scott McCarthy just arrived home. Parking and securing his bike he hoped to be welcome back by his family. That welcome or hello was short lived. Home for his cousin’s funeral Scott appears to be an outcast in this family but why has yet to be revealed. What is the real story behind the hatred in this family? Why shun Scott? Concern for Tommy’s mother neutralized their anger and abated the arguments for now. Learning more about Tommy’s arrest Scott notes many inconsistencies about his behavior. Not believing that Tommy would carry a gun, rob anyone or kill them sets off red flags for him and he is determined to learn the truth. What really happened in that cell? Who killed him? Was he set up? Why?
As storm clouds soared through the already darkened sky Tommy McCarthy was released to his final resting place. Scott, although not really welcomes spent time with his aunt Tommy’s mother to learn more. As he and his cousins discuss what they know and piece some of the information the accountant shared with Scott it becomes apparent that the entire story has not been revealed. The police arrest Tommy and looked no further. What about the lawyer?
Tommy, Ryan, Ben and Scott: Family: Bound by Blood: What happened? No one thought the outcome of the trial was wrong? As the family gathers together after the funeral Scott is introduced to Natasha, Ryan’s fiancé and the conversation gets heated. Before leaving his aunt’s home Scott will find out the truth at all costs. How was he strangled to death on a radiator pipe in his prison cell? Why did the guards miss his corridor that night? What really happened? Why did his family give up?
Going to the prison was his first option and after meeting with a prisoner named Lawrence he is convinced it was not a suicide but a set up. Flashbacks into Scott’s past enlighten the reader about him and his past with his family. Brought into the brotherhood of the family why an outcast now?
What Scott begins to learn at the prison alarms him as he realizes that many things that look real are often just created or staged to make people believe what you want them to believe. Who wanted Tommy dead? Who set off this chain of events?
From the author of Country Girls, Karina Gioertz comes a novel that will bring cold chills down your spine. A novel whose events could have been ripped right out of the pages of the headlines of the news. Just what really happens behind prison doors? Blood Bound: Read my review to learn more.
The family meets to discuss their take on what might have happened to Tommy and something triggers in Scott’s mind and what he does next is short of attempted murder if you really think about it. Cornering the prison guard responsible for handing Tommy over to the man referred to as No Prayer who set in motion all that happened to him, teaching him more than just a simple lesson he would never forget we learn about the corruption within the prison system and the injustices done to many prisoners at the hands of those supposedly protecting them. Money is often the root of their actions as we learn the end result not always what some would like or expect.
The information mounts up as Scott and Ryan visit Sal’s auto shop the place of the robbery and Ryan finds a folder filled with interesting information. Links to the present and employees in their bar might help clarify the reasons for the murder but not all. Just who really killed Brad Horton the man Tommy went to prison for killing? How is the bartender at their pub linked? Who is Hilary McCleen and what is her link to Brad? Just why does everyone think Scott was involved? What do the mechanics working for Sal know? Just who is the one that really manipulated everyone?
When all of the horrors fit together and the final pieces are placed into this intricate puzzle more lives will be placed in danger, a link to Scott’s past will be revealed more family members will suffer and decisions will have to be made. What did the mob have to do with the pub? What part did the accountant play? What about their father or Uncle Teddy might have had something to do with Tommy? What did Tommy know and see that no one wanted repeated? Just who ordered the hit? Who knew about it and made sure it happened? The end you won’t believe and the reasons you have to read for yourself.
One letter would tell it all. Deceits, lies, betrayals, hate, jealously and greed all play a prominent role in what happened to Tommy. Just who and why he was killed will definitely make one family take a closer look at the definition of Blood Ties or Blood Bound. What does Scott learn that gets someone else killed? What is the real motive behind the murders? How does the mob fit in and what did Scott do that was hidden for many years? Shunned, hated, rejected and a secret that would change it all. Blood Bound: Find Out where the ties fell apart and the blood seeped through leaving just the plasma that we need to survive and the blood that binds us: Will they ever be able to repair what was done? Blood Bound: You decide the definition but definitely read this outstanding novel that will give you much pause for thought as author Karina Gioertz takes the reader inside the mind of a diabolical killer and the prison system to learn what happens when greed wins out and some things get out of control. Will there be justice for Tommy? What about Praier? That remains secret as I am Blood Bound not to tell. A voice silenced then heard: You figure out how?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Let’s dedicate this review to all those who have been wrongly accused. This book gets: FIVE TOMMYS
May 20, 2013
BLOOD BOUND
There is a bond that is forged between brothers and they will go to any length to protect one of their own.
Even a cousin will do what he has to do to protect a man from himself even risking his reputation within the family.
The McCarthy boys stick together no matter what and when young Tom is sent to prison and is pronounced dead the next day.
Brothers Ryan and Ben with their cousin Scott question his alleged suicide and dig dipper only to find out things they really didn’t want to know. There are plenty of surprises and skeletons in the family closet along with long standing issues to be resolved. Can they put their animosity aside to get the job done?
Blood bound is a tale of fidelity and at the same time betrayal. It is a wild ride between the front and back covers of Karina Gioertz novel. Just as she did in COUNTRY GIRLS the author shows the reader that above all else family is important what she has done to portray sisterhood, the author has turned her attentions to painting a picture of brotherhood in BLOOD BOUND.
I give BLOOD BOUND 5 big hearts for great story telling and action.
There is a bond that is forged between brothers and they will go to any length to protect one of their own.
Even a cousin will do what he has to do to protect a man from himself even risking his reputation within the family.
The McCarthy boys stick together no matter what and when young Tom is sent to prison and is pronounced dead the next day.
Brothers Ryan and Ben with their cousin Scott question his alleged suicide and dig dipper only to find out things they really didn’t want to know. There are plenty of surprises and skeletons in the family closet along with long standing issues to be resolved. Can they put their animosity aside to get the job done?
Blood bound is a tale of fidelity and at the same time betrayal. It is a wild ride between the front and back covers of Karina Gioertz novel. Just as she did in COUNTRY GIRLS the author shows the reader that above all else family is important what she has done to portray sisterhood, the author has turned her attentions to painting a picture of brotherhood in BLOOD BOUND.
I give BLOOD BOUND 5 big hearts for great story telling and action.
September 10, 2012
We’ve all heard before that prisons are independent worlds of their own. Prisons have their own rules, their own intrigue, their own system of corruption, and similar to the saying ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’, what happens within the heavily guarded walls of prisons is not for the outside world to see. Such tight-lipped secrecy didn’t make exceptions when Tommy lost his life in prison. His death was sourly accepted until Scott, a cousin of the victim, decides to shed light on the tragedy, and get a deeper understanding of the hatred that has torn his family apart. Through conversations with another inmate and flashbacks from his own past, Scott is ever more convinced that things aren’t always what they seem and greed is a driving force in the unfolding of events. As I read, I found myself passionately routing for Scott, as he fights to discover the truth and ensure justice is served. In a crescendo of suspense, Gioertz delivers an intriguing plot that keeps the reader spellbound all the way to the end.
December 4, 2012
Review of Blood Bound
Reviewed for Salgad Publishing
5 stars
What an immensely intriguing story? I was riveted from the first page, and by the fifth page or so, I was racing along totally enthralled. So where do I begin? The superb plotting, the good characterizations which enabled me to empathise with and to comprehend even the characters about whom in real life I wouldn’t care or wish to associate with, the settings, the suspense, the “how in the world did that happen? I can’t believe it!” The superb way in which the author escalates tension, tightening those screws, yet never telegraphs any of the denouements? All of it is here and any reader who relishes tantalizing mystery with escalating suspense and characters you just have to cheer on, will totally enjoy “Blood Bound.” I in fact am now a convert, off to read author Karina Gioertz’ other novels. I’m very thankful to Salgad Publishing for introducing this fortunate reader to this particular author, and I hope to encourage all you Constant Readers to give Ms. Gioertz, and “Blood Bound” a go.
Reviewed for Salgad Publishing
5 stars
What an immensely intriguing story? I was riveted from the first page, and by the fifth page or so, I was racing along totally enthralled. So where do I begin? The superb plotting, the good characterizations which enabled me to empathise with and to comprehend even the characters about whom in real life I wouldn’t care or wish to associate with, the settings, the suspense, the “how in the world did that happen? I can’t believe it!” The superb way in which the author escalates tension, tightening those screws, yet never telegraphs any of the denouements? All of it is here and any reader who relishes tantalizing mystery with escalating suspense and characters you just have to cheer on, will totally enjoy “Blood Bound.” I in fact am now a convert, off to read author Karina Gioertz’ other novels. I’m very thankful to Salgad Publishing for introducing this fortunate reader to this particular author, and I hope to encourage all you Constant Readers to give Ms. Gioertz, and “Blood Bound” a go.
April 14, 2013
This book is amazing, page one I was a little interested but by page ten I could not stop reading, I was hooked! I don't know where to start the fascinating story line or the captivating characters to my love of a mystery. This author has very neatly put them all together in one little book. Three brothers and a cousin grow up together and manage to make it to adulthood, when the least likely of the group ends up dead in prison on the first night there, something just doesn't add up.... Here's where our story starts. I was not surprised, I could not put this book down!
The author did an awesome job with this very complicated story line...I really like the way the story unfolded, each brother played against each other. Suspense, murder, love, hatred, laughter, surprise and a mothers love tied it all together... I never saw the ending coming. I can recommend this book to anyone that loves to read a great murder mystery...
The author did an awesome job with this very complicated story line...I really like the way the story unfolded, each brother played against each other. Suspense, murder, love, hatred, laughter, surprise and a mothers love tied it all together... I never saw the ending coming. I can recommend this book to anyone that loves to read a great murder mystery...
November 14, 2012
Through the twists and turns of "Blood Bound", you are taken on a journey unearthing the truth.
We are with Scott during his loyalty driven search for justice and justice he finds, even though somethings he discovers along the way are disturbingly shocking.
My favorite scene is with Margo and Ben which with each suspenseful word I read, my heart rate rose higher and higher.
Karina gioertz's writing is excellent and it kept me captivated all the way through.
We are with Scott during his loyalty driven search for justice and justice he finds, even though somethings he discovers along the way are disturbingly shocking.
My favorite scene is with Margo and Ben which with each suspenseful word I read, my heart rate rose higher and higher.
Karina gioertz's writing is excellent and it kept me captivated all the way through.
February 14, 2013
What a fantastic thriller! When you think you have the "who done it" all figured out, Karina Gioertz throws some more sudden and unforeseen twists and turns. She will take you on wild ride of murder, betrayal and revenge. I absolutely love a good thriller that keeps me guessing and this one did not disappoint.
October 4, 2014
What an amazing book! So happy I picked this up as a freebie for my kindle. A quick page turner that will have your attention from page 1!
What happens when your brother is accused of a crime that YOU think he didn’t commit? Then is sent to prison to do his time, and on his first lonely night in jail he commits suicide….. Oh course Red flags are going to go off in your head. This family will stop it nothing to find out what really happened to their brother. Tons of family secrets are going to be dug up and the family turned upside down
Tommy, Ryan, Ben and Scott: Family: Bound by Blood: What happened? No one thought the outcome of the trial was wrong? As the family gathers together after the funeral Scott is introduced to Natasha, Ryan’s fiancé and the conversation gets heated. Before leaving his aunt’s home Scott will find out the truth at all costs. How was he strangled to death on a radiator pipe in his prison cell? Why did the guards miss his corridor that night? What really happened? Why did his family give up?
The only thing Scott can do to help is go talk to someone he met while in prison himself. What Scott begins to learn at the prison alarms him as he realizes that many things that look real are often just created or staged to make people believe what you want them to believe. Who wanted Tommy dead? Who set off this chain of events?
A must read for sure!
What happens when your brother is accused of a crime that YOU think he didn’t commit? Then is sent to prison to do his time, and on his first lonely night in jail he commits suicide….. Oh course Red flags are going to go off in your head. This family will stop it nothing to find out what really happened to their brother. Tons of family secrets are going to be dug up and the family turned upside down
Tommy, Ryan, Ben and Scott: Family: Bound by Blood: What happened? No one thought the outcome of the trial was wrong? As the family gathers together after the funeral Scott is introduced to Natasha, Ryan’s fiancé and the conversation gets heated. Before leaving his aunt’s home Scott will find out the truth at all costs. How was he strangled to death on a radiator pipe in his prison cell? Why did the guards miss his corridor that night? What really happened? Why did his family give up?
The only thing Scott can do to help is go talk to someone he met while in prison himself. What Scott begins to learn at the prison alarms him as he realizes that many things that look real are often just created or staged to make people believe what you want them to believe. Who wanted Tommy dead? Who set off this chain of events?
A must read for sure!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Want to Read
April 11, 201304/10/2013 -- The cover is not something I'll forget soon. Got it free on Amazon today. I'll read it very soon...
December 31, 2014
What a great book. I was hooked from beginning to end.
December 26, 2015
What a amazing book. I received the book for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews