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DS Vicky Dodds #3
Flesh and Blood
A dead body in a golf bunker. A serial killer back from the past. A daughter learning about her father.
When a body turns up in a golf course bunker, covered in blood and sand, DS Vicky Dodds must switch her usual Dundee patch to search her home town of Carnoustie for a murderer.
But when a second, connected body turns up, Vicky must confront the one who got away from someone close to her — the serial killer her cop father lost his mind hunting down back in the 90s.
As Vicky is torn between her job and her family life, other figures come out of the distant past. But can she stop this killer before he strikes again?
From the acclaimed Scottish Crime author of the DI Fenchurch series, Flesh & Blood is an unyielding police procedural that fearlessly examines whether the past should remain dead and buried.
When a body turns up in a golf course bunker, covered in blood and sand, DS Vicky Dodds must switch her usual Dundee patch to search her home town of Carnoustie for a murderer.
But when a second, connected body turns up, Vicky must confront the one who got away from someone close to her — the serial killer her cop father lost his mind hunting down back in the 90s.
As Vicky is torn between her job and her family life, other figures come out of the distant past. But can she stop this killer before he strikes again?
From the acclaimed Scottish Crime author of the DI Fenchurch series, Flesh & Blood is an unyielding police procedural that fearlessly examines whether the past should remain dead and buried.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
241 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 17, 2021
DS Vicky Dodds investigates a spate of murders in Carnoustie, Scotland which are similar to the unsolved serial killing from decades ago which destroyed her father's life and career.
Can she solve these now and bring closure to her father's damaged mind? Please read my review here https://rb.gy/q548jo Please 🏃🏽Visit, 📖Read, 👍Like, Comment 💭 or Share 🚩🙏
#scottishcrimethrillers #edjames #serialkllers #mystery
Can she solve these now and bring closure to her father's damaged mind? Please read my review here https://rb.gy/q548jo Please 🏃🏽Visit, 📖Read, 👍Like, Comment 💭 or Share 🚩🙏
#scottishcrimethrillers #edjames #serialkllers #mystery
September 5, 2020
This police procedural was not as good as most of Ed James books - the narrative seemed to lack pace and the plot did not have any real bite and there was too much soap opera background around the Vicky Dodds character
January 21, 2021
This was much better than the first book. I really enjoyed reading about Carnoustie as I grew up there.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Looking forward to the next installment.
May 20, 2025
This is book three in the DS Vicky Dodds series, and the series has gotten better with each book!
In this novel DS Dodds is called to a golf course bunker when the body of a young woman is found. However, soon the body count starts to rise and each victim is the same: an adulterer who has had their eyelids cut off and has been stabbed in the heart. The case is complicated enough as it is, but when Dodds realises it is identical to a case her father worked years ago she begins to wonder if the wrong man was arrested. At the time her father was accused of losing the murder weapon, an act that ruined his career. Is Dodds about to find the real killer and exonerate her father, or is this a vile copycat who has to be stopped before it’s too late?
This book has succeeded in cementing my interest in this series! I must admit I was struggling with it before, but this novel has made it so I will definitely keep reading on! The plot was gripping and filled with plenty of action, we finally get more of an insight into the characters, and there were twists and turns throughout. The plot kept you guessing and the end result was a big shock!
With the return of Dodds’ ex trying to worm his way into his child’s life and ruin Dodds’ life, dodgy detectives, murder, and a cold case full of mystery, there was plenty to sink your teeth into and no dull page throughout.
I liked the fact we saw Dodds continuing her relationship with Rob two years after the events of book two. They make a good family and I hope they keep together, but I found it frustrating that Dodds was still pining over MacDonald even though he is a cheater and married to her colleague. I hope he is forgotten in future books.
Overall, a really gripping thriller that’s a must read!
In this novel DS Dodds is called to a golf course bunker when the body of a young woman is found. However, soon the body count starts to rise and each victim is the same: an adulterer who has had their eyelids cut off and has been stabbed in the heart. The case is complicated enough as it is, but when Dodds realises it is identical to a case her father worked years ago she begins to wonder if the wrong man was arrested. At the time her father was accused of losing the murder weapon, an act that ruined his career. Is Dodds about to find the real killer and exonerate her father, or is this a vile copycat who has to be stopped before it’s too late?
This book has succeeded in cementing my interest in this series! I must admit I was struggling with it before, but this novel has made it so I will definitely keep reading on! The plot was gripping and filled with plenty of action, we finally get more of an insight into the characters, and there were twists and turns throughout. The plot kept you guessing and the end result was a big shock!
With the return of Dodds’ ex trying to worm his way into his child’s life and ruin Dodds’ life, dodgy detectives, murder, and a cold case full of mystery, there was plenty to sink your teeth into and no dull page throughout.
I liked the fact we saw Dodds continuing her relationship with Rob two years after the events of book two. They make a good family and I hope they keep together, but I found it frustrating that Dodds was still pining over MacDonald even though he is a cheater and married to her colleague. I hope he is forgotten in future books.
Overall, a really gripping thriller that’s a must read!
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April 4, 2025Third Vicky Dodds book.
Vicky is living with Rob, his son Jamie and her daughter Bella in Robs house near her friends and colleagues Karen and Colin.
Two murders of a couple in an adulterous relationship have the same MO as a series of murders her dad investigated which saw him being transferred and bumped back into uniform. The perpetrator was like before coming to court. Could he have got the wrong man or is this a copycat?
Vicky's journalist, Alan is investigating and he's found out that Vicky went ahead with her pregnancy and they have a daughter.
Vicky is living with Rob, his son Jamie and her daughter Bella in Robs house near her friends and colleagues Karen and Colin.
Two murders of a couple in an adulterous relationship have the same MO as a series of murders her dad investigated which saw him being transferred and bumped back into uniform. The perpetrator was like before coming to court. Could he have got the wrong man or is this a copycat?
Vicky's journalist, Alan is investigating and he's found out that Vicky went ahead with her pregnancy and they have a daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
Gritty, page-turning crime at its best!
Once again Ed James has produced a fab read. Vicky Dodds has moved on in her life with her daughter Bella to become part of a new family with Rob and his son Jamie. Her ex, Alan, Bella's real dad and a journalist, has reappeared and interferes with the solving of murders, past and present. Twists and turns all through the story leave the reader desperate to keep reading to get to an answer. A really fascinating tale albeit grisly at times.
Once again Ed James has produced a fab read. Vicky Dodds has moved on in her life with her daughter Bella to become part of a new family with Rob and his son Jamie. Her ex, Alan, Bella's real dad and a journalist, has reappeared and interferes with the solving of murders, past and present. Twists and turns all through the story leave the reader desperate to keep reading to get to an answer. A really fascinating tale albeit grisly at times.
July 14, 2020
Vicky Dodds is back!
Great to read this book about Vicky Dodds who we met years ago. Vicky has moved on and has a family of her own. This doesn't stop her from getting involved in the fast paced action of the case with historical and family connections. More please!
Great to read this book about Vicky Dodds who we met years ago. Vicky has moved on and has a family of her own. This doesn't stop her from getting involved in the fast paced action of the case with historical and family connections. More please!
September 12, 2020
Ed James is always a solid read
I've read all the various series by Ed James and have not been disappointed. His story lines always keep me reading late into the night.
I've read all the various series by Ed James and have not been disappointed. His story lines always keep me reading late into the night.
April 17, 2021
When you are celebrating the opening of your first golf course complex finding a dead body in a bunker is not a good way to get free publicity. The dead girl's body leads to a second corpse and the manner of death is all too familiar to some of the senior investigating officers.
Detective Sergeant Vicky Dodds is not impressed by being called from her family Sunday to attend the scene and everything from then on seems to be destined to involve her family or keep her away from them. As the case gets more complex Vicky finds herself looking into the past to try and clear things up in the present but the memories pressing down on her are threatening her objectivity and maybe even her entire future.
This is another excellent police procedural from Ed James who very rarely misses a step with his writing. The only real problem was the gap between books one and two. It maybe a good idea to re-read 'Tooth and Claw' first if possible to make the scene a little clearer. I did get a bit confused in the middle of the story but with hindsight it would have given too much away had it been written differently and it could well just be me!
Vicky Dodds is a strong central character who isn't perfect but accepts this. She is no doormat either and definitely fights her corner. You can tell when she's cross as she says 'shit' a lot! Her work colleagues are a mixed bag but the reasons they are cops comes shining through and leaves little doubt about their motivation.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to any fans of Mr James or first class British crime fiction you won't be disappointed. I have purchased this book and already pre-ordered the third.
Detective Sergeant Vicky Dodds is not impressed by being called from her family Sunday to attend the scene and everything from then on seems to be destined to involve her family or keep her away from them. As the case gets more complex Vicky finds herself looking into the past to try and clear things up in the present but the memories pressing down on her are threatening her objectivity and maybe even her entire future.
This is another excellent police procedural from Ed James who very rarely misses a step with his writing. The only real problem was the gap between books one and two. It maybe a good idea to re-read 'Tooth and Claw' first if possible to make the scene a little clearer. I did get a bit confused in the middle of the story but with hindsight it would have given too much away had it been written differently and it could well just be me!
Vicky Dodds is a strong central character who isn't perfect but accepts this. She is no doormat either and definitely fights her corner. You can tell when she's cross as she says 'shit' a lot! Her work colleagues are a mixed bag but the reasons they are cops comes shining through and leaves little doubt about their motivation.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to any fans of Mr James or first class British crime fiction you won't be disappointed. I have purchased this book and already pre-ordered the third.
October 25, 2023
This is the third book in the Vicky Dodd’s series by author Ed James. “Flesh and Blood” by Ed James is a police procedural with Vicky Dodd’s and her team investigating a murder.
Vicky Dodd’s is called in to investigate a murder when a dead body found in a golf course bunker. The crime occurs in Carnoustie where on the opening of a luxury golf resort one of the guests from the previous night ceremony appears to be the victim. Vicky is leading the case in her hometown and it is discovered that there is another dead body with a very similar Modus operandi. This chilling connection leads Vicky down a dark path from her own family’s past, and the resurgence of a serial killer that her father, a former cop, hunted back in the 90s.
The hunt for the killer together with the emotional turmoil due to her families past connections make this a fascinating and enjoyable read. As per usual Vicky is dedicated even in this difficult situation and we see another side of her character as she struggles with her past and her relationship with her father.
The family dynamics between Vicky and her father add to a very well thought out plot that is excellently paced. This a very good police procedural that has a lot more to offer.
Vicky Dodd’s is called in to investigate a murder when a dead body found in a golf course bunker. The crime occurs in Carnoustie where on the opening of a luxury golf resort one of the guests from the previous night ceremony appears to be the victim. Vicky is leading the case in her hometown and it is discovered that there is another dead body with a very similar Modus operandi. This chilling connection leads Vicky down a dark path from her own family’s past, and the resurgence of a serial killer that her father, a former cop, hunted back in the 90s.
The hunt for the killer together with the emotional turmoil due to her families past connections make this a fascinating and enjoyable read. As per usual Vicky is dedicated even in this difficult situation and we see another side of her character as she struggles with her past and her relationship with her father.
The family dynamics between Vicky and her father add to a very well thought out plot that is excellently paced. This a very good police procedural that has a lot more to offer.
January 3, 2025
leaps in logic and continuity flaws
Spoilers ahead: Honestly, this series could use some editing. The character development and story lines have a lot of mistakes. In the first book, Vicky and Karen are BFFs and Vicky values Karen as a coworker. In this book they barely interact on a personal level and Vicky doesn’t seem to think well of Karen’s work ethic. In the first book Vicky shares a drunken kiss with Euan, then is immediately compelled to confess this to Robert, with whom she has had one date. They were not in a committed relationship by a long shot, why would she confess anything? And now Euan is “in love” with Vicky based on a single kiss from years earlier, despite the fact that she is very put off by his behavior? Vicky learns something negative about her father during the course of a murder investigation and immediately the focus shifts from solving the murders to clearing her father’s name and dealing with her own supposed shame over something that happened when she was a child and that she was not remotely involved with? It is quite possible that these glaring mistakes would not have been as noticeable if I wasn’t reading the series straight through.
Spoilers ahead: Honestly, this series could use some editing. The character development and story lines have a lot of mistakes. In the first book, Vicky and Karen are BFFs and Vicky values Karen as a coworker. In this book they barely interact on a personal level and Vicky doesn’t seem to think well of Karen’s work ethic. In the first book Vicky shares a drunken kiss with Euan, then is immediately compelled to confess this to Robert, with whom she has had one date. They were not in a committed relationship by a long shot, why would she confess anything? And now Euan is “in love” with Vicky based on a single kiss from years earlier, despite the fact that she is very put off by his behavior? Vicky learns something negative about her father during the course of a murder investigation and immediately the focus shifts from solving the murders to clearing her father’s name and dealing with her own supposed shame over something that happened when she was a child and that she was not remotely involved with? It is quite possible that these glaring mistakes would not have been as noticeable if I wasn’t reading the series straight through.
May 31, 2025
Another Brilliant Vicky Dodds Story
The DS Vicky Dodds Crime Thrillers is turning out to be a really good series. Book 3 Flesh and Blood is no exception.
Ed James writes a well plotted murder story where the bodies start to pile up. DS Vicky Dodds' character is likeable, and her struggles as a single parent in a new relationship with a new partner, Rob and his young son, Jamie, are very endearing.
A satisfying end is reached by non-stop action. I am already looking forward to Book 4!
The DS Vicky Dodds Crime Thrillers is turning out to be a really good series. Book 3 Flesh and Blood is no exception.
Ed James writes a well plotted murder story where the bodies start to pile up. DS Vicky Dodds' character is likeable, and her struggles as a single parent in a new relationship with a new partner, Rob and his young son, Jamie, are very endearing.
A satisfying end is reached by non-stop action. I am already looking forward to Book 4!
July 5, 2020
Not the Ed James I've Liked
I will not read the rest of this series. The only likable character is her significant other. Both their kids are brats, James characters whine, moan, complain, back stab, hate each other and the plot sucked.
Written like a bee had stung him on the ass. What made a good author like James come up with this nonsense.
I will not read the rest of this series. The only likable character is her significant other. Both their kids are brats, James characters whine, moan, complain, back stab, hate each other and the plot sucked.
Written like a bee had stung him on the ass. What made a good author like James come up with this nonsense.
November 2, 2020
Not as good as Tooth and Claw but still almost a 4.5. A good story for the location which keeps you guessing and ties up a historical set of crimes. A great way to spend a wet & windy weekend in Covid-19 times.
May 2, 2021
A crime novel that ticks many boxes.
I am an Ed James fan but this is the series I have enjoyed the most. Vicky Dodds is a believable complex character and I love how her character is part of the wider landscape he has created...
I am an Ed James fan but this is the series I have enjoyed the most. Vicky Dodds is a believable complex character and I love how her character is part of the wider landscape he has created...
March 19, 2024
A proper who done it!
Great whodunnit!
Very well written with a very intense story line!
Characters were very well written into the story, can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
Great whodunnit!
Very well written with a very intense story line!
Characters were very well written into the story, can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
July 2, 2020
Good !
Liked this miniseries, entertaining plots, plenty of movement. The subplots are understandable, and there is humour enough for me. Ed James is a very decent tradesman.
Liked this miniseries, entertaining plots, plenty of movement. The subplots are understandable, and there is humour enough for me. Ed James is a very decent tradesman.
August 24, 2020
No likeable characters, all unpleasant grit, suspicion and unpleasantness. The unrelieved nastiness did not make me want to go back for more.
July 1, 2021
Excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book. I shall be reading book three very soon. Well done to the author who has gained a new reader
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book. I shall be reading book three very soon. Well done to the author who has gained a new reader
August 27, 2021
Flesh and Blood
All told a great story although laboured in parts but a great ending, with a hint of more to follow
All told a great story although laboured in parts but a great ending, with a hint of more to follow
January 29, 2022
Wow that was a brilliant read. Had me gripped from the start. I could see what was coming towards the end but a trilling ending.
February 20, 2022
Enjoyed this wee trip down the memory lane of the streets of Carnoustie, Tayside and the Angus coast.
August 17, 2024
A page turner
Pace gets faster with each page. Vicky resolved the crimes that had caused her family grief but her ex is trouble.
Pace gets faster with each page. Vicky resolved the crimes that had caused her family grief but her ex is trouble.
April 4, 2025
Good listen about a serial killer in Scotland. Female police trying to figure out the culprit.
July 14, 2020
A huge thanks to Grey Dog Books for the advanced review copy.
This book had me second guessing myself from the start, the plot is really well thought out and that shines through in the writing. The way the past and present link in with each other makes for a powerful, twisty back story to characters that you will grow to love or hate. I often find authors writing in a gender not of their own don't bring the characters to life in a believable manner, not so with Ed, he manages to capture the character and personality of Vicky Dodds beautifully.
A gripping read that will have you turning pages long after you should have been asleep. I can't wait for book 3.
This book had me second guessing myself from the start, the plot is really well thought out and that shines through in the writing. The way the past and present link in with each other makes for a powerful, twisty back story to characters that you will grow to love or hate. I often find authors writing in a gender not of their own don't bring the characters to life in a believable manner, not so with Ed, he manages to capture the character and personality of Vicky Dodds beautifully.
A gripping read that will have you turning pages long after you should have been asleep. I can't wait for book 3.
May 22, 2022
Great story
I enjoyed learning more about Vicki's Dad, as well as DS McDonald. The introduction of Alan should stir things up. Looking g forward to the next book.
I enjoyed learning more about Vicki's Dad, as well as DS McDonald. The introduction of Alan should stir things up. Looking g forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews