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78 Degrees and Bloody
An Internet influencer and her boyfriend are brutally killed in their home in Los Angeles, and homicide detective Casey Stafford is under pressure by the LAPD and the news media to catch the disturbed killer—even as he desperately murders more people to cover his tracks.
It appears that their suspect is killing any potential witnesses, and each murder is more disturbing and out of control than the last.
The investigation leads Casey and his partner, Banchet, to a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, the FBI, a million dollars in stolen gold, and a leak in the LAPD itself, and with each murder, media interest in the case grows until the entire nation is watching.
Casey needs to stop the deranged murderer before he kills again, and he needs to do it before he is taken off the case by his commanding officers.
With Prior’s “crackling prose and relentless pacing,” each book in the Casey Stafford Series is filled with action, torn-from-the-headlines criminals, authentic LAPD police procedural details, and Casey’s joy in getting justice for his victims and just being a good cop.
It appears that their suspect is killing any potential witnesses, and each murder is more disturbing and out of control than the last.
The investigation leads Casey and his partner, Banchet, to a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, the FBI, a million dollars in stolen gold, and a leak in the LAPD itself, and with each murder, media interest in the case grows until the entire nation is watching.
Casey needs to stop the deranged murderer before he kills again, and he needs to do it before he is taken off the case by his commanding officers.
With Prior’s “crackling prose and relentless pacing,” each book in the Casey Stafford Series is filled with action, torn-from-the-headlines criminals, authentic LAPD police procedural details, and Casey’s joy in getting justice for his victims and just being a good cop.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
About the author
George Prior
3 books15 followersArmed with an invaluable degree in English literature, a long study of the world's cheapest hotels, the chronic maladies typically resulting from extreme sports, and an interesting career in Hollywood, George Prior writes about contemporary crime and the Los Angeles Police Department.
The author of the Casey Stafford Series and forthcoming standalones, Prior lives in Los Angeles with some very morally questionable family members. He enjoys reading and writing, espresso and Thai food, wing foiling and snowboarding--because, hey, without the literature, and family, and sports, and caffeine, what remains becomes as ephemeral and useless as a ghost.
The author of the Casey Stafford Series and forthcoming standalones, Prior lives in Los Angeles with some very morally questionable family members. He enjoys reading and writing, espresso and Thai food, wing foiling and snowboarding--because, hey, without the literature, and family, and sports, and caffeine, what remains becomes as ephemeral and useless as a ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 9, 2024
Book was very boring
This author could have cut about 100 pages off this book. The book was boring and really had not much of a story line. There were too many characters hard to keep track of. Won’t be reading this authors books again.
This author could have cut about 100 pages off this book. The book was boring and really had not much of a story line. There were too many characters hard to keep track of. Won’t be reading this authors books again.
September 18, 2024
My first foray with this author and the first book in a brand new series.78Degrees and Bloody is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride of a story. Tons of action, suspense, and intrigue, too.
Set in LA, the reader is introduced to Casey Stafford. One of the best LAPD homicide investigators there is, he is on an investigation into a murderer, one he is determined to get to before he gets kicked off the case.
There is absolutely no chance of dipping in and out of this book! No, it's a book that grabs the reader and doesn't loosen its grip until the very last page! Fast-paced with a main character you really do get invested in. I was cheering Casey on from the start. I couldn't put it down at all. I am impatiently waiting for the next book now!
Thanks to the author for my gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Set in LA, the reader is introduced to Casey Stafford. One of the best LAPD homicide investigators there is, he is on an investigation into a murderer, one he is determined to get to before he gets kicked off the case.
There is absolutely no chance of dipping in and out of this book! No, it's a book that grabs the reader and doesn't loosen its grip until the very last page! Fast-paced with a main character you really do get invested in. I was cheering Casey on from the start. I couldn't put it down at all. I am impatiently waiting for the next book now!
Thanks to the author for my gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2025
This was a police procedural.There were twist and turns which I enjoyed however I felt that this story dragged out too long especially in the beginning and could have been less pages . I also thought there were sometimes too many minor characters to remember who was who especially with the longer chapters.
It seemed like the case could have been ripped from the headlines which is good. Though I give this story 3 stars I would give the Authors other stories a chance.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It seemed like the case could have been ripped from the headlines which is good. Though I give this story 3 stars I would give the Authors other stories a chance.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2025
78 Degrees and Bloody
It took a while but I finally finished it. Not sure why. Characters were not anything special. Not developed. Basically all were just interested in drugs. Plot was far fetched, borderline dumb. Absolutely no interest in reading anything else in the series.
It took a while but I finally finished it. Not sure why. Characters were not anything special. Not developed. Basically all were just interested in drugs. Plot was far fetched, borderline dumb. Absolutely no interest in reading anything else in the series.
June 27, 2025
78 Degrees -
Just couldn’t get into this book. I’m at the 30% point and realized, i don’t care about any of the characters in this book and that the book just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I’m done.
Just couldn’t get into this book. I’m at the 30% point and realized, i don’t care about any of the characters in this book and that the book just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I’m done.
April 5, 2025
DNF. so much needless description and a plot that was going all over the place - slowly. Not sure how Kindle Unlimited gets these books to have great ratings
July 20, 2025
A good story and plot, but a bit long winded. Thought it about 100 pages too long. First book by this author I have read.
June 4, 2026
Several years ago I found myself gravitating to cozy supernatural mysteries, time travel, light crime and yes, even romance. 78 Degrees and Bloody took me back to the years when this was my genre, and George Prior does it so well. From the moment I began this book I could not put it down until I finished it. And what a heart pounding, thrilling ride this was!
Others have given the synopsis so much better than I can, but this story, wow! This book opens with a pretty graphic double murder and a demented, drugged-out killer who is crafty enough to stay one step ahead of the authorities as he continues on his murder spree. Homicide detective Casey Stanford and his partner Blanchet on the case are racing against time as the murders continue with increasing brutality. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, and just when you think you have it figured out, another surprise unfolds.I really liked Casey Stanford with his meticulous approach to investigative work, a sense of justice and his determination to solve the case. I’ve enjoyed all the Harry Bosch novels by Michael Connelly and found a satisfying parallel between the two characters.
If there is a negative, I found myself re-reading several parts with many different storylines including stolen gold, a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, and well, why not, the FBI. It’s pretty graphic as well. The murders are described in chilling detail, and I found the unraveling of the killer “keep the lights on tonight” kind of frightening. Even still, 78 Degrees and Bloody is a thrilling crime novel that delivers suspense, action, and mystery all in one fantastic package.
A definite page-turner with plenty of surprises throughout - well worth immersing into a very well-written crime thriller drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Others have given the synopsis so much better than I can, but this story, wow! This book opens with a pretty graphic double murder and a demented, drugged-out killer who is crafty enough to stay one step ahead of the authorities as he continues on his murder spree. Homicide detective Casey Stanford and his partner Blanchet on the case are racing against time as the murders continue with increasing brutality. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, and just when you think you have it figured out, another surprise unfolds.I really liked Casey Stanford with his meticulous approach to investigative work, a sense of justice and his determination to solve the case. I’ve enjoyed all the Harry Bosch novels by Michael Connelly and found a satisfying parallel between the two characters.
If there is a negative, I found myself re-reading several parts with many different storylines including stolen gold, a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, and well, why not, the FBI. It’s pretty graphic as well. The murders are described in chilling detail, and I found the unraveling of the killer “keep the lights on tonight” kind of frightening. Even still, 78 Degrees and Bloody is a thrilling crime novel that delivers suspense, action, and mystery all in one fantastic package.
A definite page-turner with plenty of surprises throughout - well worth immersing into a very well-written crime thriller drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2025
Rating: 3* of five
The Publisher Says: An Internet influencer and her boyfriend are brutally killed in their home in Los Angeles, and homicide detective Casey Stafford is under pressure by the LAPD and the news media to catch the disturbed killer—even as he desperately murders more people to cover his tracks.
It appears that their suspect is killing any potential witnesses, and each murder is more disturbing and out of control than the last.
The investigation leads Casey and his partner, Banchet, to a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, the FBI, a million dollars in stolen gold, and a leak in the LAPD itself, and with each murder, media interest in the case grows until the entire nation is watching.
Casey needs to stop the deranged murderer before he kills again, and he needs to do it before he is taken off the case by his commanding officers.
With Prior’s “crackling prose and relentless pacing,” each book in the Casey Stafford Series is filled with action, torn-from-the-headlines criminals, authentic LAPD police procedural details, and Casey’s joy in getting justice for his victims and just being a good cop.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The prose crackles like a police-band radio; the pacing is surprisingly tense and falters only at the very end; this read is as hyped. So why three stars?
I just don't care who killed these unpleasant, useless people. I dislike Casey's smug law-n-orderness. If you're not pushing me somewhere interesting...LA is uninteresting to me as a California native...I need to like SOMEbody. I did not.
Prospect & Main charges $3.99 for an ebook. If you want entertainment without strings, it's a bargain!
The Publisher Says: An Internet influencer and her boyfriend are brutally killed in their home in Los Angeles, and homicide detective Casey Stafford is under pressure by the LAPD and the news media to catch the disturbed killer—even as he desperately murders more people to cover his tracks.
It appears that their suspect is killing any potential witnesses, and each murder is more disturbing and out of control than the last.
The investigation leads Casey and his partner, Banchet, to a Chinese gang, a Mexican hitman, the FBI, a million dollars in stolen gold, and a leak in the LAPD itself, and with each murder, media interest in the case grows until the entire nation is watching.
Casey needs to stop the deranged murderer before he kills again, and he needs to do it before he is taken off the case by his commanding officers.
With Prior’s “crackling prose and relentless pacing,” each book in the Casey Stafford Series is filled with action, torn-from-the-headlines criminals, authentic LAPD police procedural details, and Casey’s joy in getting justice for his victims and just being a good cop.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The prose crackles like a police-band radio; the pacing is surprisingly tense and falters only at the very end; this read is as hyped. So why three stars?
I just don't care who killed these unpleasant, useless people. I dislike Casey's smug law-n-orderness. If you're not pushing me somewhere interesting...LA is uninteresting to me as a California native...I need to like SOMEbody. I did not.
Prospect & Main charges $3.99 for an ebook. If you want entertainment without strings, it's a bargain!
October 1, 2024
George Prior, a new novelist, has accomplished something with 78 Degrees And Bloody that even veteran mystery and procedure writers do not. 78 Degrees and Bloody is a well-written, exceptionally well-researched, and fun read. The terminology for readers unfamiliar with law enforcement jargon flows smoothly because of the contextual clues surrounding the writer's law enforcement vocabulary. The story starts with a simple theft of gold bars and spirals out of control until the reader is immersed in drugs, gangs, violence, kidnapping, and almost any other felonious crime. The dialogue is realistic, and the writer knows this from extensive consultation with law enforcement personnel. The locations are aptly described and convey the grit and grime that make up a large portion of the city of Angels. 78 Degrees And Bloody starts with a bang and never lets up. My only concern is that I will have to wait until Mr. Prior writes another book, which I am sure will be even better than his first. My advice is to find this book anywhere you can and stake out a two- or three-day period to familiarize yourself with the real-life violence that takes place in the parts of Los Angeles that the media and the politicians want to obscure. This is no trip down Rodeo Drive or the hills of Bel-Air. 78 Degrees and Bloody is a slap in the face and will make readers aware of precisely what happens in the nation's second or third-largest city.
December 1, 2025
Now THATS how you write a damn great crime novel!!
10 star book if it were possible.
I read the genre voraciously; more than 230 books this year (as of December 1st) and I can state unequivocally that this is undoubtedly the best book I have read- maybe the best one I have read in years. The protagonist Casey Stafford is enormously likable, fresh and interesting in every way.
All of the supporting characters- especially the cops and the gangbangers - are engaging and colorful and seemingly authentic people. The victims in the story are profoundly sympathetic and tragic figures. The villains (plural) are both horrifying and at the same time pathetic, while being disturbingly complex.
The story, above all is absolutely compelling with a vice grip on one’s attention and hard to put down.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It’s a thoroughly researched and intelligently crafted book that’s completely relatable to sane and moral masculine men (hard to find). It has strong BUT REALISTIC female characters. The humor is dark and terrific. It has no discernible political agenda, and has a realistic texture from beginning, through the middle, and then to it’s exceptional ending. Congratulations George Prior for writing what I would call a modern masterpiece (no exaggeration).
The only thing I didn’t really like was the title, which didn’t do justice in introducing such an incredible story.
10 star book if it were possible.
I read the genre voraciously; more than 230 books this year (as of December 1st) and I can state unequivocally that this is undoubtedly the best book I have read- maybe the best one I have read in years. The protagonist Casey Stafford is enormously likable, fresh and interesting in every way.
All of the supporting characters- especially the cops and the gangbangers - are engaging and colorful and seemingly authentic people. The victims in the story are profoundly sympathetic and tragic figures. The villains (plural) are both horrifying and at the same time pathetic, while being disturbingly complex.
The story, above all is absolutely compelling with a vice grip on one’s attention and hard to put down.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It’s a thoroughly researched and intelligently crafted book that’s completely relatable to sane and moral masculine men (hard to find). It has strong BUT REALISTIC female characters. The humor is dark and terrific. It has no discernible political agenda, and has a realistic texture from beginning, through the middle, and then to it’s exceptional ending. Congratulations George Prior for writing what I would call a modern masterpiece (no exaggeration).
The only thing I didn’t really like was the title, which didn’t do justice in introducing such an incredible story.
October 26, 2024
An edge-of-the-seat murder mystery where an airport baggage handler is murdered along with his girlfriend, a TikTok celebrity. Detective Casey Stafford is assigned to the case along with his partner Banchet Suwan to solve the case. The killer continues his killing spree killing likely suspects before Casey can get to them. He is also a small-time drug dealer who has stolen two million worth of gold, part of the Government consignment being shipped across, from the airport luggage hold. The FBI is on the trail to trace and recover the gold. The story has many twists and turns keeping you captivated right till the end. A must-read thriller especially during a weekend and an ideal book to have during your long-distance travels.
Thank you Prospects & Main Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via Edelweiss Plus. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Prospects & Main Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via Edelweiss Plus. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2026
Craziest book I've read in a while.
Yet, I couldn't tear myself away. It was so interesting. Horrible and exciting and full of crazy characters. Lol the gangs drugs, psycho killers, cops with gallows humor ( my sympathy and thanks to the police everywhere) . The author was very authentic in writing this and enlightening those unfamiliar with cartels and nutty meth heads. Its really a good book with much profanity for those easily offended. One of the scariest thoughts is the depraved thoughts of that antagonist. Mostly because this is more like real life in our devolving society. The craziness is I've got to read more from this author. Thank you.
Yet, I couldn't tear myself away. It was so interesting. Horrible and exciting and full of crazy characters. Lol the gangs drugs, psycho killers, cops with gallows humor ( my sympathy and thanks to the police everywhere) . The author was very authentic in writing this and enlightening those unfamiliar with cartels and nutty meth heads. Its really a good book with much profanity for those easily offended. One of the scariest thoughts is the depraved thoughts of that antagonist. Mostly because this is more like real life in our devolving society. The craziness is I've got to read more from this author. Thank you.
September 18, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book of a series about Casey Stafford who works for LAPD.
This was an interesting book, and I very much enjoyed it. I liked how well each character's point of view was expressed, they felt very realistic. The story was interesting and I enjoyed watching the team follow frustrating red-herrings and other trails in a pretzel of a mystery. I liked the main character and I think he will be fun to read more of.
If you like police procedural or crime novels this would be a good choice.
This is the first book of a series about Casey Stafford who works for LAPD.
This was an interesting book, and I very much enjoyed it. I liked how well each character's point of view was expressed, they felt very realistic. The story was interesting and I enjoyed watching the team follow frustrating red-herrings and other trails in a pretzel of a mystery. I liked the main character and I think he will be fun to read more of.
If you like police procedural or crime novels this would be a good choice.
April 14, 2025
Rating:3.5/5
Plot: It begins with an evident description of the crime. The story is about a detective who gets personally involved in a crime investigation (unintentionally) and ultimately find the culprit. It is written in a third-person narrative. Has a lot of characters and details regarding them (some of which aren't relevant to the story).
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Suspense
Highlights:
+Articulated writing style
+Police and crime investigation
+Story line
Personal Favourite: The closure and end to a gruesome crime.
Plot: It begins with an evident description of the crime. The story is about a detective who gets personally involved in a crime investigation (unintentionally) and ultimately find the culprit. It is written in a third-person narrative. Has a lot of characters and details regarding them (some of which aren't relevant to the story).
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Suspense
Highlights:
+Articulated writing style
+Police and crime investigation
+Story line
Personal Favourite: The closure and end to a gruesome crime.
September 16, 2024
Of all the police procedurals I’ve read, this has to be the most involved of all. It reads like a true crime book with all the details that lead to solving the crime. This one also covers the activities of the criminals, particularly the main perpetrator. He is a deranged serial killer who survives mostly on luck.
I liked this book. It has plenty of suspense and a healthy dose of bloodshed.
I will likely read more from this author.
I liked this book. It has plenty of suspense and a healthy dose of bloodshed.
I will likely read more from this author.
September 20, 2024
I couldn't put this story down and I was kept wondering how the police was going to catch this killer, he was very clever and organised, especially for a druggie.
The number of bodies certainly added up in the end. The bonus for the story was the interesting characters and the way they worked things out.
A new author to me and I'll gladly read more from him.
I received a free advanced review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The number of bodies certainly added up in the end. The bonus for the story was the interesting characters and the way they worked things out.
A new author to me and I'll gladly read more from him.
I received a free advanced review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 21, 2024
What a hoot
This was a wild adventure with a crazy homicidal drug addict from the start. Thank goodness the detectives were not lunatics, because the killer sure was. I usually wouldn't read something that started out so ridiculous, but I've know a few meth addicts and it's really not too far fetched so....
It was an enjoyable read, I will read the next in the series if there is one.
This was a wild adventure with a crazy homicidal drug addict from the start. Thank goodness the detectives were not lunatics, because the killer sure was. I usually wouldn't read something that started out so ridiculous, but I've know a few meth addicts and it's really not too far fetched so....
It was an enjoyable read, I will read the next in the series if there is one.
December 10, 2024
Loved the attitude
A detective now divorced from a movie star is tracking a serial killer/dope dealer with drug induced delusions of immortality. Every action Casey Stanford takes gets him closer to the killer and into more trouble with his superiors. And this was before the Mexican Mafia sent their top hit man to take out one of Casey's witnesses. Top brass gives Casey a "star" for performance while his lieutenant wants back in a street uniform. It's a tough row to hoe!
A detective now divorced from a movie star is tracking a serial killer/dope dealer with drug induced delusions of immortality. Every action Casey Stanford takes gets him closer to the killer and into more trouble with his superiors. And this was before the Mexican Mafia sent their top hit man to take out one of Casey's witnesses. Top brass gives Casey a "star" for performance while his lieutenant wants back in a street uniform. It's a tough row to hoe!
January 22, 2025
Taut tale of interwoven crimes in contemporary Los Angeles
A diverse collection of cops, crooks, and bystanders try to survive a couple of murderous players, one a drug-addled doomsday prepper and the other a cartel sicario sent to dispatch him after a theft gone wrong. Lots of great detail about the seamy underbelly of Los Angeles and how the police try to find the murderers. I hope this is the beginning of a great series.
A diverse collection of cops, crooks, and bystanders try to survive a couple of murderous players, one a drug-addled doomsday prepper and the other a cartel sicario sent to dispatch him after a theft gone wrong. Lots of great detail about the seamy underbelly of Los Angeles and how the police try to find the murderers. I hope this is the beginning of a great series.
April 26, 2025
4 stars
Great cop story. The banter reminds me of the early John Sandford Lucas Davenport books. (Back when he was readable and not too woke). So I appreciated it.
Very bloody story. Cartel killings. Drugs. A crazed killer. Not a serial killer per se, just a killer who keeps killing to cover his tracks.
His end is deliciously brutal.
Casey Stafford is a good lead character. I’m happy to see there is another book in this series.
Great cop story. The banter reminds me of the early John Sandford Lucas Davenport books. (Back when he was readable and not too woke). So I appreciated it.
Very bloody story. Cartel killings. Drugs. A crazed killer. Not a serial killer per se, just a killer who keeps killing to cover his tracks.
His end is deliciously brutal.
Casey Stafford is a good lead character. I’m happy to see there is another book in this series.
September 18, 2024
This was a complete page turner – extremely difficult to put down. The exposure of the underbelly of Los Angeles, to an LA native, was incredible. It was great to know the locations, but the acts of depravity were almost too realistic. Casey is a great character who I want to follow, but he needs to get some new shirts!!! I received an ARC from Book Sirens and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 15, 2024
Oh boy this was the most intense books I have read this year. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed it so much. I hope there are more in this series soon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
September 17, 2024
Two brutal murders have been committed and he will be pulled into the case. People want it solved it quickly. The witnesses are being killed. A fast paced murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. It will keep you guessing.
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
November 3, 2024
Riviting
Five stars for the author and the storyline of this book. I couldn't put it down it had all the earmarks of a great mystery .Hollywood needs to make a series or a movie at the very least. Action packed and a great ending
Five stars for the author and the storyline of this book. I couldn't put it down it had all the earmarks of a great mystery .Hollywood needs to make a series or a movie at the very least. Action packed and a great ending
July 23, 2025
Warm in California
Casey can’t to seem to get any breaks other than his body as he goes after a killer. Along the way he and his band of brothers find more things to uncover as they work to get to a serial killer.
Casey can’t to seem to get any breaks other than his body as he goes after a killer. Along the way he and his band of brothers find more things to uncover as they work to get to a serial killer.
July 23, 2026
Terrible from start to finish
Other negative reviews have said it all. Not much of a story here, way too many characters with goofy names and nicknames. I thought maybe I'd found a new series to read but I'll have to keep looking.
Other negative reviews have said it all. Not much of a story here, way too many characters with goofy names and nicknames. I thought maybe I'd found a new series to read but I'll have to keep looking.
October 6, 2024
Non-stop action
A barely believable cop, a caricature of every deviance perp, a good story, an intricate plot, all handicapped by writing that drags
A barely believable cop, a caricature of every deviance perp, a good story, an intricate plot, all handicapped by writing that drags
November 27, 2024
great read highly recommend
Well written,
extremely well researched,
creativity designed story line,
Fast moving
Hard to put down
Cant wait for the sequel
Well written,
extremely well researched,
creativity designed story line,
Fast moving
Hard to put down
Cant wait for the sequel
January 2, 2025
Great story
I hope there are more of these! Hope Casey has a series!!! I will be looking! Highly recommended! Get it!
I hope there are more of these! Hope Casey has a series!!! I will be looking! Highly recommended! Get it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews