Something More To Say

DI Bliss #12

by Tony J. Forder

BLISS IS BACK... AND THIS TIME HE'S TWICE THE THREAT.
Jimmy Bliss’s first unsolved case investigation is proving to be a puzzle. Despite an original investigation and subsequent case reviews, the police still do not have a suspect in the 1999 murder of a local authority worker. The only lead Bliss and his three new colleagues have is the recent unearthing of the murder weapon. But when that takes them no further, they realise their only chance of success is to find fresh evidence missed in the original case.

The reinvestigation is starting to look hopeless when in steps a shadowy figure from Jimmy’s past. The man has a favour to ask, and Bliss a debt to repay. With his loyalty put to the test, can he be convinced the request is genuinely for the greater good?

Meanwhile, the violent executions of two young drug runners are the first lethal blows in a war between organised county lines drug gangs. Bliss is asked to act as the Senior Investigating Officer. Working with his Major Crime Unit colleagues, he professes to align himself with one of the gangs to ensure a peaceful end to hostilities. But will they call his bluff and see his act for what it is?

Bliss’s strategy prompts an unexpected reaction in one psychopathic loose cannon, resulting in threats of violence and the spread of fear. And when those threats become actions, will Jimmy and his colleagues be caught in the line of fire…?

What readers had to say about the previous Bliss novel, What Dies Inside Us:
"This is a triumph of a book, well written and beautifully plotted."
"Wow! Just when you think this series can't get any better, Tony produces this cracker."
"A clear 5 star read from me, as if it was ever in doubt. I'd give it more stars if I could."
"Easily one of my books of the year."
"Another brilliant thing about the Bliss books is they keep getting better. I'm pleased to say that yet again Tony has knocked it out the park, and can say without any doubt this is his best yet."
"As always this is well written with a great storyline..."
"Some great twists and turns made this a real page turner."

Genres: Fiction

382 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2024

About the author

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, Slow Slicing, The Autumn Tree, Darker Days to Come, The Lightning Rod, What Dies Inside Us, Something More to Say, and The Honourable Rogue. There is also a prequel novella available called Bliss Uncovered.

Tony’s other books include two action-adventure thrillers, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun, featuring reluctant hero Mike Lynch. Also, The Huntsmen and The Predators, feature DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May, both police procedural novels set in Wiltshire. In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. His first love was music, and he is currently gobbling up as many remastered vinyl albums as he can. Tony has played guitar since his early childhood, and despite selling off his collection at one point he has somehow managed to reacquire a new range and is up to 5 without knowing how.

Tony is currently working on Jimmy Bliss books #14, The Stonemason’s Song.

Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Tony Forder’s storytelling and especially of his protagonist DCI Jimmy Bliss. Having thoroughly enjoyed his series of police procedural, mystery novels, I was intrigued to understand how Jimmy would adapt to retirement. I needn’t have worried because he and Tony have aced it!
Not only is Jimmy tasked with managing a new team, formed to resolve historical cold cases, he’s also back, for the time being, at HQ as a civilian Senior Investigating Officer, leading and supervising his (short staffed) old team help solve a complex, county lines drug problem. There are a few twists and turns, and the outcome will keep you guessing.
His new civilian team of experienced, retired police officers are interesting and believable characters, and I can only hope that their future, mysterious, investigations are going to be as fascinating and absorbing as all Jimmy’s previous crime busting novels.
Thanks to his creator, our Jimmy has a great nose for investigating mysteries, the book is brilliantly written and allows Jimmy Bliss to continue entertaining us, whilst solving even more fictional crime in an intriguing new role, and I can confirm he definitely has ‘something more to say’

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy finds himself not only working on a cold case with his new team but somehow managing to get involved in a brutal killing resulting from a fight for power between two drug gangs. There is a lot of pressure from the outside when it comes to these two cases and I didn’t envy Jimmy one bit when it came to making some tough decisions. He is walking a very thin rope with risks, whichever way he turns. Honestly I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what he was going to do in the different circumstances and how it would affect him in the long run.

As I’ve come to expect, there is a lot of good banter between Jimmy and his colleagues. He has no airs and graces and says it as it is. He is such a lovable character though and I especially like how at the end of the day, he does his job for the greater good and doesn’t concern himself with any repercussions that could come from this. So of course, yes, he does find himself having to explain himself to the powers that be more than a few times! The new team work well together though and Jimmy really stands up in his new role, overseeing everything as well as giving help where it’s needed.

Something More To Say is an immensely dark and twisted story. There are hair raising moments which literally gave me chills as well as having me pick my jaw up off of the floor. The investigations had me gripped with so many twists and turns and I was dying to see how it would all come together at the end. The author doesn’t disappoint and I can’t wait for more of Jimmy and his team in their new roles and what other cases will come their way. All I know is that whatever they are, it will be a thrilling ride for us readers!

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the tour.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Bliss is back! This is a brand new chapter in his life and one that sees him as the head of the Unsolved Murders team. Although in a civilian capacity,Jimmy is back in the saddle. Alongside this, he also finds himself as a civilian SIO for the Major Crimes Unit. If he wasn't busy before, he certainly is now!

Out of every book in the series, I put this amongst my favourites. Just because he is a civilian, it doesn't stop him from working every case with as much determination and grit as he always has. I thoroughly loved his Unsolved Murders team. Each character is unique and quirky, too. Their banter had me chuckling. Jimmy is always a character whose one liners just drop out of his mouth, and I love them.

If you want dark and gritty, read this series. Every time Tony J. Forder releases a new book from this series. I always think it's the best, then another one comes, and his writing never lets me down. Something More To Say takes both Jimmy's teams down some dark and twisted paths. I was gripped and couldn't wait to see how Jimmy and the team coped with the amount of pressure placed on their shoulders. The decisions Jimmy makes are at times a little risky, and I had some edge of my seat moments. The expectations and tension racked up so much.

The twists and turns made it a book I wasn't willing to put down at all until I found out how everything came together. Twelve books, and I am eager to return to Jimmy still. I look forward to what's in store for him and his new team next.

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for my gifted book to write my honest review for the book tour.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read any of the previous 11 books in this series but really liked the sound of this one when I read the synopsis. Bliss is no longer an active police officer but a civilian helping them solve crimes. He’s been assigned to the cold case squad and is also the SIO helping the major crimes unit that he used to lead.

Tasked with solving a double murder that happened recently and a 20 year old murder that has never been solved takes all of his time. Drug gangs are at war in the city and there seems to be no fresh leads on the decades old mystery either.

Well written and full on all the way through, some great humour is laced throughout the book as well. A great standalone novel, I imagine that the previous stories of Bliss shows he was just as invested as he is in his new civilian role.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Bliss is back, as a civilian investigating cold cases. However he is made SIO of a current case so has to juggle two complex cases.

I must admit I was worried that things might change too much, but all the old gang are back, and all the banter that flows between them.  The new team are also an interesting bunch and I look forward to those relationships continuing to develop.  The story is dark and gritty, and there are plenty of twists.  I certainly hope that Bliss won't consider retiring any time soon!

The book was brilliantly narrated by Greg Wagland.

[Caroline Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ruth Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and even luckier that it's arrival on my Kindle coincided with the start of the school holidays & a heatwave, so I had ample uninterrupted time to get stuck in.

Despite being the 12th in the Jimmy Bliss series, this is his first without those important three letters before his name... Due to retirement, his DCI status has just been replaced with the far more common 'Mr'. How will Bliss cope without a warrant card? Is his identity solely dependent on his rank or will the morals of the man underneath shine through? Luckily for fans of the series, Bliss has not left the Job behind yet. We join Jimmy on his first day starting at the new Unsolved Cases Unit, where he chooses the unsolved death of a former council employee to look into. Together with three former police officers they soon start to go through the case files. However, it is not long before Bliss is called in to be a civilian SIO on Operation Scarecrow, leading his former team including Chandler and Bishop. Despite his lack of title, he is still "Boss" to them.

Without giving anything else away, what can the reader expect? Characters from previous novels make reappearances; gruesome violence; strong language; the usual banter between Chandler & Bliss; humour; a hint of romance and obviously a gripping plot. Where does Tony Forder get his ideas from, and do they keep him (or indeed his nearest & dearest) awake at night? Overall a rip-roaring read. Bravo Mr Forder! I will look forward to the next installment in Jimmy's new chapter.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a massive admirer of Tony J. Forder's DI Bliss series since the first book, Bad to the Bone. From his tumultuous first period at Thorpe Wood and the many altercations with his senior officers, I've followed the highs and lows of his investigations and with it the growth of a man who came to understand and accept himself as he built a team around himself whom he guided when necessary yet trusted to follow their own instincts. The workplace banter was a constant but they experienced tragedy too, with the loss of a colleague a terrible burden to bear for them all. At the end of the previous book in the series, What Dies Inside Us, Bliss retired from the police force and so Something More to Say introduces the next stage in his life. I would always recommend reading the previous novels because this first-rate series deserves to be enjoyed in its entirety but Tony J. Forder knows exactly how to keep old fans happy while creating a fresh jumping-off point for new readers to start here. It's a risk to change a winning formula in a well-loved series like this but I'm delighted to say it more than pays off.
Bliss is no longer a Detective Inspector and so doesn't carry a warrant card but one of his two new roles finds him in familiar circumstances. He is now a civilian Senior Investigating Officer, still leading his old team as they desperately try to solve the brutally sadistic murder of two teenage boys and prevent a violent drugs war breaking out in Peterborough. Meanwhile, he is now also heading up an unsolved investigations team and has three new colleagues to work alongside. The recent discovery of a handgun with a ballistics match to the weapon which killed Justin Nolan back in 1999 means this is an obvious choice for their first investigation. It's of particular interest to Bliss because it was a Peterborough-based case, although he wasn't part of the original investigation.
Bliss' notorious short temper means the team looks as though it could be off to a slightly shaky start, with former Detective Sergeant Guy Foley closely questioning him about his close ties to people working in the same building. However, over the course of the series, the development of his character has always been exemplary and although he remains as testy as ever, the team quickly begin to work to their respective strengths but when a face from his past appears to call in a long-owed favour, Bliss has to make some difficult decisions about loyalty and justice. During the course of the novel he is tempted, manipulated and threatened by dangerous individuals on both sides of the law. His steadfast principles are never in doubt but it's still compelling to see how he responds to the powerfully persuasive arguments put before him. He plays some risky games here and it's fascinating to consider whether his actions are shrewd, lucky, reckless or a combination of all three. Both investigations are equally as gripping and the pace never drops as the two storylines race towards their separate, nail-biting conclusions.
There are some dark themes explored here; the pervasiveness of organised crime and the county lines drug trade which lures a never-ending supply of youngsters; the merciless quest for power, and corruption at the highest levels but Tony J. Forder seamlessly balances the horror with finely observed humour which effortlessly captures the jokes and teasing encountered in the workplace – particularly one which deals with such challenging circumstances. The period of readjustment to his new role as a civilian is noted but still the authenticity of the friendship he shares with Penny Chandler is an enduring highlight. Of his new colleagues, Beth Greenhill makes the biggest impression and I'm looking forward to seeing how Tony J. Forder develops her character and the other newcomers as the series progresses.
With its superb characterisation, cleverly constructed, believable storylines and immersive sense of place, Something More To Say is an excellent read from start to finish; crackling with danger yet infused with wit and warmth, it is yet another winner from an author who always delivers. Very highly recommended.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Where to start with this latest DI Bliss book...

I have been with this series from the very start and each book has been fantastic. This is now the 12th in the series and it sees Bliss going in a different direction, well sort of. He has been off work for a few weeks, he is now ex-police, due to retirement, but is going to be part of a new squad that will look in a cold case. The four-person team soon realise why the case is cold as they start to look at the evidence. As they get to know each other, Bliss has to leave them to their own initiative as he has also been called in to be the SIO of a murder case.

So wearing two hats now, Bliss is looking into an old murder with a new team and also a new murder with his old team. While it sounds a bit bizarre this author knows his characters well enough to know how well this sort of challenge will be for Bliss in particular. The new case is brutal, it involves the horrific discovery of two bodies, and it takes a while to identify them. Even when they do there is still a lot of uncertainty as to why they were killed.

Now, as if these cases are not enough, the author also decided to inject some outside help or interference! It all depends on how you see it, one thing for sure is that they come from surprising angles and both are dangerous partnerships for very different reasons.

I adored Bliss as an active copper, he and his team have been brilliant. It was with some trepidation that I entered this new part of his life but my goodness the author has nailed it. There is a new team as well as still having the connection to the old. Personally, it would not have felt right if Bliss had walked away from his old mates. Working it the way he has, there is still the banter and the friendships that will, I hope blend further in the future. Although I am not sure where the author will go next.

The cases are not the same as each other but have its' own dangerous elements to them. As Bliss is a character who thinks on the hoof, he still has the spur-of-the-moment "bright ideas!" These are tense and it adds a level of suspense to an already suspense-filled story.

While there is time in this book for memories, and thinking back on the past, there is also a nudge to the future and what comes next.

This is a tense book, it is exciting and dangerous and sees people in the crosshairs on several occasions. But it also shows the loyalty between the new and the old. I for one (I know I am not alone in thinking this) am so glad there are a few more miles left in the old dog yet!

If you are a fan of crime, thrillers, and police procedurals then this is a great book. It could be an interesting one to start with as you would be meeting a new team, then it would give you the chance to backtrack to the beginning and read more amazing titles in the series. If you are already a fan of Bliss then you are in for a real treat, I have always adored these books and this one is another one that I would definitely recommend.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 40 years as a serving police officer, Jimmy Bliss has retired and moved into a new chapter of his life. He is now heading up the Unsolved Cases Team with ex-DI Beth Greenhill, ex-DS Guy Foley and ex-DC Ben Corry, and their first case is a murder from 1999. There have been three reviews since the case went cold but now the discovery of the murder weapon means a complete reinvestigation into the death of Justin Nolan, a council employee gunned down in a churchyard. The hope is that their work will uncover new evidence to finally solve the case but as they begin, they soon realise that there is very little to go on. Bliss is also now a civilian SIO for the Major Crimes Unit, working with his old colleagues DS Penny Chandler, DS Olly Bishop and DCs Gul Ansari, Phil Gratton and Alan Virgil, and on his first day he also has to deal with the vicious killings of two teenage boys below an underpass. It soon becomes clear they were lowly runners for the Soke county drugs line, but could this be the start of a turf war with rivals the Foxes or newcomers City-Wide? With three OCGs fighting it out, Bliss’s team and the quickly convened task force need to work fast in order to prevent an escalation and a lot more bloodshed. As both investigations proceed, Bliss gets two strange requests, one of a deal between the police and a criminal kingpin and the other a favour owed to an old contact. What will he do, will his plans work and will this keep everyone safe and help catch the killers?
It sounds like Bliss is actually doing even more work now than he did whilst a serving officer, and I did question at the start whether a civilian could be in charge of police officers but knowing the author I’m sure the research would have been done thoroughly and it’s a great way to keep Bliss working with the old favourites in a story full of action and surprises. It’s nice to see him gelling with his new team, all well experienced detectives who are certainly up to the task in hand, as well as still retaining the close and loyal relationships with his old much-loved colleagues in MCU. The witty and caring banter is all still present and his new partnership with Beth is moving along nicely - she’s almost another Penny and gives as good as she gets! I enjoyed having the two quite diverse murder investigations running in parallel, demonstrating the different methods with which old and current cases have to be worked. There’s plenty of life in the old dog yet and I look forward to more books in this excellent series.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Mr. Forder when it seems like you cannot top the last book written you have gone and produced another of such high quality. The creativity that is emitted from an author’s mind always fascinates me; it really is a highly developed skill that they possess.

This is the 12th Book featuring our favorite character Bliss but the first where Jimmy has now retired from the force and returns as a consultant in unsolved crimes. Not long after his return he is asked if he would consider operating with the Major Crime unit as the SIO on a new case that has developed. Jimmy does not need much time to make this decision, he jumped at it. So now we have two cases running and both are brilliantly executed.

His first unsolved crime is from 1999 and follows the murder of a Council officer who before his death had a major role in approving submitted contracts, some involving a lot of money. Lots of dodgy and shifty characters and goings on lead Jimmy and his new team on a frantic ride to catch a killer. As the case moves forward Jimmy develops a very strong respect for those now assisting him in this new role and I am looking forward to getting to know these characters better as the series progresses.

As the SIO he and his old team are investigating a double murder of two teenage boys focusing on the drug conflicts currently taking place in Peterborough, three gangs are all looking to take over this highly lucrative business. Once again, another strong plot that and characters that capture the imagination of the reader and have us devouring the pages at a very fast rate.

Great to see Jimmy back with Penny and the team, his relationship with Penny is so strong and her friendship means the world to him, as always, I love the verbal chit chat that goes on between the two of them. It is also wonderful to feature the return of the entrance of MI5 again which always spices things up.

Another enthralling book that I highly recommend and so looking forward to the next instalment.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the DI Jimmy Bliss Crime Series but technically the 1st in a new follow on series as Jimmy is now retired and after a four week break is back working at his old station on unsolved crimes, alongside 3 other retired officers. They are looking at a case from 1999 where the killer of a council official, responsible for reviewing council contracts, remains at large. It’s so good to be back in Thorpe Wood with Jimmy and his new and old teams. I wondered how the transition from DI to civilian would work but I didn’t need to worry it works like a dream and I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite, if not my favourite, Bliss book.

Briefly, shortly after returning Bliss is asked to work with the Major Crime Unit, his old team, as SIO investigating a double murder connected to the drugs battle taking place in Peterborough where three gangs are all looking to take over the drugs business, by getting rid of the other other two gangs. Meanwhile, the cold case is growing legs and Bliss is approached by an MI5 agent with a strange request and one that Bliss feel obliged to consider.

I loved that Jimmy is still able to be working with his old team. The relationship between them has always been a big part of these books. The banter is wonderful particularly between Jimmy and DS Penny ‘Pen’ Chandler (‘don’t call me Pen’) they are like an old married couple! However, I also enjoyed meeting the new team and seeing new relationships growing. Both cases are excellent but if I had to choose the cold case was my favourite. Another cracking read in this wonderful series and yes Pen you can join the Blissettes!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy is now a civilian- something he’s not been for around forty years and it’s feeling rather strange. He is now working heading up a cold case unit, solving previously unsolved crimes. The one they are working on is of a shooting in a graveyard where there was nothing to go on other than a bullet found in a gate post. No witnesses, no likely suspects, nothing. He is also asked to be SIO for a double murder that looks like it’s drug related. Two young boys have been killed and there is a potential drug war with three OCG vying for position as top dog. A figure from Jimmy's past makes an appearance and not in a good way, wanting a favour on one of his cases. Can Jimmy and the teams solve both cases without stepping over some rather fine lines?

I love Tony’s books. Despite the subject matter they are a very comfortable read with an old friend, one that wraps themselves around you like a hug, that said there are some dark and heinous crimes involved. There's a warmth in Jimmy, quite like no other- a fight for justice with a huge heart and a very caring personality from which nothing can detract and written so beautifully by a very skilful author. I especially love the banter between Jimmy and Chandler who love winding each other up verbally. A belter of a read, a real page turner. Every one of these books tops the last one, when you thought they really couldn't get any better. No pressure Tony, but I can’t wait for the next one!

For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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[Mrs Claire L Troote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Phenomenally well written and intriguing storylines.


As a long term fan of the DI Bliss books, I wasn't sure how this one would work, with Jimmy transitioning into his new role as civilian SIO and also his new cold case work. Would it seem disjointed and spoil the flow? No need to fret as Tony expertly weaves in just the right amount of trepidation alongside the excitement new adventures bring. It manages to feel different but with a good dollop of familiarity thrown in.


In this latest book we see Jimmy integrating himself into 2 simultaneous, seemingly unsolvable cases. One involving the horrific torture deaths of 2 teenage gang members and a decades old unsolved murder with no witnesses, no motive and seemingly no evidence. As the teams delve deeper into the cases, both have the potential to wreak havoc on the local area, either through an all out gang war or the collapse of local government. 


The stakes become so high that Bliss is even visited by a face from the past, warning him that he's straying into dangerous territory and that he or his team could become collateral damage. Can Bliss and the team solve these cases without any further bloodshed and without costing them either their lives or livelihood. 


Absolutely cracking read and so thrilled with how well Tony Forder has weaved his magic on these new adventures. Best of all there is a whole new avenue to go down and plenty more scope for more Bliss adventures to come.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in the Bliss series but it can be read as a standalone because his career is now on a slightly different trajectory. After four weeks respite, Jimmy returns to his old police station working as a civilian investigator heading up a cold case team along with three other retired officers.

The new team are tasked with the case of a murdered council official from 1999. The victim was responsible for the approval of council contracts &, despite a subsequent review, no evidence was ever found to move forward with the case; until now. The murder weapon has surfaced, hence the reopening of the investigation. Alongside this, Bliss is asked to act as SIO on a brutal double murder which has all the hallmarks of a drugs war escalating in Peterborough.

I started this book with trepidation, I was unsure if Bliss would feel the same as he is no longer in ‘the job’; I needn’t have worried. The same old Jimmy, in fact he appears to be relishing his new role & uses the fact that he no longer carries a warrant card to his advantage - in his way of thinking & acting. He is still mixing with his old team & higher-ups; his relationship with Chandler (now an honorary Blissette) is a joy to behold & I think Beth is cut from the same cloth. I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony J Forder once again proves why he is a master storyteller with Something More To Say. This brilliant collection of short stories takes readers deep into the world of crime, mystery, and human complexity, all delivered with Forder’s trademark sharp writing and emotional depth.

The stories vary from intense and gritty to poignant and introspective, offering not just thrilling plots but also powerful character studies. Fans of Forder’s DI Bliss and DC Chandler series will be thrilled to find new tales featuring familiar faces, alongside brand new characters that are just as compelling.

Every story feels perfectly crafted, with twists you won't see coming and emotional punches that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Forder’s ability to balance tight plotting with deep character development shines through in every story, whether it's a high-stakes investigation or a quietly heartbreaking personal moment.

The prose is sharp, immersive, and filled with the kind of authenticity that comes from a writer who truly understands the genre. Each story left me wanting more, but also deeply satisfied — a rare combination.

Something More To Say is an absolute must-read for fans of crime fiction, short stories, and anyone who appreciates top-tier writing. Tony J Forder delivers a masterclass in storytelling yet again.

[Jon Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning for DI or rather ex DI Jimmy Bliss, now in a civilian role, employed by the Police to look into Cold Cases and occasionally act as SIO with his old team.
While no longer a warrant card holder and a title of Mr this doesn’t mean he is a desk jockey.
His first two case’s are poles apart but that just means a new team of retired police detectives who are shaping up to be great characters in the unique way that Tony Forders mind works. Plus Penny Chandler and the old gang from serious crimes are there with all the usual banter, now from two angles.
How does Jimmy fit in, brilliantly, what a fantastic start to an extension of his career two particularly nasty drugs related murders and a cold case that has been reviewed several time s over the years but with no evidence to go on.
With an appearance of a ‘spook’ from Jimmy’s past coming back to ask a favour that might throw the investigation, which one, you will have to read it yourself.
5* all the way, bloody brilliant read, well researched as always so well done Tony, Jimmy is back!!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like forever since the last Bliss book but boy was it worth the wait. Jimmy is back but in a civilian role along with some others in the same position, making up a team to look into old cases. At the same time, he is brought in on another investigation involving several drug gangs.

This was such a riveting read. The banter and humour is still there especially when Chandler is involved, and I really enjoyed the mix of the old and new. The new characters and team just slotted in seamlessly into the overall story and worked really well and I always enjoy anything involving cold cases. The gang storyline was also particularly riveting here.

I wasn't sure how things would work in the new Bliss world, not that I was worried but more curious and any questions I had in my mind were answered in spades. Unfortunately it's finished now and so begins the wait for the next one.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This book is part of the Jimmy Bliss series. Now a retired Detective Inspector, Bliss returns to the police force to investigate an unsolved murder which took place in 1999.

I haven't read any of the previous books featuring Bliss as a protagonist, but after reading this one, I wished I had. I liked Bliss as a character, and I liked how he worked with the other characters. At first, I expected a gritty thriller, but I felt some of the characters had fun personalities that balanced it out.

I enjoy cold case storylines, as I think there's something about them that's intriguing and a little unnerving. The references to the late 90s and early 2000s made me feel a little nostalgic as well.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Jimmy Bliss returns in this gripping thriller, where he leads the Unsolved Murders Team (similar to a Cold Case Squad) and serves as the Senior Investigating Officer for the Major Crimes Unit. Despite the challenge of balancing both roles, Bliss tackles his cases with determination, reminiscent of beloved detectives like Jimmy Perez from Ann Cleeves’ *Shetland* series. His strong leadership, along with the loyalty and camaraderie of his team, makes the investigation feel like a well-oiled machine. Full of twists and turns, this book keeps readers guessing and engaged until the very end.

Thank you the publisher, the author, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[K Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the Bliss books I've come to love

I have read every book in this series and it's been one of my favourites until now. It took me ages to get into this one, I actually kept putting it down, rather than read from cover to cover in one sitting. It didn't even feel like the same author had written it. Lots of procedural and explaining every step, and not enough story. I managed to finish it eventually, only because it was Bliss, if it had been a new series for me, then I would have given up. It only picked up pace and resembled the other Bliss books near the end. Normally I have given 5 stars and I've been generous with 3 for this, but I believe in giving my honest opinion...

[Nikki Ayling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, after eagerly awaiting the next DI Jimmy Bliss installment I was not dissapointed.

Jimmy is now working on a cold case with a new team and as SIO to a new investigation with his old crew.

Tony Forder has an amazing yet natural way of progressing Jimmy's career / retirement without losing the humour, fun and relationships with his team that we have come to expect from him in previous books.
In this book however, I am finally seeing Jimmy in visions in my mind, and through the years of knowing Tony, I am beginning to see him as the character of Bliss himself.

Congratulations on another 5 star read.
Praise due, and now given..... no get back to writing the next one please!.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this for a long time and I have to say it didn't disappoint. With the main detective, Bliss, moving onto a new role as a civilian cold case investigator and sometimes SIO, I feel he's found his niche. With his change in title, Jimmy Bliss has become more settled somehow and it suits him.

With new characters being introduced from his new cold case unit, I'm looking forward to learning more about them. Already they have endeared themselves to me. Meanwhile his old team are still on the scene which leads to a satisfying sense of continuity.
Gritty, humour and attention to police procedure this is a really excellent read.

[Jonathon Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My delayed review! I was a little worried about this one, Bliss is no longer an official Police Officer, he no longer has a warrant card, and yet still works with the police.
I was unsure how this would go, yet Tony weaves his magic again, explaining how a civilian does this without it seeming like an explanation.
Bliss seems to be working harder than ever, balancing two big cases, one a cold case and the other a brutal double murder.
Soon, the magnitude of the cases become apparent, leading the team into a very dangerous world of drugs, county lines, and corruption.
Magnificent effort again, and Tony should be proud

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Bliss is no longer...
But Mr Jimmy Bliss has appeared in this book managing his new cold crime case job, and in with both feet as SIO in what was his job before retirement.. AND delving straight in with the help of chandler as before! It has all the twists and turns we have come to expect, along with the usual bliss humour and dogged determination as he (with the help of both teams) solve all that's been thrown into the 'crime pot' an excellent read just as brilliant as all the previous ones ...can be nothing less than 5🌟

[Linda Isgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic book about my favourite character Bliss.
Was worried when he retired from the actual Police but he has managed to comfortably settle into his new role, with other retired members, of looking into cold cases.
Being based at the same station means he still has interaction with his old crew and acting up as temporary DI with them when a murder case comes up blends seamlessly with his new task. Absolutely love the interaction between Bliss and Penny. It is so nice that a man and a woman can be friends like this without any sexual implications. The mutual comradery and verbal abuse of each other is just perfect.
Please do not hesitate in adding this to your reading list you will not be disappointed.

[kelly freaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Jimmy's retirement and move to his new role I was worried we'd lose abit of Bliss as he bounces off the likes of Chandler so well, but rather than lose the rapport we gained new characters to delve into. 2 cases running alongside each other from two different job roles there was a worry of how it would work now Bliss is retired, but work it did!
This was like a catch up of all your favourite tv characters but being added to a new must watch tv show! The best of both worlds!

I can't wait to read the next instalment and get lost in the world of Jimmy Bliss

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A month after his retirement, Jimmy Bliss is back in a new role reinvestigating cold cases. He's also called in a SIO on a current case. I really liked his new team, and as he still works with his old colleagues, we have the best of both worlds here. Tony Forder has allowed the confident Bliss to feel a little unnerved by his civilian status after forty years as an officer. There are two great puzzles to be solved here. An excellent read.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, it's like catching up with old friends! Loving how Mr Jimmy Bliss has taken to life in "the office" without his badge, with a plot that keeps the pages turning, some new faces to be introduced too, and the dynamic between old favourites as lively as ever, the 12th book in the series is definatly not one to miss!

[Anne Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one yet!

What can I say....been waiting for this book. Wasn't sure how it would work with Jimmy having retired. Safe to say this was a roller-coaster of a ride. Almost two books in one. Please tell me there will be more adventures for Jimmy Bliss and his cold case team and maybe a bit of romance too?