Justice Lies Bleeding: An Angel & Kincade Mystery

Angel & Kincade #4

by James Harper

One man’s justice is another man’s crime.When DI Max Angel and DS Catalina Kincade are called to Southampton Old Cemetery, not all of the dead bodies they encounter are ancient relics buried six feet under. In the untamed wilderness of the cemetery's darkest corner a woman sits propped against one of the old gravestones, her hands bound together as if in prayer. As Angel and his team piece together the final days of the murdered woman's life and it becomes clear she went voluntarily to meet her killer, two questions vex the team - who did she arrange to meet in a graveyard at night, and why?

From a dying man's deathbed confession to a children's home long-since burned to the ground to a charity for military veterans, Angel needs his whole team pulling together as they link the present with the past. What he can’t afford is for Kincade to go off the rails as she prepares to bare her soul and tell the truth about her fall from grace.

As echoes of the past grow ever louder and rumours of a miscarriage of justice caused by incompetent policing become impossible to ignore, one thing becomes all too clear. As far as the killer is concerned, true justice can't be found in any statute book - it lives in the eye and cold heart of the beholder.

Justice Lies Bleeding is the fourth novel in the Angel & Kincade murder mystery crime series by USA Today bestselling British crime writer, James Harper. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, JD Kirk, Damian Boyd, LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and Simon McCleave.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with the murder that happened several years earlier. A homeless man was convicted and sent to prison. The story picks up several years earlier where another body was discovered at the same location. Angel and Kincade were now the individuals who were conducting the investigation. As they started, they had little to go on, but they later discovered a correlation to that earlier killing. Following up, they initially considered the individual that was convicted of the earlier killing as a suspect since he was released from prison. They eventually were able to learn information which put them on the right track.

To discover what basis the 1st conviction was made, what new information Angel and Kincade discovered and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed.

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving finding out more about our main characters and what makes them tick, their own private demons sometimes in conflict with their current case. As a new team we are seeing the relationships grow as well as a few insecurities.

The case uncovers mistakes in the past that complicate things and end up in tragic circumstances before the truth can be uncovered. Well written, easy reading. The clues are all there to follow and although there are some frustrations along the way Harper steers you deftly to the conclusion and when you get there it is well explained so if you did miss anything, all becomes clear.

The final words of the book leave you in suspense wanting the next to follow quickly.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Harper is a bit wordy but hardly ever do I want to put one of his books down. He has well written, intriguing story lines, interesting characters and immersing twists, misdirection and a good pace. Main source: The author.

Angel and Kincade Murders:
JUSTICE LIES BLEEDING, #4 - Rather sad what happens to Amos, and other characters, and makes for interesting detective work. Bit more family involvement along with more trust between A and K. 4*

THE REVENANT, #1 - This new series is set in England and Padre was a priest. Source: The author. 4*

OLD EVIL, #2 - Plenty of secrets and twists. 5*

FORSAKEN, #3 - Intense. So unfair, the world is and I do not blame the actions because of the causes. Too many happenings created the consequences, and all actually lose. Tragic. 5*

[Susan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the series, the characters and their relationships are just filling out so nicely. Of course, there is a great murder mystery also, but this is a great example of how a series should be written. The characters are solving mysteries, while the reader gets caught up their lives, including their jobs. But their police work is not done in a vacuum. They are well-defined people and we care about them. It’s what makes me want to read the next one. While each of these books could be read as a standalone, do yourself a favor - start from the beginning and read them all. I did receive an ARC at no cost, but this is my honest review.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this Angel and Kinkade novel is like meeting old friends in a pub and catching up on events since the last novel except the 'events' are usually murderous. An entertaining and amusing but dark and depressing novel all at the same time. The book covers the whole range of human emotions dealing with everything from insecurity and abuse to family strife all woven into a tapestry of enjoyment. By the end of the well structured book I almost felt as guilty as some of the parties in the book at having enjoyed its twisted plot full of Old Testament mores.

I received an ARC copy but the views are my own.

[Garance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book and series!

Absolutely love this series and the protagonists Angel and Kincade. I think there is just the right balance between dipping in and out of their personal lives and focusing on the case and it really helps you connect with the characters in the story. And I love that little by little we are having snippets of their pasts revealed, and simultaneously watching their partnership grow (and I cannot wait to see where that goes if I interpreted the small snippets towards the end correctly).

Amos’ story was truly heartbreaking and I was pleasantly surprised to have been wrong about “who did it” in the end.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from James, thank you for the opportunity to read your book.

Angel and Kincade, their personal story unfolds in interesting ways as they and the team do what they do best. Catch a killer!

Surprisingly they find themselves with the reinvestigation of a similar murder in the past. How are they connected? Who is responsible? Will justice be served? These questions are why you keep turning pages in this murder, mystery thriller.

The main characters' background stories are just as intriguing.
Highly recommended read.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Lies Bleeding is a story about domestic abuse that leads to taking someone's life and an inocent man is put behind bars. After more than a decade a dying man starts to say that he's sorry for killing someone to his nurse and then she dies. A series of crimes happen to cover the first one and to keep the secret hidden. There are many lies, deceit, greed, and guilt involved in the plot and also Angel really questions his beliefs and motives to be an officer of the law. Engaging, provides food for thought. Highly recommended. I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Harper writes an intriguing and interesting book. The events of the past, and that other murder in the cemetery, have a direct link to the current woman found in the cemetery. It’s a twisty tale. Pay close attention to names and how everyone ‘knows’ everyone, despite what they say! As it all unravels, we also get to find out more about our main characters, their colleagues and family members. A story of abuse, lies, deceit, guilt, twisted motives and family strife. A page-turner late into the night! And there’s more to come!!

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again James Harper kept me glued to the pages. I love the way that he further develops the relationship between Angel and Kincade. The storyline and characters are well written and the twists and turns keep you guessing. Accompanied by a whole gambit of emotions. I thought this one was particularly complex and I enjoyed the challenge of trying to guess 'who dunnit'. As usual I didn't get it right - maybe some day.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[S McK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!

Well, James did it again!

What a well narrated, detailed and character filled book.

Death, mayhem, intrigue and an abundance of 'I guessed it, no I don't, yes I do, oops no, wrong again...' we get the gist but not the deatail, until near the end.

Hooks you in, twist you around, makes you double back, then slaps you in the face!!! Well done James!

The revelation about Kincard was worth waiting for... read it, you'll know why and I very much predict a different direction for the 'couples' of detectives, just my opinion but you know, why not...

[Amanda Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of murder and hidden agenda's that keeps Angel and Kincade very busy. Funny how lies will always surface no matter how deep they seem to have been buried. Leave it to Angel's team to right the wrongs and uncover the truth.
Loved that there was more interaction with Angel's mum and I just love Carl's sense of humour. A book that will have you guessing all the way. A brilliant ending to keep us eager for the next book.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, but this is a good one. The story is intriguing, exciting, thought-provoking, and intense. Does Angel finally find out why Kincade left her former post? Or is he still searching for the truth? Every minute reading is a better minuet spent. A great addition to your library.
Highly Recommended.

[Dave and Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What one man can do, to so many people, and create lasting reprocussions that last forever.
Characters are so beliveable and imaginative.
To be a policeman/woman and have to investigate and hear all of lifes injustices, try to sleep, and lead normal lie is beyond me.
Again, a book that is not easily put down by this author I suggest eeveryone to get involved in this series.

[Lynn Dignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with a great storyline. It goes to show you that this too can happen in real life where injustices can happen. There were so many twists and turns when I thought it was coming to a point another whammy was thrown in, or let me clarify that, the rest of the truth was revealed. Great characters, so happy not all of it was serious some of it made me laugh.

[Tiffany Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real great story to read.A lot of suspense to keep you reading.Angel and Kincade make a good team and so does Jardine and Gulliver.If anyone who likes James Harper books and have not this one ,you should. Tiffany

[T. Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many surprises
Murder and mayhem! I enjoyed the story and the characters were truly interesting. It keeps you guessing thinking you have it figured out but do you? The main characters have you laughing at how they talked to each other and act. It is definitely a good read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters, and some plot twists that kept me reshuffling the cards as to who I thought the perpetrators were. And there’s never a dull moment when the parents and siblings of the officers make an appearance. Clever sleuthing, pointed humor, and a bit of luck.

[Stuart Sear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great read from James, his plots are so great that you just can’t put the book down in this book their are so many plot lines that it will make your head spin, it will keep you guessing and doubting yourself write up to the end more of the same please James.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A body of a female is discovered in Southampton Old Cemetery. Is there a connection to a murder in the same place in 1990 when ex-army Amos Church was convicted of a murder. DI Angel and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel and Kincade are solving a murder in a cemetery. This series keeps getter better! Quite a page turner.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel and Kincade are once again searching for the evil suspects. James Harper brings thrills and mystery to life in Justice Lies Bleeding.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner from James Harper. Murder and a man convicted of that murder. Another murder years later that leads Angel and Kincade in a different direction. A novel that was hard to put down.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this one. An excellent read that will have you questioning yourself, ‘What might I do under similar circumstances?’ Emotionally moving as some truths emerge.

[Anne McIvor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read, full if intrigue!