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Bad Blood
Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.
In the underbelly of Soho’s organized crime ring, everyone knows that retired boxer Harry Woods is not one to mess with. And that goes double for his family.
Harry has it all: the big house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. As much as money talks in his world, Harry knows deep down the only thing that really counts is family. Haunted by the sudden death of his wife, he’ll do anything to protect his children, but truth is a heavy burden and hidden secrets can unravel even the strongest of bonds ....
Without loyalty, family are bound together only by blood. Bad blood.
In the underbelly of Soho’s organized crime ring, everyone knows that retired boxer Harry Woods is not one to mess with. And that goes double for his family.
Harry has it all: the big house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. As much as money talks in his world, Harry knows deep down the only thing that really counts is family. Haunted by the sudden death of his wife, he’ll do anything to protect his children, but truth is a heavy burden and hidden secrets can unravel even the strongest of bonds ....
Without loyalty, family are bound together only by blood. Bad blood.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2014
200 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Casey Kelleher
32 books357 followersCasey Kelleher was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Growing up she became an avid reader, loving in particular gritty crime thrillers and gangland books.
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 16, 2014
Its now live
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Blood-Cas...
US http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Casey...
5 Crown Jewels Stars
Meet Harry Woods
Retired ex champion boxer and celebrity, a huge respected face in Soho, London.
After the death of his beloved wife, Harry knows....
Nathan the oldest of the brothers and the most level headed, he wants to branch out leave the family business, go straight...
Kelly, married at seventeen and estranged from the family after marrying a man as old as her father.
Evie, beautiful, quiet, shy, sent off to boarding school after the sudden death of her mother.
And then we have Christopher, terrifyingly out of control.
Together they are Harry's precious gems, his crown jewels.....his everything
My Thoughts...
This story is based around the family, Harry's family.
I don't want to give away too much regarding the plot.
I really loved the story and all the characters, even the supporting ones like Raymond, Terry and Cassie who all had an important part to play.
Seeing how each of these characters lives finally come together in a brilliant climax that is full of twists and turns.
Casey Kelleher is finding her own style in writing this type of genre and I think she is definitely a crime author that is on her way to the top.
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Blood-Cas...
US http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Blood-Casey...
5 Crown Jewels Stars
Meet Harry Woods
Retired ex champion boxer and celebrity, a huge respected face in Soho, London.
After the death of his beloved wife, Harry knows....
Nathan the oldest of the brothers and the most level headed, he wants to branch out leave the family business, go straight...
Kelly, married at seventeen and estranged from the family after marrying a man as old as her father.
Evie, beautiful, quiet, shy, sent off to boarding school after the sudden death of her mother.
And then we have Christopher, terrifyingly out of control.
Together they are Harry's precious gems, his crown jewels.....his everything
My Thoughts...
This story is based around the family, Harry's family.
I don't want to give away too much regarding the plot.
I really loved the story and all the characters, even the supporting ones like Raymond, Terry and Cassie who all had an important part to play.
Seeing how each of these characters lives finally come together in a brilliant climax that is full of twists and turns.
Casey Kelleher is finding her own style in writing this type of genre and I think she is definitely a crime author that is on her way to the top.
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
December 14, 2014
5 StArS
As my name suggests....I'm Giving It To YOU..LOCK...STOCK..TWO SMOKING BARRELS!!!
I really enjoyed this gritty London underworld story about Harry Woods
Harry Woods - Former Boxing Champ
G/R's Elaine got it so right with her casting for this one...non other than Ray Winston with his sexy gravelly voice and domineering presence...LuV It!!
Harry has it all: the big flash house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. But what really counts in Harry's world is FAMILY.
He'll do anything to protect his family...even keep secrets.
But even the best kept secrets have a way of surfacing.
The characters were great, lots of twists and turns, loved the banter and excellent plot.
This is my 1st read from author Casey Kelleher and it certainly won't be my last.
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
As my name suggests....I'm Giving It To YOU..LOCK...STOCK..TWO SMOKING BARRELS!!!
Bad Blood is the BOLLOCKS!!
I really enjoyed this gritty London underworld story about Harry Woods
Harry Woods - Former Boxing Champ
G/R's Elaine got it so right with her casting for this one...non other than Ray Winston with his sexy gravelly voice and domineering presence...LuV It!!
Harry has it all: the big flash house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. But what really counts in Harry's world is FAMILY.
He'll do anything to protect his family...even keep secrets.
But even the best kept secrets have a way of surfacing.
The characters were great, lots of twists and turns, loved the banter and excellent plot.
This is my 1st read from author Casey Kelleher and it certainly won't be my last.
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
March 11, 2020
Let me start by saying I wasn't sure in the being if this book was for me, and the start was a little confusing to being with because it was going from person to person without any real reason but I stuck with and was glad I did as the characters and situations all came together and by half way through the book I really couldn't put it down good read no loose ends with a realistic ending.
December 21, 2014
This book was flipping UNPUTDOWNABLE and is probably going to be one of my favourite reads of the year. It is a gangland story set in London with Harry Woods, ex boxer and family man, running his crime ring with the help of sons Nathan and Christopher and his long time best friend Raymond. Christopher is a chip off the old block, a boxer like his father but with far more of the killer instinct than his father ever had. Nathan on the other hand has a dream of going straight, especially as he is in love with his girlfriend Cassie. Daughter Evie has just arrived home from boarding school but has her own problems to deal with although Harry dotes on her, she is his baby. But, he has an older daughter Kelly, who he is estranged from and hasn’t seen for seven years. When she comes back into his life, trouble isn’t far behind.
It is a story of gangland revenge and rivalry, cocaine running and prostitution rings. The characters are gritty, violence is in their blood – they are most definitely rough diamonds. The story has several threads to it that twist and turn into a climax that really had me on the edge of my seat. At about 80% of the way I thought this was going to be a solid 4* read but then, as all the separate threads of the story came together in a climax full of tension, drama and danger, it went to a definite 5*. I was gripped and couldn’t put the kindle down. I loved the ending which was extremely satisfying, tied up all the loose ends in a great way and which left me with just a “hint” that there could be more to the Woods’ story. I really hope so, as I would love to know what happens in their lives next. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
It is a story of gangland revenge and rivalry, cocaine running and prostitution rings. The characters are gritty, violence is in their blood – they are most definitely rough diamonds. The story has several threads to it that twist and turn into a climax that really had me on the edge of my seat. At about 80% of the way I thought this was going to be a solid 4* read but then, as all the separate threads of the story came together in a climax full of tension, drama and danger, it went to a definite 5*. I was gripped and couldn’t put the kindle down. I loved the ending which was extremely satisfying, tied up all the loose ends in a great way and which left me with just a “hint” that there could be more to the Woods’ story. I really hope so, as I would love to know what happens in their lives next. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
October 21, 2014
Well, well Ms Kelleher, it seems somebody is well and truly stepping up to the plate so to speak:-) Casey Kelleher started off by self-publishing her first three books which if you haven’t read I would highly recommend. I was chuffed when I heard she had signed a book deal with Amazon’s Thomas and Mercer Imprint. I was even more chuffed when the lady herself let me get my hands on an early edition. I have to be honest though, I was nervous. What if her new publishers had suggested changes in writing style or something and I didn’t like it? As a lot of authors know, getting an early edition doesn’t sway my opinion. If I don’t like it, I don’t like it and will say so. However, Casey has stuck two fingers up at me by writing a blinding book that I couldn’t put down. Clearly now she is a published author she feels she has to up her game, and up her game she did.
I have to admit when I started the book I wasn’t that engaged and it took 3 or 4 chapters to get into it. However, once past that point it just got better and better. Harry Woods is a bit of a face along with his right hand man Raymond. Harry’s children are his life and as adults now they all feature heavily in this book. Sadly, this review is very hard to write as if I put too much content in, it will spoil the storyline. Part of the attraction of this book was that there were characters I wasn’t sure about. Why were they in the book, and what part did they play. Thankfully all is revealed as the story progresses. Each time I thought I’d heard it all, another secret is revealed. One particular character Casey managed to write about got right under my skin and that was Christopher. Without revealing too much, she managed to create a one man monster and the writing conveyed that pretty well. I also liked that in addition to the main storyline, there was a less obvious thread that’s revealed even more toward the end.
I’ve read all of Casey’s books and always thought they were brilliant, albeit one has never grabbed me enough to give it full marks. This one certainly did that and it seems Casey is firmly embedding herself in the list of ‘must read’ female British Crime Authors. Many of her readers follow her on Facebook, and Twitter and in a weird way we are all rooting for the likes of Casey to get herself on the platform of recognised authors. It’s great to see British female authors finally get the book deals they deserve, and (without sounding ridiculous) I feel very proud of you Ms Kelleher! CAN’T WAIT for the next book! Your fans will be very pleased
P.S Thomas and Mercer, you would be VERY silly to let this lady go!
I have to admit when I started the book I wasn’t that engaged and it took 3 or 4 chapters to get into it. However, once past that point it just got better and better. Harry Woods is a bit of a face along with his right hand man Raymond. Harry’s children are his life and as adults now they all feature heavily in this book. Sadly, this review is very hard to write as if I put too much content in, it will spoil the storyline. Part of the attraction of this book was that there were characters I wasn’t sure about. Why were they in the book, and what part did they play. Thankfully all is revealed as the story progresses. Each time I thought I’d heard it all, another secret is revealed. One particular character Casey managed to write about got right under my skin and that was Christopher. Without revealing too much, she managed to create a one man monster and the writing conveyed that pretty well. I also liked that in addition to the main storyline, there was a less obvious thread that’s revealed even more toward the end.
I’ve read all of Casey’s books and always thought they were brilliant, albeit one has never grabbed me enough to give it full marks. This one certainly did that and it seems Casey is firmly embedding herself in the list of ‘must read’ female British Crime Authors. Many of her readers follow her on Facebook, and Twitter and in a weird way we are all rooting for the likes of Casey to get herself on the platform of recognised authors. It’s great to see British female authors finally get the book deals they deserve, and (without sounding ridiculous) I feel very proud of you Ms Kelleher! CAN’T WAIT for the next book! Your fans will be very pleased
P.S Thomas and Mercer, you would be VERY silly to let this lady go!
November 17, 2014
I’m starting this review still a little bit speechless, after not long finishing the book. I’ve read close to 200 books this year, and this is easily one of the best. Looking back at 2014, I’ve given a lot of books five stars, which is something I’m trying to change as when I compare some of them with this book, Bad Blood is in another league so there’s no hesitation in adding it to my Hall of Fame. Casey Kelleher is an author who has been on my radar for a while, my go to crime website Best Crime Books is a big fan of her previous books, I’ve just never got round to reading them myself. This is a mistake I will soon be rectifying because even though I have a scary looking review TBR, I really want to read Casey’s books right now.
Bad Blood opens and introduces us to a lot of characters, yet it never felt confusing with who everybody was. The main family are the Woods, our introduction to Harry being when he was a world famous boxer with the world at his feet, and a pregnant wife who he adored. Fast forward to the present day and his wife is dead, his children all grown up, and Harry one of London’s most famous and feared gangsters. His estranged daughter Kelly comes back into his life with her waster husband Terry. His son Christopher is totally out of control whilst Christopher’s brother Nathan is looking to take himself out of the family business and go legit, settling down with his girlfriend. Harry’s youngest daughter also returns home from boarding school. Along the way we are introduced to more characters, all connected to the Woods family in one way or another. Throughout the book plans are made, secrets come out, and it isn’t long before the lives of the characters start to unravel in brilliantly dramatic fashion.
The book does have an intriguing mix of characters. Christopher was especially evil, and is a character I think readers will despise. He doesn’t show remorse for his actions, even taking pleasure out of taunting his own family. There is a reason for his behaviour though, and when it is all revealed I was left reeling. I’m a reader that likes to spot twists before they come, yet here I couldn’t. Casey holds everything back until exactly the right moment. Kelly was a favourite character of mine, I found her transformation from how she was in the beginning to how she was at the end to be a bit quick, but she was a very likeable character I had no trouble rooting for. She was a realistic and believable character. Likewise for the rest of the cast. One minute you will hate a character, the next you will wonder whether it’s wrong to like them. On the surface they are villains, making their money through crime but even the hardest of villains love their family, and that’s the case here. There are some heartwarming and touching moments in the book, which you might not expect from a villain but which are still believable.
This is one of those books where there’s so much I could talk about but it’s difficult to do so without ruining it for people. The ending of the book was another jaw dropping moment, I just don’t know how I didn’t see the little twist coming, it was brilliant. The story at the end felt very final and was wrapped up nicely, which is a shame because, in this genre especially, I’m a big fan of series, following the characters over two or three books and seeing how their lives develop over a few decades. It would be a shame if this is the last we see of the Woods but either way I am massively excited to see what Casey comes up with next. I only hope she is a fast writer!
What I loved about this book is Casey’s writing. It’s extremely dark in places given the subject matter, but the book was infused with humour and sarcasm throughout, but never in a silly or unbelievable way. Certain parts actually made me laugh out loud, Casey has such a way with words and it really brings her characters to life, giving them real personality and adding lighter moments to what is otherwise a pretty graphic and brutal read, yet absolutely brilliant with it as that is exactly what I’m after when I pick a book like this up. Some scenes will make you want to look away, but the book is simply too addictive for that to happen. What I also look for is originality, the characters and the world they inhabit in books like this are invariably the same, it’s what the author does with them that makes the book stand out from the crowd, and the story here is original and really good. I reached the end of the book and was a little gutted, I wasn’t ready for the story to end and could have read on and on.
It wasn’t all that long ago that this genre was owned by one author, its creator. The competition now though is so fierce with the likes of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane that authors have to constantly up their game, and 2014 has been one of the most exciting years this genre has seen so next year is going to be even better I imagine. Reading this book at times reminded me of when I first read a Kimberley Chambers book, it brought back all the excitement I felt at having discovered a new (to me) author, one who is incredibly talented and who knows how to tell one hell of a story, and totally hook the reader in. I was gripped to the last half of this book, reading so fast I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t break. Once you get started with this book it’s really hard to stop reading. Kimberley Chambers is now a number one best selling author and if the same isn’t true of Casey in a few years, I’ll be very surprised. The move to a proper publisher appears to have worked wonders, and I predict other publishers will be chasing after her before long.
Overall then this book comes highly recommended by me. I recently compiled my Top 10 Books of 2014 ready to share in December, but that list will definitely be getting revised and I now have the difficult choice of choosing a book to kick out to make room for this one. To describe it in one word I would say ‘outstanding’ and you would be an absolute fool not to pick it up.”
Thanks to Casey for arranging a review copy.
Bad Blood opens and introduces us to a lot of characters, yet it never felt confusing with who everybody was. The main family are the Woods, our introduction to Harry being when he was a world famous boxer with the world at his feet, and a pregnant wife who he adored. Fast forward to the present day and his wife is dead, his children all grown up, and Harry one of London’s most famous and feared gangsters. His estranged daughter Kelly comes back into his life with her waster husband Terry. His son Christopher is totally out of control whilst Christopher’s brother Nathan is looking to take himself out of the family business and go legit, settling down with his girlfriend. Harry’s youngest daughter also returns home from boarding school. Along the way we are introduced to more characters, all connected to the Woods family in one way or another. Throughout the book plans are made, secrets come out, and it isn’t long before the lives of the characters start to unravel in brilliantly dramatic fashion.
The book does have an intriguing mix of characters. Christopher was especially evil, and is a character I think readers will despise. He doesn’t show remorse for his actions, even taking pleasure out of taunting his own family. There is a reason for his behaviour though, and when it is all revealed I was left reeling. I’m a reader that likes to spot twists before they come, yet here I couldn’t. Casey holds everything back until exactly the right moment. Kelly was a favourite character of mine, I found her transformation from how she was in the beginning to how she was at the end to be a bit quick, but she was a very likeable character I had no trouble rooting for. She was a realistic and believable character. Likewise for the rest of the cast. One minute you will hate a character, the next you will wonder whether it’s wrong to like them. On the surface they are villains, making their money through crime but even the hardest of villains love their family, and that’s the case here. There are some heartwarming and touching moments in the book, which you might not expect from a villain but which are still believable.
This is one of those books where there’s so much I could talk about but it’s difficult to do so without ruining it for people. The ending of the book was another jaw dropping moment, I just don’t know how I didn’t see the little twist coming, it was brilliant. The story at the end felt very final and was wrapped up nicely, which is a shame because, in this genre especially, I’m a big fan of series, following the characters over two or three books and seeing how their lives develop over a few decades. It would be a shame if this is the last we see of the Woods but either way I am massively excited to see what Casey comes up with next. I only hope she is a fast writer!
What I loved about this book is Casey’s writing. It’s extremely dark in places given the subject matter, but the book was infused with humour and sarcasm throughout, but never in a silly or unbelievable way. Certain parts actually made me laugh out loud, Casey has such a way with words and it really brings her characters to life, giving them real personality and adding lighter moments to what is otherwise a pretty graphic and brutal read, yet absolutely brilliant with it as that is exactly what I’m after when I pick a book like this up. Some scenes will make you want to look away, but the book is simply too addictive for that to happen. What I also look for is originality, the characters and the world they inhabit in books like this are invariably the same, it’s what the author does with them that makes the book stand out from the crowd, and the story here is original and really good. I reached the end of the book and was a little gutted, I wasn’t ready for the story to end and could have read on and on.
It wasn’t all that long ago that this genre was owned by one author, its creator. The competition now though is so fierce with the likes of Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane that authors have to constantly up their game, and 2014 has been one of the most exciting years this genre has seen so next year is going to be even better I imagine. Reading this book at times reminded me of when I first read a Kimberley Chambers book, it brought back all the excitement I felt at having discovered a new (to me) author, one who is incredibly talented and who knows how to tell one hell of a story, and totally hook the reader in. I was gripped to the last half of this book, reading so fast I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t break. Once you get started with this book it’s really hard to stop reading. Kimberley Chambers is now a number one best selling author and if the same isn’t true of Casey in a few years, I’ll be very surprised. The move to a proper publisher appears to have worked wonders, and I predict other publishers will be chasing after her before long.
Overall then this book comes highly recommended by me. I recently compiled my Top 10 Books of 2014 ready to share in December, but that list will definitely be getting revised and I now have the difficult choice of choosing a book to kick out to make room for this one. To describe it in one word I would say ‘outstanding’ and you would be an absolute fool not to pick it up.”
Thanks to Casey for arranging a review copy.
December 31, 2018
WOW
Wow and wow again... Another book to go into my top ten Favorites of 2014.
I have to say I was absolutly Buzzing when I recieved an early release copy of this book. I couldn't wait to start it.
I have Recently read (Listened to) Caseys Rise and fall and Heartless on Audible. And listening to them was just as good if not better as reading them.
This author really knows how to write a bloody good book.
From the very beginning of this book I was gripped.
Bad blood is based around Harry Woods. A well know face and ex boxer, his family and his main man Raymond, He has 2 Daughters and 2 son's and I think everyone of his kid's are different in their own way. Some likeable and some not so. And I always find if i start really disliking or liking one of the characters then it just goes to show how good the author has done dragging you into their lives.
Harry's children are his life, we have one at boarding school, one totally out of control, one who wants back into the family after walking away from them, and one who wants out of the family to go legit. What a family combination that is.
I'm not going into the story line as I don't think I could do it without giving to much away and I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone.
This book was so well written its frightening where some of these idea's must come from. And Casey is well up there with other authors in this genre. The book just come together so bloody well. I was left speachless at the end of this book.. This really is a must read.
Wow and wow again... Another book to go into my top ten Favorites of 2014.
I have to say I was absolutly Buzzing when I recieved an early release copy of this book. I couldn't wait to start it.
I have Recently read (Listened to) Caseys Rise and fall and Heartless on Audible. And listening to them was just as good if not better as reading them.
This author really knows how to write a bloody good book.
From the very beginning of this book I was gripped.
Bad blood is based around Harry Woods. A well know face and ex boxer, his family and his main man Raymond, He has 2 Daughters and 2 son's and I think everyone of his kid's are different in their own way. Some likeable and some not so. And I always find if i start really disliking or liking one of the characters then it just goes to show how good the author has done dragging you into their lives.
Harry's children are his life, we have one at boarding school, one totally out of control, one who wants back into the family after walking away from them, and one who wants out of the family to go legit. What a family combination that is.
I'm not going into the story line as I don't think I could do it without giving to much away and I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone.
This book was so well written its frightening where some of these idea's must come from. And Casey is well up there with other authors in this genre. The book just come together so bloody well. I was left speachless at the end of this book.. This really is a must read.
August 10, 2015
This is the second Casey Kelleher book I've read and she just gets better and better. I was so pleased to be given the chance to read an early copy of this book, I loved it from start to finish, couldn't put it down.
Bad Blood is very well-written, you can't help but become intrigued with the characters lives; they are so believable and detailed. It's an original story and I honestly never knew what the outcome was going to be. I really hope Casey writes more about the Woods family.
I would recommend Casey Kelleher's books to anyone, this was such a gripping, gritty novel, readers who enjoy Martina Cole & Kimberley Chambers books will especially also love it.
Bad Blood is very well-written, you can't help but become intrigued with the characters lives; they are so believable and detailed. It's an original story and I honestly never knew what the outcome was going to be. I really hope Casey writes more about the Woods family.
I would recommend Casey Kelleher's books to anyone, this was such a gripping, gritty novel, readers who enjoy Martina Cole & Kimberley Chambers books will especially also love it.
January 24, 2016
OMG I can't believe I haven't read anything by this author before and after reading Bad Blood I will certainly be reading more.
An edge of your seat read that had me gripped throughout. Lots of unsavoury characters as well as a few nice ones. Can't wait to read more.
An edge of your seat read that had me gripped throughout. Lots of unsavoury characters as well as a few nice ones. Can't wait to read more.
December 30, 2014
Another blinding read by Casey Kelleher. Hope there is a follow up book .
November 26, 2014
Quite a few crime fiction books use the life and crimes of a Gangster type as their central premise, with a sideline of the impact that has on family and friends. BAD BLOOD looks at this scenario with the affected firmly at the centre of the action.
Starting out with a series of chapters that introduce a central character or scenario, readers will need to pay attention. As they will to the prologue which looks at the past of central character Harry Woods and his young, pregnant wife. In the present time, Harry's much loved wife is dead, his children grown and the family ties weakened. Once those introductions and the set-up are out of the way, the action moves forward rapidly bringing the family back together after estrangement, stretching their relationships in new directions, with new tensions.
Each of the characters in this book - Harry, his four children, their partners, his best mate, get equal billing at some point. The story revolves around damage, past decisions, power and control. It's somehow less about the long-time criminality of Harry, and more about the impacts that a life spent on the edge has had on all of them. It's also about decisions - the choice that Kelly makes to come back to the family fold, the choice that Nathan makes to try to live a different life. It contrasts those choices with the lack of conscious choice that Christopher and Evie seem to have in who they are or what they will become. There's a series of questions posed throughout the action about the ramifications of choice (or lack thereof), although that's based in a solid shell of action, tension, threat and violence.
After reading somewhere that author Casey Kelleher was strongly influenced by a well-known author of these sorts of Gangster centric novels, I was particularly intrigued to find how engaging BAD BLOOD was. I've struggled with the influencing authors work in the past, but I think the humour, the strong characterisations, and the less than black and white resolution here made this a strong, believable story. Whilst there's no holding back from the brutality of this life, it was balanced with some basic human decency and care. Whilst Harry might have a questionable moral compass when it comes to drugs, and criminal activities, he's a man who loves his kids, and struggles to this day with the fate of his wife. As clichéd as it might seem - it works in BAD BLOOD. There's something very realistic about the portrayal and the way that it does not make any attempt to explain, justify or excuse what is basically human nature.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Starting out with a series of chapters that introduce a central character or scenario, readers will need to pay attention. As they will to the prologue which looks at the past of central character Harry Woods and his young, pregnant wife. In the present time, Harry's much loved wife is dead, his children grown and the family ties weakened. Once those introductions and the set-up are out of the way, the action moves forward rapidly bringing the family back together after estrangement, stretching their relationships in new directions, with new tensions.
Each of the characters in this book - Harry, his four children, their partners, his best mate, get equal billing at some point. The story revolves around damage, past decisions, power and control. It's somehow less about the long-time criminality of Harry, and more about the impacts that a life spent on the edge has had on all of them. It's also about decisions - the choice that Kelly makes to come back to the family fold, the choice that Nathan makes to try to live a different life. It contrasts those choices with the lack of conscious choice that Christopher and Evie seem to have in who they are or what they will become. There's a series of questions posed throughout the action about the ramifications of choice (or lack thereof), although that's based in a solid shell of action, tension, threat and violence.
After reading somewhere that author Casey Kelleher was strongly influenced by a well-known author of these sorts of Gangster centric novels, I was particularly intrigued to find how engaging BAD BLOOD was. I've struggled with the influencing authors work in the past, but I think the humour, the strong characterisations, and the less than black and white resolution here made this a strong, believable story. Whilst there's no holding back from the brutality of this life, it was balanced with some basic human decency and care. Whilst Harry might have a questionable moral compass when it comes to drugs, and criminal activities, he's a man who loves his kids, and struggles to this day with the fate of his wife. As clichéd as it might seem - it works in BAD BLOOD. There's something very realistic about the portrayal and the way that it does not make any attempt to explain, justify or excuse what is basically human nature.
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February 7, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook.
Wow, absolutely triple wow, another fantastic gripping read from Casey. She really does know how to keep her readers entertained.
Having read a lot of Casey’s newer books, 2017 onwards and loving them all, knew that I wanted to read her earlier books too, starting with this one Bad Blood which was published in 2014. Well as stated in my opening sentence of this review, I think you can tell that I loved this book.
Just like all of her later books, it was truly well written and darn brilliant characters. Absolutely gripping and fast paced, full on entertainment, action and drama, gritty going ons and plenty of intense moments. I swear if you like author Martina Cole, then this book is highly recommended.
The narrator was brilliant, couldn’t fault her, I was with her every second, taking the words in and then eagerly waiting the next to see what would happen next.
Wow, absolutely triple wow, another fantastic gripping read from Casey. She really does know how to keep her readers entertained.
Having read a lot of Casey’s newer books, 2017 onwards and loving them all, knew that I wanted to read her earlier books too, starting with this one Bad Blood which was published in 2014. Well as stated in my opening sentence of this review, I think you can tell that I loved this book.
Just like all of her later books, it was truly well written and darn brilliant characters. Absolutely gripping and fast paced, full on entertainment, action and drama, gritty going ons and plenty of intense moments. I swear if you like author Martina Cole, then this book is highly recommended.
The narrator was brilliant, couldn’t fault her, I was with her every second, taking the words in and then eagerly waiting the next to see what would happen next.
January 15, 2018
I did not like the fact that Nigerians were potrayed as big bullies whose only preoccupation is mugging! *Thumbsdown*
August 11, 2020
I have absolutely loved this book, the way the characters have been connected is absolute genius and I haven’t wanted to put this book down. The book is definitely suitable for fans of Martina Cole and I love that more and more female authors are not afraid to go to the “dark side”
Kelleher has intricately connected her characters whilst creating a read which has not only been impossible to put down, but also paints a realistic picture of a world which we don’t all get to see! This is not my first read by this author, but I was quickly converted as a fan! Another absolutely fantastic read which is highly deserving of five stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelleher has intricately connected her characters whilst creating a read which has not only been impossible to put down, but also paints a realistic picture of a world which we don’t all get to see! This is not my first read by this author, but I was quickly converted as a fan! Another absolutely fantastic read which is highly deserving of five stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 12, 2019
I would like to start out saying that besides the fact that this was a reread so that I could give a fresh review I haven't really read much in the hard-boiled criminal/mafia genre. At least not from the perspective of the crime family. Nor have I watched many of those styles of movies, I mean I've never even seen
The Godfather
movies. This is also the only thing I've read by Casey Kelleher, though I do look forward to reading more of her work. If you have issues with extreme violence I would avoid this book. Though if you can over look it as the fiction it is then go ahead and pick it up, I'm sure you will enjoy it. It's no worse than an episode of
Criminal Minds
or shows like it. I should also note that it is written in the British vernacular with lots of British slang. It's not something I mind but some do.
Bad Blood is about Harry Woods' family, his long time friend and business partner Raymond Marks and their criminal activity. Harry is a retired boxing heavy weight champion. The prologue is of Harry's fight where he won his heavy weight title. His wife is in the crowd and they had just found out that she was pregnant with their first child. As the story begins it has been seven years since Harry's wife died. When she died their youngest and fourth child was just nine years old. He never remarried he only wants to care and provide for his family. Family and loyalty are everything to Harry and no one better mess with either.
Raymond Marks is Harry's best mate and long time business partner. He runs a few brothels and a couple of casinos in the Soho area. He will always have Harry's back even if he might not completely agree with what he's deciding.
Harry's eldest child is Kelly Stranks she has been estranged from the family since shortly after her mother's death. She had meet and fell in love with Terry Stranks, a deadbeat that is close to the same age as her father Harry. Since Harry believed she would never be happy and that she was making a mistake he tried to forbid the marriage this only caused Kelly to run towards Terry more. They have two children together and are in debt to loan sharks, Jimmy and Micky O'Shea, minor characters that are second rate criminals compared to her father's organization.
The second child is Nathan Woods, of the children he seems to be the most level headed. His dream is to break free from his father's criminal business. He plans to go into real estate and make a clean living. He has a girlfriend named Cassie Wright she is a nurse at a hospital working with sick kids many of which are dying from cancer and other diseases.
The third child is Christopher Woods, he seems to be the most volatile of the children. He took after his father and became a boxer. Though due to an explosive temper he ruined his career before it even started. Now he only fights in underground matches that his father sets up. He also has a drug problem that is only getting worse.
Fourth is Evie Woods, again she was only nine years old when her mother passed away. At that time Harry felt it best to put her into Walborough Girls' Boarding School. For seven years she has been teased, bullied and tormented by the other girls at the school.
The story follows their lives the good, bad and down right ugliness of it. Follow along as this family finds that crime has a dirty side and that secrets can't stay buried forever.
Bad Blood is about Harry Woods' family, his long time friend and business partner Raymond Marks and their criminal activity. Harry is a retired boxing heavy weight champion. The prologue is of Harry's fight where he won his heavy weight title. His wife is in the crowd and they had just found out that she was pregnant with their first child. As the story begins it has been seven years since Harry's wife died. When she died their youngest and fourth child was just nine years old. He never remarried he only wants to care and provide for his family. Family and loyalty are everything to Harry and no one better mess with either.
Raymond Marks is Harry's best mate and long time business partner. He runs a few brothels and a couple of casinos in the Soho area. He will always have Harry's back even if he might not completely agree with what he's deciding.
Harry's eldest child is Kelly Stranks she has been estranged from the family since shortly after her mother's death. She had meet and fell in love with Terry Stranks, a deadbeat that is close to the same age as her father Harry. Since Harry believed she would never be happy and that she was making a mistake he tried to forbid the marriage this only caused Kelly to run towards Terry more. They have two children together and are in debt to loan sharks, Jimmy and Micky O'Shea, minor characters that are second rate criminals compared to her father's organization.
The second child is Nathan Woods, of the children he seems to be the most level headed. His dream is to break free from his father's criminal business. He plans to go into real estate and make a clean living. He has a girlfriend named Cassie Wright she is a nurse at a hospital working with sick kids many of which are dying from cancer and other diseases.
The third child is Christopher Woods, he seems to be the most volatile of the children. He took after his father and became a boxer. Though due to an explosive temper he ruined his career before it even started. Now he only fights in underground matches that his father sets up. He also has a drug problem that is only getting worse.
Fourth is Evie Woods, again she was only nine years old when her mother passed away. At that time Harry felt it best to put her into Walborough Girls' Boarding School. For seven years she has been teased, bullied and tormented by the other girls at the school.
The story follows their lives the good, bad and down right ugliness of it. Follow along as this family finds that crime has a dirty side and that secrets can't stay buried forever.
March 7, 2017
I really wanted to like this one, but it didn't work for me. The start seemed filled with petty thugs, each one thought they beat the system, but you could see how pathetic they were. Even the police finding the bodies couldn't keep my interest. In the end this one just wasn't for me.
December 16, 2014
Holy hell, what a read!
Opening with an instant attention grabbing prologue, I then read on and revelled in getting to grips with the large cast, trying to figure out who the main players were going to be. Most of the characters end up with a fair amount of page time each and the story is mostly told from inside the Woods family fold. The reader is given a brutal yet sometimes touching look into Harry's family life, along with the benefits and consequences of his choices, and absolutely no apologies made for his criminality. Harry is a family man through and through but he is also a hardened gangster and those around him - whether fully informed or supposedly ignorant on this fact - are all somehow dragged into this seedy world.
The many characters effectively weave in and out of each others life to form a neat tapestry of a story that keeps you riveted until the very end. I was blown away with the bold, powerful plot that never waivers or weakens, and the fact that the menacing presence of one of the characters actually felt palpable at various points in the book is a real testament to the author's writing talent.
I finished Bad Blood practically in one sitting and found it utterly gripping. But be warned: just like the loan sharks she portrays, once Casey Kelleher sucks you in, she simply doesn't let go until the final word.
Opening with an instant attention grabbing prologue, I then read on and revelled in getting to grips with the large cast, trying to figure out who the main players were going to be. Most of the characters end up with a fair amount of page time each and the story is mostly told from inside the Woods family fold. The reader is given a brutal yet sometimes touching look into Harry's family life, along with the benefits and consequences of his choices, and absolutely no apologies made for his criminality. Harry is a family man through and through but he is also a hardened gangster and those around him - whether fully informed or supposedly ignorant on this fact - are all somehow dragged into this seedy world.
The many characters effectively weave in and out of each others life to form a neat tapestry of a story that keeps you riveted until the very end. I was blown away with the bold, powerful plot that never waivers or weakens, and the fact that the menacing presence of one of the characters actually felt palpable at various points in the book is a real testament to the author's writing talent.
I finished Bad Blood practically in one sitting and found it utterly gripping. But be warned: just like the loan sharks she portrays, once Casey Kelleher sucks you in, she simply doesn't let go until the final word.
February 14, 2015
I am a massive fan in this genre, I love Martina Cole, Mandasue Hellar, Jessie Keane and I can confidently say that Casey is right up there with them. AN amazing up and coming talent who spins a fantastic tale of deceit, violence and family loyalty. I hadn't read any of her previous titles but bought her début novel immediately after finishing bad Blood and have added her others to my TBR pile. I look forward to reading more from Casey and highly recommend this title as well as her others.
January 30, 2015
I recieved this novel from NetGalley.
This novel, although hard to read, had a great hard-boiled crime feel to it, the plot had its ups and downs, but it was clever and moving. The action was predictable and the plot twist at the end wasn't necessary and felt forced and rushed. That being said, a good little novel
This novel, although hard to read, had a great hard-boiled crime feel to it, the plot had its ups and downs, but it was clever and moving. The action was predictable and the plot twist at the end wasn't necessary and felt forced and rushed. That being said, a good little novel
May 9, 2024
really enjoyed this book took me back to the early Martina Cole . would recommend it
March 5, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
In the underbelly of Soho’s organised crime ring, everyone knows that retired boxer Harry Woods is not one to mess with. And that goes double for his family.
Harry has it all: the big house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. As much as money talks in his world, Harry knows deep down the only thing that really counts is family. Haunted by the sudden death of his wife, he’ll do anything to protect his children, but truth is a heavy burden and hidden secrets can unravel even the strongest of bonds...
Without loyalty, family are bound together only by blood. Bad blood.
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I really had no expectation going in but I was hoping that it would be entertaining at the very least...
...and I got that in spades! This was a great story of gritty British crime. Filled with characters that you can admire and despise at the same time; graphic scenes of violence that can make your stomach turn; gangland rivalry on an epic scale; and, as is the usual motivation - drugs.
Add to that an ending that actually makes you increase your appreciation of the novel, and you have something defnitely worth recommending.
Paul
ARH
In the underbelly of Soho’s organised crime ring, everyone knows that retired boxer Harry Woods is not one to mess with. And that goes double for his family.
Harry has it all: the big house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. As much as money talks in his world, Harry knows deep down the only thing that really counts is family. Haunted by the sudden death of his wife, he’ll do anything to protect his children, but truth is a heavy burden and hidden secrets can unravel even the strongest of bonds...
Without loyalty, family are bound together only by blood. Bad blood.
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I really had no expectation going in but I was hoping that it would be entertaining at the very least...
...and I got that in spades! This was a great story of gritty British crime. Filled with characters that you can admire and despise at the same time; graphic scenes of violence that can make your stomach turn; gangland rivalry on an epic scale; and, as is the usual motivation - drugs.
Add to that an ending that actually makes you increase your appreciation of the novel, and you have something defnitely worth recommending.
Paul
ARH
October 15, 2017
🎃📚 Autumn Reads 2017 🎃📚 This Martina Cole/Kimberley Chambers-esque crime-family drama zooms along at a furious pace. Finished it in a single day. Good fun, although the descriptions of violence are stomach-churningly grim. This isn't necessarily a criticism - they're there to demonstrate the lifestyle of the central characters and the horror that comes with it - but just be warned. Things get dark.
July 10, 2017
Hold on to your belts
This is another of Casey kelleher,s marvels.
Unputdownable...!
Its got everything you would want in a book.
Fantastic characters.. Gripping storylines..villains..the whole shaboozle.. She is fast becoming one of my favourite writers up there with Martina Kimberly. Mandasue. Fabulous.
This is another of Casey kelleher,s marvels.
Unputdownable...!
Its got everything you would want in a book.
Fantastic characters.. Gripping storylines..villains..the whole shaboozle.. She is fast becoming one of my favourite writers up there with Martina Kimberly. Mandasue. Fabulous.
June 2, 2019
There was a lot going on in the start of this book. We got the back ground to all the main characters which sometimes was a little confusing to see where there stories fit into the main part of the book. It did come together in the end and a lot of the loose ends got tidyed up. This was an intense story and I am not sure if the ending was a happy one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2019
Another great storyline
I loved this book ,Casey has yet again made he characters either lovable or nasty ,the book was fantastic & I hope there will be other stories about the character characters, g you enjoy crime family stories then I recommend this book,or if you fancy a change from your usual book s then give it a try,on won't regret it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book ,Casey has yet again made he characters either lovable or nasty ,the book was fantastic & I hope there will be other stories about the character characters, g you enjoy crime family stories then I recommend this book,or if you fancy a change from your usual book s then give it a try,on won't regret it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 6, 2019
Not my usual genre and thought it was going to be all gangsters and shoot ups. But I took a dip into it and boy was I surprised I love love loved this book. Just a warning if you are easily offended by had language do not even open the cover as there is a lot however it is not gratuitous. just the characters would speak like this so it was needed. Again love love loved this tale.
March 13, 2022
One of Casey’s best. Couldn’t read it fast enough. The authenticity of the language and violence is at odds with a young mum from a sleepy Sussex village. Her imagination and ability to link some excellent characterisation force you to sometimes want the ‘bad guys’ to get away with things. Yet to write an average book let alone a bad one. Keep up the great work.
December 9, 2016
This is the first time I have read a Casey Kelleher book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book was fast paced, had a good storyline and was easy to get into. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
October 19, 2018
This is a great book it has lots of emotions when I first started it I thought boxing not sure but I persevered and then couldn’t put it down very sad ending as it brought my own memories of similar hospital don’t do spoilers but read and find out final word for this book Fantastic
March 18, 2019
Exciting and interesting
I've read a couple of Cadets books now and found this one quite a compelling read. The seedy London gangster underworld with prostitution, drugs and corruption is fertile ground for Kelleher and is exploited to the full.
I've read a couple of Cadets books now and found this one quite a compelling read. The seedy London gangster underworld with prostitution, drugs and corruption is fertile ground for Kelleher and is exploited to the full.
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