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Blood Ties
Homicide detective Ellen Ridley of the SFPD is tracking a serial killer terrorizing young women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ridley is sure she's cornered her most likely suspect: Stephen Tregear, a hacker and code breaker who works for U.S. Naval Intelligence. But Tregear is not the killer... he's the killer's son.
Ridley and Tregear team up to look for Tregear's father, Walter, in an elaborate game of murderous cat and mouse. As the body count rises, Ridley must race against the clock to stop Walter before he kills any more women--and Tregear must finally confront the father who has been trying to kill him for twenty years. Blood Ties is an elegant and frightening thriller from Nicholas Guild.
Ridley and Tregear team up to look for Tregear's father, Walter, in an elaborate game of murderous cat and mouse. As the body count rises, Ridley must race against the clock to stop Walter before he kills any more women--and Tregear must finally confront the father who has been trying to kill him for twenty years. Blood Ties is an elegant and frightening thriller from Nicholas Guild.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2015
8 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Guild
24 books73 followersNicholas Guild was born in Belmont, California in 1944. He graduated from Occidental College with a B.A. in English in 1966 and from the University of California at Berkeley with an M.A. in Comparative Literature (1968) and a Ph.D. in English (1972). Since then he has divided his time between teaching and writing. He currently lives in Frederick, MD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 17, 2015
Thank you to TOR/FORGE for providing a print copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Blood Ties was an impeccably written suspense tale that managed to keep the reader engrossed while giving us the identity of the slayer up front. When the dead bodies of young women start turning up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Detective Ellen Ridley and Inspector Sergeant Sam Tyler are on the case.
This story was told from several points of view, including the killer and his son. While I’m not usually a fan of more than two POVs, it worked here. There were times it felt like a case study, and it was interesting being able to see everyone’s part in it. The author did a wonderful job threading in the different perspectives while still keeping Ellen, the main character in the story, at the forefront. Stephen Tegear, the killer’s son, played a prominent part in this book, and his reflections of the past and the revelations he had once he realized the kind of man his father was were the most captivating parts for me. He was a character I really enjoyed reading about. His lifestyle was forced on him when he was younger because of his father’s need to constantly be on the move. Then, as an adult, his routine was still forced on him because of his intellect and his use to the U.S. Navy. He’d spent most of his life with limited choices. Characterization for Ellen and Sam was spot on. Both were analytical and reasonable even while they were desperate to solve this case, and there was enough of their personal lives threaded into the story to make it feel like you knew them without overwhelming the main plot.
As for the pacing of this novel, the story unfolded methodically with nothing feeling rushed. All the questions that came up were answered (for the reader at least even if not for the characters), and while the ending wasn’t typical for this genre, or any genre, really, it fit the story. I wasn’t convinced at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I was sold on it.
The reason I picked this book up was because I know it’s a genre I enjoy, but it’s not one I read a lot of. I really needed something to shake up what’s been a string of mediocre reads for me, and this did the trick! Blood Ties isn’t a ‘whodunnit?’ so much as a how did we get here and how the heck is this going to end? This was my first book from this author, but it won’t be the last. If you’re a fan of procedural police dramas, intriguing characters, and books that are incredibly plot driven, I think this one is right up your alley.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
4.5 stars
Blood Ties was an impeccably written suspense tale that managed to keep the reader engrossed while giving us the identity of the slayer up front. When the dead bodies of young women start turning up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Detective Ellen Ridley and Inspector Sergeant Sam Tyler are on the case.
This story was told from several points of view, including the killer and his son. While I’m not usually a fan of more than two POVs, it worked here. There were times it felt like a case study, and it was interesting being able to see everyone’s part in it. The author did a wonderful job threading in the different perspectives while still keeping Ellen, the main character in the story, at the forefront. Stephen Tegear, the killer’s son, played a prominent part in this book, and his reflections of the past and the revelations he had once he realized the kind of man his father was were the most captivating parts for me. He was a character I really enjoyed reading about. His lifestyle was forced on him when he was younger because of his father’s need to constantly be on the move. Then, as an adult, his routine was still forced on him because of his intellect and his use to the U.S. Navy. He’d spent most of his life with limited choices. Characterization for Ellen and Sam was spot on. Both were analytical and reasonable even while they were desperate to solve this case, and there was enough of their personal lives threaded into the story to make it feel like you knew them without overwhelming the main plot.
As for the pacing of this novel, the story unfolded methodically with nothing feeling rushed. All the questions that came up were answered (for the reader at least even if not for the characters), and while the ending wasn’t typical for this genre, or any genre, really, it fit the story. I wasn’t convinced at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I was sold on it.
The reason I picked this book up was because I know it’s a genre I enjoy, but it’s not one I read a lot of. I really needed something to shake up what’s been a string of mediocre reads for me, and this did the trick! Blood Ties isn’t a ‘whodunnit?’ so much as a how did we get here and how the heck is this going to end? This was my first book from this author, but it won’t be the last. If you’re a fan of procedural police dramas, intriguing characters, and books that are incredibly plot driven, I think this one is right up your alley.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
February 22, 2018
His father is a serial killer.. they’re both stalking each other but for drastically different reasons... great read and a well written serial killer thriller! This one makes it into my library.
July 22, 2015
Author Nicholas Guild explores a different aspect of a serial killer in his latest psychological thriller, BLOOD TIES.
Guild explores the mind of the serial killer, but also his relationship with his son and the effects his madness has had on his son.
Young women are being brutally murdered in the San Francisco Bay Area. A lucky breaks leads homicide detective Ellen Ridley of the SFPD to believe she’s found a link to the killer. But as more evidence comes into play, Ridley discovers she has the killer’s son as her number one suspect.
Stephen Tregear, a hacker and code breaker for the military, has been tracking his father for years trying to stay one step ahead of him. Tregear ran away from home when he was a young boy after discovering a dead woman in the back of his father’s van.
Forming an unlikely bond, Ridley and Tregear team up to put a stop to Tregear’s father before he kills again. The elderly Tregear is also out to silence his son for good.
The closer the duo get to the killer, the closer their attraction grows. The showdown between father and son heightens the surprise ending.
BLOOD TIES is a fast-pace, adrenaline-fueled thriller. The action is suspenseful and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Guild has created complex characters that will amaze you. Guild dives into the chilling world of a serial killer and takes readers on a hair-rising journey.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Guild explores the mind of the serial killer, but also his relationship with his son and the effects his madness has had on his son.
Young women are being brutally murdered in the San Francisco Bay Area. A lucky breaks leads homicide detective Ellen Ridley of the SFPD to believe she’s found a link to the killer. But as more evidence comes into play, Ridley discovers she has the killer’s son as her number one suspect.
Stephen Tregear, a hacker and code breaker for the military, has been tracking his father for years trying to stay one step ahead of him. Tregear ran away from home when he was a young boy after discovering a dead woman in the back of his father’s van.
Forming an unlikely bond, Ridley and Tregear team up to put a stop to Tregear’s father before he kills again. The elderly Tregear is also out to silence his son for good.
The closer the duo get to the killer, the closer their attraction grows. The showdown between father and son heightens the surprise ending.
BLOOD TIES is a fast-pace, adrenaline-fueled thriller. The action is suspenseful and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Guild has created complex characters that will amaze you. Guild dives into the chilling world of a serial killer and takes readers on a hair-rising journey.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
March 11, 2016
(For some reason I've been reluctant to give fives lately. This was very, very good....but not quite a five, and I'm not even sure why.)
How do mystery writers keep coming up with so many really different scenarios? Because there's so much going on in the real world that boggles the mind? Hmmmm. This story has a really interesting premise, and it follows it through to the end, nailing it. It started out a little slowly, but it didn't take long for me to be thinking up any excuse I could to get into the car and listen a little more. Psychopaths. Mental disorders. If you read too many of these sort of books you start looking at everyone with a questioning eye....
How do mystery writers keep coming up with so many really different scenarios? Because there's so much going on in the real world that boggles the mind? Hmmmm. This story has a really interesting premise, and it follows it through to the end, nailing it. It started out a little slowly, but it didn't take long for me to be thinking up any excuse I could to get into the car and listen a little more. Psychopaths. Mental disorders. If you read too many of these sort of books you start looking at everyone with a questioning eye....
May 19, 2015
just finished this book this morning and it was a pretty quick read for me. Once I got started I didn't want to put it down. I am not sure where to start my review. There isn't really much in the way of spoilers as it's pretty cut and dry on who the killer is, etc... Most of it is just a psychological maze of piecing together the reasons why.
Ellen is great as the female detective on the case and equally likable is her partner Sam. Sam is the veteran cop who is more or less teaching her how to be a better homicide detective, but she's smart and it's not long before she's the one leading the charge. Stephen Tragear is the son of the killer they are trying to catch and he proves to be invaluable to their investigation. Stephen is brilliant despite his upbringing and he bears a huge amount of guilt for what his father has been doing over all these years.
This story is one that isn't easily read at times because of the level of violence that takes place, but it's not overly graphic like some that I have read. The characters are well developed and the story is very well paced. There is a nice romance thread weaved in that helps to balance out some of the more violent scenes. I would maybe criticize the "insta-love" that happens amidst all of this turmoil, but I liked that part of the story so I won't! The only thing I had any real issues with, and really it didn't bother me overly much, was the killers reason for why he did what he did. It felt a little too familiar, it's something that's been done and more than once. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to pick up more of this author's work.
Ellen is great as the female detective on the case and equally likable is her partner Sam. Sam is the veteran cop who is more or less teaching her how to be a better homicide detective, but she's smart and it's not long before she's the one leading the charge. Stephen Tragear is the son of the killer they are trying to catch and he proves to be invaluable to their investigation. Stephen is brilliant despite his upbringing and he bears a huge amount of guilt for what his father has been doing over all these years.
This story is one that isn't easily read at times because of the level of violence that takes place, but it's not overly graphic like some that I have read. The characters are well developed and the story is very well paced. There is a nice romance thread weaved in that helps to balance out some of the more violent scenes. I would maybe criticize the "insta-love" that happens amidst all of this turmoil, but I liked that part of the story so I won't! The only thing I had any real issues with, and really it didn't bother me overly much, was the killers reason for why he did what he did. It felt a little too familiar, it's something that's been done and more than once. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to pick up more of this author's work.
July 22, 2015
This book grabbed me from the first page. It was exciting and horrifying, and I couldn’t put it down. The murders were shocking. They drew you into the story. You wanted Ellen Ridley to do whatever she needed to do to get this psychopath off the street. She had suspicions and maybe went a little out-of-bounds trying to get evidence against her prime suspect, but you didn’t care.
The first half of Blood Ties was bordering on a horror, mystery, thriller. It was so intense that I had to stop reading, because it was getting late and I didn’t want to have nightmares. I was expecting some really horrific twists and surprises; but when I picked up the book the next day, I was disappointed. It had changed from a mystery to a chase. You knew who the bad guy was. All that was left was catching him. That wasn’t easy, but still, that wasn’t what I was expecting.
Mr. Guild really knows how to write a tension filled story. He brings his characters to life. I guess that maybe I’ve read too many thrillers where the tension slowly builds, and then about halfway through the book, all hell breaks loose. I figured that was what was going to happen in Blood Ties. So I was a bit disappointed. I was so impressed with the start of the book, and was hoping for more. Don’t get me wrong, the story was still very good, but I really thought that I was reading a 5 Star book. I had very high expectations.
I give Blood Ties 4 Stars out of 5 and a Thumbs Up. If you like mysteries with an edge to them, that approach horror, but never quite cross the line, I think you should give this book a try.
I received a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher.
The first half of Blood Ties was bordering on a horror, mystery, thriller. It was so intense that I had to stop reading, because it was getting late and I didn’t want to have nightmares. I was expecting some really horrific twists and surprises; but when I picked up the book the next day, I was disappointed. It had changed from a mystery to a chase. You knew who the bad guy was. All that was left was catching him. That wasn’t easy, but still, that wasn’t what I was expecting.
Mr. Guild really knows how to write a tension filled story. He brings his characters to life. I guess that maybe I’ve read too many thrillers where the tension slowly builds, and then about halfway through the book, all hell breaks loose. I figured that was what was going to happen in Blood Ties. So I was a bit disappointed. I was so impressed with the start of the book, and was hoping for more. Don’t get me wrong, the story was still very good, but I really thought that I was reading a 5 Star book. I had very high expectations.
I give Blood Ties 4 Stars out of 5 and a Thumbs Up. If you like mysteries with an edge to them, that approach horror, but never quite cross the line, I think you should give this book a try.
I received a hardcover copy of this book from the publisher.
June 19, 2015
Ellen is on the case of a serial killers that inflicts pain on his victims then dumps their bodies. With the help of her partner Sam, they both learn as this killer keeps them on their feet with no evidence left behind. Ellen then things she has found the killer but when she confronts Stephen she learns that it is really his father, Walter.
Stephen goes on to tell her about his poor family life. But when he finds a body in his father’s car he finds some of his mother’s belongings and goes on the run. Several years later he is living with some people that basically raised him when he returns home to find them brutally murdered. Trying to hide from his father he goes into the Navy.
Ellen, Sam, and Stephen must work together to stop Walter. Things take a turn for the worse when they learn there is a lot more than Walter hunting Stephen down, he may have had help all along.
This is an amazing story. Although you learn shortly into the book that the killer is Stephen’s dad, that in no way stops the story, it makes it all the better. You can’t help but feel sorry for Stephen. He is wrapped up in guilt about leaving the woman’s body when he was 12 but you can understand why. And Walter, major creepy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put it down and I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This is a great thriller that needs to be in everyone’s collection. Make sure to get Blood Ties.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Stephen goes on to tell her about his poor family life. But when he finds a body in his father’s car he finds some of his mother’s belongings and goes on the run. Several years later he is living with some people that basically raised him when he returns home to find them brutally murdered. Trying to hide from his father he goes into the Navy.
Ellen, Sam, and Stephen must work together to stop Walter. Things take a turn for the worse when they learn there is a lot more than Walter hunting Stephen down, he may have had help all along.
This is an amazing story. Although you learn shortly into the book that the killer is Stephen’s dad, that in no way stops the story, it makes it all the better. You can’t help but feel sorry for Stephen. He is wrapped up in guilt about leaving the woman’s body when he was 12 but you can understand why. And Walter, major creepy.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put it down and I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next. This is a great thriller that needs to be in everyone’s collection. Make sure to get Blood Ties.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; OCTOBER 18, 2015
Narrator: Graham Rowat
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would even though it isn't what I'd call a pure police procedural like Lucas Davenport, Harry Bosch et all. Blood Ties goes into the back history of Stephen Tregear whom Detective Ellen Ridley suspects of being connected, in some way, with the savage killings of young women in the Bay area.
I would normally not want my police procedurals to wander too far away from the investigation or, for the back history to be for someone other than the MC. In this case, however, Ellen and Stephen do end up involved personally and with what a Romance-reader would consider an HFN (Happy For Now). That said, this is not a romantic suspense as the story stays squarely on the murder mystery/suspense.
If Blood Ties is the first of a series then I can understand delving so deeply into Stephen's background and Stephen, with his unique skills, partnering Ellen as they solve more murders together.
I would like to listen to another book by the author but Blood Ties is the only one available at Audible. My library didn't even have it.
Narrator: Graham Rowat
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would even though it isn't what I'd call a pure police procedural like Lucas Davenport, Harry Bosch et all. Blood Ties goes into the back history of Stephen Tregear whom Detective Ellen Ridley suspects of being connected, in some way, with the savage killings of young women in the Bay area.
I would normally not want my police procedurals to wander too far away from the investigation or, for the back history to be for someone other than the MC. In this case, however, Ellen and Stephen do end up involved personally and with what a Romance-reader would consider an HFN (Happy For Now). That said, this is not a romantic suspense as the story stays squarely on the murder mystery/suspense.
If Blood Ties is the first of a series then I can understand delving so deeply into Stephen's background and Stephen, with his unique skills, partnering Ellen as they solve more murders together.
I would like to listen to another book by the author but Blood Ties is the only one available at Audible. My library didn't even have it.
February 22, 2015
A complex, intricately written story, about a serial killer who takes pleasure in the random murder and mutilation of women that will keep you reading late into the night. SFPD homicide detective Ellen Ridley is not a typical cop and that makes the story and her character even more interesting than those found in a typical police procedural. Her gut instinct leads her to a possible suspect who, it turns out, is just as interested in tracking down the killer as she is. I loved the game playing by the killer and the development of the relationship between Ellie and her one time suspect. Blood Ties is a fast paced, thrill ride that will leave you wanting to see more of homicide detective Ellen Ridley.
August 7, 2016
This is an outstanding blend of police procedural/thriller.
Guild's strengths are his characters and his rock solid prose. He has the knack of creating very believable protagonists and supporting characters ... and then putting them through hell in a way that keeps you turning pages.
In some ways, this book reminded me of Ed McBain's work, in that his cops are genuine people with strengths and weaknesses. Guild's characters, though, seem more real to me.
Love thrillers? Grab this one.
Guild's strengths are his characters and his rock solid prose. He has the knack of creating very believable protagonists and supporting characters ... and then putting them through hell in a way that keeps you turning pages.
In some ways, this book reminded me of Ed McBain's work, in that his cops are genuine people with strengths and weaknesses. Guild's characters, though, seem more real to me.
Love thrillers? Grab this one.
July 7, 2015
This probably is more in the 3-3.5 range, but after the tripe I've read the past couple of weeks this was a breath of fresh air. A classic detective story without a lot of mystery of guess-work involved, it still had a fast-paced, engaging plot and a whirlwind romance on the side. On the whole, not a bad book at all. I'm not sad I bought it at all, though if you're looking to save money borrowing it would be just fine since I'm not sure you'd read it again.
July 27, 2016
I would recommend this to anyone that likes the murder mystery genre with a serial killer. Granted that's not really a genre, but this one has that. It is pretty heavy so I wouldn't just hand it to anyone. A good storyline and the reader does a great job. A savant helps out the police with his study he has done on a serial killer that tortures women before killing them.
September 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel and the characters. Hopefully the author will write a sequel or turn this into a series. It wasn't necessarily suspenseful but it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend this novel to a friend.
February 23, 2016
Blood Ties started out fun and interesting; a serial killer book with a familial twist. I didn't think it sustained the interest through to the end. I found Stephen a little too precious, and the climax a bit Hollywood. The premise was good, however.
June 14, 2015
My first book by this author. It was an interesting read, and I will be looking for more books by this author.
June 17, 2015
Good until the very last couple of pages which made it feel unfinished. Maybe a sequel is in order. Quite gory in parts.
July 17, 2015
Terrific crime novel.
February 22, 2016
As psychological thriller-mysteries go, this is a good one. As a book its ok. We listened to it on a long drive from the Bay Area back to Arizona and it kept us awake and interested all the way.
December 17, 2015
So far this is a great book!
This is a great book.
This is a great book.
February 11, 2016
This is a Yes read
Very thrilling and enjoyable story. Excitement all the way. I'll look for more from this author! Don't miss out. Read!
Very thrilling and enjoyable story. Excitement all the way. I'll look for more from this author! Don't miss out. Read!
April 18, 2019
When Ellen Ridley starts tracking a seriel killer of young women in San Francisco . she thinks she has the suspect in a hacker Stephen Tregear but it isn't what she thinks , he isn't the killer but knows who the killer is ,. Together they hunt down the killer but as the body count starts to rise . Ridley and Tregear need to race the clock to find and confront the man who has been trying to kill Tregear most of his life .
The characters are well written and complex. Ellen is a kick butt woman who can take down a suspect and then have fun in the next breath . She can be tough and has a very analytical mind . I really liked her
Stephen is cool and calculating hacker who is also kind of sexy and a Navy man . I seriously think he is the way he is because of the way his father was . There are so many characters in this story and the author does a great job of keeping them all in the story at the right times.
I started this book and was blown away . I got sucked in and couldn't put it down ,. The author has us on an edge of your seat rollercoaster ride . There are multiple views going on the books but keeps the two main characters up front and center . The story kept building and setting up the plot with great intensity . There are red herrings that will have you thinking woohoo they have him but then the author takes us in a totally other direction . The pacing was fast and didn't let up at any time through the book . I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read other books by this author . So if you want a great thriller check it out .
May 28, 2018
I could hardly put it down!. Best mystery I have read in a long time. Great characters, interesting plot. I am passing this book on to the other mystery lover friends.. This one does not go into the donation box.
I hope Nicholas Guild writes more with this heroine as a series.
I hope Nicholas Guild writes more with this heroine as a series.
January 3, 2019
A James Patterson-like detective thriller featuring Detective Ellen Ridley on the hunt for a serial killer with the help of the killer's son. The story moves along at a nice pace and really grabbed me about half way through and then I struggled to put it down.
March 31, 2019
This book was amazing! I loved the story, it kept me reading all night. This was a riveting story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes thrillers.
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August 8, 2019read it
May 2, 2021
Decent read. It was a bookclub pick
May 21, 2016
A manhunt for a monster, a police procedural and a love story all wrapped up in a thriller sums up what this novel is all about. Its characters are fascinating, beginning with a serial killer who probably has murdered hundreds of women by torturing them to death in his decades-long career. More important is his rationale for doing so: putting them out of their misery (just life on this old planet, a living hell in his view). The murders were committed all over the country, but the most recent took place in the San Francisco area, where homicide detective Ellen Ridley and her partner, Sam Tyler, become the lead investigators on three related murders (and possibly five all together).
Ridley at first suspects Stephen Tregear, a highly intelligent, charming computer genius and code breaker for the Navy, as a suspect, but soon eliminates him, learning instead that it is his father who is the ogre. The two form a relationship and with his help the story moves on until father and son confront each other. It is a study really of psychological insights into each character and what motivations led them to act as they have.
Among the themes that contribute to these manifestations are growing up in an abusive home and why one family member turns out to be a brutal serial killer, while another becomes a highly educated, intelligent person with admirable values who risks his life to save those of others. The story is well-presented, and moves along at a steady pace, and the reader becomes totally absorbed in a beguiling plot.
Recommended.
Ridley at first suspects Stephen Tregear, a highly intelligent, charming computer genius and code breaker for the Navy, as a suspect, but soon eliminates him, learning instead that it is his father who is the ogre. The two form a relationship and with his help the story moves on until father and son confront each other. It is a study really of psychological insights into each character and what motivations led them to act as they have.
Among the themes that contribute to these manifestations are growing up in an abusive home and why one family member turns out to be a brutal serial killer, while another becomes a highly educated, intelligent person with admirable values who risks his life to save those of others. The story is well-presented, and moves along at a steady pace, and the reader becomes totally absorbed in a beguiling plot.
Recommended.
Read
July 27, 2015BLOOD TIES is an intriguing and captivating novel of a serial killer and his son. SFPD detectives Ellen Ridley and Sam Tyler have caught the case of multiple murders pointing to a serial killer. Ridley comes up with a viable suspect, Stephen Tregear; however, he turns out to know the killer intimately because it is his father, Walter. Now it’s a matter of time before the confrontation between father, son, and the SFPD comes to a head. BLOOD TIES is an amazingly complex and engaging thriller. I didn’t mind the fact that the reader finds out who the killer is early on as it only adds to the suspense. BLOOD TIES is well-written with intricate characters who come to life due to excellent development by the author. The pace story didn’t feel hurried in anyway, but it also wasn’t plodding and slow. BLOOD TIES will definitely keep readers on the edge of their seats and I expect we will see books of only the best caliber from this author.
June 24, 2016
The premise and first half of this book were really good. I worried that Guild couldn't keep it up. And it turns out that I was right to worry.
The more I read the second half the more I felt disappointment. Guild kept rehashing things. He left huge holes in the plot. Even the quality of the writing seemed to drop off. Detective Ridley turned into a cardboard character. Guild did not seem to be the same author who wrote The Assyrian.
I almost gave it two stars, but the final 20 pages were painful to read. I wish I had read a spoiler so I could have put it down 100 pages sooner.
The more I read the second half the more I felt disappointment. Guild kept rehashing things. He left huge holes in the plot. Even the quality of the writing seemed to drop off. Detective Ridley turned into a cardboard character. Guild did not seem to be the same author who wrote The Assyrian.
I almost gave it two stars, but the final 20 pages were painful to read. I wish I had read a spoiler so I could have put it down 100 pages sooner.
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April 25, 2015DNF 24%
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