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The Stonemason's Song
When human remains are unearthed in a flyover support, an antique chisel buried into the skull, Bliss and the Major Crime team recall an unsolved case from the previous year. The tools used as weapons in both murders suggest a Masonic connection. But are they looking for the same killer, or is there more than one person out there using a ritualistic technique to commit murder?
A Private Investigator, last known to be searching for a missing child, was found murdered in a London reservoir. The Unsolved Cases Team react swiftly when they are asked to reinvestigate, immediately suspecting a link to sex crimes. But as they make progress, they come to realise that the setup is more organised. Also, they’re not the only ones interested in the culprits.
Jimmy Bliss shifts between the two teams seamlessly, but as usual he flirts with danger and finds himself in the crosshairs of some very dangerous villains. His habit of pushing people further than they wish to bend might be about to wreak havoc with his life, leaving him with nowhere left to turn. And just when he needs his health the most, is it about to fail him…?What early readers have to say about The Stonemason's Song...
“This book really does have it all, laughter, banter, tears and heart stopping moments.”
“Tony Forder has done it again!”
“As with all Tony Forder’s books, the writing is superb and carries you along.”
“Such a wonderful read.”
“I feel very bereft now the book has finished.”
“This book has been a fantastic page turning one, that I couldn't put down, it has made me laugh, gasp, cringe and at the end cry.”
“The story is relentless and never lets go of you, with the pacing staying strong throughout and picking up tempo towards the end.”
“There are plenty of heart stopping moments and the ending has left me an emotional wreck.”
“Addictive and highly entertaining, a must read!”
What readers had to say about the previous DI Jimmy Bliss novel...
‘Fabulous writing and a great storyline, with some new and exciting characters, as well as the good old camaraderie between Jimmy and Chandler.’
‘I can't recommend this book, and this author enough.’
‘There are two great puzzles to be solved here. An excellent read.’
‘Another cracking read in this wonderful series.’
‘An excellent read just as brilliant as all the previous ones ...can be nothing less than 5*’
‘This was such a riveting read. The banter and humour is still there especially when Chandler is involved, and I really enjoyed the mix of the old and new.’
‘Overall a rip-roaring read. Bravo Mr Forder! I will look forward to the next instalment in Jimmy's new chapter.’
'I cannot recommend the book highly enough, one that if you are a follower of this series will have you even more impressed with the authors work than ever before.'
'Superb plotting, denouements you won't see coming, and a cast of believable characters. What's not to love in a crime fiction novel?'
'Some great twists and turns, particularly in the cold case, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Such an enjoyable and entertaining read.'
'It is a brilliant book and series and one I would definitely recommend.'
'This book has it all.'
'A stunningly brilliant adorable read.'
A Private Investigator, last known to be searching for a missing child, was found murdered in a London reservoir. The Unsolved Cases Team react swiftly when they are asked to reinvestigate, immediately suspecting a link to sex crimes. But as they make progress, they come to realise that the setup is more organised. Also, they’re not the only ones interested in the culprits.
Jimmy Bliss shifts between the two teams seamlessly, but as usual he flirts with danger and finds himself in the crosshairs of some very dangerous villains. His habit of pushing people further than they wish to bend might be about to wreak havoc with his life, leaving him with nowhere left to turn. And just when he needs his health the most, is it about to fail him…?What early readers have to say about The Stonemason's Song...
“This book really does have it all, laughter, banter, tears and heart stopping moments.”
“Tony Forder has done it again!”
“As with all Tony Forder’s books, the writing is superb and carries you along.”
“Such a wonderful read.”
“I feel very bereft now the book has finished.”
“This book has been a fantastic page turning one, that I couldn't put down, it has made me laugh, gasp, cringe and at the end cry.”
“The story is relentless and never lets go of you, with the pacing staying strong throughout and picking up tempo towards the end.”
“There are plenty of heart stopping moments and the ending has left me an emotional wreck.”
“Addictive and highly entertaining, a must read!”
What readers had to say about the previous DI Jimmy Bliss novel...
‘Fabulous writing and a great storyline, with some new and exciting characters, as well as the good old camaraderie between Jimmy and Chandler.’
‘I can't recommend this book, and this author enough.’
‘There are two great puzzles to be solved here. An excellent read.’
‘Another cracking read in this wonderful series.’
‘An excellent read just as brilliant as all the previous ones ...can be nothing less than 5*’
‘This was such a riveting read. The banter and humour is still there especially when Chandler is involved, and I really enjoyed the mix of the old and new.’
‘Overall a rip-roaring read. Bravo Mr Forder! I will look forward to the next instalment in Jimmy's new chapter.’
'I cannot recommend the book highly enough, one that if you are a follower of this series will have you even more impressed with the authors work than ever before.'
'Superb plotting, denouements you won't see coming, and a cast of believable characters. What's not to love in a crime fiction novel?'
'Some great twists and turns, particularly in the cold case, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Such an enjoyable and entertaining read.'
'It is a brilliant book and series and one I would definitely recommend.'
'This book has it all.'
'A stunningly brilliant adorable read.'
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2025
48 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 27, 2025
Back in 2018, I read Bad to the Bone, the first book in the DI Bliss series and it introduced me to characters who immediately became some of my most enduring favourites. Each book since has thrilled, amused and moved me and Tony J. Forder has been a permanent fixture on my top books of the year list. The Stonemason's Song is the fourteenth full-length novel in the series and finds Jimmy Bliss nearing the end of his tumultuous career in law enforcement.
Despite having retired from the police force, Bliss has continued working with his old team at Thorpe Wood as a civilian Senior Investigating Officer and also heads up an unsolved investigations team. His transition to life without a warrant card hasn't been without its challenges, particularly regarding his relationships with some of his new cold case colleagues but in many ways, it has been business as usual. It's not surprising therefore, that he should approach his new cases with his customary mix of determination, and disregard for his own safety. However, as the novel progresses, he is forced to truly consider the consequence of his actions and to realise what really matters to him.
When the body of a man with a chisel embedded in his skull is discovered in a flyover support, Bliss is immediately reminded of the strong similarities with another unsolved case. A year earlier, the team had investigated the brutal murder of a man found with a large metal compass in the side of his head but despite suspecting a link to freemasonry, the operation had made little headway and only remained nominally open. This second case, though, ensures the potential links to Masonic mythology are inescapable. Bliss is no fan of the Masons and makes his feelings clear but still manages to learn more about Masonic rituals when he questions the Master Mason from a local Lodge. The Masons have often been viewed as a secretive, rather ridiculous group in this country, but Tony J. Forder's portrayal is more even-handed, with a detailed and fair explanation of their belief system – especially the moral significance of the tools which connect masons with the work of the stonemasons centuries ago. This insight into their history is fascinating and adds an intriguing, chilling element to the story.
Meanwhile, the Unsolved Cases Team have been asked to reinvestigate the murder of a private investigator, Hugh Stolly. The original operation had been unsuccessful but had come to the attention of Bliss's team after the original SIO put in a request for them to run a full review. They've reached the point where they too have accepted their own investigation was unlikely to result in any significant new leads. However, a last-ditch radio appeal unexpectedly reaches a woman who contacts the team with important new information that changes everything – for the case and for Bliss himself.
There's a clever juxtaposition between the two separate investigations here; the Major Crime Unit current operation requires them to look into decades-old missing persons cases, while Jimmy inadvertently stumbles upon a modern organised crime link when he heads up to London chasing a lead in his cold case. Both find Bliss at his best and worst and the line between his strengths and flaws is thinner than ever here. He is undoubtedly principled and courageous, albeit sometimes foolishly so, but some of his decisions here risk other investigations, infuriate some of his colleagues and put his own life in serious danger. Meanwhile, a previous case has also brought him into the crosshairs of a bitter, powerful man with a grudge.
As always his relationships with his colleagues is a highlight of the book; his friendship with Penny Chandler – now an acting Detective Inspector is still the source of most of the humour in the novel, although Beth Greenhill from the Unsolved Cases Team also takes great delight in winding him up. He still manages to annoy some people, of course but this older Bliss has mellowed over the years and although he still maintains a flexible attitude towards correct procedure in his pursuit of justice, he reacts more thoughtfully to criticism in the past and owns up to his failings.
As much as Bliss and Chandler have been a superb double act, the most touching relationship is arguably that between Jimmy and Molly, the young woman he rescued a few years ago and who has remained an important part of his life. Her transformation has been a vital part of the series, and her merciless teasing of Jimmy is touchingly tempered by her obvious love and concern for him. Bliss is tested like never before here, both physically and emotionally and eventually has to decide what matters most. The decision he comes to is equally heartbreaking and hopeful and ultimately sums up the man Jimmy Bliss is.
The Stonemason's Song is everything a police procedural should be and more; a thrilling, compulsive read full of tension, shocks, laughter and heart, with a conclusion that left me with tears running down my face. Very highly recommended.
Despite having retired from the police force, Bliss has continued working with his old team at Thorpe Wood as a civilian Senior Investigating Officer and also heads up an unsolved investigations team. His transition to life without a warrant card hasn't been without its challenges, particularly regarding his relationships with some of his new cold case colleagues but in many ways, it has been business as usual. It's not surprising therefore, that he should approach his new cases with his customary mix of determination, and disregard for his own safety. However, as the novel progresses, he is forced to truly consider the consequence of his actions and to realise what really matters to him.
When the body of a man with a chisel embedded in his skull is discovered in a flyover support, Bliss is immediately reminded of the strong similarities with another unsolved case. A year earlier, the team had investigated the brutal murder of a man found with a large metal compass in the side of his head but despite suspecting a link to freemasonry, the operation had made little headway and only remained nominally open. This second case, though, ensures the potential links to Masonic mythology are inescapable. Bliss is no fan of the Masons and makes his feelings clear but still manages to learn more about Masonic rituals when he questions the Master Mason from a local Lodge. The Masons have often been viewed as a secretive, rather ridiculous group in this country, but Tony J. Forder's portrayal is more even-handed, with a detailed and fair explanation of their belief system – especially the moral significance of the tools which connect masons with the work of the stonemasons centuries ago. This insight into their history is fascinating and adds an intriguing, chilling element to the story.
Meanwhile, the Unsolved Cases Team have been asked to reinvestigate the murder of a private investigator, Hugh Stolly. The original operation had been unsuccessful but had come to the attention of Bliss's team after the original SIO put in a request for them to run a full review. They've reached the point where they too have accepted their own investigation was unlikely to result in any significant new leads. However, a last-ditch radio appeal unexpectedly reaches a woman who contacts the team with important new information that changes everything – for the case and for Bliss himself.
There's a clever juxtaposition between the two separate investigations here; the Major Crime Unit current operation requires them to look into decades-old missing persons cases, while Jimmy inadvertently stumbles upon a modern organised crime link when he heads up to London chasing a lead in his cold case. Both find Bliss at his best and worst and the line between his strengths and flaws is thinner than ever here. He is undoubtedly principled and courageous, albeit sometimes foolishly so, but some of his decisions here risk other investigations, infuriate some of his colleagues and put his own life in serious danger. Meanwhile, a previous case has also brought him into the crosshairs of a bitter, powerful man with a grudge.
As always his relationships with his colleagues is a highlight of the book; his friendship with Penny Chandler – now an acting Detective Inspector is still the source of most of the humour in the novel, although Beth Greenhill from the Unsolved Cases Team also takes great delight in winding him up. He still manages to annoy some people, of course but this older Bliss has mellowed over the years and although he still maintains a flexible attitude towards correct procedure in his pursuit of justice, he reacts more thoughtfully to criticism in the past and owns up to his failings.
As much as Bliss and Chandler have been a superb double act, the most touching relationship is arguably that between Jimmy and Molly, the young woman he rescued a few years ago and who has remained an important part of his life. Her transformation has been a vital part of the series, and her merciless teasing of Jimmy is touchingly tempered by her obvious love and concern for him. Bliss is tested like never before here, both physically and emotionally and eventually has to decide what matters most. The decision he comes to is equally heartbreaking and hopeful and ultimately sums up the man Jimmy Bliss is.
The Stonemason's Song is everything a police procedural should be and more; a thrilling, compulsive read full of tension, shocks, laughter and heart, with a conclusion that left me with tears running down my face. Very highly recommended.
December 8, 2025
Jimmy Bliss already has his hands full with two cases. One in his role as leader of the Unsolved Cases Team with ex-DI Beth Greenhill, ex-DS Guy Foley and ex-DC Ben Corry looking into the cold case of PI Hugh Stolly found dead from gunshots on a reservoir island. Just as they seem to be getting nowhere further than the original SIO did, suddenly they get a break and soon Bliss finds himself back in London with an old mate from the NCA as their investigation expands rapidly. The other is as SIO with his old colleagues in the Major Crimes Unit of acting DI Penny Chandler, DS Olly Bishop, DC Alan Virgil and DC Vasyl Kolesnyk after a forty-year-old skeleton is found buried in concrete under a flyover. There is a large old chisel buried in its temple and alarmingly, the team are immediately reminded of their unsolved case from the previous year where Dr Joseph Squires was discovered in a ditch a few yards from his abandoned car with a twelve-inch pair of compasses in his head. Could the use of Masonic tools be mere coincidence, a copycat or the same killer all those years apart? And if it’s the same killer, are there more undiscovered bodies out there somewhere?
All the regulars are back, joined by a few old faces in what was a rather bitter sweet story with perhaps less action packed and sinister cases this time. With spiteful PCC David Benning making threats to Bliss and his teams after his son Jeremy was revealed as a corrupt police officer, Bliss continues to flirt with danger as he upsets villains, witnesses and colleagues alike but he gets results and nothing will change him after forty years. I really like how the author has kept Bliss working with the old favourites, retaining the close and loyal relationships with his old much-loved colleagues in MCU, whilst also building another very likeable team around him in the new unit. The witty and caring banter is all still present everywhere, but particularly with both Beth and Penny, especially when they gang up on him. After fourteen books, is this really the last we will see of Bliss or will there be another little ripple at some point?
All the regulars are back, joined by a few old faces in what was a rather bitter sweet story with perhaps less action packed and sinister cases this time. With spiteful PCC David Benning making threats to Bliss and his teams after his son Jeremy was revealed as a corrupt police officer, Bliss continues to flirt with danger as he upsets villains, witnesses and colleagues alike but he gets results and nothing will change him after forty years. I really like how the author has kept Bliss working with the old favourites, retaining the close and loyal relationships with his old much-loved colleagues in MCU, whilst also building another very likeable team around him in the new unit. The witty and caring banter is all still present everywhere, but particularly with both Beth and Penny, especially when they gang up on him. After fourteen books, is this really the last we will see of Bliss or will there be another little ripple at some point?
December 9, 2025
Tony Forder is one of my favourite authors . I have read all his books and have been waiting so patiently for this book to be published. I couldn't wait two minutes after it landed on my Kindle to start reading.
I love returning to Bliss and all his team. I am so comfortable with all these characters that they feel like my friends. This makes the Bliss series a dream to read for me.
Jimmy Bliss has his own ways of getting things done, and nothing has ever changed him. Brilliant as always! The banter between them all really brings light moments during the two cases they have.
I was so immersed in this riveting storyline. The twists were, as usual, unpredictable, and the ending.. . well, you will have to read it to find out!
Well done yet again, Tony Forder! From the first to the fourteenth book , your writing has been second to none! Excellent book!
I love returning to Bliss and all his team. I am so comfortable with all these characters that they feel like my friends. This makes the Bliss series a dream to read for me.
Jimmy Bliss has his own ways of getting things done, and nothing has ever changed him. Brilliant as always! The banter between them all really brings light moments during the two cases they have.
I was so immersed in this riveting storyline. The twists were, as usual, unpredictable, and the ending.. . well, you will have to read it to find out!
Well done yet again, Tony Forder! From the first to the fourteenth book , your writing has been second to none! Excellent book!
January 23, 2026
Dear Tony J Forder
The Stonemason’s Song was a brilliant read to say farewell to Jimmy Bliss. Tears fell as I reached the final page and read his message to Penny Chandler. Thankfully, Molly has grown from that terrified lost young girl standing on the roof into a beautiful strong girl, full of ambition and drive and become a part of Jimmy’s life, almost stronger than a blood-related daughter.
Read every book in this series. Trying to work out how many sleepless nights I’ve had through the series – the answer; all – the one I’ve taken longest to read? The Stonemason’s Song. I think I am so tuned into your writing that I knew I might receive the news I’ve been dreading.
Loved this series so much that I’ve purchased all the books as audiobooks and am revisiting the brilliant storylines!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group purchased a copy of the book.
The Stonemason’s Song was a brilliant read to say farewell to Jimmy Bliss. Tears fell as I reached the final page and read his message to Penny Chandler. Thankfully, Molly has grown from that terrified lost young girl standing on the roof into a beautiful strong girl, full of ambition and drive and become a part of Jimmy’s life, almost stronger than a blood-related daughter.
Read every book in this series. Trying to work out how many sleepless nights I’ve had through the series – the answer; all – the one I’ve taken longest to read? The Stonemason’s Song. I think I am so tuned into your writing that I knew I might receive the news I’ve been dreading.
Loved this series so much that I’ve purchased all the books as audiobooks and am revisiting the brilliant storylines!
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group purchased a copy of the book.
December 13, 2025
I always look forward to a new release from Tony J Forder and The Stonemason's Song did not disappoint!
Bliss and his team are great characters you can relate to. Their relationships are entertaining and I really enjoy their patter and their ribbing of each other. Their occasional humour is necessary to lighten the mood during the murder investigations.
Tony tells this story brilliantly. You can tell how much research he has done to make the subject of the masons authentic and the storyline believable.
I'm not one for going in to details for a review but I will say there are a few twists and surprises you will relish!
Yet another great book in the Bliss series. I don't understand why they aren't best sellers!
Bliss and his team are great characters you can relate to. Their relationships are entertaining and I really enjoy their patter and their ribbing of each other. Their occasional humour is necessary to lighten the mood during the murder investigations.
Tony tells this story brilliantly. You can tell how much research he has done to make the subject of the masons authentic and the storyline believable.
I'm not one for going in to details for a review but I will say there are a few twists and surprises you will relish!
Yet another great book in the Bliss series. I don't understand why they aren't best sellers!
December 25, 2025
When I heard that this was going to be the final book for Tony and his amazing creations of Bliss and co, I was gutted. Tony has a real way of drawing you into the scene, to the locations, and directly into the characters life.
Bliss - you will be missed.
The book was excellent, pivoting around a double investigation, and the mystery of the Masons.
Tony. Thank you, really, thank you.
Thank you for your review.
Bliss - you will be missed.
The book was excellent, pivoting around a double investigation, and the mystery of the Masons.
Tony. Thank you, really, thank you.
Thank you for your review.
November 26, 2025
Brilliant
Another excellent read. I don't know how Tony does it. The balance between Major crime and Cold cases was just right. The twists and turns were not too contrived to be unbelievable. I learned a lot about the mysterious Masons, also.Highly recommended, again.
Another excellent read. I don't know how Tony does it. The balance between Major crime and Cold cases was just right. The twists and turns were not too contrived to be unbelievable. I learned a lot about the mysterious Masons, also.Highly recommended, again.
December 28, 2025
Oh my days, the last page finished me and my eyes leaked.
What can I say that I haven’t already said before about the bliss books. Such well written storylines, each and every one has been a joy to read.
What can I say that I haven’t already said before about the bliss books. Such well written storylines, each and every one has been a joy to read.
December 31, 2025
I don't believe it
This is the end of Jimmy Bliss? Really? I've loved every bit of his journey, his grumpy sarcasm, his beliefs and his stubbornness...And I had tears as I read the last chapter...poignant.
But he can't be gone....can he?
This is the end of Jimmy Bliss? Really? I've loved every bit of his journey, his grumpy sarcasm, his beliefs and his stubbornness...And I had tears as I read the last chapter...poignant.
But he can't be gone....can he?
January 10, 2026
shocking
I’ve read all the Jimmy Bliss books and enjoyed everyone this is no exception, except the ending I didn’t enjoy that . So if you want to know what I didn’t enjoy read the book. Thank you Tony Forder for taking the time to write such excellent entertaining stories
I’ve read all the Jimmy Bliss books and enjoyed everyone this is no exception, except the ending I didn’t enjoy that . So if you want to know what I didn’t enjoy read the book. Thank you Tony Forder for taking the time to write such excellent entertaining stories
January 21, 2026
My absolute favourite series so I was excited to read this once it dropped. Bliss is back again juggling two cases but this book felt different, an undertone that Bliss was in real danger from multiple avenues. The ending... well... there's nothing I can say
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews