What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn
'Highly compelling with many unexpected twists' - Female First
DCI Eleanor Moore is drawn into a series of brutal killings that defy explanation. As she follows the trail of evidence, she uncovers links between the crimes, the vaccine, and a shadowy conspiracy determined to control the future. The investigation becomes painfully personal when Eleanor realises a member of her own family may be entangled in the very secrets she is chasing.
Blood Halvyn Dawn is a paranormal crime thriller set in 2046, where the aftermath of a contaminated vaccine has altered humanity in ways no one yet fully understands. Hybrid beings walk among us, their true nature hidden until violence drags them into the light.
DCI Eleanor Moore is drawn into a series of brutal killings that defy explanation. As she follows the trail of evidence, she uncovers links between the crimes, the vaccine, and a shadowy conspiracy determined to control the future. The investigation becomes painfully personal when Eleanor realises a member of her own family may be entangled in the very secrets she is chasing.
Blood Halvyn Dawn is a paranormal crime thriller set in 2046, where the aftermath of a contaminated vaccine has altered humanity in ways no one yet fully understands. Hybrid beings walk among us, their true nature hidden until violence drags them into the light.
344 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
Gail Waterhouse
2 books57 followersI’m a North Yorkshire–based author of paranormal crime thrillers, blending grounded police procedure with subtle horror and speculative science. My Blood Becoming series explores a near-future world shaped by a contaminated vaccine, where hidden biological changes surface through violent and unexplained crimes. The series begins with Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn and continues with Blood Becoming: The Etched Crescent, publishing on 28 October 2026.
With a background in education and an MA in Creative and Media Education, I bring a sharp understanding of human behaviour, systems, and societal pressures into my writing. My work focuses on ethical dilemmas, forensic detail, and the unsettling idea that the greatest threats may already exist within us.
I’m influenced by writers such as Anne Rice, Justin Cronin, Ann Cleeves, and Tana French, and I write with a focus on realism, tension, and character-driven investigation. I’m currently developing the Blood Becoming series, alongside future projects expanding the world and its origins.
My Blood Becoming is a grounded British police procedural with the atmosphere of Shetland and the biotech horror undertones of The Passage.
'A highly compelling with many unexpected twists.' - Female First
With a background in education and an MA in Creative and Media Education, I bring a sharp understanding of human behaviour, systems, and societal pressures into my writing. My work focuses on ethical dilemmas, forensic detail, and the unsettling idea that the greatest threats may already exist within us.
I’m influenced by writers such as Anne Rice, Justin Cronin, Ann Cleeves, and Tana French, and I write with a focus on realism, tension, and character-driven investigation. I’m currently developing the Blood Becoming series, alongside future projects expanding the world and its origins.
My Blood Becoming is a grounded British police procedural with the atmosphere of Shetland and the biotech horror undertones of The Passage.
'A highly compelling with many unexpected twists.' - Female First
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 20, 2026
This was intriguing read! I love the combination of a dark crime investigation, paranormal elements, and a conspiracy that could change everything we know about humanity. 🖤
DCI Eleanor Moore sounds like a fascinating character to follow, especially as she investigates a series of brutal murders that seem to be connected to something much bigger than she could have imagined. I’m always drawn to mysteries where each new clue raises even more questions, and the fact that the investigation becomes personal when her own family may be involved adds another layer of tension to the story.
The setting in 2046 also really caught my attention. The idea of a contaminated vaccine altering humanity and creating hybrid beings who can hide in plain sight is both unsettling and fascinating. It gives the story a darker edge, particularly with the suggestion that someone is manipulating events behind the scenes to control the future.
I’m especially curious about how the vaccine, the killings, and the hidden hybrids all connect. There’s so much potential for twists and revelations here, and I love the sound of a thriller that blends police procedural elements with paranormal suspense. Eleanor isn’t just trying to solve a series of murders; she’s uncovering secrets that could turn everything she believes upside down.
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn sounds like a gripping, dark, and thought-provoking read that combines crime, conspiracy, and supernatural mystery in a chilling futuristic setting. If you enjoy stories that keep you questioning who you can trust and what might be lurking beneath the surface, this one sounds well worth picking up!
I’m definitely intrigued to discover what Eleanor uncovers and just how far this conspiracy goes. 🖤
DCI Eleanor Moore sounds like a fascinating character to follow, especially as she investigates a series of brutal murders that seem to be connected to something much bigger than she could have imagined. I’m always drawn to mysteries where each new clue raises even more questions, and the fact that the investigation becomes personal when her own family may be involved adds another layer of tension to the story.
The setting in 2046 also really caught my attention. The idea of a contaminated vaccine altering humanity and creating hybrid beings who can hide in plain sight is both unsettling and fascinating. It gives the story a darker edge, particularly with the suggestion that someone is manipulating events behind the scenes to control the future.
I’m especially curious about how the vaccine, the killings, and the hidden hybrids all connect. There’s so much potential for twists and revelations here, and I love the sound of a thriller that blends police procedural elements with paranormal suspense. Eleanor isn’t just trying to solve a series of murders; she’s uncovering secrets that could turn everything she believes upside down.
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn sounds like a gripping, dark, and thought-provoking read that combines crime, conspiracy, and supernatural mystery in a chilling futuristic setting. If you enjoy stories that keep you questioning who you can trust and what might be lurking beneath the surface, this one sounds well worth picking up!
I’m definitely intrigued to discover what Eleanor uncovers and just how far this conspiracy goes. 🖤
September 24, 2026
This is one intense novel. Waterhouse's descriptions are so vivid I felt like I was in the action too. The character development was engaging with intense internal thinking and reactions. The character Lunara is almost beyond human. But then, the vampire character and actions are just as graphic and intense and beyond merely human. The emotional depth of descriptions is something I am not sure I have ever encountered before. Waterhouse's writing style is, well, very intense.
This is a good book for lovers of all things conspiracies, especially when it comes to vaccines and genetic manipulation. It is also a good book for those who enjoy vampire stories, here with a futuristic twist. This is not the kind of book I could read late at night. I do love police procedural novels and this is an intense one, adding pressure on DCI Moore with the possibility of her own family being involved. Futuristic themes, police procedure, vampires, conspiracies, this book has lots to keep one reading. And the story is not finished. I will be eagerly waiting for the sequel.
I received a digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
This is a good book for lovers of all things conspiracies, especially when it comes to vaccines and genetic manipulation. It is also a good book for those who enjoy vampire stories, here with a futuristic twist. This is not the kind of book I could read late at night. I do love police procedural novels and this is an intense one, adding pressure on DCI Moore with the possibility of her own family being involved. Futuristic themes, police procedure, vampires, conspiracies, this book has lots to keep one reading. And the story is not finished. I will be eagerly waiting for the sequel.
I received a digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
August 25, 2026
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn is a gripping paranormal crime thriller that combines a police investigation with a disturbing vision of humanity’s future. I liked how DCI Eleanor Moore’s investigation begins with brutal killings but gradually reveals something much larger and more unsettling beneath the surface. The 2046 setting works particularly well, especially with the aftermath of the contaminated vaccine and the mystery surrounding the hybrid beings living secretly among ordinary people. The story also becomes more compelling when Eleanor discovers that her own family may be connected to the secrets she is trying to uncover.
A dark and intriguing read that blends crime, conspiracy, science-fiction elements, and paranormal suspense while leaving plenty of questions about what humanity could become.
A dark and intriguing read that blends crime, conspiracy, science-fiction elements, and paranormal suspense while leaving plenty of questions about what humanity could become.
October 4, 2026
🩸 Some investigations don’t just uncover killers they expose secrets that were never meant to see the light of day.
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn by Gail Waterhouse pulled me into a gritty, suspenseful, and deeply atmospheric investigation where every piece of evidence seemed to lead somewhere darker.
DCI Eleanor Moore is faced with a series of brutal killings that defy easy explanation, and I immediately felt the tension building as she began pulling at the threads connecting them. What starts as a disturbing murder investigation gradually expands into something far more unsettling, with links between the crimes, a vaccine, and a shadowy conspiracy focused on controlling the future.
What worked especially well for me was the clinical atmosphere surrounding the story. There’s something particularly chilling about approaching violence and conspiracy through the lens of evidence, investigation, and cold, unsettling details. The story kept me questioning what was really happening and how far the conspiracy reached.
But the investigation becomes even more personal when Eleanor discovers that someone in her own family may be connected to the secrets she’s trying to expose. That added another layer of tension for me because suddenly the stakes weren’t just professional they were deeply personal.
I enjoyed how the story balances crime investigation, conspiracy, scientific intrigue, and psychological suspense, creating an atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic as Eleanor gets closer to the truth. The more she uncovers, the more dangerous the investigation becomes, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see where the evidence would lead next.
If you enjoy gritty crime thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, conspiracy-driven suspense, determined detectives, and investigations where the personal stakes keep getting higher, this is one to add to your reading list.
📚 Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and Gail Waterhouse for sharing Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn with me!
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn by Gail Waterhouse pulled me into a gritty, suspenseful, and deeply atmospheric investigation where every piece of evidence seemed to lead somewhere darker.
DCI Eleanor Moore is faced with a series of brutal killings that defy easy explanation, and I immediately felt the tension building as she began pulling at the threads connecting them. What starts as a disturbing murder investigation gradually expands into something far more unsettling, with links between the crimes, a vaccine, and a shadowy conspiracy focused on controlling the future.
What worked especially well for me was the clinical atmosphere surrounding the story. There’s something particularly chilling about approaching violence and conspiracy through the lens of evidence, investigation, and cold, unsettling details. The story kept me questioning what was really happening and how far the conspiracy reached.
But the investigation becomes even more personal when Eleanor discovers that someone in her own family may be connected to the secrets she’s trying to expose. That added another layer of tension for me because suddenly the stakes weren’t just professional they were deeply personal.
I enjoyed how the story balances crime investigation, conspiracy, scientific intrigue, and psychological suspense, creating an atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic as Eleanor gets closer to the truth. The more she uncovers, the more dangerous the investigation becomes, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see where the evidence would lead next.
If you enjoy gritty crime thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, conspiracy-driven suspense, determined detectives, and investigations where the personal stakes keep getting higher, this is one to add to your reading list.
📚 Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and Gail Waterhouse for sharing Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn with me!
May 12, 2026
A paranormal thriller that takes place 20 years from now. Unbeknown to the public, there is a corrupted virus that causes serious side effects. Turning people into so called Halvyns. Vampire like humans that crave mere than just blood. They need the memories in that blood in order to maintain a human connection. In order to survive.
When dead bodies start to surface, detective Eleanor needs to find the killer. The bite marks, the draining of blood, it all point to creatures that shouldn’t exist. As the investigation goes on, she discovers there is link between her late husbands research and the case. With both investigations intertwining, she learns that she herself plays a role in all of it and that some one close by might also be involved. What part this the pharmaceutical industry play in all of this and most important, what are the consequences. Not just for the general population, but for Eleanor and her family as well.
What I loved is how well the author went about the, somewhat, sensitive subject of vaccines. Especially considering it was mostly about the Covid vaccines. The author was very respectful and thoughtful. Whether you are for or against, neither party will feel mocked or excluded.
The whole “new” vampires living amongst us was creative and I loved the idea. Also the craving memories was a great twist.
And I loved Eleanor. The two sides of her. The detective but also the mom and the wife who has lost her husband. Balancing those two hats made her relatable/ human. The family and their bond was also really well written.
Having said that, I didn’t really hit the spot for me. I expect something a bit different. This story takes place in the near future. I was hoping that we would get a glimpse of futuristic detection techniques, like high-tech surveillance and a world in which everything and anything is monitored. That wasn’t really the case. You do get some innovative takes but they were less cutting edge than I expected them to be.
There were some feelings that developed a little too fast for my liking (loving someone within days) and some answers that came a little to easy or immediate. Making it, it lost the suspense I want in a thriller.
Lastly, I had some trouble with the descriptions. It does paint the scene but for me, it was sometimes too much. Pulling me out of the story.
All in all I expected something a bit different and I wasn’t the perfect fit for this book. Although i did read it in 2 days. On a scale of 1-10, this was a 6,5 for me.
When dead bodies start to surface, detective Eleanor needs to find the killer. The bite marks, the draining of blood, it all point to creatures that shouldn’t exist. As the investigation goes on, she discovers there is link between her late husbands research and the case. With both investigations intertwining, she learns that she herself plays a role in all of it and that some one close by might also be involved. What part this the pharmaceutical industry play in all of this and most important, what are the consequences. Not just for the general population, but for Eleanor and her family as well.
What I loved is how well the author went about the, somewhat, sensitive subject of vaccines. Especially considering it was mostly about the Covid vaccines. The author was very respectful and thoughtful. Whether you are for or against, neither party will feel mocked or excluded.
The whole “new” vampires living amongst us was creative and I loved the idea. Also the craving memories was a great twist.
And I loved Eleanor. The two sides of her. The detective but also the mom and the wife who has lost her husband. Balancing those two hats made her relatable/ human. The family and their bond was also really well written.
Having said that, I didn’t really hit the spot for me. I expect something a bit different. This story takes place in the near future. I was hoping that we would get a glimpse of futuristic detection techniques, like high-tech surveillance and a world in which everything and anything is monitored. That wasn’t really the case. You do get some innovative takes but they were less cutting edge than I expected them to be.
There were some feelings that developed a little too fast for my liking (loving someone within days) and some answers that came a little to easy or immediate. Making it, it lost the suspense I want in a thriller.
Lastly, I had some trouble with the descriptions. It does paint the scene but for me, it was sometimes too much. Pulling me out of the story.
All in all I expected something a bit different and I wasn’t the perfect fit for this book. Although i did read it in 2 days. On a scale of 1-10, this was a 6,5 for me.
September 3, 2026
This book was so good, the plot took a direction I was not expecting, and as someone who loves paranormal fiction, this unique take on hybrid beings had me completely hooked. This is my first time reading Gail Waterhouse and I am so glad I picked this one up.
Even though the story is set in 2046, the writing carries an almost classic novel feel, so despite the futuristic police procedural elements, there is still this timeless, mythic atmosphere running underneath it, which gave the read a really unique effect. I also loved the different perspectives, they gave such a well rounded look at how this contaminated vaccine plays out across both sides of this new reality. I listened to this one as an audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic, her voice fit the theme perfectly and made the whole experience even better.
I loved Eleanor and her family, their connection and backstory wove beautifully into the mystery. There are also some other characters I cannot describe in detail without spoiling things, but as a paranormal fiction fan, they absolutely caught and held my attention.
At its core, nothing in this book is truly black and white. Your own experience or viewpoint is one sided, and there is always another side worth looking at. What someone may see as a monster, others may see as a struggling creature. What some may view as brutal murders, others may see as an inescapable mistake they are trying to run from.
If you love paranormal fiction, sci-fi, or a good crime thriller, this one belongs on your list.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Even though the story is set in 2046, the writing carries an almost classic novel feel, so despite the futuristic police procedural elements, there is still this timeless, mythic atmosphere running underneath it, which gave the read a really unique effect. I also loved the different perspectives, they gave such a well rounded look at how this contaminated vaccine plays out across both sides of this new reality. I listened to this one as an audiobook, and the narrator was fantastic, her voice fit the theme perfectly and made the whole experience even better.
I loved Eleanor and her family, their connection and backstory wove beautifully into the mystery. There are also some other characters I cannot describe in detail without spoiling things, but as a paranormal fiction fan, they absolutely caught and held my attention.
At its core, nothing in this book is truly black and white. Your own experience or viewpoint is one sided, and there is always another side worth looking at. What someone may see as a monster, others may see as a struggling creature. What some may view as brutal murders, others may see as an inescapable mistake they are trying to run from.
If you love paranormal fiction, sci-fi, or a good crime thriller, this one belongs on your list.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2026
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn was such a unique and unexpected read! I honestly wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this one, but Gail Waterhouse completely hooked me.
DCI Eleanor Moore is investigating a series of brutal murders where the victims have been drained of blood, and the deeper she digs, the more she realizes there is something much bigger going on. What starts as a murder investigation quickly turns into a mystery involving a contaminated vaccine, a hidden conspiracy, and something that definitely isn’t completely human.
I really loved Eleanor. She’s a strong detective, but we also get to see her as a mom and a woman dealing with grief and everything happening within her own family. That personal connection to the investigation added so much emotion to the story and made me even more invested in finding out what was really going on.
What really stood out to me was how Gail blended crime, science, paranormal elements, and suspense. The idea of these hybrid beings living among humans was so interesting, and I loved that this wasn’t your typical paranormal story. There were twists, secrets, and so many moments where I thought I had things figured out only to realize I was completely wrong.
I also loved how the story made me question who the real monsters were. There are definitely characters and situations that aren’t simply black and white, and that added another layer to the story that I really enjoyed.
DCI Eleanor Moore is investigating a series of brutal murders where the victims have been drained of blood, and the deeper she digs, the more she realizes there is something much bigger going on. What starts as a murder investigation quickly turns into a mystery involving a contaminated vaccine, a hidden conspiracy, and something that definitely isn’t completely human.
I really loved Eleanor. She’s a strong detective, but we also get to see her as a mom and a woman dealing with grief and everything happening within her own family. That personal connection to the investigation added so much emotion to the story and made me even more invested in finding out what was really going on.
What really stood out to me was how Gail blended crime, science, paranormal elements, and suspense. The idea of these hybrid beings living among humans was so interesting, and I loved that this wasn’t your typical paranormal story. There were twists, secrets, and so many moments where I thought I had things figured out only to realize I was completely wrong.
I also loved how the story made me question who the real monsters were. There are definitely characters and situations that aren’t simply black and white, and that added another layer to the story that I really enjoyed.
September 23, 2026
MY THOUGHTS:
Oooo a good old-fashioned vampire story... only, Set in 2046! I almost said movie because that’s what it felt like to me. I listened to the audio version and it felt just like I was listening to a movie without looking at the screen.
I found this book absolutely fascinating, I was riveted the whole way! Why did I love this book so much? Because it was so creepy, because it was graphic and I love those kinds of books lol, because it was about vampires, because the narration was so stinking amazing, because the character development was amazing… Maybe… All of these things!
It was eerie, creepy, but also heartwarming and very believable. I have never read a vampire book feel so real to me. This was so well done. I haven't read a ton of Vampire books, but this one is definitely my favorite.
Oh my word the narration is excellent! The pauses at just the right time, the accent, the way she can make you feel the darkness and picture EVERYTHING! And that he scene where DCI Eleanor meets her grandbaby for the first time... I felt every bit of that in my heart!
This book is rushing to the top of my favorite books of the year! I will definitely be reading the next one in the series ~ Blood Becoming: The Etched Crescent.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
Oooo a good old-fashioned vampire story... only, Set in 2046! I almost said movie because that’s what it felt like to me. I listened to the audio version and it felt just like I was listening to a movie without looking at the screen.
I found this book absolutely fascinating, I was riveted the whole way! Why did I love this book so much? Because it was so creepy, because it was graphic and I love those kinds of books lol, because it was about vampires, because the narration was so stinking amazing, because the character development was amazing… Maybe… All of these things!
It was eerie, creepy, but also heartwarming and very believable. I have never read a vampire book feel so real to me. This was so well done. I haven't read a ton of Vampire books, but this one is definitely my favorite.
Oh my word the narration is excellent! The pauses at just the right time, the accent, the way she can make you feel the darkness and picture EVERYTHING! And that he scene where DCI Eleanor meets her grandbaby for the first time... I felt every bit of that in my heart!
This book is rushing to the top of my favorite books of the year! I will definitely be reading the next one in the series ~ Blood Becoming: The Etched Crescent.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!!
September 14, 2026
Before I start reading Blood Becoming I didn't have a clue what I was about to read.
I really didn't know what to expect but this book is something else!
The story is not only about crime, twists, tension , paranormal but I also found it a bit emotional at times.
The characters and places are so well described and the story kept me very engaged.
The characters has their own challenges and made me want to read more about them and discover more.
I didn't really read vampire stories before but I really don't regret reading this one.
I like how the story evolved page after page and it was so good to read about different places- all drawn together because of one topic.
I would definitely recommend this book- you will not be disappointed.
The end was completely different to what I expected and now I can’t wait to read book 2.
I really didn't know what to expect but this book is something else!
The story is not only about crime, twists, tension , paranormal but I also found it a bit emotional at times.
The characters and places are so well described and the story kept me very engaged.
The characters has their own challenges and made me want to read more about them and discover more.
I didn't really read vampire stories before but I really don't regret reading this one.
I like how the story evolved page after page and it was so good to read about different places- all drawn together because of one topic.
I would definitely recommend this book- you will not be disappointed.
The end was completely different to what I expected and now I can’t wait to read book 2.
September 18, 2026
Blood Becoming:Halvyn Dawn by Gail Waterhouse is a paranormal crime thriller that has a police investigation that takes place in 2046 with the Covid vaccines having a nefarious reasons for being given, along with 'hybrids' appearing shortly afterwards. DCI Eleanor Moore is our FMC who may be connected to the hybrid and even her family....I liked the premise of the plot with the vaccine plot being a concern and how the hybrid is not just a bad guy. You can see two sides to the story in this book, about things that help people and things that harm people. I love how this book is paranormal and sci-fi interwoven with a really well written crime thriller. The characters are interesting and Eleanor is an interesting character also. She will do anything for her family. I really want to see where the story heads in an upcoming book!
August 10, 2026
- I have had the great opportunity to read the sequel to this book before its publication, and it's all thanks to the great author who is so kind, I was able to reach out to tell the author all about the memories I have with this book. This book was set in the exact location I was staying for a trip and always mentioned a bunch of locations I had visited while staying there! What a coincidence right?.
- Anyways on the topic of the book I just have to start with WOW! This was honestly one of the best vampire fiction books I have ever read as someone who loves the vampire genre, It is also dystopian fiction and a crime thriller. This book had the best descriptions of the angst of becoming a vampire (or a havelyn) especially with the bloodthirst: "The hunger lived in him like a second spine, twisting through his ribs, pulling at his throat" and the regret of killing innocent humans and trying to work your way around the world while becoming something you don't understand, this is all shown through the character of "Tomas" who I find so interesting.
- Not to spoil everything in this book but it genuinely had me hooked and I could not put this book down, I'm actually writing this at like 2 AM, as I only stayed up so I could finish the book and I am so thankful I get to read the second book because the cliffhanger the book ended on would've killed me. But do not worry as the sequel is being released to the public for everyone else to read on the 28th of October, where we follow Eleanor as her investigation deepens and takes her further into the supernatural world.
- Anyways on the topic of the book I just have to start with WOW! This was honestly one of the best vampire fiction books I have ever read as someone who loves the vampire genre, It is also dystopian fiction and a crime thriller. This book had the best descriptions of the angst of becoming a vampire (or a havelyn) especially with the bloodthirst: "The hunger lived in him like a second spine, twisting through his ribs, pulling at his throat" and the regret of killing innocent humans and trying to work your way around the world while becoming something you don't understand, this is all shown through the character of "Tomas" who I find so interesting.
- Not to spoil everything in this book but it genuinely had me hooked and I could not put this book down, I'm actually writing this at like 2 AM, as I only stayed up so I could finish the book and I am so thankful I get to read the second book because the cliffhanger the book ended on would've killed me. But do not worry as the sequel is being released to the public for everyone else to read on the 28th of October, where we follow Eleanor as her investigation deepens and takes her further into the supernatural world.
July 13, 2026
It’s a rare thing. To find a story based in your hometown. Unless you live in a sprawling soulless metropolis full of identikit grizzled renegade coppers. To find books set in Middlesbrough. Is even rarer. I’ve only found one other and that ... wasn’t great.
So. Where do I start on this. I suppose. With the protagonist. A DCI. Sharp, practical, efficient. Thrown into a mystery set in 2050. A mystery that starts in the fire and smoke of Porte de Malaga but threatens to engulf Middlesbrough, the whole of North Yorkshire and wider throughout the U.K.
Eleanor is drawn into a world that makes no sense, yet threatens her home and family. A world of unseen forces, global corporations pushing an insidious agenda. An agenda where somehow, she’s in the eye of the storm.
I need to stop writing. If I don’t. I’ll give far too much away and I wouldn’t do that to my fellow readers. I want you to feel the gossamer threads unfurl and connect as you read through the eyes of the detective. I want you to guess what’s coming next ... and still be totally blindsided. I want you to live and breathe this very credible world in just one of a million potential futures.
At over 300 pages. This isn’t a short book. But the world and the characters therein, are so vivid that losing myself in became all too easy. I don’t know how long it took me to read ... but I know this book finished far too quickly. So please Gail. Hurry up and finish part 2.
So. Where do I start on this. I suppose. With the protagonist. A DCI. Sharp, practical, efficient. Thrown into a mystery set in 2050. A mystery that starts in the fire and smoke of Porte de Malaga but threatens to engulf Middlesbrough, the whole of North Yorkshire and wider throughout the U.K.
Eleanor is drawn into a world that makes no sense, yet threatens her home and family. A world of unseen forces, global corporations pushing an insidious agenda. An agenda where somehow, she’s in the eye of the storm.
I need to stop writing. If I don’t. I’ll give far too much away and I wouldn’t do that to my fellow readers. I want you to feel the gossamer threads unfurl and connect as you read through the eyes of the detective. I want you to guess what’s coming next ... and still be totally blindsided. I want you to live and breathe this very credible world in just one of a million potential futures.
At over 300 pages. This isn’t a short book. But the world and the characters therein, are so vivid that losing myself in became all too easy. I don’t know how long it took me to read ... but I know this book finished far too quickly. So please Gail. Hurry up and finish part 2.
May 1, 2026
A genuinely fresh take on the vampire genre. Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn blends gritty crime with a clever biotech twist, making it feel original and unsettlingly real. I especially liked DCI Eleanor Moore, she felt grounded and very relatable. I found it hard to put it down and can’t wait for the second book in the series.
June 11, 2026
What an outstanding debut novel!
Paranormal is not a genre I have ever really been drawn to, so i was not sure if i would like Blood Becoming, but this book is clever as it combines different genres, to the point where it feels like a pheasable real life scenario.
The crime and police proceedings take centre stage for me. It was great the protagonist being an older female who was juggling career and family life. Throughout the story, family members were dropped into the story line helping build up a picture, although I feel there is much more to learn about DCI Moore. I loved the little details of the family pug, and the annoyance of someone forgetting to defrost the peas. The little bits like this kept it real. The detail of proceedings and research was brilliant and obviously well researched. The author has great awareness of the Teesside and surrounding areas, events and history. I like the fact that this was the large percentage of the book and the vampire aspect was woven through. The balance worked well. Maybe this eill change throughout the set as the story and characters evolve, but no doubt by then I'll be hooked!!
It is very much set in the future. It feels like we're in a much more controlled society and there are subtle details about changes in climate etc but its not really in your face, it just bubbles in the background.
The chapters are short, and the way the story dips in between genres works really well. Initially I found the chapters with the halvyn unsettling, which I would assume is the desired effect.
I have not read a book this quickly so far this year (6 days, and I'm quite a slow reader ) and every night I have been excited to read it after work.
Excellent work, i look forward to the next one!!
Paranormal is not a genre I have ever really been drawn to, so i was not sure if i would like Blood Becoming, but this book is clever as it combines different genres, to the point where it feels like a pheasable real life scenario.
The crime and police proceedings take centre stage for me. It was great the protagonist being an older female who was juggling career and family life. Throughout the story, family members were dropped into the story line helping build up a picture, although I feel there is much more to learn about DCI Moore. I loved the little details of the family pug, and the annoyance of someone forgetting to defrost the peas. The little bits like this kept it real. The detail of proceedings and research was brilliant and obviously well researched. The author has great awareness of the Teesside and surrounding areas, events and history. I like the fact that this was the large percentage of the book and the vampire aspect was woven through. The balance worked well. Maybe this eill change throughout the set as the story and characters evolve, but no doubt by then I'll be hooked!!
It is very much set in the future. It feels like we're in a much more controlled society and there are subtle details about changes in climate etc but its not really in your face, it just bubbles in the background.
The chapters are short, and the way the story dips in between genres works really well. Initially I found the chapters with the halvyn unsettling, which I would assume is the desired effect.
I have not read a book this quickly so far this year (6 days, and I'm quite a slow reader ) and every night I have been excited to read it after work.
Excellent work, i look forward to the next one!!
October 21, 2026
Blood Becoming is a futuristic thriller set 20 years from now, and it had me on the edge of my seat throughout the story!
In this world, we have vampires and half-vampires known as Halvyn, and the mystery surrounding how the Halvyn were created had me intrigued from the start. There's also a conspiracy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and whether it played a role in their creation, all while the police try to investigate what's happening without causing a public uproar.
Our FMC, DCI Eleanor Moore, leads the investigation, but as she starts uncovering the truth, she discovers far more than she was prepared for. What she doesn't realize at first is that she may have a connection to the Halvyn herself!
One thing I really enjoyed was getting both sides of the story: the investigation and the killer's perspective. It added another layer of mystery and kept me wondering how everything was connected.
When I first started reading, I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going, but the further I got, the more pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. By the end, all the revelations had me hooked, and I genuinely didn't want to put the book down.
If you enjoy futuristic thrillers with vampires, conspiracies, murder investigations, and mysteries that slowly unravel, this is definitely one to check out!
In this world, we have vampires and half-vampires known as Halvyn, and the mystery surrounding how the Halvyn were created had me intrigued from the start. There's also a conspiracy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and whether it played a role in their creation, all while the police try to investigate what's happening without causing a public uproar.
Our FMC, DCI Eleanor Moore, leads the investigation, but as she starts uncovering the truth, she discovers far more than she was prepared for. What she doesn't realize at first is that she may have a connection to the Halvyn herself!
One thing I really enjoyed was getting both sides of the story: the investigation and the killer's perspective. It added another layer of mystery and kept me wondering how everything was connected.
When I first started reading, I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going, but the further I got, the more pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. By the end, all the revelations had me hooked, and I genuinely didn't want to put the book down.
If you enjoy futuristic thrillers with vampires, conspiracies, murder investigations, and mysteries that slowly unravel, this is definitely one to check out!
July 30, 2026
Blood Becoming ended up scratching an itch I didn’t even know I had.
I’ve read plenty of fantasy over the years, but this was one of the first books I’ve picked up that blended supernatural elements with a grounded police procedural, and it worked remarkably well. The investigation felt authentic, the characters behaved like real people rather than plot devices, and the world was introduced naturally without overwhelming the reader with exposition.
One of the things I appreciated most was how believable the cast felt. Their decisions made sense, the dialogue flowed naturally, and even as the story moved into more fantastical territory, it never lost its sense of realism. The near future setting added just enough familiarity while still giving the author room to build something unique.
Gail Waterhouse’s prose is confident and easy to read. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the supernatural aspects were woven into the story in a way that felt earned rather than forced. By the time I reached the end, I found myself genuinely invested in where these characters are headed next.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with believable characters, solid investigative work, and a fresh spin on familiar supernatural themes, Blood Becoming is well worth your time. I was glad I picked this one up, and I’ll definitely be back for the sequel.
I’ve read plenty of fantasy over the years, but this was one of the first books I’ve picked up that blended supernatural elements with a grounded police procedural, and it worked remarkably well. The investigation felt authentic, the characters behaved like real people rather than plot devices, and the world was introduced naturally without overwhelming the reader with exposition.
One of the things I appreciated most was how believable the cast felt. Their decisions made sense, the dialogue flowed naturally, and even as the story moved into more fantastical territory, it never lost its sense of realism. The near future setting added just enough familiarity while still giving the author room to build something unique.
Gail Waterhouse’s prose is confident and easy to read. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the supernatural aspects were woven into the story in a way that felt earned rather than forced. By the time I reached the end, I found myself genuinely invested in where these characters are headed next.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with believable characters, solid investigative work, and a fresh spin on familiar supernatural themes, Blood Becoming is well worth your time. I was glad I picked this one up, and I’ll definitely be back for the sequel.
September 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review — Blood Becoming by Gail Waterhouse
Blood Becoming completely pulled me in! 🩸🌙 From the very beginning, I was hooked by the dark, mysterious atmosphere and the feeling that there was so much more lurking beneath the surface.
The story had everything I love in a dark read — secrets, danger, supernatural elements, tension and characters that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The darker tone really drew me in, and I loved the way the story unfolded and kept me guessing.
Gail Waterhouse created a world that felt haunting and intriguing, with plenty of moments that had me thinking “just one more chapter” — and we all know how that goes! 😂📖
If you love dark supernatural stories, vampires, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
🩸 5/5 stars
🌙 Dark
🖤 Atmospheric
🔥 Addictive
📖 Definitely worth the read!
Blood Becoming completely pulled me in! 🩸🌙 From the very beginning, I was hooked by the dark, mysterious atmosphere and the feeling that there was so much more lurking beneath the surface.
The story had everything I love in a dark read — secrets, danger, supernatural elements, tension and characters that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The darker tone really drew me in, and I loved the way the story unfolded and kept me guessing.
Gail Waterhouse created a world that felt haunting and intriguing, with plenty of moments that had me thinking “just one more chapter” — and we all know how that goes! 😂📖
If you love dark supernatural stories, vampires, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
🩸 5/5 stars
🌙 Dark
🖤 Atmospheric
🔥 Addictive
📖 Definitely worth the read!
June 13, 2026
The way the author writes kept my heart pounding throughout the book, but I’m a bit disappointed that we have no answers at the end. I’ll be awaiting the next installment.
May 2, 2026
Prepare to be thrilled by Halvyn Dawn! I’ve always found it hard to find a good vampire story being a diehard fan of the genre, and it didn’t disappoint. It had everything you’d want in a really good paranormal crime thriller — suspense, mystery, great characters, and a story that kept me turning its pages - I had a very hard time putting it down.
What I really enjoyed was how original it felt and different from other vampire fiction. The whole idea of hybrid vampires hiding in plain sight, is such a fantastic idea, and it made the story feel fresh and exciting. DCI Eleanor Moore is a great heroine, and I loved following her on her dark and twisted journey.
The pacing was spot on, with just the right amount of suspense and momentum throughout. It never dragged, and I was gutted when I finished it. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy and I’m so excited for more Blood Becoming stories because this one left me wanting more.
What I really enjoyed was how original it felt and different from other vampire fiction. The whole idea of hybrid vampires hiding in plain sight, is such a fantastic idea, and it made the story feel fresh and exciting. DCI Eleanor Moore is a great heroine, and I loved following her on her dark and twisted journey.
The pacing was spot on, with just the right amount of suspense and momentum throughout. It never dragged, and I was gutted when I finished it. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy and I’m so excited for more Blood Becoming stories because this one left me wanting more.
September 10, 2026
Blood Becoming: Halvyn Dawn by Gail Waterhouse is one extraordinary thriller. It involves: crime, medical thriller, murder, conspiracies, and things that cannot be explained. Gail Waterhouse writes a novel that defies genres yet hooks readers into a dark mysterious thriller. A sinister dark web of crimes that go beyond the natural leads readers following a killer stalking his prey. Something not exactly human...something more. Deadly, dangerous, and has classic vibes hitting me all at once. The book kind of reminds me of Frankenstein in ways. I couldn't stop comparing the two in my head. Also, it reminds me of the film, Warm Bodies. Secrets, dark truths, and being inside the head of those who kill was interesting. Eleanor Moore soon finds some answers...I wonder if there will be more paranormal crime reads following this story...it was very good!
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
September 17, 2026
Wow. I love a good paranormal story. Add in being a crime thriller and I was hooked. Not to mention it is set in the future in 2046 (which is only 20 years away....) and is about a contaminated vaccine. Covid was horrible, there is no doubt about that. Many people had reactions to the vaccine. I can only think of the tragedy of a vaccine being contaminated. That scares me. Did I mention hybrid beings? This is a great book. I was not sure what I was more interested in. Was I looking forward to catching the killer or was I lost in a world of the paranormal? This is a great read for this time of year and a post covid vaccine world. I am giving this book a 5/5. I would watch this as a movie or a television series. I was given a copy to review, all opinions are my own,
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews