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Cypress Blood
Cypress Blood, the third book in The Cypress Run Quartet, is a frontier romantic thriller about loyalty, sacrifice, and the family you refuse to lose. Also legal tomfoolery. Also breakouts and break-ins. Also kitchen knives and righteous fury. And gators. Mustn’t forget the alligators.
In October of 1885, Sheriff Tom Bracken thought the frontier town of Cypress Run, Florida had finally found its footing. New bank. Booming port. An expanding clinic. A whole town willing to trust him.
But when a Treasury inspector turns up murdered and incriminating ledgers vanish from his locked office, Tom becomes the prime suspect in a conspiracy he was trying to expose. The men framing him wear government authority like armor. They remember Chicago and they know exactly how to make him break.
While Tom is stripped of his badge and locked behind bars, Ellie faces a town splitting down the middle. Lies spread faster than truth, and the Brackens discover the conspiracy reaches far beyond Cypress Run. It has taken families, shattered lives, and left a trail soaked in blood.
With Ellie's quiet strength holding their family intact amid a town divided into factions, Tom must outmaneuver men who aren't afraid to use his past to destroy his future — before Cypress Run is swallowed whole.
Cypress Blood is perfect for readers who Competence Is CatnipRide-or-Die Married CouplesMorally Flexible LawmenFound Family in Small-Town Frontier FloridaProtagonist Framed for MurderBetrayal, Forgiveness & Second ChancesHurt/Comfort, Emphasis on the HurtAlligator-Assisted Bromantic Couples Therapy
In October of 1885, Sheriff Tom Bracken thought the frontier town of Cypress Run, Florida had finally found its footing. New bank. Booming port. An expanding clinic. A whole town willing to trust him.
But when a Treasury inspector turns up murdered and incriminating ledgers vanish from his locked office, Tom becomes the prime suspect in a conspiracy he was trying to expose. The men framing him wear government authority like armor. They remember Chicago and they know exactly how to make him break.
While Tom is stripped of his badge and locked behind bars, Ellie faces a town splitting down the middle. Lies spread faster than truth, and the Brackens discover the conspiracy reaches far beyond Cypress Run. It has taken families, shattered lives, and left a trail soaked in blood.
With Ellie's quiet strength holding their family intact amid a town divided into factions, Tom must outmaneuver men who aren't afraid to use his past to destroy his future — before Cypress Run is swallowed whole.
Cypress Blood is perfect for readers who Competence Is CatnipRide-or-Die Married CouplesMorally Flexible LawmenFound Family in Small-Town Frontier FloridaProtagonist Framed for MurderBetrayal, Forgiveness & Second ChancesHurt/Comfort, Emphasis on the HurtAlligator-Assisted Bromantic Couples Therapy
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2026
About the author
T.N. Daigle
5 books3 followersT. N. Daigle writes historical mysteries set in Florida’s wild frontier. Her debut novel, Cypress Run, follows a disgraced Chicago detective exiled to a swamp town where the alligators, politics, and secrets are all equally dangerous. Her love of westerns and immersive storytelling began on Saturday mornings spent alternating between watching John Wayne movies with her dad and raiding his library for Tolkien novels and Dick Francis mysteries.
Born and raised on the outskirts of the SeaTac area of western Washington, she has a healthy appreciation for moody weather and the use of dark chocolate and coffee as coping mechanisms for whatever life throws her way. As an Air Force veteran and military spouse, Tanya has hopscotched across the world before finally transplanting to the Gulf Coast side of Tampa Bay.
When she isn’t writing or wandering around local parks trying to spot the swamp puppies, she can usually be found lost in the 900s section of her local library.
Born and raised on the outskirts of the SeaTac area of western Washington, she has a healthy appreciation for moody weather and the use of dark chocolate and coffee as coping mechanisms for whatever life throws her way. As an Air Force veteran and military spouse, Tanya has hopscotched across the world before finally transplanting to the Gulf Coast side of Tampa Bay.
When she isn’t writing or wandering around local parks trying to spot the swamp puppies, she can usually be found lost in the 900s section of her local library.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy
T.N. Daigle author of "Cyprus Blood," wrote the story to immers her readers in a specific, lesser-known period of American history. She spots lighted post-Reconstruction Florida in the 1880s. This was a period which chaos ruled, and Florida entered a transitional period. This period shaped which one sees today. This was a period of chaos and formal law enforcement was virtually non-existent. The power vacuum in Florida during this era was created by the sudden withdrawal of the federal military. This led to the collapsing of local political structures and a violent struggle for territorial control. The lack of authority allowed extra-legal organizations to fill the void. These groups acted with impunity to enforce their own version of order and labor control.
The style employed by the author was a blend of swamp noir, historical western, and slow-burn character. First, of all, swamp noir was an atmospheric subgenre of crime fiction and Southern Gothic story telling. This replaced traditional noir with the oppressive heat, dense bayous, and the murky swamps of the South. There were three key characteristics to swamp noir. The three characteristics were:
1.The Oppressive Environment
2. Murky Morality
3.The Weight of History
The style of writing shaped the storytelling by shifting the traditional elements of crime fiction into a heavy, suffocating environment. Noir stories were usually set in gritty, rain-soaked cities. Swamp noir stories were set in the wilderness and swamps in which they became a dangerous unpredictable force.
There are several reasons you may enjoy reading this book. The primary reason is its atmospheric setting. The author paints an accurate picture of 1880s, Florida. She brings the wilderness setting to life. The Cyprus swamps symbolize a physical obstacle which mirrors the sheriff's own internal struggles. The plot of the story weaves a subtle web of political conspiracy, missing ledgers and Federal Treasury corruption. This elevates the story from a local murder to a level cover up. The trope is the wrongly accused man on the run creating a ticking clock. The momentum stimulates the interest of the reader throughout the story.
The book should be read if you enjoy historical mysteries with rich character development. The story's setting is unique which makes the story unique. The author employs misdirection throughout the story. This is the third book in the series. There are satisfying payoffs in this book to the character arcs and mysteries established in the two previous books. The quality of the writing and story the book is awarded a five star rating.
The style employed by the author was a blend of swamp noir, historical western, and slow-burn character. First, of all, swamp noir was an atmospheric subgenre of crime fiction and Southern Gothic story telling. This replaced traditional noir with the oppressive heat, dense bayous, and the murky swamps of the South. There were three key characteristics to swamp noir. The three characteristics were:
1.The Oppressive Environment
2. Murky Morality
3.The Weight of History
The style of writing shaped the storytelling by shifting the traditional elements of crime fiction into a heavy, suffocating environment. Noir stories were usually set in gritty, rain-soaked cities. Swamp noir stories were set in the wilderness and swamps in which they became a dangerous unpredictable force.
There are several reasons you may enjoy reading this book. The primary reason is its atmospheric setting. The author paints an accurate picture of 1880s, Florida. She brings the wilderness setting to life. The Cyprus swamps symbolize a physical obstacle which mirrors the sheriff's own internal struggles. The plot of the story weaves a subtle web of political conspiracy, missing ledgers and Federal Treasury corruption. This elevates the story from a local murder to a level cover up. The trope is the wrongly accused man on the run creating a ticking clock. The momentum stimulates the interest of the reader throughout the story.
The book should be read if you enjoy historical mysteries with rich character development. The story's setting is unique which makes the story unique. The author employs misdirection throughout the story. This is the third book in the series. There are satisfying payoffs in this book to the character arcs and mysteries established in the two previous books. The quality of the writing and story the book is awarded a five star rating.
Review of advance copy
First things first. If you haven't read the previous two volumes in the Cypress Run Quartet, go back to the beginning. Quite a lot in "Cypress Blood" builds directly on situations set up in those first two books, "Cypress Run" and "Cypress Tide."
As the third book begins, Sheriff Tom Bracken has published advertisements seeking a deputy, and one of his old friends, Sgt. Fitzwilliam Darby of the Chicago Police Department arrives in Cypress Run seeking the job. At the same time, a Federal Treasury Department auditor has arrived to go over the records of the town's new bank. It wouldn't be Cypress Run if things went smoothly.
Author T.N. Daigle puts Tom and Ellie Bracken, their children, and their friends in impossible situations against insurmountable odds, creating nail-biting suspense, page after page. She makes us care about the good guys and despise the bad guys. This is part thriller, part action-adventure, part love story.
I was grateful to see Florida finally referred to as a state in this third outing, but there were a few very modern word usages that pulled me out of the story. Many readers probably won't mind, and it might even make the work more accessible to younger readers. For me, it means the immediate question, "Did they use that word that way in the 1880s?" and then stopping to look up the etymology. If you are word nerd that way, just be prepared. It really is a rip-roaring read, though, and I'm still looking forward to the final installment.
I received an electronic advance reader copy for free; all opinions expressed are my own.
As the third book begins, Sheriff Tom Bracken has published advertisements seeking a deputy, and one of his old friends, Sgt. Fitzwilliam Darby of the Chicago Police Department arrives in Cypress Run seeking the job. At the same time, a Federal Treasury Department auditor has arrived to go over the records of the town's new bank. It wouldn't be Cypress Run if things went smoothly.
Author T.N. Daigle puts Tom and Ellie Bracken, their children, and their friends in impossible situations against insurmountable odds, creating nail-biting suspense, page after page. She makes us care about the good guys and despise the bad guys. This is part thriller, part action-adventure, part love story.
I was grateful to see Florida finally referred to as a state in this third outing, but there were a few very modern word usages that pulled me out of the story. Many readers probably won't mind, and it might even make the work more accessible to younger readers. For me, it means the immediate question, "Did they use that word that way in the 1880s?" and then stopping to look up the etymology. If you are word nerd that way, just be prepared. It really is a rip-roaring read, though, and I'm still looking forward to the final installment.
I received an electronic advance reader copy for free; all opinions expressed are my own.
October 5, 2026
Cypress Blood is the third instalment featuring the town of Cypress Run and its sheriff, Tom Bracken, who can’t seem to help kicking up trouble. TN Daigle has continued with another winner. A federal agent has come to look for discrepancies in finances, and someone is willing to cover their own tracks while making it seem like Tom is at the root of it all. Tom has to figure out who is pulling the strings and why while convincing the town he’s not the criminal and keep his family safe.
Positive thoughts:
+Fitzwilliam Darby was great. It was obvious something was off through the hints from the start, but WHAT was teased out slowly. Also his character, having known Tom since he was young and worked with him for years, allowed for an opportunity to get to know more about him through little stories and jokes.
+The baddies didn’t relent for a moment, which made me so restless. I needed that justice!
+The end bit was such a tearjerker, but showed how solid Ellie and Tom are.
+In the last review, I hoped for more Mercer. I GOT IT. Love how he interacts with Tom and his family and also…I see him and Rafe. I want MORE AGAIN provided there is no death!
See, I love this series because I love the characters in it. Even new additions like Darby were fun. I recommend this series for people who like a VERY action packed historical fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Positive thoughts:
+Fitzwilliam Darby was great. It was obvious something was off through the hints from the start, but WHAT was teased out slowly. Also his character, having known Tom since he was young and worked with him for years, allowed for an opportunity to get to know more about him through little stories and jokes.
+The baddies didn’t relent for a moment, which made me so restless. I needed that justice!
+The end bit was such a tearjerker, but showed how solid Ellie and Tom are.
+In the last review, I hoped for more Mercer. I GOT IT. Love how he interacts with Tom and his family and also…I see him and Rafe. I want MORE AGAIN provided there is no death!
See, I love this series because I love the characters in it. Even new additions like Darby were fun. I recommend this series for people who like a VERY action packed historical fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2026
When you really hate the bad guy, and he is getting away with really dirty, underhanded dealings, you best have a strong, sharp hero to come along and put things to right. But when the good guy becomes the bad guy…
In this third book in the Cypress Run series of romantic historic fiction thrillers, the dynamic characters and convoluted conflicts really bring on the action, drama, and suspense.
Sheriff Bracken, former Chicago lawman, now fully settled and accepted in the frontier Florida town of Cypress Run, just can’t escape his past. It comes sneaking in once again in this next story about this likeable character who will do just about anything to protect his family and friends. But now he’s in trouble and the feds are involved.
I really enjoyed this latest escapade of the dauntless sheriff and the cast of characters surrounding him. Bracken just won’t give up even when the odds stacked against him seem insurmountable. And the baddies won’t stop at anything, even so far as to threaten those he loves most. But help does come from unexpected places and people and plans get made that make this a very gripping, fun, and satisfying read. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. This author delivers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this third book in the Cypress Run series of romantic historic fiction thrillers, the dynamic characters and convoluted conflicts really bring on the action, drama, and suspense.
Sheriff Bracken, former Chicago lawman, now fully settled and accepted in the frontier Florida town of Cypress Run, just can’t escape his past. It comes sneaking in once again in this next story about this likeable character who will do just about anything to protect his family and friends. But now he’s in trouble and the feds are involved.
I really enjoyed this latest escapade of the dauntless sheriff and the cast of characters surrounding him. Bracken just won’t give up even when the odds stacked against him seem insurmountable. And the baddies won’t stop at anything, even so far as to threaten those he loves most. But help does come from unexpected places and people and plans get made that make this a very gripping, fun, and satisfying read. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. This author delivers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed this one more than the previous one. The conflict, story line, and heroics were more believable. Still, Sheriff Bracken endures a lot of pain (physical and emotional) to keep Cypress Run safe. This time the threat was from some civic leaders who were corrupt and bent on destroying Bracken and everything that he loves.
I enjoy the Cypress Run series and the addition of Darby/Darcy was a good one. I was a little confused about the name and thought it was an error, but that was cleared up eventually!
The story still has plenty of violence mixed in with some good speeches. And some alligator cameos!
I enjoy the Cypress Run series and the addition of Darby/Darcy was a good one. I was a little confused about the name and thought it was an error, but that was cleared up eventually!
The story still has plenty of violence mixed in with some good speeches. And some alligator cameos!
October 13, 2026
Another inspiring read following on from the previous tales. While events from the previous books are mentioned, ideally to have a better understanding of what leads them to this point in the start up and comradery the community builds, read books 1 and 2 first.
The main character is Tom who is making himself a better person and has a strong influence from his resilient, fierce and assertive wife. Alongside his stepson, the doctor and his family and others, they build a life that is full of echoes of the past. Learning from past mistakes , together they make a formidable team, one I enjoy reading about.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character is Tom who is making himself a better person and has a strong influence from his resilient, fierce and assertive wife. Alongside his stepson, the doctor and his family and others, they build a life that is full of echoes of the past. Learning from past mistakes , together they make a formidable team, one I enjoy reading about.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This one is very personal !!!! It's to make the sheriff look bad. A set up!!! Who did it? Why? The corruption runs deep and is high up. Things come to a head and dastardly things are going on behind the scenes.
Is this it for Ellie, Tom, and their little family? The culprits don't stop with men. They go after the weaker softer targets of women and children to get the men in tow!
This was a gripping read start to finish.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Is this it for Ellie, Tom, and their little family? The culprits don't stop with men. They go after the weaker softer targets of women and children to get the men in tow!
This was a gripping read start to finish.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
October 9, 2026
I so enjoy these stories. The hero, Tom Bracken, gets into more trouble trying to keep his town safe. It would be so easy to say this is funny, but there is an underlining humanity to Tom. The author paints him as fallible and loveable. And he is. And he is loved by so many people because he tries so hard to keep them safe. The story revolves around Tom and his family and trouble so it really moves. Keep them coming.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
By now I can already know T.N Daigle’s books are going to be fun and entertaining based on the first two books in this series. Sheriff Bracken is one of my favorite characters and I wish I knew him in real life! I feel like his personality with his charm and wit shone more in this one than the 2nd one. This one also brought out Ellie’s actions more to help save her husband. Cant wait for the 4th one!
September 27, 2026
This is one of the best series I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Cypress Run now feels like home to me, with Tom, Ellie, Diego and all the other citizens becoming a part of my own community!
Book 3 is fast-paced, with many heart-stopping moments that keep you turning page after page. Almost every emotion is evoked in this story, from amusement to concern, fear to relief, anger to catharsis. The community of Cypress Run itself is inspiring in its care of its citizens - somewhere we would all be grateful to live, and perhaps strive to bring to our own communities.
Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book 3 is fast-paced, with many heart-stopping moments that keep you turning page after page. Almost every emotion is evoked in this story, from amusement to concern, fear to relief, anger to catharsis. The community of Cypress Run itself is inspiring in its care of its citizens - somewhere we would all be grateful to live, and perhaps strive to bring to our own communities.
Very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews