Drawn in Blood

Burbank and Parker #2

by Andrea Kane, Joyce Bean (Reader)

Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She’s faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries . . . but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family. . . . Then her mother is viciously attacked in the posh Manhattan apartment her parents share and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery. The thieves were too clever, too knowledgeable, and so obviously after something of her father’s. But what could a respected art dealer have done to merit such violence? When a mysterious message is left for him, Sloane knows her father’s in over his head. Determined to find out the truth, Sloane discovers a deadly secret buried in his past that has made him the target of a power-hungry mobster with a lethal agenda and nothing to lose. Sloane is desperate to save her father, but to do so she must hold on to secrets of her own — especially from FBI Special Agent Derek Parker, the man she has grown to love deeply. She knows she must tell him everything, but how can she betray her father’s confidence? Can a couple who’s faced so much survive this ultimate test of trust? Will they survive at all? As the decades-old secret claims the lives of her father’s oldest friends and the killer closes in on him, Sloane finds herself in foreign alone, facing escalating personal danger, and hunting a moving target in a world where memories are long and loyalties are drawn in blood.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Audio CD

First published September 8, 2009

About the author

Coming in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.

Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.

Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.

Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.

With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.

Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drawn in Blood by Andrea Kane is book #2 in the FBI (also called Burbank and Parker) series. Although I like the characters and the writing, this plot was not for me. I could have cared less what the outcome was. I like her Forensic Instincts series better. 2.5 stars

[Beth Lechman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book was fast paced and full of suspense I had a hard time with it. It jumps around to much for me and with the burglaries and deaths it seemed to focus more on Sloane and Derek's sex life than anything else.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drawn In Blood, the second book featuring Sloane Burbank and Derek Parker, had the potential to be a fantastic romantic suspense. Unfortunately, it missed the mark completely. Sloane Burbank's family has come under fire in this novel. Her father, a former art dealer, along with his partners are being threatened by an individual who believes they have witnessed one of his crimes. In her efforts to protect the ones she loves, Sloane becomes entangled in the world of Asian art crime and this puts Derek in an awkward position. As her boyfriend, he feels the need to protect her despite her protests. As an FBI agent, he is forced to investigate her family and it's closest friends to get to the heart of the matter. Protecting her family at all costs forces Sloane to uncover some unpleasantness and the ensuing resolution to the conflicts could leave everything she has come to love in shambles.
Kane's second novel was a grave disappointment. After an average beginning to the series, I expected and hoped the sequel would be better. The characters, Sloane and Derek, had fantastic potential as a couple and I firmly thought the chemistry would explode as they became further involved with each other. Instead of romantic tension, the relationships in Drawn In Blood felt lukewarm at best. This was a tragedy because with an engagement taking place, there should have been sparks! Another strong disappointment was the storyline. The idea behind the novel had the possibility of being unique and the underground Asian mafia connections were lacking detail at every turn. The plot turned into a simple revenge story which was completely lackluster. Overall, this story bordered on boring throughout the book and I felt like I was plodding along with each page I turned. I would not recommend Drawn In Blood to any of my reading friends and I am sorry to say I will most likely not be reading Andrea Kane in the future.

[MuchAdo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Much worse than 'Twisted' (its prequel), which I did not like all that much in the first place. The couple still gets on my nerves. Their converstations, when on a personal level, never rise above the cheesy and rudimentary. Also, we are constantly told that these two have sex marathons, never just a quick shag, always ALWAYS allnighters (they work 15 hour days, eat a packet of crisps, drink six gallons of coffee, sleep three hours a night, but they are always up and ready for nookie. It must be something in New Jersey's water). The sex scenes (mostly suggested) go through the motions and are never sexy. I found myself skipping the couple's scenes because they bored me to death, and then simply skimmed through chapters on the way to the final page. The story was both convoluted and boring, yet with all the skimming and all the lack of interest in the goings on, I still managed to get ahead of these trained FBI (or ex FBI) agents. Also, I don't care about stupid but indulged heroines, and Sloane (what a silly name!)was both. Every time she hid something from Derek she was not only quickly forgiven, but everyone on the scene admired her 'intelligence' and her 'courage'. And the reader is left wondering if that intelligence and that courage appeared in the boring parts the reader skipped. She is alo as careless and thoughtless in this book as she was in the previous one. In fact, things are worse here because she's dealing with organised crime, not just a twisted serial killer. One moment she's baiting a gang member the next she appears clueless as to why the way to her country pile is blocked and gets out of the car by hesrself, without weapon in hand, to investigate!!! I said it once and I'll say it again, all these FBI or whatever people should watch a few crime films, they'll learn more from those than from their training, it seems. The love story sucks even more than before. I really think these two are better off alone.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5˝'s

This story line continues from the book before it...Twisted…but it isn’t necessary to read Twisted first to understand what is happening. I like Andrea Kane’s writing style. She manages to throw in a twist or a turn just when you think you have it all figured out. Sloane and Derek have proven to be interesting and complex characters in both this book and the first book. The way they work together gives them a greater feeling of reality. Drawn in Blood is a fantastic story of love, hate, life, lust, and motive. This is a story you will hate to see end.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the first book in the series, I didn't even realize it was a series Lol. So, I'm kind of at a disadvantage as to character growth, but,... When her Father's Art buying group gets targeted by an Asian Criminal Gang, Sloane Burbank sidelined from the F.B.I. by an injury to her right hand and her boyfriend F.B.I. Agent Derek Parker (former Army Ranger)must figure out who is targeting them and why and stop them before someone dies. Sloane's Mother is hospitalized with a broken arm after escaping a kidnap/kill attempt by these same people. Sloane becomes a target as well when an Asian thug attacks her with a knife going for further damaged to her right hand. Added into the mix is an Albanian kill gang, stealing paintings and sending them to Hong Kong. Can Derek and Sloane figure everything out, keep everyone safe, AND keep their personal relationship from imploding in the mean time?? I'm looking forward to finding more of this series so different from Ms. Kane's other books. Interesting reading, and well worth the time invested.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I understand the need for such a lengthy novel, since there are many moving parts to this story, still - it did seem to take a long time to get to the conclusion. Well written, I'd recommend this - but suggest reading the previous one in the series first: Twisted (though not entirely necessary).

[Albieglad · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 at most.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, hopefully now that she has settled the relationship and the “fear” of rejoining the fbi is over, author will go back to a more in depth plot line.

[Melody Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by a new author to me. You really get into these books.

[Suzan L VanDeWiele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Carol Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contained many new aspects that made the story fuller and richer than ever before. As usual this book was exceptionally difficult to put down even when it was way past bedtime.

[Linda Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

Loved the entire book.
Complex plot with many twists, turns and fascinating characters.
Wish there were more books in this series.

[Lugene VerPloeg]

Drawn In Blood

So lame. So predictable. I'm sorry I wasted my money & my time on this book & the previous one. I will not be reading this author again.

[Mike]

Sept 2014 #2 of 2

[Romana Hladká · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sloane Burbanková si už zvykla na to, že v jejím životě asi nikdy nebude nic naprosto normální. Když se ale násilný zločin odehraje přímo za dveřmi bytu jejích rodičů ví, že něco je hodně špatně. Její otec se spolu se svými společníky v minulosti zapletl s čínskou mafií, a jak to už bývá, minulost nás jednoho dne dohoní. Aby toho nebylo málo, konečně se s Derekem dohodli, že se sestěhují. Společný život svou agentů ale může být mnohem těžší, než si Sloane představovala. Zvlášť, když se jejich zájmy protínají. Zvládne se Sloane vypořádat s minulostí svého otce, aniž by ztratila muže, kterého miluje?

První díl této série, Zvrácené myšlenky, jsem přečetla jedním dechem. Netvrdím, že ta kniha byla dokonalá, ale bylo v ní něco, co mě dokázalo chytit a nepustit. Proto jsem se bez váhání pustila do dílu druhého. Hned na jeho začátku jsem ale zjistila, že část onoho kouzla se vytratila.

Sloane je pořád taková, jakou jsme ji poznali v díle prvním. Je silná, odhodlaná, tvrdohlavá, neústupná a nenechá si do ničeho mluvit, a to ani Derekem, jejím přítelem a agentem FBI. Proto ani nezaváhá, když ji otec požádá, aby zatajila jeho minulost poté, co někdo vykradl jejich byt a přepadl Sloaninu matku. Sloane nerada před Derekem něco skrývá, ale tohle zvládne sama, i bez jeho pomoci. Co když je ale případ jejích rodičů součástí něčeho mnohem většího, na co Sloane nemůže ani omylem stačit? Obrátí se na Dereka? Sloane jsem si oblíbila už v prvním díle, a nejspíš za to může právě její rázná povaha. S ničím se zkrátka nepáře a vychází jí to. Co já bych za to občas dala :D.

Jak už jsem ale řekla na začátku, nějak to čtení nebylo ono. Místy se mi to zdálo až moc překombinované, navíc ta čínská mafie to celé tak nějak komplikovala (a těch čínských názvů a jmen...). Zkrátka to už tak nějak nebylo ono a já si čtení neužila tak, jak u prvního dílu. Přesto jsem ale nad Sloane a Derekem ani omylem nezanevřela, protože ta chemie mezi nimi – páni (i když se mi to taky občas zdálo nadsazené, protože Derek byl prakticky sexuální robot....). Možná v knize mělo být víc Dereka a Sloane a méně čínské mafie a já bych si ji užila stejně jako tu první :D.

[Nath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 (C+)

It's been a while since I read the book that precedes Drawn in Blood, Twisted, but I caught up really fast. I think Drawn in Blood's strongest element was its plot - the case. I thought it was very interesting, very suspenseful and also very original that it involved Sloane's father and his partners. The fact that it had to do with her father and men she considers her uncles added another layers in my opinion. In any case, very complex case with multiple layers... All I have to say is that the mafia can be scary... and never, never, never get into their bad side. Oh and revenge is indeed a dish best served cold ^_^; One thing that actually bothered me though with the whole Chinese mafia is the mix of Cantonese and Mandarin. If these people are from Hong Kong, then they speak Cantonese... Contrarily to popular belief, not every Hong Kong person is fluent in Mandarin... actually, they aren't. Anyway, just a very small detail considering how good of a job Ms Kane did.

I wouldn't say that Drawn in Blood is a romantic suspense novel. To me, it felt more like mystery/thriller book with a strong romance thread. Yeah, very slim difference, but it is there. The thing is Sloane and Derek are a couple now and are taking steps to move in together, build a life together. So it's not a matter of falling in love, but more working out the kinks of their relationship... and considering that Derek is part of the FBI and Sloane is a free agent and the case involves her father, there are many kinks. I did enjoy how the relationship progressed though, it's nice to see them work it through :)

By the way, I realized that I'm not much for investigations without rules. Guess I've watched too many cops shows and read too many books with cops, FBI and so on... Too used to procedures LOL. Anyway, Drawn in Blood was a solid book :) But I don't think everyone would enjoy it given the little romance there is and also, the storyline.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book! Though I didn't like this one quite as well as Twisted, this one amazed me just the same.

The amount of research that Ms. Kane puts into her books is fantastic. It really helps make the story believable because it has such a ring of truth to it. This book delves into the world of art theft. Not anything that I'm familiar with, nor anything that I've read about before. That in itself made this book stand out.

Sloane and Derek are interesting characters. Each strong in their own way, yet willing to bend each other's way to make a relationship work. I liked that there wasn't a whole bunch of drama centered around their relationship. Sometimes with the romantic/suspense books you get the whole break-up/get back together thing going. It wasn't necessary in this book, and I think it might have ruined it. They worked together to strengthen their relationship and to solve a case. I actually think it made their characters seem much more real.

The ending was perfect. Usually in books with characters that I enjoy, I find myself mad that the book is over and wanting more because I need something more from them. However, this book ended, then went to an epilogue that closed out the stories. While Kane could easily bring these characters back, she wouldn't have to. I really liked how the epilogue put the finishing touches on the whole story.

Overall, if this is your genre, you HAVE to read Kane. Whether it's this book, Twisted, or any others, she is a fantastic writer who has a new and devoted follower.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS

"Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She's faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries . . . but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family. . . .

Then her mother is viciously attacked in the posh Manhattan apartment her parents share and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery. The thieves were too clever, too knowledgeable, and so obviously after something of her father's. But what could a respected art dealer have done to merit such violence? When a mysterious message is left for him, Sloane knows her father's in over his head. Determined to find out the truth, Sloane discovers a deadly secret buried in his past that has made him the target of a power-hungry mobster with a lethal agenda and nothing to lose.

Sloane is desperate to save her father, but to do so she must hold on to secrets of her own - especially from FBI Special Agent Derek Parker, the man she has grown to love deeply. She knows she must tell him everything, but how can she betray her father's confidence? Can a couple who's faced so much survive this ultimate test of trust? Will they survive at all?

As the decades-old secret claims the lives of her father's oldest friends and the killer closes in on him, Sloane finds herself in foreign territory: alone, facing escalating personal danger, and hunting a moving target in a world where memories are long and loyalties are drawn in blood." (From Amazon)

A great romantic suspense novel

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fascinating, complex, and deeply-written novel, an addition to the Sloane Burbank series by Andrea Kane. Here we read about Asian organized crime, Albanian organized crime, and the two of them joining forces to take down a group of men closest to Sloane and her father, all because of a woman. I like how Kane manages to fabricate a story so intricate and detailed that it seems so believable, almost real. There were a few things missing I would have liked to see, like Cindy, Wallace, and Xiao Long and their ends of the story. It's a romantic suspense novel but it's more suspense than romance because the romance is only secondary to the story that unfolds as you read.

It starts out very simple. Rosalyn Burbank is attacked (Sloane's mother); it seems as if only two dimensional, but when you delve deeper, you realize it's much more than that. There's more than meets the eye, no coincidence when it comes to the cases, and no love lost between a hostile mobster and his hunger-driven need for vengeance whose time on earth grows short. I recommend reading the first in the story, Twisted. Then you'll get more background on the central characters. Drawn in Blood is a fantastic story on love, hate, life, lust, and motive. This is a story you will fight to put down by gobbling up every word till the end. 4/5 stars.

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an audiobook kinda girl. I keep pretty busy around the house and driving so it helps to have a book to listen to. I found Andrea Kane because Joyce Bean reads for her and as I've said before I would listen to a cook book if Joyce read it. I'm about half way through this book and love it. Andrea is smart, the dialog is amazing.. and I'll say I'm NOT going to skip to the end of the book to see how it ends... really I'm not...

So I didn't skip to the end of the book. Loved this book. Few comments, one I liked the plot of this a little better than Twisted, two it was less of a romance than Twisted.

Incredible research ! You know how Nora Roberts wrote the "dog" book and it was over researched and read like a manual for dog training. This book was researched to the moon and back and worked out AMAZING. I got the true feel of how an investigation could run from end to end. I loved the art theft plot. There were enough characters to keep you busy keeping track of who is who without you loosing track of anything.

Ending comment... WRITING WRITING WRITING.... !!!!! Ms Kane delivered.

(audiobook, Joyce... you are amazing too)

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawn in Blood is the sequel to Andrea Kane's earlier book Twisted, although you can easily read and follow Drawn in blood without having read the first.

Andrea Kane creates an intricate plot centered on Chinese gangs and art theft. However, I didn't find any surprise twists or unexpected turns in this one. The plot was mostly laid out for the reader from the start. Sloane Burbank, a former FBI agent, along with her boyfriend and FBI Special Agent Derek Parker, had to untangle the lies and secrets in order to find the truth. The story was in these main characters catching up to the bad guys.

Andrea Kane's writing is excellent. The characters are well fleshed out and each is unique. While I would have liked a few surprises along the way, the story is well-written and kept me interested.

[Athira (Reading on a Rainy Day) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should say at the outset, that I really enjoyed this book. I liked the buildup of the mystery, the well-etched characters and the whole ride through the book. While I enjoyed Twisted better, this book was great as well.

Sloane's and Derek's relationship was pleasant to read. I was really rooting for them to get over their issues, and was pleased by the maturity with which it was handled. The whole concept of art theft ring was engrossing, especially with the amount of research that Andrea Kane put in.

Also, while initially it appears as a set of independent crimes, I really liked how it was all tied in together, without leaving the reader crying 'coincidence'!

Overall, a great suspense! A definite recommendation.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Derek Parker and former FBI agent Solane Burbank are back for another adventure that will have you sitting on the edge of your recliner.

Solan's parent’s apartment was broken into and it was not your average burglary. The thieves were after something and only her father knows what. To protect her father Solane will do anything even jeopardize her and Derek's relationship. But what Solane does not know is the FBI is investigating Solane's father along with his business partners. To further jeopardize Solane and Derke'd relationship Derek is part of the investigation. But what does a retired Art dealer have that is making the Asian mob nervous and willing to destroy him by killing Solane.

I had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Andrea Kane regarding this book. The amount of research that she does is amazing. And really lends to her story.

[Marie]

I was told waaaaay back in the middle of August that I had won this book in the giveaway. It is now November and I STILL have not received this book !!! The only response I EVER get, no matter who I contact, is from "Shawn", the person who was in charge of the giveaway for this book, giving me yet another empty promise that he will send the book. He never does. Like an idiot, I ran out and bought 2 copies (long story) of Twisted, so I could read it first. Everyone BEWARE : Just because you are told you won a book through a contest does not mean you will actually get it !!! I feel duped into purchasing the book Twisted, when I could have easily waited until it was available at my Library. Meanwhile, my chances of winning a legitimate contest are ruined because they will think that I just never bothered reviewing a previous book that I had won.

[Pattianne]

Drawn in Blood - FBI #2 - (Derek and Sloane) - Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank has seen her share of danger. She's faced down a serial killer and survived life-threatening injuries . . . but she never expected that danger to invade the lives of her family. . . . Then her mother is viciously attacked in the posh Manhattan apartment her parents share and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary robbery. The thieves were too clever, too knowledgeable, and so obviously after something of her father's. But what could a respected art dealer have done to merit such violence? When a mysterious message is left for him, Sloane knows her father's in over his head. Determined to find out the truth, Sloane discovers a deadly secret buried in his past that has made him the target of a power-hungry mobster with a lethal agenda and nothing to lose.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea Kane has hit the high bar again with her follow up of Sloan Burbank
and Derek Parker in “Drawn In Blood”. A great ride that has a combination
of mystery with sharp edged suspense.

The story consists of something more than revenge; it is a plot that consists
of retribution and punishment given out in very precise dosage, using the
weaknesses and foibles of the supporting characters as well as the main
players. This reader sometimes has trouble with plots that consist of many
characters but Andrea Kane has managed to tie it in a well cohesive storyline.

With byzantine- like conspiracies, a struggling romantic relationship and
add a measure of international intrigue the author has produced
a book that is well worth picking up.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Rosalyn Burbank assumes her husband has forgotten to lock the door of their apartment so she unsuspectingly enters and finds herself in the midst of a robbery. Rosalyn's husband finds her a short time later and calls their daughter, former FBI agent Sloane Burbank. Sloane left the FBI after she received vicious injuries to her hand after a confrontation with a killer. Sloane believes the intruders who broke into her parents apartment are sending a message to her father. He and his group of four friends did not tell the FBI about their connection to an art theft and murder. Sloane and her fiancee FBI Special Agent Derek Parker trace down a dangerous Chinese kingpin who is out to avenge the death of his daughter in the most painful way possible.

[mandyfujita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was a little drawn out. Sloane Burbank's parents have been burglarized in their Manhattan apartment. When Sloane goes there to talk to her parents, it does not seem like it is random occurrence. Everything was a little too clever, a little too knowledgeable and obviously the thieves knew what they were looking for. Soon Sloane and her boyfriend, Special Agent Derek Parker are working together to figure out the alarming number of theft of art masterpieces that have something to do with the Chinese Triad that Agent Parker has been investigating.

Things are a little slow, but it picks up considerable for the last 100 pages.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was anxious to read this book when I won an advance copy. Although I had not read any of Kane's previous books, the reviews looked pretty good and I generally like the crime novel genre. Well, having read the book, I found it to be more of a romance and not so much my cup of tea. The more interesting mystery played second fiddle to the developing relationship between Sloane and Derek. Kane manages to build some suspense in parts, but I found myself wanting to be finished and move on to another book.