What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood of the Rose
London, 1986. A newspaper editor is horrifically murdered, his death quickly followed by a series of more brutal, and often bizarre, slayings. The police are baffled, the only clear link between the murders being a single blood red rose left at the scene of every killing. Why? What does the rose mean? What connects the killer to each bloody corpse? Scotland Yard detective Alan Winters leads a hunt for the elusive prey. As the body count rises, Jennifer Chapman, renowned investigative journalist and daughter of the murdered newspaper editor, sets out on a personal quest for revenge. Drawn together in their pursuit of a deadly quarry, Winters and Jennifer unwittingly face a fatal surprise, for the killer is closer than they think. As they close in on the truth of the blood red rose, their unseen foe plots a shattering end to his reign of terror, and death awaits them all..
- GenresAudiobookSerial Killer
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
26 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 29, 2017
The beautifully printed "Blood of the Rose"' written by Kevin Murray and published by Urbane Publications is a superb example of a police procedural thriller at its best. I always enjoy discovering new authors I haven't read before and this was no exception.
When a newspaper editor is violently murdered and more bodies start to turn up the police are baffled. The only thing connecting the horrific murders is a single blood red rose left at each murder scene.
What I loved most about this book was the way some chapters were written from the killer's point of view. At first I hated him after the very gruesome incident with the cat early on (be warned it is quite disturbing) but then later, reading his past history and torment at the hands of his father I started to understand his troubled mind and why he was committing the murders.
The animosity and interplay between the Chief Superintendent - Dutchman Jan Van Deventer and Chief Inspector Alan Winters was such a refreshing change. I really enjoyed the competing banter and rivalry between them both. It was good to see them reluctantly working together at the end to solve the case. There was even an intriguing love interest between Winters and the murdered newspaper editor's daughter Jennifer which I was keen to see develop.
The storyline culminates in an unpredicted explosive end that was just outstanding. It had me guessing all the time as to who was the killer. There was even an unexpected twist in the final pages that rounded off the book perfectly.
This is a great crime novel set in the 1980's and I could really see this book being made into a TV series - so good were the characters of Van Deventer and Winters and their traditional approach to good old fashioned police work without the advantages of modern forensic technology and communication. It's quite hard to believe that this is a first book and not a seasoned sequel.
I'm pleased I've had the opportunity to read this book by Kevin Murray who knows how to engage the reader with well developed characters and a gripping plot line. I do hope there will be more books by this author and I would happily recommend "Blood of the Rose" to all crime fiction readers.
5 stars!
When a newspaper editor is violently murdered and more bodies start to turn up the police are baffled. The only thing connecting the horrific murders is a single blood red rose left at each murder scene.
What I loved most about this book was the way some chapters were written from the killer's point of view. At first I hated him after the very gruesome incident with the cat early on (be warned it is quite disturbing) but then later, reading his past history and torment at the hands of his father I started to understand his troubled mind and why he was committing the murders.
The animosity and interplay between the Chief Superintendent - Dutchman Jan Van Deventer and Chief Inspector Alan Winters was such a refreshing change. I really enjoyed the competing banter and rivalry between them both. It was good to see them reluctantly working together at the end to solve the case. There was even an intriguing love interest between Winters and the murdered newspaper editor's daughter Jennifer which I was keen to see develop.
The storyline culminates in an unpredicted explosive end that was just outstanding. It had me guessing all the time as to who was the killer. There was even an unexpected twist in the final pages that rounded off the book perfectly.
This is a great crime novel set in the 1980's and I could really see this book being made into a TV series - so good were the characters of Van Deventer and Winters and their traditional approach to good old fashioned police work without the advantages of modern forensic technology and communication. It's quite hard to believe that this is a first book and not a seasoned sequel.
I'm pleased I've had the opportunity to read this book by Kevin Murray who knows how to engage the reader with well developed characters and a gripping plot line. I do hope there will be more books by this author and I would happily recommend "Blood of the Rose" to all crime fiction readers.
5 stars!
April 27, 2016
A newspaper editor is brutally murdered by a crossbow. His death is quickly followed by the gruesome deaths of a lawyer, another business man, and a homeless man. The only thread that ties all these cases together is a single red rose left at each of the crime scenes.
This is an accomplished police procedural featuring Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Alan Winters, who has been charged with investigating and Chief Superintendent Jan Van Deventer, who was on the phone with the editor when he was killed.
As the body count continues, Jennifer Chapman, daughter of Hugh Chapman, newspaper editor, sets out on a personal search for revenge. Alan and Jennifer find themselves in a romantic relationship ... but at odds over Jennifer's self immersion into his case.
The killer is much closer than anyone suspects .....
Every other chapter of so, the reader is shown the thoughts that are running through the killer's mind. Starting from the child he was, his history is told up to present day. I think it takes us back to the nature vs nurture argument when it comes to serial killers.
WARNING: The very first chapter contains the ugly, horrendous killing of a cat. I really get disturbed by animal cruelty and abuse, and and this one was gruesome. So be warned.
I liked the interaction among the key characters. There's the romantic play between Alan and Jennifer .. and the issues of trust between a cop and a journalist is well written. Alan has a contentious relationship with Van Deventer ... neither of them willing to think the other is brighter and more apt to solve the crimes. Jealousy can be a killer in this case.
The book does not read as a first novel. The author has done an excellent job in bringing all his characters to life. And the ending is especially .... explosive.
Many thanks to the author / Urbane Publications / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is an accomplished police procedural featuring Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Alan Winters, who has been charged with investigating and Chief Superintendent Jan Van Deventer, who was on the phone with the editor when he was killed.
As the body count continues, Jennifer Chapman, daughter of Hugh Chapman, newspaper editor, sets out on a personal search for revenge. Alan and Jennifer find themselves in a romantic relationship ... but at odds over Jennifer's self immersion into his case.
The killer is much closer than anyone suspects .....
Every other chapter of so, the reader is shown the thoughts that are running through the killer's mind. Starting from the child he was, his history is told up to present day. I think it takes us back to the nature vs nurture argument when it comes to serial killers.
WARNING: The very first chapter contains the ugly, horrendous killing of a cat. I really get disturbed by animal cruelty and abuse, and and this one was gruesome. So be warned.
I liked the interaction among the key characters. There's the romantic play between Alan and Jennifer .. and the issues of trust between a cop and a journalist is well written. Alan has a contentious relationship with Van Deventer ... neither of them willing to think the other is brighter and more apt to solve the crimes. Jealousy can be a killer in this case.
The book does not read as a first novel. The author has done an excellent job in bringing all his characters to life. And the ending is especially .... explosive.
Many thanks to the author / Urbane Publications / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 18, 2016
BOOK COVER SYNOPSIS:
"It started low and soft, but grew slowly, increasing in pitch and volume into an unceasing scream so loud and so desperate it pierced his primeval soul. The detective was stunned, his mind blank. On the ragged edges of his consciousness a prophecy took hold. He could see, with shattering clarity, that there would never again be a time in his life when that scream did not exist" London, 1986. A newspaper editor is horrifically murdered, his death quickly followed by a series of more brutal, and often bizarre, slayings. The police are baffled, the only clear link between the murders being a single blood red rose left at the scene of every killing. Why? What does the rose mean? What connects the killer to each bloody corpse? Scotland Yard detective Alan Winters leads a hunt for the elusive prey. As the body count rises, Jennifer Chapman, renowned investigative journalist and daughter of the murdered newspaper editor, sets out on a personal quest for revenge. Drawn together in their pursuit of a deadly quarry, Winters and Jennifer unwittingly face a fatal surprise, for the killer is closer than they think. As they close in on the truth of the blood red rose, their unseen foe plots a shattering end to his reign of terror, and death awaits them all.
MY THOUGHTS:
The book blurb on this is fantastic and I couldn't sum it up any better!
I found it interesting that the author took us back to 1986 in this book. I'm not sure what the purpose was but it did make communication between the characters more difficult in a time before cell phones. Hard to remember those days!
This was a very enjoyable book! All of the lead characters were very likable. Jan Van Deventer, known as "The Dutchman" had an air of mystery as the older, has-been detective. Jennifer Chapman, as a journalist and the daughter of the first murder victim, was a strong, independent force to be reckoned with. Alan Winters as the up-and-coming detective, had a mind of his own and took as good as he got from both Jan and Jennifer. I wouldn't mind seeing any or all of these three characters carried over to another book. And this from one who gets tired of those never-ending series!
Seriously, these were great characters and even if we don't see them again, I know I will definitely recommend this book. It was well-written, suspenseful and had a touch of romance. The POVs from the killer are absolutely chilling and we are given multiple suspects to focus on, leaving it very hard to guess which is the culprit. I didn't guess before the reveal.
Now excuse me while I go decide which of Kevin Murray's books to read next!
I want to thank the publisher (Urbane Publications) for providing me with the ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
"It started low and soft, but grew slowly, increasing in pitch and volume into an unceasing scream so loud and so desperate it pierced his primeval soul. The detective was stunned, his mind blank. On the ragged edges of his consciousness a prophecy took hold. He could see, with shattering clarity, that there would never again be a time in his life when that scream did not exist" London, 1986. A newspaper editor is horrifically murdered, his death quickly followed by a series of more brutal, and often bizarre, slayings. The police are baffled, the only clear link between the murders being a single blood red rose left at the scene of every killing. Why? What does the rose mean? What connects the killer to each bloody corpse? Scotland Yard detective Alan Winters leads a hunt for the elusive prey. As the body count rises, Jennifer Chapman, renowned investigative journalist and daughter of the murdered newspaper editor, sets out on a personal quest for revenge. Drawn together in their pursuit of a deadly quarry, Winters and Jennifer unwittingly face a fatal surprise, for the killer is closer than they think. As they close in on the truth of the blood red rose, their unseen foe plots a shattering end to his reign of terror, and death awaits them all.
MY THOUGHTS:
The book blurb on this is fantastic and I couldn't sum it up any better!
I found it interesting that the author took us back to 1986 in this book. I'm not sure what the purpose was but it did make communication between the characters more difficult in a time before cell phones. Hard to remember those days!
This was a very enjoyable book! All of the lead characters were very likable. Jan Van Deventer, known as "The Dutchman" had an air of mystery as the older, has-been detective. Jennifer Chapman, as a journalist and the daughter of the first murder victim, was a strong, independent force to be reckoned with. Alan Winters as the up-and-coming detective, had a mind of his own and took as good as he got from both Jan and Jennifer. I wouldn't mind seeing any or all of these three characters carried over to another book. And this from one who gets tired of those never-ending series!
Seriously, these were great characters and even if we don't see them again, I know I will definitely recommend this book. It was well-written, suspenseful and had a touch of romance. The POVs from the killer are absolutely chilling and we are given multiple suspects to focus on, leaving it very hard to guess which is the culprit. I didn't guess before the reveal.
Now excuse me while I go decide which of Kevin Murray's books to read next!
I want to thank the publisher (Urbane Publications) for providing me with the ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
November 30, 2016
Originally posted at www.martasbookshelf.blogspot.com
SPOILER-FREE:
In this mystery novel following a series of murders, we follow both Alan Winters and Jennifer Champan through their investigations as well as personal life. I personally enjoyed how well intertwined both topics were, and how love and mystery could coexist, without one shading the other.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was reading from the assassin's P.O.V as well, because it helps you understand why he is doing what he is doing, and also because his description does not match any of the characters' personalities, which brings you to the edge and keeps you wondering until the very end.
Reading from Alan Winters' P.O.V was very exciting, so I really hope the author is working on some other novel led by him and the rest of the detectives, as I enjoyed them all. Winters is just an interesting character with a very tender side and a rather troubled one as well. He is focused on his job, but being the human being he is, he is betrayed by his feelings when he meets Jennifer.
I really liked the speed of the mystery development, and how clues were dropped without me realising them (which is the fun in a thriller). I also liked the characterisation, how special each character was (though Jenifer's colleagues were hard for me to recognise) and what each of them meant in the story.
The mystery really got me, and especially in the last pages I could not put the book down. It really is a page-turner, one I recommend for readers with no experience in the genre, like me, because of how much I enjoyed it. After finishing it, all I could say was: wow, that was brutal!
Blood of the Rose is the captivating story of a detective and a murdered man's daughter fighting a serial killer and their feelings at the same time. With a dark setting and strong characters, Kevin Murray gifts us a tale of family, love, trust... and murder.
SPOILER-FREE:
In this mystery novel following a series of murders, we follow both Alan Winters and Jennifer Champan through their investigations as well as personal life. I personally enjoyed how well intertwined both topics were, and how love and mystery could coexist, without one shading the other.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was reading from the assassin's P.O.V as well, because it helps you understand why he is doing what he is doing, and also because his description does not match any of the characters' personalities, which brings you to the edge and keeps you wondering until the very end.
Reading from Alan Winters' P.O.V was very exciting, so I really hope the author is working on some other novel led by him and the rest of the detectives, as I enjoyed them all. Winters is just an interesting character with a very tender side and a rather troubled one as well. He is focused on his job, but being the human being he is, he is betrayed by his feelings when he meets Jennifer.
I really liked the speed of the mystery development, and how clues were dropped without me realising them (which is the fun in a thriller). I also liked the characterisation, how special each character was (though Jenifer's colleagues were hard for me to recognise) and what each of them meant in the story.
The mystery really got me, and especially in the last pages I could not put the book down. It really is a page-turner, one I recommend for readers with no experience in the genre, like me, because of how much I enjoyed it. After finishing it, all I could say was: wow, that was brutal!
Blood of the Rose is the captivating story of a detective and a murdered man's daughter fighting a serial killer and their feelings at the same time. With a dark setting and strong characters, Kevin Murray gifts us a tale of family, love, trust... and murder.
September 11, 2023
Wow Fantastic Read.
Wow, what a fantastic read-
I don't think you can buy this book anymore..unfortunately.
I started reading this author, Kevin Murray, one I'd never read before, at first i wasn't sure if i was going to enjoy it - boy was i so wrong, once into it, i couldn't put it down. I had forgotten what a great serial killer book was.
I guess it could be, because there was no internet or mobile, police work was done the hard way. It certainly proved a point, about it's time. And it was hard work, these days we are so well off, and we take it for granted.
In the storyline, all the characters were so well placed, with a storyline that was brilliant.
A highly recommend read. If you can find it.
Wow, what a fantastic read-
I don't think you can buy this book anymore..unfortunately.
I started reading this author, Kevin Murray, one I'd never read before, at first i wasn't sure if i was going to enjoy it - boy was i so wrong, once into it, i couldn't put it down. I had forgotten what a great serial killer book was.
I guess it could be, because there was no internet or mobile, police work was done the hard way. It certainly proved a point, about it's time. And it was hard work, these days we are so well off, and we take it for granted.
In the storyline, all the characters were so well placed, with a storyline that was brilliant.
A highly recommend read. If you can find it.
March 28, 2015
Being an '80's queen, I loved the fact that this novel was set in the '80's - and so well too, even down to little things like the fact that one guy, talking on the phone, went to the telephone table - who even has one of those any more? EVERYONE HAD ONE IN THE '80'S! This was a brilliant, if a little gory, crime thriller - it's not for the faint-hearted, there are some parts that are pretty descriptive, but if you do enjoy a good murder, this one is definitely for you.
The characters are well-written, however I was expecting the story to focus on one detective, when in actual fact it focussed on another - not a problem, it was actually quite refreshing to have a novel paying attention to a detective who might have had a smaller role in an average crime thriller. I also was a bit stunned by the way the detective and the victims daughter's relationship in the initial stages, but it led to an excellent ending, with a subtle twist that I wasn't expecting.
In all, a brilliant crime novel, with just enough goriness to delight those of us who love a good murder, strong characters and it's set in the 80's!
The characters are well-written, however I was expecting the story to focus on one detective, when in actual fact it focussed on another - not a problem, it was actually quite refreshing to have a novel paying attention to a detective who might have had a smaller role in an average crime thriller. I also was a bit stunned by the way the detective and the victims daughter's relationship in the initial stages, but it led to an excellent ending, with a subtle twist that I wasn't expecting.
In all, a brilliant crime novel, with just enough goriness to delight those of us who love a good murder, strong characters and it's set in the 80's!
October 14, 2014
An excellent novel. Some great strong characters, and a gripping story. Keeps you guessing up until the end. Highly recommended.
June 22, 2017
More like a 3.5.
This book started off really slowly, even with the first murder, and it took me a while to get into the story- it also took me a whole to work out that the focus moved between the characters.
Once I got over that I was able to follow it better.
However, the main protagonist is Detective Winters, and he works hard on the case of 'The Rose', that is, until he meets the daughter of the first victim, journalist Jennifer Chapman, and his loyalties change slightly....
The Rose is definitely a psychopath.
His first kill is a cat!
However, I did manage to predict who the Rose actually was but not until the end. His diary entries gave me an insight into his life- past and present, and then I worked out who it was.
It was still a shock though!
There is plenty going on in this book to keep you hooked. From the range of police officers, to the murders, to the families of the victims.
Everyone is important.
There's a slightly happy ending.
The killer is locked up and Jennifer and Alan (Winters) are happy together.
But who is the mystery woman with the gun at then end....? It ends on a question, keeping you in suspense the whole way through.
A good read!
This book started off really slowly, even with the first murder, and it took me a while to get into the story- it also took me a whole to work out that the focus moved between the characters.
Once I got over that I was able to follow it better.
However, the main protagonist is Detective Winters, and he works hard on the case of 'The Rose', that is, until he meets the daughter of the first victim, journalist Jennifer Chapman, and his loyalties change slightly....
The Rose is definitely a psychopath.
His first kill is a cat!
However, I did manage to predict who the Rose actually was but not until the end. His diary entries gave me an insight into his life- past and present, and then I worked out who it was.
It was still a shock though!
There is plenty going on in this book to keep you hooked. From the range of police officers, to the murders, to the families of the victims.
Everyone is important.
There's a slightly happy ending.
The killer is locked up and Jennifer and Alan (Winters) are happy together.
But who is the mystery woman with the gun at then end....? It ends on a question, keeping you in suspense the whole way through.
A good read!
July 31, 2022
3 Eg er búin að hafa þessa til hliðar. Ekki nógu spennandi til að lesa í einum rykk en samt vildi ég klára hana. Síðasti hlutinn kom ágætlega á óvart. Raðmorðingi gengur laus og skilur eftir sig svarta rós. Morðin virðast eiga það sameiginlegt að vera eldri menn ofarlega í virðingarstiganum.
August 13, 2022
Most annoying characters and ridiculous scenarios.
And we are never really sure what motivated the killer to start killing. Going mean, sure he had a horrendous childhood, but we never understand why he did it.
And we are never really sure what motivated the killer to start killing. Going mean, sure he had a horrendous childhood, but we never understand why he did it.
July 5, 2021
Utterly contemptible female lead and really hard to determine the killer's motivations or connections to the various victims; they were tenuous at best. Easy to figure out the villain.
June 17, 2015
One thing that I love about the books that I receive from Urbane Publications is that the characters are so incredibly well built; I don’t know whether Matthew focuses on this when picking the manuscripts to publish, but the way the characters build as the plot escalates is brilliantly explored. Winters is stocky and brooding but with a cheeky side that flaws his judgment at times but leads to a character that I could really empathise with. Additionally the way he empathises with Jennifer and yet also finds it impossible to let her research the deaths on her own is beautifully written and really pulls at the readers emotions. In a time of such hardship would you be able to stop someone finding out what really happened to someone they loved, just so much? It’s a difficult question but beautifully managed. This contrasted with the disfunctional Van Deventer (another detective on the case,) made for an interesting relationship. Gritty and masculine, they fight to become the alpha of the investigation. The fight between the two makes for an interesting read and only helps to draw the reader in more. I also loved the feisty nature of Jennifer that was coupled with her deeply emotional side; to be able to mix and match these emotions so fluidly is a great skill and it comes across very maturely and is a joy to read.
This was also wildly contrasted with the segments that came directly from the killer. Every so often we are suddenly given a set of dialogue from ‘The Rose.’ The lucidity of the killer was really magnified through the writing prose which helped to set a feeling of fear into the readers heart, which contrasted with the steely Winters and the determined Jennifer really gave the killer this manically unstable characterisation. Additionally by including these segments at times it allowed the reader to know the next steps of the killer which only made me read faster through the book; sometimes too much is given away through this technique but here it was managed maturely. Although I won’t give any spoilers away, I also liked the connection between the killings and the way that it confuses both the detectives throughout the investigation; it added another plot-twist to keep the reader on their toes. Additionally the clues the killer leaves, at times on purpose or accidental really gave the reader an insight into what the killer was doing and why. Although not allowing the killings it gave another weaving plot line to keep the reader absorbed.
I also loved the way the author really hid the final twist right till the very end; I don’t know whether I was determined that it was going to be a set person or whether I missed the clues, but I got it completely wrong. Through the author keeping his cards close to his chest at all times I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was finally going to happen. By doing this it also makes the reader engage more in the plot line. The only slight complaint I had about the ending was that it read quite messily and I had to read it a number of times to make sure I had got the right person. Once again this could have been because I was determined that it was someone else, but it just didn’t come across as clearly as it should have. Although this is only a minor issue it did mean the tension was a little less than at first, however it may have been me gambling to get to the end and misreading. I also really liked the way the author held everything right to his chest until the very end; we were left with so little information that it really helped to increase the suspense and tension.
Overall this is a twisting mystery of murder, suspense, pain, family and love. With increasing tension throughout this story will keep you in the unknown till the very last page.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This was also wildly contrasted with the segments that came directly from the killer. Every so often we are suddenly given a set of dialogue from ‘The Rose.’ The lucidity of the killer was really magnified through the writing prose which helped to set a feeling of fear into the readers heart, which contrasted with the steely Winters and the determined Jennifer really gave the killer this manically unstable characterisation. Additionally by including these segments at times it allowed the reader to know the next steps of the killer which only made me read faster through the book; sometimes too much is given away through this technique but here it was managed maturely. Although I won’t give any spoilers away, I also liked the connection between the killings and the way that it confuses both the detectives throughout the investigation; it added another plot-twist to keep the reader on their toes. Additionally the clues the killer leaves, at times on purpose or accidental really gave the reader an insight into what the killer was doing and why. Although not allowing the killings it gave another weaving plot line to keep the reader absorbed.
I also loved the way the author really hid the final twist right till the very end; I don’t know whether I was determined that it was going to be a set person or whether I missed the clues, but I got it completely wrong. Through the author keeping his cards close to his chest at all times I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was finally going to happen. By doing this it also makes the reader engage more in the plot line. The only slight complaint I had about the ending was that it read quite messily and I had to read it a number of times to make sure I had got the right person. Once again this could have been because I was determined that it was someone else, but it just didn’t come across as clearly as it should have. Although this is only a minor issue it did mean the tension was a little less than at first, however it may have been me gambling to get to the end and misreading. I also really liked the way the author held everything right to his chest until the very end; we were left with so little information that it really helped to increase the suspense and tension.
Overall this is a twisting mystery of murder, suspense, pain, family and love. With increasing tension throughout this story will keep you in the unknown till the very last page.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
December 1, 2014
Set against the backdrop of London, 1986, Kevin Murray presents the story of a cold blooded serial killer through his novel – ‘Blood of the Rose’. The story begins with the murder of Hugh Chapman, a renowned journalist and Scotland Yard detective Alan Winters and Superintendent Van Deventer takes up the investigation. Jennifer Chapman, journalist and daughter of Hugh Chapman who gets devastated by the loss of her father decides to seek revenge and takes up the investigation along with her four other fellow journalists. Three more murders take place through the course of Chapman’s murder investigation with a red rose left near all the four corpses being the only connection between the three. The diary entries of the killer are brought in between the investigation process for the reader to go through his mind, his past and the reasons which made him what he was. Meanwhile Jennifer and Winters start developing feelings for each other which costs Alan Winters his job nearly. How Alan and Deventer solves the murder mystery forms the rest of the story.
The biggest risk of reviewing a thriller is to make sure that the thrill of reading is not lost by a one sheet page review. Lesser the details are mentioned, the more will be the level of enjoyment while reading. What I felt special about the book was the author’s view on personal and professional relationships. Right from the beginning we are presented with a father, mother and daughter (Hugh Chapman, Sheila Chapman and Jennifer Chapman respectively). The father daughter relationship is the one we are familiar with. The husband wife relationship is worth a mention where the wife, with no other option adjusts to the busy life of her husband with the hope of a happy and pleasant life after his retirement. Alan Winters and Jennifer Chapman’s romance also takes a U turn when they have to choose between their professional and personal life. The conflict of views between Alan Winters and Deventer halts the progress of investigation in a way. The romance between Alan, a police officer and Jennifer, a journalist also seems to be a mismatch as their professional ethics do not match. However, the way the romance is described is good. The story takes place in 1986 and with no modern gadgets, how the investigation progresses with no hint about the killer other than a red rose, kept me hooked on to the book. At the end, even though the story line seems simple, with no major twists and turns, the author needs to be appreciated for bringing up the tensions between the press and the police through Alan and Jennifer in an interesting way.
PS : Recommended for all crime thriller fans.
The biggest risk of reviewing a thriller is to make sure that the thrill of reading is not lost by a one sheet page review. Lesser the details are mentioned, the more will be the level of enjoyment while reading. What I felt special about the book was the author’s view on personal and professional relationships. Right from the beginning we are presented with a father, mother and daughter (Hugh Chapman, Sheila Chapman and Jennifer Chapman respectively). The father daughter relationship is the one we are familiar with. The husband wife relationship is worth a mention where the wife, with no other option adjusts to the busy life of her husband with the hope of a happy and pleasant life after his retirement. Alan Winters and Jennifer Chapman’s romance also takes a U turn when they have to choose between their professional and personal life. The conflict of views between Alan Winters and Deventer halts the progress of investigation in a way. The romance between Alan, a police officer and Jennifer, a journalist also seems to be a mismatch as their professional ethics do not match. However, the way the romance is described is good. The story takes place in 1986 and with no modern gadgets, how the investigation progresses with no hint about the killer other than a red rose, kept me hooked on to the book. At the end, even though the story line seems simple, with no major twists and turns, the author needs to be appreciated for bringing up the tensions between the press and the police through Alan and Jennifer in an interesting way.
PS : Recommended for all crime thriller fans.
July 6, 2016
Yes it’s yet another detective story! I’m sorry guys! I just can’t get another of these mystery wonders and this one was definitely something special! It was the title that snatched my attention first (come on, who can’t get enraptured by a title like that) and the cover! Gosh it looks so intriguing and slightly creepy if I’m being truthful but that only succeeds in making this even more interesting. Then I read the blurb and I just knew that I had to request this one because it’s right up my street.
It’s not often that I read books set in the past; I’m more of a futuristic, alternative universe sort of girl. But historical fiction is the sort of thing that Paige adores so I decided to give this one a shot and it was not a let down! I honestly had no idea how much technology has developed over the years and seeing the way that it affected the case in this novel was actually really interesting. They had to use telephone tables and it’s based when DNA testing was first being used (so, naturally, not many people could use it). This meant they had to solve crimes the old-fashioned way – the Sherlock way – and I really enjoyed it!
One of my favourite things about this book were the glimpses that we got into our murderer’s past. Rather than just showing the investigation like most crime novels do, Murray shows up why the murderer became a murderer and what’s to blame for the way he turned out. We also get many glimpses into the murderer’s head and the complexity of his mind is astounding. It reminded me a lot of Are You Still There and the way that Scheerger structured her novel.
Another great thing is that the murderer is so hard to figure out. I’m an avid crime reader and watcher and listener and because of that I usually find it fairly easy to decipher who the culprit is going to be. But this book? I had no clue. I had my suspicions, don’t get me wrong, and they carried me far, but when it came to choosing between the last few suspects I couldn’t guess one from another until everything came to bloom. It was a spectacular ending and the reveal was brilliant. I would love to read this again with a fresh mind.
My only complaint is that I wasn’t too big of a fan of the style of writing to begin with. But it grew on me quickly and before long I could barely notice it at all. There’s also a fair few gruesome scenes that readers may find uncomfortable so go into this with warning.
I’d like to thank Urbane Publications and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book to review. This has not affected my review in any way.
It’s not often that I read books set in the past; I’m more of a futuristic, alternative universe sort of girl. But historical fiction is the sort of thing that Paige adores so I decided to give this one a shot and it was not a let down! I honestly had no idea how much technology has developed over the years and seeing the way that it affected the case in this novel was actually really interesting. They had to use telephone tables and it’s based when DNA testing was first being used (so, naturally, not many people could use it). This meant they had to solve crimes the old-fashioned way – the Sherlock way – and I really enjoyed it!
One of my favourite things about this book were the glimpses that we got into our murderer’s past. Rather than just showing the investigation like most crime novels do, Murray shows up why the murderer became a murderer and what’s to blame for the way he turned out. We also get many glimpses into the murderer’s head and the complexity of his mind is astounding. It reminded me a lot of Are You Still There and the way that Scheerger structured her novel.
Another great thing is that the murderer is so hard to figure out. I’m an avid crime reader and watcher and listener and because of that I usually find it fairly easy to decipher who the culprit is going to be. But this book? I had no clue. I had my suspicions, don’t get me wrong, and they carried me far, but when it came to choosing between the last few suspects I couldn’t guess one from another until everything came to bloom. It was a spectacular ending and the reveal was brilliant. I would love to read this again with a fresh mind.
My only complaint is that I wasn’t too big of a fan of the style of writing to begin with. But it grew on me quickly and before long I could barely notice it at all. There’s also a fair few gruesome scenes that readers may find uncomfortable so go into this with warning.
I’d like to thank Urbane Publications and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book to review. This has not affected my review in any way.
March 29, 2016
Let me begin by saying that I almost didn't finish this book after reading the first few paragraphs. Now normally, I don't post anything that could be considered a "spoiler" - and I really don't think this fits into that category. In fact, I completely understand that the author may have chosen to use this scene for no purpose other than to show the depravity of the killer themselves. However - I feel this scene may actually be a TRIGGER for some people, so I am mentioning it.
***POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING ANIMAL CRUELTY AHEAD**
In one of the very first scenes of this novel, the killer targets a stray cat. And not only uses his crossbow on it without remorse, but then stomps its head for good measure. And the author uses great detail about it. Now maybe I'm weird - and in a minority - but you can brutally murder all the adults that you want, but children and animals are off limits.
**** END POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING****
Even though that scene almost made me decide not to read anymore due to the graphic details provided, I decided to keep reading - after all if the author was going to spend that much time on a scene of that nature, perhaps it was a book worth reading.
And I feel that it was.
This was one of those stories that (to me) feels like a realistic representation of how actual police work goes. Evidence doesn't just fall into their laps - in fact the first part of the book showcases how every clue is being followed up, and still the detectives in charge are getting nowhere. It all comes down to not only solid police work - but to a few lucky breaks. As the story progresses, you also get a look inside the twisted mind of the killer (via his own diary) that allows the reader to better understand what has happened in their life and how the darkness has finally overcome them.
Filled with surprising twists, some personality conflicts, and a tiny bit of romance and betrayal I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gripping and well put together investigative novel.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
***POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING ANIMAL CRUELTY AHEAD**
In one of the very first scenes of this novel, the killer targets a stray cat. And not only uses his crossbow on it without remorse, but then stomps its head for good measure. And the author uses great detail about it. Now maybe I'm weird - and in a minority - but you can brutally murder all the adults that you want, but children and animals are off limits.
**** END POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNING****
Even though that scene almost made me decide not to read anymore due to the graphic details provided, I decided to keep reading - after all if the author was going to spend that much time on a scene of that nature, perhaps it was a book worth reading.
And I feel that it was.
This was one of those stories that (to me) feels like a realistic representation of how actual police work goes. Evidence doesn't just fall into their laps - in fact the first part of the book showcases how every clue is being followed up, and still the detectives in charge are getting nowhere. It all comes down to not only solid police work - but to a few lucky breaks. As the story progresses, you also get a look inside the twisted mind of the killer (via his own diary) that allows the reader to better understand what has happened in their life and how the darkness has finally overcome them.
Filled with surprising twists, some personality conflicts, and a tiny bit of romance and betrayal I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gripping and well put together investigative novel.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
October 25, 2014
No two people ever read the same book; a persons experience informs their interpretation of whatever they are reading. That was definitely the case with The Blood of the Rose; aside from the shadowy assassin, Hugh Chapman is the first character we are introduced to, and I immediately connected with him. An old fashioned, business-minded, powerful man, Chapman loves his family but doesn’t always know how to show it. His strong willed daughter, Jennifer, struggles to connect with him. Their relationship triggered thoughts of my relationship with my own father; like Chapman in many ways, my strong-willed attitude often is at loggerheads with his old-fashioned ways. I understood Jennifer’s desire to be closer to her father. So, when Chapman was brutally slain, I felt her pain in never having that opportunity, and connected with her need to help find his killer.
As the book progressed, I was surprised by the way Murray unravelled the mystery. Unlike many other thrillers, there was no abundance of cleverly hidden clues that the detectives stumbled upon one after another until they discovered the killer. Instead, much of the first half of the story centered around the distinct lack of clues. To me, that made the story feel more realistic; I’m sure that in real life, the clues don’t just fall in the paths of the investigators.
At times, the italicised insights into the killers thoughts and background were a little incongruously inserted. However, the information that they contained was crucial to understanding his motives and his background, so I can understand their purpose.
It was quite a long read, but just as the lack of progress in the investigation starts to get frustrating, it is revealed to the reader that the emotionless killer is indeed much closer than anybody suspects. Suddenly, with half a book to go, I was suddenly revitalised, wondering what twists and turns awaited in the upcoming pages and the inevitable race to catch the killer. I wasn’t disappointed!
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely pick up another Kevin Murray thriller in future.
http://annabelandalice.com/category/b...
As the book progressed, I was surprised by the way Murray unravelled the mystery. Unlike many other thrillers, there was no abundance of cleverly hidden clues that the detectives stumbled upon one after another until they discovered the killer. Instead, much of the first half of the story centered around the distinct lack of clues. To me, that made the story feel more realistic; I’m sure that in real life, the clues don’t just fall in the paths of the investigators.
At times, the italicised insights into the killers thoughts and background were a little incongruously inserted. However, the information that they contained was crucial to understanding his motives and his background, so I can understand their purpose.
It was quite a long read, but just as the lack of progress in the investigation starts to get frustrating, it is revealed to the reader that the emotionless killer is indeed much closer than anybody suspects. Suddenly, with half a book to go, I was suddenly revitalised, wondering what twists and turns awaited in the upcoming pages and the inevitable race to catch the killer. I wasn’t disappointed!
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely pick up another Kevin Murray thriller in future.
http://annabelandalice.com/category/b...
April 16, 2016
The year is 1986 and, after receiving a series of threatening letters, a newspaper editor is brutally slaughtered. With little to go on, the police are baffled; their only clue being a rose left near the scene of the crime. The first murder is followed up by a series of equally macabre killings, the carefully placed rose, again, being a clue that the slayings are all linked. Alan Winters, a young Scotland Yard detective, is tasked with finding the murdererer but with Jennifer Chapman, the daughter of the first victim intent on launching her own investigation, will he find the killer before he finds them?
Initially, despite its shocking introduction, I found this book hard to get into as I found it difficult to like any of the main characters. After the second killing, however, I felt that the book took a major turn for the better and the characters began to seem more real and likeable. Setting the book in 1986 was a great idea as whereas nowadays there would be a reliance on forensics and the use of computer databases, the Scotland Yard detectives had to use traditional police legwork to make connections.
As is found in many books of this genre, the story is interspersed with chapters written by the killer, this time in the form of a diary. What is different, however, is that Kevin Murray manages to write the killer’s story in a way that makes you feel empathy towards him – a stark contrast to the feelings you have about him whilst he’s on his killing spree!
Without giving too much away, it becomes obvious where the killer is going to be found but the author succeeds in not making it too easy to discover exactly who it is. The ending tears away at breakneck speed as the guilty party prepares for their final showdown. The slight twist at the end was another clever touch.
This book was received from Urbane Productions and Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Initially, despite its shocking introduction, I found this book hard to get into as I found it difficult to like any of the main characters. After the second killing, however, I felt that the book took a major turn for the better and the characters began to seem more real and likeable. Setting the book in 1986 was a great idea as whereas nowadays there would be a reliance on forensics and the use of computer databases, the Scotland Yard detectives had to use traditional police legwork to make connections.
As is found in many books of this genre, the story is interspersed with chapters written by the killer, this time in the form of a diary. What is different, however, is that Kevin Murray manages to write the killer’s story in a way that makes you feel empathy towards him – a stark contrast to the feelings you have about him whilst he’s on his killing spree!
Without giving too much away, it becomes obvious where the killer is going to be found but the author succeeds in not making it too easy to discover exactly who it is. The ending tears away at breakneck speed as the guilty party prepares for their final showdown. The slight twist at the end was another clever touch.
This book was received from Urbane Productions and Net Galley in return for an honest review.
March 9, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Urbane Publications for a review copy of Blood Of The Rose which is an accomplished police procedural set in London in 1986. Police are baffled when Hugh Chapman, a newspaper editor, is shot dead by a crossbow arrow while on the phone to Superintendent Jan Van Deventer, an old friend, about some threatening letters he's received. Much to Van Deventer's dismay he is not put in charge of the investigation but is allowed a watching brief over DCI Alan Winters who takes the lead. To complicate matters Alan is instantly attracted to Hugh's daughter, Jennifer, a journalist determined to find her father's killer herself. With little to go on the police exhaust every avenue and get nowhere. They are demoralised and frustrated when the killer strikes again.
Blood Of The Rose is an extremely well written novel with some great observations on human character and it is hard to believe it is a first novel. The interplay between the characters is excellent - the niggles and suspicion between Alan and Van Deventer, Jennifer's thoughtless and selfish need to catch the killer, the reactions of her colleagues to her relentless pursuit - it doesn't make any of them particularly likeable but it does make them very human. Their story is intercut with chapters of the killer's thoughts which show him to have a troubled mind. Personally I'm not a fan of seeing the killer's mind but it's almost unavoidable in modern crime fiction and in this case I think it is a bit repetitive and doesn't add very much to the sum total of the novel although, again, it is chilling and well done.
I have no hesitation in recommending Blood Of The Rose as a very good read.
Blood Of The Rose is an extremely well written novel with some great observations on human character and it is hard to believe it is a first novel. The interplay between the characters is excellent - the niggles and suspicion between Alan and Van Deventer, Jennifer's thoughtless and selfish need to catch the killer, the reactions of her colleagues to her relentless pursuit - it doesn't make any of them particularly likeable but it does make them very human. Their story is intercut with chapters of the killer's thoughts which show him to have a troubled mind. Personally I'm not a fan of seeing the killer's mind but it's almost unavoidable in modern crime fiction and in this case I think it is a bit repetitive and doesn't add very much to the sum total of the novel although, again, it is chilling and well done.
I have no hesitation in recommending Blood Of The Rose as a very good read.
January 4, 2016
This was an excellent thriller that I read over the course of 24 hours. I was immediately hooked with the chilling description of the killer hunting his prey and my stomach did a huge somersault as the crossbow found its first target.
The reader is simultaneously immersed into a police investigation, a journalistic scoop and a fledgling relationship; barely giving us time to pause for breath. A continual string of murders gives the story its fast pace and as hints to the killer’s identity are revealed the pace definitely goes up a notch. I was flicking through the pages almost as fast as Winters when he was racing to St Paul's Cathedral for the final explosive showdown.
Jennifer is a great character; she is the daughter of the first victim and, as a journalist, she understandably begins her own investigation into who killed her father. She also begins a relationship with Alan Winters, who is heading the police investigation, and both he and I wondered if Jennifer was using him to get information on the case.
It kept me guessing right up to the end and even once the killer is revealed there’s another excellent twist. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to everyone; crime/thriller readers will love it and I think it could also introduce a love of the crime/thriller genre to other readers.
Many thanks to Matthew from Urbane Publications for sending me this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review.
The reader is simultaneously immersed into a police investigation, a journalistic scoop and a fledgling relationship; barely giving us time to pause for breath. A continual string of murders gives the story its fast pace and as hints to the killer’s identity are revealed the pace definitely goes up a notch. I was flicking through the pages almost as fast as Winters when he was racing to St Paul's Cathedral for the final explosive showdown.
Jennifer is a great character; she is the daughter of the first victim and, as a journalist, she understandably begins her own investigation into who killed her father. She also begins a relationship with Alan Winters, who is heading the police investigation, and both he and I wondered if Jennifer was using him to get information on the case.
It kept me guessing right up to the end and even once the killer is revealed there’s another excellent twist. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to everyone; crime/thriller readers will love it and I think it could also introduce a love of the crime/thriller genre to other readers.
Many thanks to Matthew from Urbane Publications for sending me this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I like a good book as well as the best of them. I like books that are real page turners that keep you on pins and needles throughout the book. So I will forgive the author for disturbing my beauty sleep last night as Momma and I stayed up to finish this book in the wee hours of the morning. I am a cat so I can nap throughout the day. I am a little worried about my human. She is very groggy.
It was worth it though. We kept going back and forth wondering who was the murderer, even more so once the list of suspects was whittled down to four. We could not decide which one did it so we just could not put the book down until we knew.
This is a taut, exciting, mind boggling mystery with characters who are only too human, with foibles and quirks that complicate their interactions. Even the heroes and heroines have some pretty egregious flaws but that is what makes the story so compelling. In spite of those flaws, or perhaps because of them, the characters jump off the page and the reader is swept along with their stories.
If you are someone who suffers from insomnia, this is a great book to pass the hours. If you need to get up early and be bright eyed, wait until you can indulge.
Either way, it gets five purrs and two paws up. *Yawn. Zzzzzz*
I like a good book as well as the best of them. I like books that are real page turners that keep you on pins and needles throughout the book. So I will forgive the author for disturbing my beauty sleep last night as Momma and I stayed up to finish this book in the wee hours of the morning. I am a cat so I can nap throughout the day. I am a little worried about my human. She is very groggy.
It was worth it though. We kept going back and forth wondering who was the murderer, even more so once the list of suspects was whittled down to four. We could not decide which one did it so we just could not put the book down until we knew.
This is a taut, exciting, mind boggling mystery with characters who are only too human, with foibles and quirks that complicate their interactions. Even the heroes and heroines have some pretty egregious flaws but that is what makes the story so compelling. In spite of those flaws, or perhaps because of them, the characters jump off the page and the reader is swept along with their stories.
If you are someone who suffers from insomnia, this is a great book to pass the hours. If you need to get up early and be bright eyed, wait until you can indulge.
Either way, it gets five purrs and two paws up. *Yawn. Zzzzzz*
February 13, 2017
A fast moving murder story on the edge of credibility with characters who are just about believable - but who cares! I liked the twist at the end.
March 20, 2015
This very enjoyable crime novel, set in the 80s, sees events through the eyes of the police, journalists, victims and killer, all contributing their story to the whole.
When a senior editor is cold-bloodedly murdered and a rose left at the scene, Scotland Yard get Alan Winter, an up-and-coming detective, on the case. The fact that Winter starts to be drawn in by the victim's daughter, Jennifer, is just the start of the adventure that includes a serial killer, a group of journalists keen to investigate and a brusque Superintendent keen to see Winters slip up so he can take over the (personal, to him) case.
Despite being set in the 80s, the reminders are subtle (smoking at crime scenes, lack of understanding of DNA etc), as is the whole character of the book. Everything gently (yet thrillingly) builds to a crescendo and despite knowing roughly what is going to happen, you're never quite sure whether it will, or why, or who by. An entertaining and satisfying read.
*I received a free copy of this book in a giveaway by the publisher
When a senior editor is cold-bloodedly murdered and a rose left at the scene, Scotland Yard get Alan Winter, an up-and-coming detective, on the case. The fact that Winter starts to be drawn in by the victim's daughter, Jennifer, is just the start of the adventure that includes a serial killer, a group of journalists keen to investigate and a brusque Superintendent keen to see Winters slip up so he can take over the (personal, to him) case.
Despite being set in the 80s, the reminders are subtle (smoking at crime scenes, lack of understanding of DNA etc), as is the whole character of the book. Everything gently (yet thrillingly) builds to a crescendo and despite knowing roughly what is going to happen, you're never quite sure whether it will, or why, or who by. An entertaining and satisfying read.
*I received a free copy of this book in a giveaway by the publisher
November 18, 2014
A former crime reporter explores the conflict and relationship between the police and the press in this violent crime novel set in London, 1986.
The graphic killing of a cat sets the scene for several brutal slayings in this tense and scary police procedural. Inspector Alan Winters and his Superintendent Van Deventer are the baffled rivals on a case in which the only link between the crimes is a blood red rose left at each scene.
The first human victim, a newspaper editor, has a journalist daughter and she works the case. This brings her together with lead investigator Winters and a relationship ensues.
Forensics are progressing by 1986 and come into play here, together with dogged investigative skills.
The main characters are interesting, flawed yet admirable, and we hear from the remorseless killer in sections that will chill the bones.
Well worth my 4 stars.
The graphic killing of a cat sets the scene for several brutal slayings in this tense and scary police procedural. Inspector Alan Winters and his Superintendent Van Deventer are the baffled rivals on a case in which the only link between the crimes is a blood red rose left at each scene.
The first human victim, a newspaper editor, has a journalist daughter and she works the case. This brings her together with lead investigator Winters and a relationship ensues.
Forensics are progressing by 1986 and come into play here, together with dogged investigative skills.
The main characters are interesting, flawed yet admirable, and we hear from the remorseless killer in sections that will chill the bones.
Well worth my 4 stars.
November 1, 2015
You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog
That feeling after reading a good book where you suddenly don’t know what to do with your life after the last page of the book ends. I felt that with this one.
I loved reading this book. And it was a little different for me as this is the first time that I’m reading something that deals with Scotland Yard and was set in London 1980s. I found a lot of the information that came through this book really intriguing. And it captivated me till the very end. It was one of those books that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. I think I enjoyed most about this book was that it kept me guessing right till the end.
That feeling after reading a good book where you suddenly don’t know what to do with your life after the last page of the book ends. I felt that with this one.
I loved reading this book. And it was a little different for me as this is the first time that I’m reading something that deals with Scotland Yard and was set in London 1980s. I found a lot of the information that came through this book really intriguing. And it captivated me till the very end. It was one of those books that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. I think I enjoyed most about this book was that it kept me guessing right till the end.
April 20, 2015
I really liked this book. I love when books deal with Scotland Yard. They work so differently! I feel like I am in another place and another time. I enjoyed reading about Jennifer and her budding romance as well. The author wrote short chapters that I was able to read here and there. It was nice that I did not have to put it down. My favorite part was the roses that was left at each murder. Towards the end it was obvious that danger was never far away, I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review via Authoramp, however all opinions are my own.
September 27, 2015
Great book, fast paced, page burner.
March 16, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
A solid, well written read. Will keep you guessing.
A solid, well written read. Will keep you guessing.
June 19, 2016
It was like an over acted TV film.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews