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Blood Secrets
When Irene Rutledge, a brilliant and beautiful young graduate student, meets the mysterious and fascinating Frank Mattison, the two soon fall in love and marry, despite the warnings of Irene’s family and friends. But after their marriage, dark secrets from Frank’s past emerge to threaten their happiness, secrets that will lead to murder—and a shocking and horrific conclusion...
199 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
12 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Craig Jones
3 books17 followersCraig Jones was born in California and grew up in Michigan. He earned a B.A. in English from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Drama & Cinema from New York University. He has taught high school English (in Brooklyn), worked as a copywriter for Barnes & Noble’s Catalogue, written book reviews for a Connecticut newspaper, and served as a caregiver for two longtime friends. He lived in New York City for twenty-three years, in rural Connecticut for ten, and now resides in his home state. His other two novels are Fatal Attraction (not the basis for the film) and Too Late To Be Good. He is currently completing a new work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 26, 2023
"After all, you have your own powers of judgement to rely upon; mine only got me to where I am now"...
Craig Jones-Blood Secrets
Amazing.
Edgar award nominee for best first novel.
Note on book says do NOT reveal ending to ANYONE!
My review:
This was and is sort of a masterpiece. I am in awe. I cannot believe this was the writer's first novel.
So this book is about Irene and Frank and it is narrated by Irene. From the first page we learn that Irene is a college educated wife and mother who is on trial for murder. But whom did she murder and why? That we do not know yet.
Irene and Frank meet in college and more opposites they could not be. Irene is one of life's golden people. She is smart, sassy, confident and beautiful as well as being an English major.
Then there is Frank. Frank is an introvert. Dubbed "The Weirdo" by all who know him, he is a shy somewhat awkward young man who doesn't have alot of experience with women.
Despite..or maybe because..of their differences Frank and Irene fall for each other hard and fast and wind up getting married.
But there are things..small things that do not make much sense. Why does Frank insist on no contact with anybody in his family? Why is he so protective of Regina the daughter he and Irene eventually have? And what happened to Regina two..actually Regina one..Frank's mysterious twin sister who died under heartbreaking circumstances and who Regina the daughter is named for?
I really do not want to say anymore. This one is best gone into not knowing much at all. I found it be incredible and I do not use words like "Masterpiece" all that easily.
I will also warn anyone reading this: you DO NOT want to know the ending. And there are other reviews on here that do not list spoilers that do reveal the ending so just buy the book but know if you look at all the reviews on here, the book will most likely be spoiled for you..or at least it's ending will.
A great book..one of my favorites of all time.
EDIT..9/17/2020..A bunch of you will be getting a recommendation from me of this book..do NOT look at reviews first if you want to be surprised!
Craig Jones-Blood Secrets
Amazing.
Edgar award nominee for best first novel.
Note on book says do NOT reveal ending to ANYONE!
My review:
This was and is sort of a masterpiece. I am in awe. I cannot believe this was the writer's first novel.
So this book is about Irene and Frank and it is narrated by Irene. From the first page we learn that Irene is a college educated wife and mother who is on trial for murder. But whom did she murder and why? That we do not know yet.
Irene and Frank meet in college and more opposites they could not be. Irene is one of life's golden people. She is smart, sassy, confident and beautiful as well as being an English major.
Then there is Frank. Frank is an introvert. Dubbed "The Weirdo" by all who know him, he is a shy somewhat awkward young man who doesn't have alot of experience with women.
Despite..or maybe because..of their differences Frank and Irene fall for each other hard and fast and wind up getting married.
But there are things..small things that do not make much sense. Why does Frank insist on no contact with anybody in his family? Why is he so protective of Regina the daughter he and Irene eventually have? And what happened to Regina two..actually Regina one..Frank's mysterious twin sister who died under heartbreaking circumstances and who Regina the daughter is named for?
I really do not want to say anymore. This one is best gone into not knowing much at all. I found it be incredible and I do not use words like "Masterpiece" all that easily.
I will also warn anyone reading this: you DO NOT want to know the ending. And there are other reviews on here that do not list spoilers that do reveal the ending so just buy the book but know if you look at all the reviews on here, the book will most likely be spoiled for you..or at least it's ending will.
A great book..one of my favorites of all time.
EDIT..9/17/2020..A bunch of you will be getting a recommendation from me of this book..do NOT look at reviews first if you want to be surprised!
April 23, 2017
More of a mystery/thriller as opposed to horror fiction, which it was marketed as, Blood Secrets is about as tautly-paced as they come. It's essentially a murder mystery where the reader is kept in the dark as to who was murdered and why, though we know from the very beginning that narrator Irene is the culprit, and is about to stand trial. The majority of the novel has her looking back on her life, recounting her college days, and the events leading up to and following her burgeoning relationship with fellow student Frank, who everyone else in her circle -- including her parents -- sees as creepy and weird, and considerably below Irene's standards as far as looks, status, and personality. But Irene's in love with him, even though he is a bit eccentric, and doesn't heed their warnings.
Author Jones' way of keeping the reader guessing as to just how this seemingly happy couple and their life could possibly result in murder kept me glued to the pages, and its jaw-dropping twist was expertly handled, as are the red herrings thrown at the reader throughout. And for such a brief novel, the characters, both primary and secondary, are very well-drawn and believable, behaving like real people who make reasonable (if not always the correct) choices, which is another key difference from most actual horror fiction of its day. There are some horror elements here, but I think if it were published today you'd be more likely to find it in the thriller section of your local bookstore, or possibly even the straight lit.
Either way, anyone looking for a quick read about domestic life gone horribly wrong should check out this forgotten gem.*
4.0 Stars.
*Well, not quite forgotten, considering Valancourt reissued it semi-recently. Hats off to them for keeping these old horror boom-era books alive.
Author Jones' way of keeping the reader guessing as to just how this seemingly happy couple and their life could possibly result in murder kept me glued to the pages, and its jaw-dropping twist was expertly handled, as are the red herrings thrown at the reader throughout. And for such a brief novel, the characters, both primary and secondary, are very well-drawn and believable, behaving like real people who make reasonable (if not always the correct) choices, which is another key difference from most actual horror fiction of its day. There are some horror elements here, but I think if it were published today you'd be more likely to find it in the thriller section of your local bookstore, or possibly even the straight lit.
Either way, anyone looking for a quick read about domestic life gone horribly wrong should check out this forgotten gem.*
4.0 Stars.
*Well, not quite forgotten, considering Valancourt reissued it semi-recently. Hats off to them for keeping these old horror boom-era books alive.
December 27, 2015
4.5 stars!
I cannot remember the last time I read a story this surprising and dark!
Originally published in the 70's and recently brought back by Valancourt Books, this tale stymies my review attempts. I've been sitting here trying to decide what I can say that won't spoil the story.
Blood Secrets is a love story at heart. A love story bent backwards, twisting into itself. I'm near to BURSTING with excitement and more awesome things to say about this book, but I can't, dammit! I can't!
I can say that this story is compulsively readable. If it weren't for the fact that I started this novel on Christmas night, I would have finished it in one sitting. As it stands, I read 200 pages in two sittings and then I was disappointed that it was all over. I knew I was going to feel that way and I tried to slow it down, but I just couldn't. With each twist and turn, I was more bewitched than ever and could not stop. COULD NOT STOP!
This was a fun ride and Mr. Jones manipulates the reader's feelings with skill and style. Bravo, Mr. Jones! Bravo!
Highly recommended for fans of twisted psychological thrillers!
You can purchase this book here: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Secrets-V...
*Thanks to Valancourt Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is it!*
I cannot remember the last time I read a story this surprising and dark!
Originally published in the 70's and recently brought back by Valancourt Books, this tale stymies my review attempts. I've been sitting here trying to decide what I can say that won't spoil the story.
Blood Secrets is a love story at heart. A love story bent backwards, twisting into itself. I'm near to BURSTING with excitement and more awesome things to say about this book, but I can't, dammit! I can't!
I can say that this story is compulsively readable. If it weren't for the fact that I started this novel on Christmas night, I would have finished it in one sitting. As it stands, I read 200 pages in two sittings and then I was disappointed that it was all over. I knew I was going to feel that way and I tried to slow it down, but I just couldn't. With each twist and turn, I was more bewitched than ever and could not stop. COULD NOT STOP!
This was a fun ride and Mr. Jones manipulates the reader's feelings with skill and style. Bravo, Mr. Jones! Bravo!
Highly recommended for fans of twisted psychological thrillers!
You can purchase this book here: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Secrets-V...
*Thanks to Valancourt Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is it!*
December 28, 2015
I started this book without knowing a thing about it. The story was compulsively readable, right up until the end. For some reason, I felt something was lacking, so it went from a five star read to a four.
December 24, 2015
OMG!
No spoilers--just read this. I tried reading the first chapter/section....and didn't stop until I had finished it!
Highly recommended!
No spoilers--just read this. I tried reading the first chapter/section....and didn't stop until I had finished it!
Highly recommended!
February 10, 2017
This review and the rest of the crap I write can be seen @ my blog Bark's Book Nonsense . Stop by and say hey.
I was gifted a copy of the unabridged audiobook version of Blood Secrets from Valancourt with no expectation of a review. I’m doing one anyway because that’s what I do. Thanks Valancourt!
When things begin, Irene is currently on trial for murder. The story immediately shifts back to a time when Irene was a college student without a worry in the world. She was beautiful, thrived on attention and had her pick of sporty guys. When a new guy arrives on the scene, one decidedly not her type (he has skinny legs and dresses funny), who treats her with indifference, she decides she must learn more about him and insinuates her way into his life.
The rest of the story is a big delicious simmering stew of super nasty little secrets and I loved it because, well, I might be a little nosy.
Blood Secrets is more of a dark family saga than a straight up horror novel but there is evil here, for certain, and I felt pretty damned uneasy through all of it. It twisted and turned me all around and I could not stop listening. I love nothing more than a book that surprises me, has great characterization and dishes out its secrets in small steady doses. This one does all of that.
My only caveat has to do with the narration. The narrator was a bit stilted and way too sing-songy in her delivery. I kept hoping she’d ease into the reading and work out the kinks but it didn’t really happen. Her reading style also felt very old-fashioned to me. I don’t know if this was done deliberately because the book was originally written sometime in the ‘70’s but it didn’t really work for me. Still, the strength of the book kept me and held me until the very end and I can easily recommend it.
If this isyou your cat:
Than is this ever the book for you!
I was gifted a copy of the unabridged audiobook version of Blood Secrets from Valancourt with no expectation of a review. I’m doing one anyway because that’s what I do. Thanks Valancourt!
When things begin, Irene is currently on trial for murder. The story immediately shifts back to a time when Irene was a college student without a worry in the world. She was beautiful, thrived on attention and had her pick of sporty guys. When a new guy arrives on the scene, one decidedly not her type (he has skinny legs and dresses funny), who treats her with indifference, she decides she must learn more about him and insinuates her way into his life.
The rest of the story is a big delicious simmering stew of super nasty little secrets and I loved it because, well, I might be a little nosy.
Blood Secrets is more of a dark family saga than a straight up horror novel but there is evil here, for certain, and I felt pretty damned uneasy through all of it. It twisted and turned me all around and I could not stop listening. I love nothing more than a book that surprises me, has great characterization and dishes out its secrets in small steady doses. This one does all of that.
My only caveat has to do with the narration. The narrator was a bit stilted and way too sing-songy in her delivery. I kept hoping she’d ease into the reading and work out the kinks but it didn’t really happen. Her reading style also felt very old-fashioned to me. I don’t know if this was done deliberately because the book was originally written sometime in the ‘70’s but it didn’t really work for me. Still, the strength of the book kept me and held me until the very end and I can easily recommend it.
If this is
Than is this ever the book for you!
Read
November 28, 2015The less you know about this book the better. Avoid reviews. Many contain major spoilers!
February 1, 2024
Jones delivers one taut thriller here that kept me rapt from just the first few pages. I will keep this review spoiler free to not ruin the surprises revealed in the denouement. Blood Secrets starts with our main protagonist Irene on trial for murder. How did this event come to pass? Well, that is a long story (well not too long; my edition clocks in at about 200 pages) narrated from the beginnings, circa 1958, when Irene was still in college.
Irene, dubbed "Irene the Arrogant" by a pal (and seconded by her parents!), is the star student of the graduate English program at the university (never named, but U. of Michigan?). The popular Irene and her BFF Gloria (also in the English program) hang together and even live together over the summers. One day at a party Irene discovers Frank, a somewhat mysterious History grad student that lives in Gloria's apartment complex. Gloria deems him weird, but Irene is attracted to the homely guy for complex reasons and eventually moves in with him, much to Gloria's chagrin. Well, one thing leads to another and they get married. Frank finishes up his Ph.D. and Gloria switches to education, and shortly thereafter starts teaching English in high school...
Jones moves the story along adroitly, taking us through the years of Frank and Irene's relationship, touching down on key dates/times in their relationship; the birth of their child, the riots after MLK was gunned down, the police riot at the DNC in Chicago in 1968, and then into the 1970s (the book was first published in 1978). Blood Secrets just builds and builds until the stunning denouement. With all the bloated thrillers out there with weak endings, Jones demonstrates how to write a lean thriller here with quite a punch without wasting words. Clean, lean and mean! Highly recommended if you like this sort of thing. 4 secret stars!!
Irene, dubbed "Irene the Arrogant" by a pal (and seconded by her parents!), is the star student of the graduate English program at the university (never named, but U. of Michigan?). The popular Irene and her BFF Gloria (also in the English program) hang together and even live together over the summers. One day at a party Irene discovers Frank, a somewhat mysterious History grad student that lives in Gloria's apartment complex. Gloria deems him weird, but Irene is attracted to the homely guy for complex reasons and eventually moves in with him, much to Gloria's chagrin. Well, one thing leads to another and they get married. Frank finishes up his Ph.D. and Gloria switches to education, and shortly thereafter starts teaching English in high school...
Jones moves the story along adroitly, taking us through the years of Frank and Irene's relationship, touching down on key dates/times in their relationship; the birth of their child, the riots after MLK was gunned down, the police riot at the DNC in Chicago in 1968, and then into the 1970s (the book was first published in 1978). Blood Secrets just builds and builds until the stunning denouement. With all the bloated thrillers out there with weak endings, Jones demonstrates how to write a lean thriller here with quite a punch without wasting words. Clean, lean and mean! Highly recommended if you like this sort of thing. 4 secret stars!!
September 12, 2016
I came across a rather tatty-looking paperback book in a hotel library with a rather lurid title and an even more lurid cover. The title of the book was "Blood Secrets" by Craig Jones. And you know what they say about a book and its cover; well the old cliché certainly rang true in this case: this book is most certainly no pot boiler. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is a veritable literary masterpiece; something that has the potential to be regarded as classic; a book that you can certainly never forget once you have read it.
A quick Google search on the web of other people's comments about this book will backup my claims. On one website, a person notes that even though they read this book some twenty years ago, and have read a great deal in between, they have never forgotten this incredible book. In fact, it is a mystery in itself as to why this book, published in 1979, is no longer in print; moreover, it is almost unbelievable that the tale contained within has never been made into a film.
Set in United States in the late 60s during the Vietnam-war era, the story begins with the unlikely pairing of a brilliant and beautiful female student, Irene, with a gawky, bookish, and rather unattractive post-graduate student Frank. Despite Frank's off-putting manner and avoidance tactics, not to mention the advice from her friends to leave him well alone, Irene is intrigued by Frank's aloofness. Eventually, they do become a couple and marry. At the wedding, Irene discovers that Frank refuses to have anything to do with his own family. Frank's insistence that the married couple should have nothing to do with his family both disturbs and puzzles Irene. Eventually, the pair settle down to a happy and contented married life and have a daughter whom, at Frank's suggestion, they name Regina. As Regina begins to develop as a person in her own right, problems begin to surface both in her and in Frank. The behaviour of both daughter and husband becomes a considerable cause for concern for Irene.
At this point, I will stop outlining the plot; in fact, on the back cover is something I've never seen on any other book: a warning not to reveal the plot to anyone; this may sound a liitle melodramatic, but given the way the tale moves remorselessly to an utterly horrifying and totally unforeseen conclusion with several twists and turns on the way it is entirely understandable.
So, why should this book be considered a masterpiece.? Well, firstly the style of writing is superb; the language is vivid, laconic and it moves the plot forward masterfully. The novel is not divided into chapters, and on some occasions several years pass between one sentence and another; but this approach works well; brilliantly in fact.
Secondly, the story told is entirely plausible, whilst at the same time genuinely perturbing, in fact, horrifying, but without any involvement of the supernatural (in case you're wonderingm this isn't Stephen King). The pace begins to quicken about three-quarters of the way through, and the reader suddenly finds himself being cognizant of the fact that something truly awful in relation to Frank and his daughter is unfolding. The denouement is absolutely disturbing, and is crafted masterfully and convincingly, with a great deal of suspense, especially considering that contrived and unsatisfying endings are often the undoing of novels of this genre; here, however, there is most definitely no deus ex machina.
Put simply, I think this novel is a work of genius; it deserves to be more widely read. and recognised. As for author, Craig Jones, I can't find out anything about him except that he published one further novel in 1986. There doesn't seem to be anything else by him available. I really wonder what became of him? I believe he has, or had, a remarkable talent as demonstrated by this novel, which is one of the best I have read in the last couple of years or so.
A quick Google search on the web of other people's comments about this book will backup my claims. On one website, a person notes that even though they read this book some twenty years ago, and have read a great deal in between, they have never forgotten this incredible book. In fact, it is a mystery in itself as to why this book, published in 1979, is no longer in print; moreover, it is almost unbelievable that the tale contained within has never been made into a film.
Set in United States in the late 60s during the Vietnam-war era, the story begins with the unlikely pairing of a brilliant and beautiful female student, Irene, with a gawky, bookish, and rather unattractive post-graduate student Frank. Despite Frank's off-putting manner and avoidance tactics, not to mention the advice from her friends to leave him well alone, Irene is intrigued by Frank's aloofness. Eventually, they do become a couple and marry. At the wedding, Irene discovers that Frank refuses to have anything to do with his own family. Frank's insistence that the married couple should have nothing to do with his family both disturbs and puzzles Irene. Eventually, the pair settle down to a happy and contented married life and have a daughter whom, at Frank's suggestion, they name Regina. As Regina begins to develop as a person in her own right, problems begin to surface both in her and in Frank. The behaviour of both daughter and husband becomes a considerable cause for concern for Irene.
At this point, I will stop outlining the plot; in fact, on the back cover is something I've never seen on any other book: a warning not to reveal the plot to anyone; this may sound a liitle melodramatic, but given the way the tale moves remorselessly to an utterly horrifying and totally unforeseen conclusion with several twists and turns on the way it is entirely understandable.
So, why should this book be considered a masterpiece.? Well, firstly the style of writing is superb; the language is vivid, laconic and it moves the plot forward masterfully. The novel is not divided into chapters, and on some occasions several years pass between one sentence and another; but this approach works well; brilliantly in fact.
Secondly, the story told is entirely plausible, whilst at the same time genuinely perturbing, in fact, horrifying, but without any involvement of the supernatural (in case you're wonderingm this isn't Stephen King). The pace begins to quicken about three-quarters of the way through, and the reader suddenly finds himself being cognizant of the fact that something truly awful in relation to Frank and his daughter is unfolding. The denouement is absolutely disturbing, and is crafted masterfully and convincingly, with a great deal of suspense, especially considering that contrived and unsatisfying endings are often the undoing of novels of this genre; here, however, there is most definitely no deus ex machina.
Put simply, I think this novel is a work of genius; it deserves to be more widely read. and recognised. As for author, Craig Jones, I can't find out anything about him except that he published one further novel in 1986. There doesn't seem to be anything else by him available. I really wonder what became of him? I believe he has, or had, a remarkable talent as demonstrated by this novel, which is one of the best I have read in the last couple of years or so.
December 30, 2015
Oh my!!! I read this book in one day and never saw that coming!
December 27, 2015
NO SPOILERS!
Want to read
April 10, 2020This hardcover is numbered 40 from a print run of 300 and is signed by Craig Jones, David Ho and Bryan Veldboom
February 17, 2016
In Blood Secrets we follow the life of Irene as she meets Frank and they develop a life together, but this life is built like the proverbial house of cards.
Irene is one of the best character narrators that I have ever read. So well written, that initially the reader will dislike her, but as you live her life through the story, by the end you will be rooting for her.
The underlying tension throughout the novel kept me furiously reading. In some ways it was a relief to get to the end. However finishing this novel is bittersweet, as the experience of reading it for the first time is over. Blood Secrets is such a compelling, brilliant read that hooks the reader all the way to the end.
Valencourt Books have over the past year introduced me to some of the best books I have ever read. This book is certainly on my highly recommend list, 5 stars!
Irene is one of the best character narrators that I have ever read. So well written, that initially the reader will dislike her, but as you live her life through the story, by the end you will be rooting for her.
The underlying tension throughout the novel kept me furiously reading. In some ways it was a relief to get to the end. However finishing this novel is bittersweet, as the experience of reading it for the first time is over. Blood Secrets is such a compelling, brilliant read that hooks the reader all the way to the end.
Valencourt Books have over the past year introduced me to some of the best books I have ever read. This book is certainly on my highly recommend list, 5 stars!
February 7, 2016
Without doubt the wonderful thing about being involved in discussion forums on the internet is the amount of books, authors and literature you are introduced to, novels that you would never have read if you had not been made aware of them by fellow reading enthusiasts and Blood Secrets by Craig Jones is a great example. This is a story that was first published in 1978 by a virtual unknown author and it is probably true to say he was never able to better this short and shocking piece of writing.
It is always a pleasure to read a book from many years ago and to appreciate how relevant, good and enjoyable it is today as it was on first publication. As I read the cover “blurb” on this corgi edition I notice with some amusement a warning highlighted in bold red which stated “Request from the Publisher under no circumstances should you reveal the plot of this book to anyone” If you were standing in a bookshop and read this informative and puzzling “red alert” most likely a purchase would follow and I can only surmise and applaud this intelligent piece of marketing by an alert publisher!
So what is the story about? Am I allowed to enlighten you dear reader?.....well to a point but like all those who have gone before me I will only mention the salient facts and outline the plot and leave you to search out and purchase your own copy (please note I am in no way connected to the publisher! but for a few pennies you can enjoy a great novel with a “truly horrendous and yet dazzling climax”)
Irene and Frank are college sweethearts who meet and marry and within that 19 years of marriage they have one daughter Regina. However as the title Blood Secrets implies there is hidden depth to this tale and those secrets are within the relationships of not only Irene and Frank but also their families. For a first novel it is quite astounding how Craig Jones is able to lead and tease the reader and force you to make certain assumptions only to destroy everything you presumed was true. This is best summed up within an article that appeared in Publisher Weekly “.......about three-quarters of the way through you will begin to think that you have arrived at the most frightening “secret” of all. There is more in store for you, however, and it won’t help solve the ultimate puzzle even though you know from the first sentence in the book that the narrator is on trial for murder. The psychological insight here is convincing, the denouement devastating.”
So a great recommendation from me, easy to find a second hand copy on the internet or for those who would prefer a brand new edition the wonderful Valancourt Books have recently republished.
It is always a pleasure to read a book from many years ago and to appreciate how relevant, good and enjoyable it is today as it was on first publication. As I read the cover “blurb” on this corgi edition I notice with some amusement a warning highlighted in bold red which stated “Request from the Publisher under no circumstances should you reveal the plot of this book to anyone” If you were standing in a bookshop and read this informative and puzzling “red alert” most likely a purchase would follow and I can only surmise and applaud this intelligent piece of marketing by an alert publisher!
So what is the story about? Am I allowed to enlighten you dear reader?.....well to a point but like all those who have gone before me I will only mention the salient facts and outline the plot and leave you to search out and purchase your own copy (please note I am in no way connected to the publisher! but for a few pennies you can enjoy a great novel with a “truly horrendous and yet dazzling climax”)
Irene and Frank are college sweethearts who meet and marry and within that 19 years of marriage they have one daughter Regina. However as the title Blood Secrets implies there is hidden depth to this tale and those secrets are within the relationships of not only Irene and Frank but also their families. For a first novel it is quite astounding how Craig Jones is able to lead and tease the reader and force you to make certain assumptions only to destroy everything you presumed was true. This is best summed up within an article that appeared in Publisher Weekly “.......about three-quarters of the way through you will begin to think that you have arrived at the most frightening “secret” of all. There is more in store for you, however, and it won’t help solve the ultimate puzzle even though you know from the first sentence in the book that the narrator is on trial for murder. The psychological insight here is convincing, the denouement devastating.”
So a great recommendation from me, easy to find a second hand copy on the internet or for those who would prefer a brand new edition the wonderful Valancourt Books have recently republished.
November 1, 2023
Scream!
March 17, 2022
3.5 stars. I'm not quite sure what category to put this in, it's not quite a thriller, not quite a crime novel. It's surprisingly domestic in scope for the time period, and I hardly ever ran into any of the usual man-writing-female-protagonist issues you often see in novels of the time. I was surprisingly riveted even though not much happens for much of the novel.
For most of the time we just follow the story of this one relationship over many years, from the time Irene meets Frank while they're in grad school through their marriage. We know early on that at one point Irene goes on trial for murder, and we know that Frank can be secretive, but we know very little else about where this story will end up. The title is the biggest giveaway.
The twists at the end are not really the book's strong suit. But before that as Irene struggles with her marriage and then eventually with parenthood, the novel really shines.
I am still working my way through many of Valancourt's republished horror and thrillers of the 70's. The audio of this wasn't my favorite, had a reader I don't particularly enjoy, but you can tell from a quick audio sample if you agree.
For most of the time we just follow the story of this one relationship over many years, from the time Irene meets Frank while they're in grad school through their marriage. We know early on that at one point Irene goes on trial for murder, and we know that Frank can be secretive, but we know very little else about where this story will end up. The title is the biggest giveaway.
The twists at the end are not really the book's strong suit. But before that as Irene struggles with her marriage and then eventually with parenthood, the novel really shines.
I am still working my way through many of Valancourt's republished horror and thrillers of the 70's. The audio of this wasn't my favorite, had a reader I don't particularly enjoy, but you can tell from a quick audio sample if you agree.
February 11, 2017
The title should have given it away...this cover should have given it away...
I wouldn't say this was a horror, rather soo very dysfunctional you'll wonder just what the heck is going on?
I would say this to be dated; but nonetheless a classic you can't put down until you read this through to the end.
Enough said. Go ahead. Read it. You be the judge.
I wouldn't say this was a horror, rather soo very dysfunctional you'll wonder just what the heck is going on?
I would say this to be dated; but nonetheless a classic you can't put down until you read this through to the end.
Enough said. Go ahead. Read it. You be the judge.
December 28, 2020
A gruesome but terrific psychological thriller. Will grab you hard and won't let go.
July 19, 2022
The only thing I knew about this book going in was the title.
It's more of a family drama with a very dark twist than a horror novel per se. The writing is top-notch, and the story flows perfectly. I'm not usually a fan of these kind of stories though. I listened to the audiobook -which I think made it for me- thanks to the narration by Caitlin Davies. Valancourt have never disappointed me with their reissues, and this book is no exception.
There's no chills and thrills until the big reveal in the last few chapters, but that's fine. The story is still solid after 40+ years. It's still a very enjoyable read, that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a decent bit of drama, with a nasty twist! Just don't go in expecting a horror-thriller.
4 Stars.
It's more of a family drama with a very dark twist than a horror novel per se. The writing is top-notch, and the story flows perfectly. I'm not usually a fan of these kind of stories though. I listened to the audiobook -which I think made it for me- thanks to the narration by Caitlin Davies. Valancourt have never disappointed me with their reissues, and this book is no exception.
There's no chills and thrills until the big reveal in the last few chapters, but that's fine. The story is still solid after 40+ years. It's still a very enjoyable read, that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a decent bit of drama, with a nasty twist! Just don't go in expecting a horror-thriller.
4 Stars.
June 19, 2021
Wow! Gripping thriller that took me down an unpredictable road leading to a genuinely shocking conclusion. Dark, powerful, and, at times, stunningly well-written. This one kicked my ass and I love it.
October 1, 2015
The best murder mystery novel I've ever read...(maybe except Devotion of Suspect X). This one takes the whole murder mystery plot and turns it on its head. In the first page of the book itself, we know who the murderer is and have the rest of the book to figure out who's going to be the victim. While this could have easily turned into nothing more than a cheap gimmick, Jones keeps the screws tightened and delivers an amazing piece of writing leading up to a truly shocking climax.
Highly recommended. But a book with lots of adult themes and explicit material...so definitely not for kids.
Highly recommended. But a book with lots of adult themes and explicit material...so definitely not for kids.
January 18, 2015
A close friend of mine made me read this book to my protest. I did not think I would enjoy it at all. The cover just didn't seem like something I was into. The first 20 pages bored me, but I got through them and then I was hooked. The vindictive nature of some of the characters, the plot twists and horrible events all had me on the edge of my seat. And the ending was just....wow. All in all, I'm glad I gave this book a chance!
September 4, 2008
This isn't a horror story with supernatural beings, but with the horrors that families can do.
February 21, 2025
BLOOD SECRETS was a very popular psychological thriller from 1978. In the opening pages we learn that conventional middle-class college grad Irene is on trial for murder. The book creates tremendous tension by making us wonder who this mild-mannered schoolteacher might have killed and why. I won't say more about the very effective plot, but will observe that much of this book consists of Irene and husband Frank bickering, endlessly but entertainingly. In this scene Irene is shocked to find a bunch of long-haired protesters in her house smoking dope:
"
As soon as we closed the door, I said to him, "I don't want that stuff in the house. "
"Irene, it's harmless. It's like taking a drink."
"Except that you can go to jail for it "
"We're in our own home. Do you think the police are out setting up dragnets for a little grass?"
"The neighbors have eyes. When they see a few car loads of people with long hair pull up to our house, they're going to start wondering-"
"I've had long hair ever since you met me"
"I like long hair, and as for them, I don't care if their hair is green and pink. That's not the point. The point is we don't live on a desert island. We have neighbors with big eyes and bigger mouths."
"You're being paranoid."
"Stop accusing me! What about that presumptuous bitch in there bringing that stuff into our house?"
"
It goes on like this. Irene is nervous because Frank is attending the (soon to become notorious) 1968 DNC convention in Chicago. The characters discuss the legacies of JFK, RFK, and Dr. King. But more importantly they discuss birth control and abortion. Why all these milestones? Because this is 'Boomer horror'.
It's not really a horror story, but shares enough territory with Rosemary's Baby and The Glow (popular horror novels from the same era) that the paperback was marketed as one. On one side you've got the oppressive WW2 generation with their funky, Erskine Caldwell Depression-era values trying to drag these precious young adults down in their prime. And on the other side their unbearable, demanding GenX brats are always pitching fits and causing trouble right at the moment when these hard-working Boomers most need to unwind and relax.
Irene, like so many in her generation, is caught in this unbearable predicament. What happens to her is not a demonic possession or a devil cult but a trap of family responsibilities. This book reminded me of the waves of divorces that rolled through the homes of my neighborhood friends growing up in the early 80s. One by one they broke up and moved away. Eventually all our friends were gone and I was left stranded. Happily around that time I started reading horror paperbacks (or paperbacks in the "horror section" -like BLOOD SECRETS!- which I read back in 86 or 87.) This is a very entertaining and well-written novel.
"
As soon as we closed the door, I said to him, "I don't want that stuff in the house. "
"Irene, it's harmless. It's like taking a drink."
"Except that you can go to jail for it "
"We're in our own home. Do you think the police are out setting up dragnets for a little grass?"
"The neighbors have eyes. When they see a few car loads of people with long hair pull up to our house, they're going to start wondering-"
"I've had long hair ever since you met me"
"I like long hair, and as for them, I don't care if their hair is green and pink. That's not the point. The point is we don't live on a desert island. We have neighbors with big eyes and bigger mouths."
"You're being paranoid."
"Stop accusing me! What about that presumptuous bitch in there bringing that stuff into our house?"
"
It goes on like this. Irene is nervous because Frank is attending the (soon to become notorious) 1968 DNC convention in Chicago. The characters discuss the legacies of JFK, RFK, and Dr. King. But more importantly they discuss birth control and abortion. Why all these milestones? Because this is 'Boomer horror'.
It's not really a horror story, but shares enough territory with Rosemary's Baby and The Glow (popular horror novels from the same era) that the paperback was marketed as one. On one side you've got the oppressive WW2 generation with their funky, Erskine Caldwell Depression-era values trying to drag these precious young adults down in their prime. And on the other side their unbearable, demanding GenX brats are always pitching fits and causing trouble right at the moment when these hard-working Boomers most need to unwind and relax.
Irene, like so many in her generation, is caught in this unbearable predicament. What happens to her is not a demonic possession or a devil cult but a trap of family responsibilities. This book reminded me of the waves of divorces that rolled through the homes of my neighborhood friends growing up in the early 80s. One by one they broke up and moved away. Eventually all our friends were gone and I was left stranded. Happily around that time I started reading horror paperbacks (or paperbacks in the "horror section" -like BLOOD SECRETS!- which I read back in 86 or 87.) This is a very entertaining and well-written novel.
October 11, 2021
It’s one of those mysteries that get lost in time but are just so spectacular that people keep rediscovering them every few years. In the end, Blood Secrets is a fascinating read that grips you from the very start. It’s also quite genre-defining in its execution, which further makes it an essential read. Talking more about the book would be spoiling it for you. So the best option is to pick it up without knowing anything about it.
September 26, 2024
Loved the narrator's voice and her confidence and her power. Lots of strong characters and threads at play. Not sure if I think some of the strength of the characters gets back seated.
March 29, 2022
I ... I think I just threw up in the back of my mouth.
This is not horror. This is a psychological horror, maybe. I hated every character in the first half of the book; then halfway through, there is a shift. The story became more palatable, until it wasn't. The intricacies of relationships in this book just reminds you that you can never truly know another human being.
That's all I've got.
This is not horror. This is a psychological horror, maybe. I hated every character in the first half of the book; then halfway through, there is a shift. The story became more palatable, until it wasn't. The intricacies of relationships in this book just reminds you that you can never truly know another human being.
That's all I've got.
July 4, 2012
The novel is about a tale (I’ll omit the word shocking) of marriage ravaged by doubt, suspicion and jealousy of a closely knit educated family. Irene Rutledge is an ace student with grades to impress anyone, sophisticated and with good reasoning. That’s why her best friend Gloria doesn’t wonder why her friend attracts every guy on campus. What she doesn’t understand is that of all to be involved with, why with the weird Frank Mattison? Thanks for the two of them being an intelligent people that they we’re able to go on with their relationship. And with their marriage makes Irene suspect Frank of hiding something for he doesn’t invite anyone from his family and is obviously hiding something from his past. Then suddenly, Frank’s sister comes to the scene which he denounced in front of many people and tells Irene to promise not to see her again. For Irene, seeing her is not really a bad idea for she can see she’s a well-mannered lady.
With the birth of their only daughter comes the succession of Irene’s suspicion about her husband. He starts to become possessive about his only daughter and for Irene to start with her own investigation which will lead to murder.
The novel is a well-written psychological thriller which confuses you in a good way whether to take Irene or Frank’s side of the story until the last parts of the story. I loved its dialogue and how the conversation goes on. There are passages which I’ve quoted before that I find very enjoyable. The author’s descriptions are exceptional and original and things I’ve never had read before. One thing I didn’t like about the story is its very reason for their daughter’s actions. Yes, I guess it can possibly happened before but it’s not that shocking. This makes me brag that I’m not that easily shock with supposedly shocking revelations. The ending is a bit sad which patches up my disappointments that makes this particular novel very readable.
Opening Sentences: You never think this kind of thing really happens to people who’ve been to college.
Ending Sentences: I choose not to reveal the last sentences for fear of spoiling readers.
With the birth of their only daughter comes the succession of Irene’s suspicion about her husband. He starts to become possessive about his only daughter and for Irene to start with her own investigation which will lead to murder.
The novel is a well-written psychological thriller which confuses you in a good way whether to take Irene or Frank’s side of the story until the last parts of the story. I loved its dialogue and how the conversation goes on. There are passages which I’ve quoted before that I find very enjoyable. The author’s descriptions are exceptional and original and things I’ve never had read before. One thing I didn’t like about the story is its very reason for their daughter’s actions. Yes, I guess it can possibly happened before but it’s not that shocking. This makes me brag that I’m not that easily shock with supposedly shocking revelations. The ending is a bit sad which patches up my disappointments that makes this particular novel very readable.
Opening Sentences: You never think this kind of thing really happens to people who’ve been to college.
Ending Sentences: I choose not to reveal the last sentences for fear of spoiling readers.
December 30, 2008
"At twenty-three, Irene Rutledge seems to have the world by the tail: she's a beauty, the shining star of her college English Departmen, a witty young lady who is the envy of her friends. Hardly the type you'd expect to become a murderess. What sets Irene on the path to murder is, of course, love. She has more or less counted on not falling in love with anyone, and prided herself on the casualness of her affairs. But Frank Mattison was something else againe, a mysterious and fascinating figure who seemed to elude Irene's most ingenious attempts to charm him. Even after the wedding, Frank kept his mysteries to himself. Even after his uninvited sister Vivian made a surprise appearance at the wedding (driving Frank into panic). Even after Frank began to monopolize their small daughter's attentions. Even after Irene's private terrors began. Frank's deepest secret turns out to be horrible beyond imagination - but Irene has already committed herself to a course of action that can only lead to murder. In Craig Jones' clean and biting prose, Iren's story gallopse to its terrifying conclusion, The psychological subtleties of this thriller are unfolded with great ingenuity, each little twiet to be savoured in this extraordinary novel that quickly turns into a nightmare."
I myself found it disturbing and shocking. Picked it up cheap at the local Hospital for 50p. A good read, I think.
I myself found it disturbing and shocking. Picked it up cheap at the local Hospital for 50p. A good read, I think.
November 25, 2020
A RARE FIND.
This was given to me by a boy that does my sandwiches in Subway. We chat a lot when I go in there and we realised we share a love of books. He was really excited about this book - he read it in a day and said it’s so hard to put down because it was so captivating. I had to read it and challenged myself to do it in 24hrs also.
Mission accomplished - it wasn’t even hard. So moorish, the plot is so readable and the ending is the most shocking thing I’ve read in a book. The main character Irene was so relatable to me, I could see a lot of myself in her, which made this all the more engaging. Would recommend wholeheartedly.
This was given to me by a boy that does my sandwiches in Subway. We chat a lot when I go in there and we realised we share a love of books. He was really excited about this book - he read it in a day and said it’s so hard to put down because it was so captivating. I had to read it and challenged myself to do it in 24hrs also.
Mission accomplished - it wasn’t even hard. So moorish, the plot is so readable and the ending is the most shocking thing I’ve read in a book. The main character Irene was so relatable to me, I could see a lot of myself in her, which made this all the more engaging. Would recommend wholeheartedly.
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