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Blood for Blood
Care. There s a word if ever I heard one. I looked it up in a dictionary once. It had a lot of definitions but not one that applied to me and Sean...
WAITING DAY AFTER DAY
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage. His twin brother Sean has not been so lucky. With a sworn oath to avenge his brother s murder, Red kidnaps a policeman s daughter and leaves her to be brought up in care, to suffer like he and Sean did. But this is just the first part of Red s plan for revenge against all those who took their freedom.
UNTIL FINALLY IT'S TIME
Now, twenty years later, the time has come. The kidnapped girl has grown up and left the orphanage, never knowing who her real parents are or the part she ll now play in Red s shocking revenge. And for those who have been living their lives in peace, with faded memories of twin boys who were put into care years ago, life is about to descend into hell.
But with the criminal underworld, the police and an unexpected serial killer on the scene, sometimes even the best laid plans go awry...
PRAISE FOR J.M. SMYTH
"Just blew me to smithereens. Unbelievable book. Ferocious. Terrifying."
KEN BRUEN
"Raw, harsh, merciless, as cold as ice and beyond all moral limits"
ULRICH NOLLER, Funkhaus Europa
"Smyth is a febrile and original talent!"
THE TIMES
WAITING DAY AFTER DAY
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage. His twin brother Sean has not been so lucky. With a sworn oath to avenge his brother s murder, Red kidnaps a policeman s daughter and leaves her to be brought up in care, to suffer like he and Sean did. But this is just the first part of Red s plan for revenge against all those who took their freedom.
UNTIL FINALLY IT'S TIME
Now, twenty years later, the time has come. The kidnapped girl has grown up and left the orphanage, never knowing who her real parents are or the part she ll now play in Red s shocking revenge. And for those who have been living their lives in peace, with faded memories of twin boys who were put into care years ago, life is about to descend into hell.
But with the criminal underworld, the police and an unexpected serial killer on the scene, sometimes even the best laid plans go awry...
PRAISE FOR J.M. SMYTH
"Just blew me to smithereens. Unbelievable book. Ferocious. Terrifying."
KEN BRUEN
"Raw, harsh, merciless, as cold as ice and beyond all moral limits"
ULRICH NOLLER, Funkhaus Europa
"Smyth is a febrile and original talent!"
THE TIMES
- GenresThriller
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2016
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 10, 2016
WAITING DAY AFTER DAY
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage. His twin brother Sean has not been so lucky. With a sworn oath to avenge his brothers murder, Red kidnaps a policemans daughter and leaves her to be brought up in care, to suffer like he and Sean did. But this is just the first part of Reds plan for revenge against all those who took their freedom.
UNTIL FINALLY IT'S TIME
Now, twenty years later, the time has come. The kidnapped girl has grown up and left the orphanage, never knowing who her real parents are or the part she'll now play in Reds shocking revenge. And for those who have been living their lives in peace, with faded memories of twin boys who were put into care years ago, life is about to descend into hell.
But with the criminal underworld, the police and an unexpected serial killer on the scene, sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry...
WOW. This book is very compelling and highly absorbing.
Written in a Tarantino type style, this book had me gripped. With some brilliant dark humour and some quite shocking scenes, it maintained my attention throughout. This is no cosy crime/thriller novel - far from it. But if you enjoy books that go against the grain, this will be a perfect read for you.
A unique storyline and with some strong and interesting characters. This book is very, very well written and I will be looking out for this author in the future.
A strong recommendation - 4.5*
Thank you to #TBConFB & Black & White Publishing for the review copy.
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage. His twin brother Sean has not been so lucky. With a sworn oath to avenge his brothers murder, Red kidnaps a policemans daughter and leaves her to be brought up in care, to suffer like he and Sean did. But this is just the first part of Reds plan for revenge against all those who took their freedom.
UNTIL FINALLY IT'S TIME
Now, twenty years later, the time has come. The kidnapped girl has grown up and left the orphanage, never knowing who her real parents are or the part she'll now play in Reds shocking revenge. And for those who have been living their lives in peace, with faded memories of twin boys who were put into care years ago, life is about to descend into hell.
But with the criminal underworld, the police and an unexpected serial killer on the scene, sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry...
WOW. This book is very compelling and highly absorbing.
Written in a Tarantino type style, this book had me gripped. With some brilliant dark humour and some quite shocking scenes, it maintained my attention throughout. This is no cosy crime/thriller novel - far from it. But if you enjoy books that go against the grain, this will be a perfect read for you.
A unique storyline and with some strong and interesting characters. This book is very, very well written and I will be looking out for this author in the future.
A strong recommendation - 4.5*
Thank you to #TBConFB & Black & White Publishing for the review copy.
July 31, 2016
J M Smyth writes a dark and thrilling story here in "Blood for Blood" that is at times quite disturbing and graphic. It is well written, with great characters and will have you reading it in one sitting! Would happily recommend this book to anyone and will certainly be reading more by this author! Thank you to The Book Club on Facebook and the author for the opportunity to read this in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2016
Read in one sitting, this is one dark thriller. Sick, twisted and some very dark humour, I thought it was brilliant. Thank you to Tracy Fenton at #TBConFB, the author, and the publishers for the review copy.
August 14, 2016
What a twisted protagonist with the patience of a 'saint'! I didn't want to like him one bit, but in some places I did.
There are few authors who make you to wonder what goes on on in their heads. Stephen King is one author who I often longed to take a guarded walk through his mind and J.M Smyth is now another one. How an author can come up with such a dark, gruesome storyline is one to be admired. The sub text storyline of 'Picasso' was a headliner for me. I had to go back on several occasions to keep track of the storyline as it was so detailed and thought provoking.
I would recommend this thriller, but it is not one to be rushed. Thanks for this copy to review from TBC on FB and the author too.
There are few authors who make you to wonder what goes on on in their heads. Stephen King is one author who I often longed to take a guarded walk through his mind and J.M Smyth is now another one. How an author can come up with such a dark, gruesome storyline is one to be admired. The sub text storyline of 'Picasso' was a headliner for me. I had to go back on several occasions to keep track of the storyline as it was so detailed and thought provoking.
I would recommend this thriller, but it is not one to be rushed. Thanks for this copy to review from TBC on FB and the author too.
July 17, 2017
An exciting story from page one keeping the pace and momentum throughout. This book gives the word ' revenge' a whole new interpretation. The author's style is easily readable although the plot sometimes makes uncomfortable reading. The subject matter is all the more disturbing as some of the events and motives are based on fact. The relationship between the villains and the principal victim is interesting. Altogether, a good read! Thank you Tracy(#TBConFB), JMSmyth and the publishers for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2016
A really well written book, which weaves between the dark story lines within it with ease - but also effortlessly made me laugh too with equally dark humour!
Red Dock is a very complex character, and although he orchestrates some horrific forms of revenge, I warmed to the boy he used to be, and his longstanding devotion to his brother.
Highly recommended to lovers of psychological thrillers.
Thank you to TBC and the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Red Dock is a very complex character, and although he orchestrates some horrific forms of revenge, I warmed to the boy he used to be, and his longstanding devotion to his brother.
Highly recommended to lovers of psychological thrillers.
Thank you to TBC and the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2016
Blood for Blood
Wow!!!! I knew this was going to be one heck of a thriller, but wow!!!
This is a disturbing thriller that you won't be able to put down but at the same time, you'll want to read parts from behind a cushion (if you know what I mean!!) It's definitely not for the faint hearted; kidnap, mystery, revenge...it will shock you to the core!
Many thanks to TBC and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow!!!! I knew this was going to be one heck of a thriller, but wow!!!
This is a disturbing thriller that you won't be able to put down but at the same time, you'll want to read parts from behind a cushion (if you know what I mean!!) It's definitely not for the faint hearted; kidnap, mystery, revenge...it will shock you to the core!
Many thanks to TBC and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
I don't usually shy away from a thriller and consider myself to have quite a strong stomach however for me this pushed the boundaries a little far and I found at times I had to skip a few pages to a bit a little more comfortable. However a clever thought out storyline. Thanks to TBC and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2016
blood for blood by Jm Smyth is a mystery and thriller read.
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Full of twists and plots.
Simply unputdownable.
very cleverly written.
Wow what a read.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc.
#tbconfb.
Red has survived the barbarity and abuse of the orphanage.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Full of twists and plots.
Simply unputdownable.
very cleverly written.
Wow what a read.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc.
#tbconfb.
August 7, 2016
Absolutely brilliant!an amazingly well thought out storyline, but not for the faint hearted! Loved the writing style where the characters talk to you. Each character having their own chapters that then weave together. Not the kind of book you can put down...but you're too scared to read! A very big thank you to TBC and the author for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book.
August 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Found it interesting the way everything tided together from beginning to end. Reds story was interesting and the resason behind what he did was told clearly. I did find that if I read this book while tired I had to go back to double check what was happening as you have to try and keep the story straight or you could easily get lost
September 3, 2016
This is one seriously dark book which gets under your skin from the opening chapters. Not an easy subject matter that some may find upsetting and hard to stomach. For those who are life long crime fans, and for those with an iron constitution, I can guarantee that you will find this a riveting read.
Red (Robert) Dock and his twin brother, Sean are two of Ireland’s unwanted babies. Raised in an abuse riddled orphanage, Red is strong enough to survive the daily beatings and punishments. His brother, Sean isn’t as strong and dies an unnecessary death. Now a grown man and consumed by revenge, Red is hellbent on making others pay for the loss of his twin. He puts into action his 20 year plan by kidnapping the baby daughter of a high ranking police officer. He subjects her to the same torture and cruelty he suffered as a child by putting her into the exact same care system he suffered in. This is only the beginning of an intricate scheme, with many interwoven threads, all aimed at destroying the lives of the people Red feels are responsible for Sean’s death. Throw in a serial killer who just happens to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time and who knows who will survive. Will Red be able to avenge Sean’s death and how many will die in the process…?
I found this novel eerily fascinating. I don’t think you really know the full extent of the story (or the characters) until you reach the very last word of the very last paragraph. I found myself pondering the story at quiet times during the day, almost like I was making sure it had sunk it and I had all the loose ends tied up in my mind. It certainly stayed with me afterwards.
Red’s scheme is brilliantly clever and his thirst for revenge quite nauseating. His total lack of feeling towards his fellow man is beyond callous. With all that in mind, why did I find him strangely charming?
For those that aren’t aware (and have been asleep up until this point) this book is set in Ireland, about Irish characters and written by an Northern Irish author. It took me a little while to get my head around the sentence structure and the writer’s style. I think I was having a bad day. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to warm to the tone.
The closing chapters are superb. I loved the obscure ways of murdering characters (yes, I’m strange!). Very clever, almost genius in some cases. And I loved that there’s a serial killer in this book, but it not all about him (serial killers get ALL of the attention!).
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, particularly if you’re after something a little different. Clever, intricate and full of dark wit. I almost hope to meet Red Dock at some point again, in the future.
Four out of five stars.
Many thanks to #TBConFB, Black & White Publishing and J M Smyth for providing me with a copy of Blood For Blood in exchange for an honest review.
Red (Robert) Dock and his twin brother, Sean are two of Ireland’s unwanted babies. Raised in an abuse riddled orphanage, Red is strong enough to survive the daily beatings and punishments. His brother, Sean isn’t as strong and dies an unnecessary death. Now a grown man and consumed by revenge, Red is hellbent on making others pay for the loss of his twin. He puts into action his 20 year plan by kidnapping the baby daughter of a high ranking police officer. He subjects her to the same torture and cruelty he suffered as a child by putting her into the exact same care system he suffered in. This is only the beginning of an intricate scheme, with many interwoven threads, all aimed at destroying the lives of the people Red feels are responsible for Sean’s death. Throw in a serial killer who just happens to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time and who knows who will survive. Will Red be able to avenge Sean’s death and how many will die in the process…?
I found this novel eerily fascinating. I don’t think you really know the full extent of the story (or the characters) until you reach the very last word of the very last paragraph. I found myself pondering the story at quiet times during the day, almost like I was making sure it had sunk it and I had all the loose ends tied up in my mind. It certainly stayed with me afterwards.
Red’s scheme is brilliantly clever and his thirst for revenge quite nauseating. His total lack of feeling towards his fellow man is beyond callous. With all that in mind, why did I find him strangely charming?
For those that aren’t aware (and have been asleep up until this point) this book is set in Ireland, about Irish characters and written by an Northern Irish author. It took me a little while to get my head around the sentence structure and the writer’s style. I think I was having a bad day. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to warm to the tone.
The closing chapters are superb. I loved the obscure ways of murdering characters (yes, I’m strange!). Very clever, almost genius in some cases. And I loved that there’s a serial killer in this book, but it not all about him (serial killers get ALL of the attention!).
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would, particularly if you’re after something a little different. Clever, intricate and full of dark wit. I almost hope to meet Red Dock at some point again, in the future.
Four out of five stars.
Many thanks to #TBConFB, Black & White Publishing and J M Smyth for providing me with a copy of Blood For Blood in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
A big thank you to the author and TBC for allowing me to review this story. Lets start with the spooky cover right? I mean I am a sucker for a good cover and this is a spooky cover which suits the book perfectly. I was hooked from the first page so much that I actually read this is one full day. I could not put it down! It is a short (ish) story at 241 pages but one I really enjoy and got into for the day. I would highly recommend this story to you all! It contains a brilliant plot, it is easy to read and I found it extremely fast paced. The perfect book! However, I will warn you there are some very dark odd parts throughout the book but not too many to make you want to vomit and give up. Brilliant book, I need to calm down after that now.. Very very clever plot indeed... Smart. Well deserved five stars from me. This is the perfect stories for readers who enjoy a slight horror, mystery, suspense and thriller filled story.
Blood for Blood is currently 98p on kindle, so I suggest you go buy it and see why I'm so hyped up after reading it. Enjoy, I did.
Blood for Blood is currently 98p on kindle, so I suggest you go buy it and see why I'm so hyped up after reading it. Enjoy, I did.
August 20, 2016
I would like to say it's an enjoyable novel but in places it is uncomfortable to read however it is a great book and as long as you don't mind the dark bits it is a real page turner.
Red Dock was brought up in the orphanage alongside his twin Sean and after he is released he vows revenge on the people who put them in there. Red has a very twisted way to reek revenge and it does take over 20 years but the way it happens in genius and so twisted but compelling to read nevertheless. he manipulates people very well to do his bidding but is this going to be his comeuppance or will he get away with the whole thing. This is a must read for anyone who loves
psychological thrillers.
Thank you to TBC and the author for my arc of the book for a frank and honest review.
Red Dock was brought up in the orphanage alongside his twin Sean and after he is released he vows revenge on the people who put them in there. Red has a very twisted way to reek revenge and it does take over 20 years but the way it happens in genius and so twisted but compelling to read nevertheless. he manipulates people very well to do his bidding but is this going to be his comeuppance or will he get away with the whole thing. This is a must read for anyone who loves
psychological thrillers.
Thank you to TBC and the author for my arc of the book for a frank and honest review.
Read
August 23, 2016A compelling, yet uncomfortable read. This was certainly a unique story line and just when I thought the author couldn’t shock me any more, they managed to do it again! It certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
The strong, well-written characters and the fast-paced story kept me turning the pages. In particular Red Dock, the protagonist, is distinctly unlikeable yet you can’t help but admire his cunning and patience. If you like your thrillers psychological and twisted, then you will probably enjoy this book immensely.
Many thanks to TBC and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The strong, well-written characters and the fast-paced story kept me turning the pages. In particular Red Dock, the protagonist, is distinctly unlikeable yet you can’t help but admire his cunning and patience. If you like your thrillers psychological and twisted, then you will probably enjoy this book immensely.
Many thanks to TBC and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2016
I am a big fan of anti heroes and, for that reason, I was instantly intrigued by 'Blood for Blood'. The main narrator of the book is Red Dock who, by his own admission, isn't a great guy and is a criminal. His voice is strong, from the outset, and his wish for vengeance, for retribution is clear. But what we don't know, until the story progresses, is what he plans to do. His plans are long (Really long) and so detailed, and so it's really interesting to see how it unfolds.
The book is a real page turner and it was very hard to put it down because I just needed to know what cunning plan this incredibly intelligent, but maybe short sighted, man had put in place all that time ago.
The book is a real page turner and it was very hard to put it down because I just needed to know what cunning plan this incredibly intelligent, but maybe short sighted, man had put in place all that time ago.
August 10, 2016
This book kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It was very cleverly done and the ending brought the story together nicely.
Thank you to TBC on FB and the author for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to TBC on FB and the author for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2016
This book is well written and probably lots of people will enjoy reading it. I thought I would enjoy reading this, but I think I was expecting too much. I didn't enjoy it. I'm sorry I can't be more positive.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews