What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Lives #3
Lazy Blood
How far does your loyalty go?
Will has drifted through life paying little attention to the decisions he made or the consequences of his action.
From his prison cell he finally understands how his casual descent into serious crime threatens to destroy everything.
Looking back over thirty years Will examines his friendships, the frailty of life and how your world can fall apart in the blink of an eye.
This laugh out loud and harrowing drama follows the story of an average man and explores what goes on behind prisons walls.
Full of very real characters and no-nonsense prose this book is not to be missed.
The Boy Inside is a truly harrowing drama with laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoyed it, you'll also love Ross Greenwood's Fifty Years of Fear & The Boy Inside.
Will has drifted through life paying little attention to the decisions he made or the consequences of his action.
From his prison cell he finally understands how his casual descent into serious crime threatens to destroy everything.
Looking back over thirty years Will examines his friendships, the frailty of life and how your world can fall apart in the blink of an eye.
This laugh out loud and harrowing drama follows the story of an average man and explores what goes on behind prisons walls.
Full of very real characters and no-nonsense prose this book is not to be missed.
The Boy Inside is a truly harrowing drama with laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoyed it, you'll also love Ross Greenwood's Fifty Years of Fear & The Boy Inside.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2016
85 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Ross Greenwood
33 books554 followersI was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 2, 2020
‘All for one and one for all!’
This highly entertaining, realistic and utterly compelling story questions the value of true friendship and how far one would be prepared to go to prove ones own loyalty.
Four very different 11 year old boys are grouped together on the first day at their new school and, despite their individual trials and tribulations throughout life, become firm friends over the next 30 years.
The 4 buddies consist of Will - the dreamer drifter, Aiden - the big, likeable lump, Carl - the quiet, gifted nerd and finally Darren - your average everyday run-of-the-mill wild, dangerous and carefree…sociopath! An account of their ups and downs regarding education, jobs, lifestyles, relationships, drink, drugs and sexual matters. This is their story.
A really fascinating, deliberately negative leaning story which contains a good logical structure and a final, heavily disguised unexpected twist at the end.
Although maybe slightly laddish at times, the story is extremely well researched and skilfully written and is one which certainly strives and succeeds to describe and outline one possible set of realistic outcomes for each of the main protagonists.
Highly recommended, addictive and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating: 4.2 totally enthralling bright stars.
February 14, 2017
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. Such a wonderful writer and storyteller Lazy Blood was a pleasure to read.
I loved the way the story begins in prison and then about a quarter of the way through the book it delves into what happened before Will got sentenced.
A book about friendship and hatred in equal measure, at times the story becomes harrowing but it adds to the story and doesn’t distort from it in anyway.
Trying not to give any spoilers away, just read it and enjoy this incredible journey like I have.
I loved the way the story begins in prison and then about a quarter of the way through the book it delves into what happened before Will got sentenced.
A book about friendship and hatred in equal measure, at times the story becomes harrowing but it adds to the story and doesn’t distort from it in anyway.
Trying not to give any spoilers away, just read it and enjoy this incredible journey like I have.
January 30, 2016
I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
I love a book about prison life, so was more than happy to give this one a go, but this book turned out to be SO much more than that. We start with Will (the principle character) being booked into Peterborough prison on remand, but we don't find out how or why he has ended up there. Brief nuggets of information are given in the first few chapters, but the whole book needs to be read to understand his situation fully. I expected the book to progress into his daily prison life regimen and gradually tell us more about his predicament. However we only see his first couple of days in prison, as in chapter 4 we get taken right back to the 'beginning'.
And boy, what a ride! From Will's teenage years right up to the present day, we meet his friends along the way who are very much part of his life all the way through the book. The author is an excellent storyteller, so much detail is poured into every character, it makes a brilliant read. Although some aspects of the story are fairly harrowing, it is evened out by the genuinely laugh out loud moments later in the book.
This book kept me up until 5am as I needed to finish and find out what put the 'seemingly ordinary' Will in prison. The book far and away exceeded my expectations and has left me very much on tenterhooks for book 2.
I love a book about prison life, so was more than happy to give this one a go, but this book turned out to be SO much more than that. We start with Will (the principle character) being booked into Peterborough prison on remand, but we don't find out how or why he has ended up there. Brief nuggets of information are given in the first few chapters, but the whole book needs to be read to understand his situation fully. I expected the book to progress into his daily prison life regimen and gradually tell us more about his predicament. However we only see his first couple of days in prison, as in chapter 4 we get taken right back to the 'beginning'.
And boy, what a ride! From Will's teenage years right up to the present day, we meet his friends along the way who are very much part of his life all the way through the book. The author is an excellent storyteller, so much detail is poured into every character, it makes a brilliant read. Although some aspects of the story are fairly harrowing, it is evened out by the genuinely laugh out loud moments later in the book.
This book kept me up until 5am as I needed to finish and find out what put the 'seemingly ordinary' Will in prison. The book far and away exceeded my expectations and has left me very much on tenterhooks for book 2.
August 31, 2016
The story starts off with Will in a prison van on his way to prison, obviously this grabbed my interest straight away as to what crime Will could have committed to end up where he is. The reader is then taken back in time starting from Will’s childhood and then chapters that jump every couple of years which then lead up back to present day.
Will is your typical average guy who to be fair I found to be quite a weak character but to be honest in a group of friends you will always get some that are stronger than others. Unfortunately for Will his weakness of not standing up for himself more is his downfall in life and has a major impact on his adult life.
I think because the story jumps from one year to another and then another, I struggled slightly trying to get a real feel for the characters and Will’s friends didn’t really stand out in anyway until probably the second half of the book.
Even though the first opening chapter looked promising I found the story after that just didn’t quite grab me as much as I would have liked it to. There are some bits that stood out that shocked and saddened me but personally for me I think the strongest part of the story starts when it gets to the last forty percent or so. This is where Will and his friends truly came to life and I could understand more about the type of people they really are.
From here on in the story grabbed me a lot more though it saddened me to see Will and his friends very much on a road to self destruction.
Lazy Blood is very much a story of friendship and how at times that friendship can grow toxic. It shows how different events can change people from the ones they were and how staying friends over the years is not always the best case. Though slow to start with and maybe not as engaging as I would have liked, the last part of the story more than made up for that. Lazy Blood is the authors debut novel and shows a lot of promise and I look forward to reading more of his work.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Will is your typical average guy who to be fair I found to be quite a weak character but to be honest in a group of friends you will always get some that are stronger than others. Unfortunately for Will his weakness of not standing up for himself more is his downfall in life and has a major impact on his adult life.
I think because the story jumps from one year to another and then another, I struggled slightly trying to get a real feel for the characters and Will’s friends didn’t really stand out in anyway until probably the second half of the book.
Even though the first opening chapter looked promising I found the story after that just didn’t quite grab me as much as I would have liked it to. There are some bits that stood out that shocked and saddened me but personally for me I think the strongest part of the story starts when it gets to the last forty percent or so. This is where Will and his friends truly came to life and I could understand more about the type of people they really are.
From here on in the story grabbed me a lot more though it saddened me to see Will and his friends very much on a road to self destruction.
Lazy Blood is very much a story of friendship and how at times that friendship can grow toxic. It shows how different events can change people from the ones they were and how staying friends over the years is not always the best case. Though slow to start with and maybe not as engaging as I would have liked, the last part of the story more than made up for that. Lazy Blood is the authors debut novel and shows a lot of promise and I look forward to reading more of his work.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
Where do you stand when you have no clue what to expect from life? When you are too lazy to get enthusiastic about anything, study, career, a relationship? When you are just not involved in what you do or what you will become, lacking a goal in life? A coincidental friendship between four school kids turns out to be the determining key factor in your life. Can you, should you or will you stay loyal to those friends, no matter what? Even at the cost of your own happiness, your own life?
“In order to understand, I destroyed myself.”
Fernando Pessoa’s quote is the first the reader comes across in this thrilling and gripping novel – and I could start and end my review here and now. No more can I tell you about the lifelong friendship between four boys, who meet in ‘The Prince’s School’ in Peterborough one fateful morning in 1985 when they are about eleven.
They are an awkward bunch: Will hates school and studying, would rather have gone to another school nearby and Carl is “a tragic figure, a genius of giant intelligence but a geek of epic proportions.” Then we have Aiden, also a giant in his own, having “a big, red, round, sleepy face with a sloppy grin.” Finally there is Darren, with “keen and sharp yet at the same time seemingly devoid of emotion” eyes, who loves martial arts and acts as an adult, despite his age.
There is always a fight around the corner in which Darren is somehow involved, the others have no choice but to back him up. They hang out together and Aiden’s sister Freja starts joining in – Darren is madly in love with her, Aiden is devoted to his sister. When a terrible accident causes Freja’s death the impact is terrible.
This unleashes Darren’s aggressiveness and need to dominate, to brutally fight, to the extreme.. The accident decides Darren’s future – he will join the army. Aiden has no choice but to support his parents, Carl will study and Will? As usual Will has no clue, he only knows he hates studying. His dad advises him to find a job and perhaps through that job find a goal in life – and that’s what Will does.
It's a tale of a strong friendship, both touching and dangerous. They hang out having fun, getting drunk, taking drugs, but the harshness of life’s reality is always close. If Will is questioning his life and choices, he never acts upon it, has no determination to do whatsoever. He doesn’t want to get drunk, but he does. He hates the way the drugs make him feel – but he simply cannot say no to Darren.
When terrible, seemingly inevitable events unroll, yet again Will is incapacitated. The reader knows it will go wrong, having witnessed Will entering prison life earlier in the book, apparently not for the first time. Whatever happened, what led Will’s life to slide downhill towards his incarceration?
The book is well written and a captivating read. I followed Will, Darren, Aiden and Carl on a thirty-year path through life and it was not always pleasant. The way these men behave is sometimes outright shocking. Although there are touching moments and acts of kindness, I felt sad and depressed witnessing the apparent carelessness with which they treat others and throw their own lives to waste. Is there time still, will they grow up and take responsibility for their lives?
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/lazy-bl...
“In order to understand, I destroyed myself.”
Fernando Pessoa’s quote is the first the reader comes across in this thrilling and gripping novel – and I could start and end my review here and now. No more can I tell you about the lifelong friendship between four boys, who meet in ‘The Prince’s School’ in Peterborough one fateful morning in 1985 when they are about eleven.
They are an awkward bunch: Will hates school and studying, would rather have gone to another school nearby and Carl is “a tragic figure, a genius of giant intelligence but a geek of epic proportions.” Then we have Aiden, also a giant in his own, having “a big, red, round, sleepy face with a sloppy grin.” Finally there is Darren, with “keen and sharp yet at the same time seemingly devoid of emotion” eyes, who loves martial arts and acts as an adult, despite his age.
There is always a fight around the corner in which Darren is somehow involved, the others have no choice but to back him up. They hang out together and Aiden’s sister Freja starts joining in – Darren is madly in love with her, Aiden is devoted to his sister. When a terrible accident causes Freja’s death the impact is terrible.
This unleashes Darren’s aggressiveness and need to dominate, to brutally fight, to the extreme.. The accident decides Darren’s future – he will join the army. Aiden has no choice but to support his parents, Carl will study and Will? As usual Will has no clue, he only knows he hates studying. His dad advises him to find a job and perhaps through that job find a goal in life – and that’s what Will does.
It's a tale of a strong friendship, both touching and dangerous. They hang out having fun, getting drunk, taking drugs, but the harshness of life’s reality is always close. If Will is questioning his life and choices, he never acts upon it, has no determination to do whatsoever. He doesn’t want to get drunk, but he does. He hates the way the drugs make him feel – but he simply cannot say no to Darren.
When terrible, seemingly inevitable events unroll, yet again Will is incapacitated. The reader knows it will go wrong, having witnessed Will entering prison life earlier in the book, apparently not for the first time. Whatever happened, what led Will’s life to slide downhill towards his incarceration?
The book is well written and a captivating read. I followed Will, Darren, Aiden and Carl on a thirty-year path through life and it was not always pleasant. The way these men behave is sometimes outright shocking. Although there are touching moments and acts of kindness, I felt sad and depressed witnessing the apparent carelessness with which they treat others and throw their own lives to waste. Is there time still, will they grow up and take responsibility for their lives?
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/lazy-bl...
September 6, 2016
Unusually, a little like the author, I am going to start at the end and just say, when I finished reading this book I just sat there and said nothing, I was speechless, couldn't move, couldn't believe it. Just had an OMG that was bloody awesome moment, but a cracking end is no good if what goes before it isn't, well this book was full of those for me.
Ross Greenwood begins his novel at the end of his story, well almost.....It is here that you meet Will in prison and through him you know that he has murdered someone, but you don't know why. Will is obviously not new to prison life, although he has just arrived he knows all the ins and outs. Ross Greenwood then takes you back 30 years to the meeting of four lads all new to high school. Will, Aiden, Darren and Carl. It is here where it all goes wrong because it is here where life long friendships begin.
What an amazing novel this is, I just love a book with dry humour and I think this came from the Sahara as it is brimming over with it. I was constantly being thrown images of people and situations that made me smile, giggle and laugh out. The teasing and goading between them as boys and men, when they have that connection, when they know each other all too well, The story leaps through the 30 years always moving towards present day with tales of life changing events when they all come together. The loyalty always present between them but sometimes loyalty rules over common sense and some men have no boundaries. This is such a visual novel with vivid descriptions of violence that may no sit comfortable with some readers. Myself I put it down to darn good realistic writing to what the story is about. A brilliant debut, Thanks for the invite the blog tour has been pure pleasure. So looking forward to reading more from this author.
Ross Greenwood begins his novel at the end of his story, well almost.....It is here that you meet Will in prison and through him you know that he has murdered someone, but you don't know why. Will is obviously not new to prison life, although he has just arrived he knows all the ins and outs. Ross Greenwood then takes you back 30 years to the meeting of four lads all new to high school. Will, Aiden, Darren and Carl. It is here where it all goes wrong because it is here where life long friendships begin.
What an amazing novel this is, I just love a book with dry humour and I think this came from the Sahara as it is brimming over with it. I was constantly being thrown images of people and situations that made me smile, giggle and laugh out. The teasing and goading between them as boys and men, when they have that connection, when they know each other all too well, The story leaps through the 30 years always moving towards present day with tales of life changing events when they all come together. The loyalty always present between them but sometimes loyalty rules over common sense and some men have no boundaries. This is such a visual novel with vivid descriptions of violence that may no sit comfortable with some readers. Myself I put it down to darn good realistic writing to what the story is about. A brilliant debut, Thanks for the invite the blog tour has been pure pleasure. So looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 27, 2020
I'm calling time on this one at only 13%. I'm a big fan of this author but I've found I'm doing more highlighting of errors than I am reading, and that is not creating an enjoyable experience at all. I want to read this so I'll wait on a rereleased version to be pushed through, once it gets a proper editing exercise done. It's easily the worst presented of the trilogy of stories. The first 2 had mistakes but not on the scale of this one.
He just refuses to utilise apostrophes and commas and it makes me grit my teeth. It matters. Writing offender's or person's or other's or (where I gave up) monkey's like this denotes one offender or monkey, etc......and it is not the case so the apostrophe should be AFTER the word so offenders' or monkeys' to denote more than one. A monkey doesn't have a teaparty on its own and a young offenders' institute isn't only holding one young offender. Simple as that.
We also had dropped fullstops, he writes rung not wrung and agro not aggro and then he misses hyphens as well, as in trunk like legs or red throated or twig like.....so irritating.
The story was once more sounding like a good one but I'd only read 50 pages and had around 400 more and just can't face it in the state it's in.
He just refuses to utilise apostrophes and commas and it makes me grit my teeth. It matters. Writing offender's or person's or other's or (where I gave up) monkey's like this denotes one offender or monkey, etc......and it is not the case so the apostrophe should be AFTER the word so offenders' or monkeys' to denote more than one. A monkey doesn't have a teaparty on its own and a young offenders' institute isn't only holding one young offender. Simple as that.
We also had dropped fullstops, he writes rung not wrung and agro not aggro and then he misses hyphens as well, as in trunk like legs or red throated or twig like.....so irritating.
The story was once more sounding like a good one but I'd only read 50 pages and had around 400 more and just can't face it in the state it's in.
September 25, 2025
This series is so good
All about prisoners and how they get there
All about prisoners and how they get there
September 21, 2016
Powerful indeed
Yet again, Bloodhound Books have knocked it out of the park with yet another great author. I know that I am in for a treat and about to discover another of their talented authors and can settle down for a gripping read.
This was indeed a powerful page turner. So much so that I couldn't put it down and even though I am going on holiday later today and I haven't slept and the packing I should have been doing instead of reading ahem.... well you get the idea. Sleep was not an option and I managed to read from start to finish in about 4 1/2 hrs!!!!
This is one of those treasures that pull you in from the start, takes you by the throat and doesn't let go until you are just about ready to black out. An original tale, well written and with great characterisation. It certainly gives the reader plenty to think about.
Ross Greenwood paints a vivid picture of a life behind bars, but he doesn't stop there. Ross adds depth and dimension to the charachters with his depiction of how, one moment in time can set in motion a series of events that have a ripple affect for years to come. Seamlessly melding together the threads of past and present, transporting the reader as he begins to come to terms with the fact that he is back inside and life ass he knew it has changed for ever,
Mr Greenwood teases us with only some of the answers to the what, where, when, who and how he finds himself locked up for murder, by revealing snippets in the form of a series of flash back moments, then smoothly segues into the past of the "villain" of the stor, going back in time to where it all began.
I was so lost in the telling of how the charachters met and became life long friends at school. Tales of their adventures and heart breaks along the way, all of which form the ties that bind and lead inevitably to a violent and unpredictable conclusion. At times I was so wrapped up in either the present or the past, I almost felt like I was reading two different books until Ross effortlessly and intrictly weaves the tales together.
This is powerful and atmospheric story telling, Ross adds depth and dimension to the story by creating charachters who are believable and relatable and a plot line that doesnt falter page after page.
I will be adding Ross Greenwood to my watch list and eagerly seeking more from him in the future x
Yet again, Bloodhound Books have knocked it out of the park with yet another great author. I know that I am in for a treat and about to discover another of their talented authors and can settle down for a gripping read.
This was indeed a powerful page turner. So much so that I couldn't put it down and even though I am going on holiday later today and I haven't slept and the packing I should have been doing instead of reading ahem.... well you get the idea. Sleep was not an option and I managed to read from start to finish in about 4 1/2 hrs!!!!
This is one of those treasures that pull you in from the start, takes you by the throat and doesn't let go until you are just about ready to black out. An original tale, well written and with great characterisation. It certainly gives the reader plenty to think about.
Ross Greenwood paints a vivid picture of a life behind bars, but he doesn't stop there. Ross adds depth and dimension to the charachters with his depiction of how, one moment in time can set in motion a series of events that have a ripple affect for years to come. Seamlessly melding together the threads of past and present, transporting the reader as he begins to come to terms with the fact that he is back inside and life ass he knew it has changed for ever,
Mr Greenwood teases us with only some of the answers to the what, where, when, who and how he finds himself locked up for murder, by revealing snippets in the form of a series of flash back moments, then smoothly segues into the past of the "villain" of the stor, going back in time to where it all began.
I was so lost in the telling of how the charachters met and became life long friends at school. Tales of their adventures and heart breaks along the way, all of which form the ties that bind and lead inevitably to a violent and unpredictable conclusion. At times I was so wrapped up in either the present or the past, I almost felt like I was reading two different books until Ross effortlessly and intrictly weaves the tales together.
This is powerful and atmospheric story telling, Ross adds depth and dimension to the story by creating charachters who are believable and relatable and a plot line that doesnt falter page after page.
I will be adding Ross Greenwood to my watch list and eagerly seeking more from him in the future x
October 8, 2016
A Review of Lazy Blood by Ross Greenwood
Largely set in Peterborough, Lazy Blood by Ross Greenwood, takes a thoughtful, nostalgic look at life growing up in the city. Seen through the eyes of Will, who has it all and doesn’t know it - it is a gritty coming of age drama that really embraces friendship, family and loyalty. I loved the premise that life for Will starts off in a prison and then takes us full circle, and I have to say I enjoyed every troubled and humorous moment along the way. Even the darkest most flawed characters in this book were likeable. When I first picked up this book for my husband I hadn’t anticipated reading it myself (not being overly fond of crime, prison style reads) and was pleased to discover how much I enjoyed it. This book isn’t merely about prison life or crime, it’s an exploration of colourful characters that I really bonded with. This insightful prison/crime thriller/drama captivates the vulnerability of friendship and explores how far our loyalties will go in order to protect the ones we love. Will, the main protagonist, (kind of lost and a bit of a dreamer) is the kind of guy you’d like to take for a pint and give some good old-fashioned advice to, while others break your heart with the tragedies that befall them. In particular, Bad Boy Darren intrigued me and although he acted as leader of the gang and was responsible for getting everyone else into trouble, I suspect he was the most vulnerable and needy character. The boozy lads-nights-out felt entirely authentic and I think on the whole the author kept the pace, style, humour and drama well-balanced – maintaining a fluent, engaging writing style that I particularly liked. An easy five stars from me and I look forward to the next instalment by Ross Greenwood.
Largely set in Peterborough, Lazy Blood by Ross Greenwood, takes a thoughtful, nostalgic look at life growing up in the city. Seen through the eyes of Will, who has it all and doesn’t know it - it is a gritty coming of age drama that really embraces friendship, family and loyalty. I loved the premise that life for Will starts off in a prison and then takes us full circle, and I have to say I enjoyed every troubled and humorous moment along the way. Even the darkest most flawed characters in this book were likeable. When I first picked up this book for my husband I hadn’t anticipated reading it myself (not being overly fond of crime, prison style reads) and was pleased to discover how much I enjoyed it. This book isn’t merely about prison life or crime, it’s an exploration of colourful characters that I really bonded with. This insightful prison/crime thriller/drama captivates the vulnerability of friendship and explores how far our loyalties will go in order to protect the ones we love. Will, the main protagonist, (kind of lost and a bit of a dreamer) is the kind of guy you’d like to take for a pint and give some good old-fashioned advice to, while others break your heart with the tragedies that befall them. In particular, Bad Boy Darren intrigued me and although he acted as leader of the gang and was responsible for getting everyone else into trouble, I suspect he was the most vulnerable and needy character. The boozy lads-nights-out felt entirely authentic and I think on the whole the author kept the pace, style, humour and drama well-balanced – maintaining a fluent, engaging writing style that I particularly liked. An easy five stars from me and I look forward to the next instalment by Ross Greenwood.
October 30, 2016
First of all many thanks to Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
This books starts off with the opening chapter where Will is being booked into prison, we are unsure why, snippets of information are given but only enough to plant thoughts into your head.
What we do find out is that Will has three other friends Carl, Darren and Aiden. They have been friends since school, best friends and friends that do anything for each other.
The book then gives you snippets of Will and the life he has inside, with the background information of how they became friends, and friends that go to extreme lengths for each other.
Ross Greenwood is a brilliant author, one who has gone to great lengths to give you as much information as possible in each chapter, but not enough for you to guess the info me. I was hooked on this book and was extremely disappointed when my tram journey came to an end.
There are moments in this book that had me wondering where the story was going and also moments that made me gasp out loud and had me trying to read more quickly before my journey ended.
Things are made clearer towards the end and this is one book that I am glad I got to read.
Look forward to reading more by the author.
This books starts off with the opening chapter where Will is being booked into prison, we are unsure why, snippets of information are given but only enough to plant thoughts into your head.
What we do find out is that Will has three other friends Carl, Darren and Aiden. They have been friends since school, best friends and friends that do anything for each other.
The book then gives you snippets of Will and the life he has inside, with the background information of how they became friends, and friends that go to extreme lengths for each other.
Ross Greenwood is a brilliant author, one who has gone to great lengths to give you as much information as possible in each chapter, but not enough for you to guess the info me. I was hooked on this book and was extremely disappointed when my tram journey came to an end.
There are moments in this book that had me wondering where the story was going and also moments that made me gasp out loud and had me trying to read more quickly before my journey ended.
Things are made clearer towards the end and this is one book that I am glad I got to read.
Look forward to reading more by the author.
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed the majority of this book. It is well written and I liked the style of writing.
It tells the story of Will and his three best friends from school. When a tragedy happens we are taken through a downward spiral of grief and loss which have a lasting impact on the lives of all four.
Will is ultimately a very weak character. He sees it as loyalty but really that’s just an excuse to avoid taking control of his life. He drifts along, allowing one friend, Darren, to manipulate him and use him.
I started off quite liking the four friends, despite their laddish behaviour, but by the end I couldn’t really feel any empathy at all.
However, my biggest disappointment was the ending. I respect authors’ right to take a book wherever they like but I’m afraid I found it very unsatisfactory.
It tells the story of Will and his three best friends from school. When a tragedy happens we are taken through a downward spiral of grief and loss which have a lasting impact on the lives of all four.
Will is ultimately a very weak character. He sees it as loyalty but really that’s just an excuse to avoid taking control of his life. He drifts along, allowing one friend, Darren, to manipulate him and use him.
I started off quite liking the four friends, despite their laddish behaviour, but by the end I couldn’t really feel any empathy at all.
However, my biggest disappointment was the ending. I respect authors’ right to take a book wherever they like but I’m afraid I found it very unsatisfactory.
September 29, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Thank you Bloodhound Books.
To be honest,when I first started reading this book I wasn't that bothered about getting to the end of it. However I persevered with it and actually found that I did want to know what happened in the end to the four main characters,Will,Darren,Carl and Aiden.
To be honest,when I first started reading this book I wasn't that bothered about getting to the end of it. However I persevered with it and actually found that I did want to know what happened in the end to the four main characters,Will,Darren,Carl and Aiden.
March 11, 2016
A superb book and being a Peterborian - it was great to read a book set in our fair city. I read it from cover to cover in 48 hours and was desperate for more.
If you spot the twists and turns then you are far more intelligent than I am.....
If you spot the twists and turns then you are far more intelligent than I am.....
September 25, 2016
Best book I've read for ages!
Hilarious, so like real life it's both saddening and brilliant in equal measures. I could picture every scene in full Technicolor in my head thanks to Ross Greenwood's rare talent with words, I loved it absolutely.
Hilarious, so like real life it's both saddening and brilliant in equal measures. I could picture every scene in full Technicolor in my head thanks to Ross Greenwood's rare talent with words, I loved it absolutely.
February 4, 2017
Really enjoyed reading this well written book. Funny in bits and tragic in others
June 28, 2018
A Good Read, But Not As Good As The First Two
Ross Greenwood is a good author, with a talent for creating characters that almost jump off the page, so that one feels as though the story is told to the readers while the characters sit next to them. This novel was an engrossing tale, but it lacked a bit of the intimacy of his prior two offerings. It is still a worthy read, however "The Boy Inside" and " Fifty Years of Fear" are, IMHO, far better. I didn't feel as close to Will as I did the narrative characters in the previously mentioned book.
Seeing the character "Darren" grow into his character was a very insightful glimpse into how one person can affect so many. Greenwood does a great job of demonstrating how each choice one makes, or fails to make, have a domino effect. Our choices make it break us, and the consequences can be dire. It is a truth that really bears being reminded of.
If Mr. Greenwood is reading this review, I happily offer my services as a proofreader. All three books are well-penned, however, they could use the keen eye of an admittedly O.C.D. editor. My thoughts on tying up the series, as he does in "Lazy Blood', are that he chose well by fleshing out "Darren" and several other key characters. However, he did not "pull me in" as deeply with "Will". This did not keep the Book from being a good read. It is still a book I recommend to any reader who enjoys character-driven stories that contain action, are well-plotted, and are thought thought-provoking.
As Always, I Wish Happy Reads to All from the Unapologetic Book Junkie 😉!
Ross Greenwood is a good author, with a talent for creating characters that almost jump off the page, so that one feels as though the story is told to the readers while the characters sit next to them. This novel was an engrossing tale, but it lacked a bit of the intimacy of his prior two offerings. It is still a worthy read, however "The Boy Inside" and " Fifty Years of Fear" are, IMHO, far better. I didn't feel as close to Will as I did the narrative characters in the previously mentioned book.
Seeing the character "Darren" grow into his character was a very insightful glimpse into how one person can affect so many. Greenwood does a great job of demonstrating how each choice one makes, or fails to make, have a domino effect. Our choices make it break us, and the consequences can be dire. It is a truth that really bears being reminded of.
If Mr. Greenwood is reading this review, I happily offer my services as a proofreader. All three books are well-penned, however, they could use the keen eye of an admittedly O.C.D. editor. My thoughts on tying up the series, as he does in "Lazy Blood', are that he chose well by fleshing out "Darren" and several other key characters. However, he did not "pull me in" as deeply with "Will". This did not keep the Book from being a good read. It is still a book I recommend to any reader who enjoys character-driven stories that contain action, are well-plotted, and are thought thought-provoking.
As Always, I Wish Happy Reads to All from the Unapologetic Book Junkie 😉!
November 1, 2019
Lazy Blood: by Ross Greenwood
I loved this novel from start to finish! At the beginning of the book, the main character, Will, is on his way to prison for the second time. When he is finally incarcerated in his cell, he has a flashback to his childhood. He reminisces about his life, and the circumstances that have led to his imprisonment.
As a fresh-faced, twelve-year-old just starting high school, Will meets his three lifelong friends: Darren, Aiden and Carl. Their antics and behaviour over the years as their character traits develop – and in some cases, warp –the reader cannot help but feel drawn to them, despite their imperfections.
The story builds and builds. As all the pieces of the puzzle fit neatly into place as to why Will went to prison for the first time, I was still impelled to continue reading. I was missing a few more clues as to how and why Will was unfortunate enough to be imprisoned for a second time and what- if any- part did his friends have to play in it?
As the friends spiral out of control and inhabit a world of deception, assault, alcohol and drugs, I found myself trying to second guess the ending. It was impossible! The shocking twists at the end tied everything together, making this a really good read.
I Highly Recommend this book. It is exceptionally well written and truly deserves the five star rating.
I loved this novel from start to finish! At the beginning of the book, the main character, Will, is on his way to prison for the second time. When he is finally incarcerated in his cell, he has a flashback to his childhood. He reminisces about his life, and the circumstances that have led to his imprisonment.
As a fresh-faced, twelve-year-old just starting high school, Will meets his three lifelong friends: Darren, Aiden and Carl. Their antics and behaviour over the years as their character traits develop – and in some cases, warp –the reader cannot help but feel drawn to them, despite their imperfections.
The story builds and builds. As all the pieces of the puzzle fit neatly into place as to why Will went to prison for the first time, I was still impelled to continue reading. I was missing a few more clues as to how and why Will was unfortunate enough to be imprisoned for a second time and what- if any- part did his friends have to play in it?
As the friends spiral out of control and inhabit a world of deception, assault, alcohol and drugs, I found myself trying to second guess the ending. It was impossible! The shocking twists at the end tied everything together, making this a really good read.
I Highly Recommend this book. It is exceptionally well written and truly deserves the five star rating.
February 4, 2017
This book begins nearly at the end—the main character Will, is on his way to prison having just been convicted of murder. I was instantly hooked. Then the narrator takes us back thirty years to see how Will got to this place. The book explores the lives of four boys who are life-long friends. Love, loyalty, and friendship are strong themes in the story—but when loyalty comes at a price, at what point is the cost too high? I enjoyed all the details about prison life. Will is a great character, and there were many laugh out loud moments.
September 11, 2018
I’m so glad I got around to reading this and completing the Dark Lives series. I’m missing Will and the others today and feel like I’ve known them since they were kids. I was totally drawn into their story and felt a bit helpless that I could do nothing to change their actions or influence the outcome. This is a dark book with some passages that made me want to look away and distance myself from the action. That said there is enough humour scattered through it to take the edge off. If you enjoy realistic flawed characters then this book (and indeed this series) should be right up your alley.
January 14, 2019
This third book in the Dark Lives series deals with childhood friendship and loyalty. Sometimes, when friends cross the line from legal to illegal, you need to decide whether you will be true to them or to yourself. This is Will’s dilemma here and there’s a lot to think about. There were occasions I wanted to shout at Will, and I wanted things to work out for him. There’s a lot of humour in the book and it’s a very enjoyable read – except – the ending was too rushed and unsatisfying for me. I expect others loved it! A solid four stars from me.
January 4, 2023
A story of four schoolfriends as they grow into adults and how their lives entangle.
Ross Greenwood has a strange writing style. He keeps the pace going, even if he doesn't quite drag you into this story nor the characters who remain interchangable. No-one was given a charisma that elevated them above the others.
It's very pedestrian. Despite my lack of interest in their lives, I was happy to persevere with the book. As I said above, a strange writing style. 5/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
Ross Greenwood has a strange writing style. He keeps the pace going, even if he doesn't quite drag you into this story nor the characters who remain interchangable. No-one was given a charisma that elevated them above the others.
It's very pedestrian. Despite my lack of interest in their lives, I was happy to persevere with the book. As I said above, a strange writing style. 5/10
Scoring: 0 bad; 1-3 poor; 4-6 average; 7-9 good; 10 excellent.
August 6, 2021
This is a long book, and really not a whole lot happens. However, Ross Greenwood's writing is so good that the book is never boring. He draws you into the world of his characters, compelling you to continue reading to find out how their lives end up. As the series title, "Dark Lives", would suggest, these are not characters I can relate to, nor do I suspect most people can. But that's not a negative, in fact, I believe that's the point.
May 26, 2023
well written and narrated (audible version). follows the life of a man from boy to middle age and how he got to where he did. a very human story and very captivating. the characters are so real and I could really see how very very easy it would be to follow that path without really realising it. just shows how little insignificant things can soon add up to be something significant
July 7, 2023
Another brilliant character study from Ross Greenwood. Where does it all go wrong?
The book begins with Will being imprisoned for life - his second time in prison.
And yet he is an 'ordinary' person.
Ross takes us back to Will's childhood and everything leading up to his imprisonment.
It's a moving story of friendship, family, addiction and fate.
The book begins with Will being imprisoned for life - his second time in prison.
And yet he is an 'ordinary' person.
Ross takes us back to Will's childhood and everything leading up to his imprisonment.
It's a moving story of friendship, family, addiction and fate.
December 1, 2016
Good read.
So I looked this one up because it was recommended at the end of Rob Sinclair's new novel. This wasn't a thriller to me, it was a good solid read of loyalty between friends. I did like it, though it went a little long for me.
So I looked this one up because it was recommended at the end of Rob Sinclair's new novel. This wasn't a thriller to me, it was a good solid read of loyalty between friends. I did like it, though it went a little long for me.
July 27, 2017
A fantastic read
This is my first Ross Greenwood novel, and it won't be my last! I was soon caught up in the lives of the characters, turning more and more pages as I became engrossed in their story, until the thrilling end. A fantastic read!
This is my first Ross Greenwood novel, and it won't be my last! I was soon caught up in the lives of the characters, turning more and more pages as I became engrossed in their story, until the thrilling end. A fantastic read!
August 11, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable. I read these two books in the wrong order (should have read "The Boy Inside" after this) but both of them are absolutely great as stand-alone stories and even the wrong way round, they were intriguing. I'm looking forward to Ross Greenwood's next novel very much!
September 27, 2017
Just brilliant!!
This book had me riveted from the first page. Finding out about the friendship of four boys, and how that friendship changes as they grow up, kept me fascinated. The character of Will is especially well developed. I loved this novel.
This book had me riveted from the first page. Finding out about the friendship of four boys, and how that friendship changes as they grow up, kept me fascinated. The character of Will is especially well developed. I loved this novel.
September 4, 2018
Gritty and Compassionate
This book is gritty and the subject matter grim but it bursts with reality. I couldn't put it down. All three books on the series are excellent and well worth reading.
This book is gritty and the subject matter grim but it bursts with reality. I couldn't put it down. All three books on the series are excellent and well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews