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Carson Ryder #4
Blood Brother
Detective Carson Ryder's sworn duty is to track killers down. He's never revealed the fact that his brother, Jeremy, is one of America's most notorious killers - albeit imprisoned. Now though, his brother's escaped and is at large in New York. With Jeremy the chief suspect in a series of horrifying mutilation-murders, a mysterious video demands Ryder be brought into help. What should be a straightforward manhunt couldn't be more different - or more terrifying. A dangerous cat-and-mouse game develops between Jeremy and the NYPD with Ryder in the middle, trying to keep his brother alive and the cops in the dark. But it's a game of life, death and deceit, a game with an unknown number of players and no clear way of winning ...
436 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
23 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kerley
22 books238 followersAKA J.A. Kerley
John Albert Kerley is an American author. He spent 20 years in a successful advertising career before writing his first book, The Hundredth Man.
He currently lives in Newport, Kentucky, and is married with two children. He enjoys the outdoors, particularly fishing.
He is the author of the acclaimed Alabama-set series of Carson Ryder novels
John Albert Kerley is an American author. He spent 20 years in a successful advertising career before writing his first book, The Hundredth Man.
He currently lives in Newport, Kentucky, and is married with two children. He enjoys the outdoors, particularly fishing.
He is the author of the acclaimed Alabama-set series of Carson Ryder novels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 8, 2017
5 STARS
With The Hundredth Man, Kerley was still trying to find his feet. He had a great idea: A policeman with a notorious serial killer brother, certifiably insane and institutionalised, who reluctantly helps with an investigation. Underneath it all is the inner conflict of their twisted relationship, and the feelings of guilt and, yes, even a sense of gratitude. A good book, but not yet great.
Blood Brother was the fourth book in the series (and the first one I read of this author), and by then he was completely comfortable with his writing style and characters. I absolutely loved this book!
I didn’t know the author and I’d never heard about any of the hype, but what attracted my attention was a sticker on the front page that said:
“As good as James Patterson or your money back!”
Bold statement. But, damn, this book was that good – and worth every penny.
Detective Carson Ryder will be placed in an impossible position. Jeremy, his brother, has escaped and might be responsible for murders. Ryder will be drawn into the investigation where his loyalty toward his brother and the law will be tested to the full…and then some.
I’m trying to be so vague in this review, because I loved the twists and turns, and I don’t want to give anything away. To fully appreciate this story, you should discover it for yourself.
With The Hundredth Man, Kerley was still trying to find his feet. He had a great idea: A policeman with a notorious serial killer brother, certifiably insane and institutionalised, who reluctantly helps with an investigation. Underneath it all is the inner conflict of their twisted relationship, and the feelings of guilt and, yes, even a sense of gratitude. A good book, but not yet great.
Blood Brother was the fourth book in the series (and the first one I read of this author), and by then he was completely comfortable with his writing style and characters. I absolutely loved this book!
I didn’t know the author and I’d never heard about any of the hype, but what attracted my attention was a sticker on the front page that said:
“As good as James Patterson or your money back!”
Bold statement. But, damn, this book was that good – and worth every penny.
Detective Carson Ryder will be placed in an impossible position. Jeremy, his brother, has escaped and might be responsible for murders. Ryder will be drawn into the investigation where his loyalty toward his brother and the law will be tested to the full…and then some.
I’m trying to be so vague in this review, because I loved the twists and turns, and I don’t want to give anything away. To fully appreciate this story, you should discover it for yourself.
May 9, 2023
I read this book not knowing it was part of a series! UGH!
It was such an amazing book and I didn't really need to read the others to get this book - but I would love to read them in order and get this in the re-read pile! I have so much to read! AHHH!
This was one of the first crime/horror books I read that wasn't Stephen King and it really opened me up to accepting other authors which I am forever grateful for! I have no idea if I would enjoy this book as much the second time around as I did read this in my early teens. Since then my idea of a great book has massively changed!
It was such an amazing book and I didn't really need to read the others to get this book - but I would love to read them in order and get this in the re-read pile! I have so much to read! AHHH!
This was one of the first crime/horror books I read that wasn't Stephen King and it really opened me up to accepting other authors which I am forever grateful for! I have no idea if I would enjoy this book as much the second time around as I did read this in my early teens. Since then my idea of a great book has massively changed!
June 29, 2018
Another fine book in the Carson Ryder series. Hiding from the world the fact that Jeremy is his brother, Carson becomes embroiled in an investigation to find his escaped brother. There’s tons of secrets in this tale, from Jeremy to Carson to the NY cop, Waltz. A real page turner.
May 4, 2009
Carson Ryder is a bit confused when he's rushed off to New York city without anybody telling him why, until he gets there and sees the video his murdered friend has left him. Somehow his serial killer brother, Jeremy, has escaped and is on the loose in New York, suspected of brutally killing more women. Trying to hide the fact that Jeremy is his brother, trying to find him, and trying to stop the NYPD from killing him becomes Carson's burden, but how much time does he have before things start falling apart?
Great plot, fast paced with plenty of gore and horror. These are my favourite kinds of books, I love the mix of murder and suspicion with the police investigation. They always manage to keep you on the edge of your seat, and this was no exception. The characters were well written, you feel a lot of sympathy for Carson, he obviously knows his brother must be caught, but he doesn't want him to be hurt. Jeremy is of the genius murder variety, so he always manages to keep one step ahead of the investigation. The ending was a complete surprise, not at all as I expected, but it was a great ending. The plot was very good throughout, it was well written and kept me gripped. Really enjoyed the story and I'll be sure to go back and get the initial books in the series.
Great plot, fast paced with plenty of gore and horror. These are my favourite kinds of books, I love the mix of murder and suspicion with the police investigation. They always manage to keep you on the edge of your seat, and this was no exception. The characters were well written, you feel a lot of sympathy for Carson, he obviously knows his brother must be caught, but he doesn't want him to be hurt. Jeremy is of the genius murder variety, so he always manages to keep one step ahead of the investigation. The ending was a complete surprise, not at all as I expected, but it was a great ending. The plot was very good throughout, it was well written and kept me gripped. Really enjoyed the story and I'll be sure to go back and get the initial books in the series.
February 25, 2020
4th in the Carson Ryder series and the best so far, imo. Just loved this from the get go and got sucked straight in with Carson, on his new case. The action never stopped and was a sure fire page turner.
March 1, 2018
Kerley’s fourth Carson Ryder thriller finds the young Alabama detective temporarily leaving behind the sweltering South. A mysterious video found at an appalling mutilation-murder quite literally calls Ryder to the bright lights and shadowed streets of New York City, where he battles hayseed prejudices held by city cops barely tolerant of his presence.
For three novels Ryder has solved despicable murders alongside nattily-dressed veteran partner Harry Nautilus, while occasionally consulting the imprisoned brother he’s long kept secret - notorious murderer Jeremy Ridgecliffe. Now Jeremy has escaped and Ryder finds himself trying to outrun an NYPD manhunt in order to keep his secret safe and his brother alive.
Once again Kerley spins a suspenseful tale peppered with vicious murders and exciting twists, although this time the twists not only upturn readers’ beliefs and expectations about this novel’s rapidly-evolving events, but also deliver surprising revelations about the throughline of the entire series thusfar.
However, Kerley outperforms plot-driven twist-masters with the texture of his crime fiction; he also engages the reader with interesting characters, settings and themes. Any twists and turns seem organic, realistically evolving from such elements rather than being author-imposed to distract from deficiencies in the storytelling.
Another excellent read in an underrated and very intriguing series.
For three novels Ryder has solved despicable murders alongside nattily-dressed veteran partner Harry Nautilus, while occasionally consulting the imprisoned brother he’s long kept secret - notorious murderer Jeremy Ridgecliffe. Now Jeremy has escaped and Ryder finds himself trying to outrun an NYPD manhunt in order to keep his secret safe and his brother alive.
Once again Kerley spins a suspenseful tale peppered with vicious murders and exciting twists, although this time the twists not only upturn readers’ beliefs and expectations about this novel’s rapidly-evolving events, but also deliver surprising revelations about the throughline of the entire series thusfar.
However, Kerley outperforms plot-driven twist-masters with the texture of his crime fiction; he also engages the reader with interesting characters, settings and themes. Any twists and turns seem organic, realistically evolving from such elements rather than being author-imposed to distract from deficiencies in the storytelling.
Another excellent read in an underrated and very intriguing series.
September 14, 2019
Although predictable at times, this book was full of action and very compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
May 16, 2017
Dear Carson,
We had a good run, but I need to tell you it's over. I've had my doubts ever since book two, but then you showed some promise again in book three, so I hung in there, but you have failed to live up to your potential. I'm tired of pretending, so I am setting you free to find someone who will appreciate you the way you are.
All the best,
Myrna
We had a good run, but I need to tell you it's over. I've had my doubts ever since book two, but then you showed some promise again in book three, so I hung in there, but you have failed to live up to your potential. I'm tired of pretending, so I am setting you free to find someone who will appreciate you the way you are.
All the best,
Myrna
March 21, 2011
Where to start?
Lets begin with what Blood Brother is not: Blood Brother is not Silence of the Lambs, despite trying so hard I'm surprised there wasn't a copyright lawsuit.
The plot of course, tries to be twisty but is somewhat predictable, most of it is given away in the blurb, and if anyone is genuinely surprised by any development in this book (I mean surprised as in "I didn't expect that" NOT "I didn't expect this to be so BAD") I would be amused to hear from them.
The protaganist of this piece is identicle to Claurice Starling (Hello Claurice) which is unfortunate given that he is supposed to be a dude. After the first half of the book apologising to the local cops whose jurisiction he has entered Ryder suddenly smacks around a colleague for being sexist, and starts telling guys to PULL IT TOGETHER his raw manlyness shown with CAPITAL LETTERS.
About the only thing of worth in this book is the relationship between the brothers (if you haven't clicked the detective and the villian are brothers) which doesn't get much page-time and is quickly soured but the absolute disgusting treatment of mental illness in this book.
Now, I'm very much used to serial killer thrillers misusing mental illness and psychopathology to pen a good tale. Perhaps because he fails to write a good story, Kerley's representation of schizophrenia verges on Nazism, and the final scene of the story leaves acceptable suspension of disbelief about 5 leagues behind.
The worst thing about Blood Brother is while reading it, one can't help but be aware of what the book is trying to be, it's trying to be politcally relevant. it's trying to be psychological, its trying to have a compelling (probably hoping for a reusable) main character, and in case you haven't been paying attention to this review Blood Brother fails on all counts.
Rant over.
Lets begin with what Blood Brother is not: Blood Brother is not Silence of the Lambs, despite trying so hard I'm surprised there wasn't a copyright lawsuit.
The plot of course, tries to be twisty but is somewhat predictable, most of it is given away in the blurb, and if anyone is genuinely surprised by any development in this book (I mean surprised as in "I didn't expect that" NOT "I didn't expect this to be so BAD") I would be amused to hear from them.
The protaganist of this piece is identicle to Claurice Starling (Hello Claurice) which is unfortunate given that he is supposed to be a dude. After the first half of the book apologising to the local cops whose jurisiction he has entered Ryder suddenly smacks around a colleague for being sexist, and starts telling guys to PULL IT TOGETHER his raw manlyness shown with CAPITAL LETTERS.
About the only thing of worth in this book is the relationship between the brothers (if you haven't clicked the detective and the villian are brothers) which doesn't get much page-time and is quickly soured but the absolute disgusting treatment of mental illness in this book.
Now, I'm very much used to serial killer thrillers misusing mental illness and psychopathology to pen a good tale. Perhaps because he fails to write a good story, Kerley's representation of schizophrenia verges on Nazism, and the final scene of the story leaves acceptable suspension of disbelief about 5 leagues behind.
The worst thing about Blood Brother is while reading it, one can't help but be aware of what the book is trying to be, it's trying to be politcally relevant. it's trying to be psychological, its trying to have a compelling (probably hoping for a reusable) main character, and in case you haven't been paying attention to this review Blood Brother fails on all counts.
Rant over.
April 10, 2011
I really enjoyed the previous Carson Ryder books but could not bring myself to finish this one.
In one word it was boring. I couldn't care about the characters or the storyline. Not one thing about the plot made me want to continue to find out what happens.
Very disappointing because I loved the other novels so much.
In one word it was boring. I couldn't care about the characters or the storyline. Not one thing about the plot made me want to continue to find out what happens.
Very disappointing because I loved the other novels so much.
January 5, 2009
This is an OK book, but it's a bit formulaic and you always know basically where it's heading. Don't be fooled by the Michael Mrshall quote on the cover - it's nothing like his standard.
Deserves 2.5 stars, but can't give it that, unfortuately.
Deserves 2.5 stars, but can't give it that, unfortuately.
October 29, 2017
Kind of disappointing. The first 2 were excellent the 3rd was bad and this one was just ok. I will try #5 and if it disappoints then I'm done with this author.
Closer to a 2.5 star.
Closer to a 2.5 star.
November 6, 2017
the homicide detective with a hidden secret that could destroy his career.These brothers have murder in their veins.Detective Carson Ryder's sworn duty is to track killers down.Hes never revealed the fact that his brother. Jeremy. is one of Americas most notorious killers - now imprisoned.Secretly. Ryder has used Jeremy's homicidal insight to solve cases.Hes made a career out of it.Now his brother has escaped and is at large in New York.With Jeremy the chief suspect in a series of horrifying mutilation-murders. a mysterious video demands Ryder be brought into help.It looks like a straightforward manhunt.It couldn't be more different - or more terrifying.A dangerous cat-and-mouse game develops between Jeremy and the NYPD.
If you like gritty, sometimes gruesome murder novels this entire series will satisfy the "blood lust". This one explored more the love/hate relationship between Carson the detective... and Jeremy...his killer, formally imprisoned, brother. The entire Carson family has secrets that they are more than happy to have stay hidden but were bound to come to light. In many ways it was a lot like [Silence of the Lambs]. It's twisted tale...for lack of a better word...but you must read on to discover all the surprising revelations which this reader hopes will be built on in the next book.
If you like gritty, sometimes gruesome murder novels this entire series will satisfy the "blood lust". This one explored more the love/hate relationship between Carson the detective... and Jeremy...his killer, formally imprisoned, brother. The entire Carson family has secrets that they are more than happy to have stay hidden but were bound to come to light. In many ways it was a lot like [Silence of the Lambs]. It's twisted tale...for lack of a better word...but you must read on to discover all the surprising revelations which this reader hopes will be built on in the next book.
October 22, 2023
This is my first time reviewing a book but for anyone who isn’t sure about giving this book a read… please do! I haven’t read a book in about 4 years and this one has truly re started my love of reading again!! Especially in the second half of the book I had to force myself to put it down because I couldn’t stop! I needed to know more!
This book had me thinking, smiling and literally had me saying ‘bludy hell’ out loud. Each character had such an interesting personality and finding out more about them was such a joy to read. Shelly Waltz and Alice folger were two characters in particular who were written brilliantly, both of which had their own mysteries going on behind the scenes. There are a lot of twists and turns that you don’t expect, some you might, but I for one wasn’t expecting a lot of them. Jeremy, although the ‘bad guy’ was, for me, a loveable character who in a weird way I sort of respected. And of course the protagonist, Carlson Ryder, was a character who I quickly fell in love with as well.
I’m now convincing my mam to read this book, I enjoyed it that much. And I’ll be buying everything this man writes because he’s a damn good writer!
This book had me thinking, smiling and literally had me saying ‘bludy hell’ out loud. Each character had such an interesting personality and finding out more about them was such a joy to read. Shelly Waltz and Alice folger were two characters in particular who were written brilliantly, both of which had their own mysteries going on behind the scenes. There are a lot of twists and turns that you don’t expect, some you might, but I for one wasn’t expecting a lot of them. Jeremy, although the ‘bad guy’ was, for me, a loveable character who in a weird way I sort of respected. And of course the protagonist, Carlson Ryder, was a character who I quickly fell in love with as well.
I’m now convincing my mam to read this book, I enjoyed it that much. And I’ll be buying everything this man writes because he’s a damn good writer!
March 27, 2018
J.A. (can I call you Jack?) Kerley does it again. I thought his last book, "Garden of Vipers" was remarkable, but I think this one eclipses even that effort. I really can't believe some reviewers gave it only one star. Please, please, please give me a list of your two star books. Oh I forgot...haters gotta hate, another reason to bump it up to five stars. Anyway, if you like blood and gore thrillers with some psychopathic overtones then Blood Brothers is the bomb. Is it perfect? Nope. There are a few holes in the plot and the story shakes a bit about three-fourths of the way through. Not to mention, Kerley doesn't really give the reader a fair shake to figure out who the perp was until late in the game. However, it's despite the flaws that the strengths of this story shine. Lots of suspense and twist, with a couple of likable heroes in Carson and Harry. Heck by the time the show was over, I even had a fondness for Bro Jeremy the psychopath.
January 27, 2025
Rating
5 / 5 stars Must Read
Pros
Well developed characters that all stand out on their own
A plot that keeps you guessing until the end
Cons
There are some graphic scenes depicting murder
Overall
The plot itself starts off straight forward. But as the story progresses the plot reveals its many layers. Each layer adding something new to the story. Until the end where the truth reveals an unexpected surprise. The characters have depth to them. Along with not being to over the top but still stand out as individuals. There was a good balance the killer staying one step ahead of the police while Carson gets closer to solving the case. The pace is good while making you want to know what happens next.
5 / 5 stars Must Read
Pros
Well developed characters that all stand out on their own
A plot that keeps you guessing until the end
Cons
There are some graphic scenes depicting murder
Overall
The plot itself starts off straight forward. But as the story progresses the plot reveals its many layers. Each layer adding something new to the story. Until the end where the truth reveals an unexpected surprise. The characters have depth to them. Along with not being to over the top but still stand out as individuals. There was a good balance the killer staying one step ahead of the police while Carson gets closer to solving the case. The pace is good while making you want to know what happens next.
August 20, 2021
I didn’t know it was very descriptive to begin with, the title and cover attracted me. Yes, I judge a book by its cover! I also didn’t know there were prior books, but what I like is that I wasn’t lost in figuring out the characters because the author briefly explains!
I enjoyed reading it, it’s been a while since I read a thriller.
Very brilliant read, gets you inside the mind of the criminal, how they think, why they act the way they act.
I liked the plot twist although it was somewhat predictable.
I enjoyed reading it, it’s been a while since I read a thriller.
Very brilliant read, gets you inside the mind of the criminal, how they think, why they act the way they act.
I liked the plot twist although it was somewhat predictable.
January 30, 2024
Found this in my partner's book collection and was pleasantly surprised as I don't tend to read crime thrillers.
After reading the tagine "people call him a psychopath. I call him family", I thought the dialogue was going to be a bit ham-fisted... However, I was happily proven wrong (I think the editor has a lot to answer for here!).
Overall, this book was a fun, easy read that doesn't take itself too seriously but will keep you guessing. Recommended if you like a bit of gore or a mystery packed with twists and turns.
After reading the tagine "people call him a psychopath. I call him family", I thought the dialogue was going to be a bit ham-fisted... However, I was happily proven wrong (I think the editor has a lot to answer for here!).
Overall, this book was a fun, easy read that doesn't take itself too seriously but will keep you guessing. Recommended if you like a bit of gore or a mystery packed with twists and turns.
September 1, 2022
What an action-packed read!!!!
Carson is in New York helping to solve a series of murders.
Unknown to other officers, he is the brother to a jailed psychopathic brother.
When Carson sees his brother Jeremy in a clip taken in the same city, he is horrified to think that his brother may be involved. How did he escape custody?
How will he solve the murders and at the same time, keep his connection to a known killer a secret?
I was kept enthralled all the way to the end!
Carson is in New York helping to solve a series of murders.
Unknown to other officers, he is the brother to a jailed psychopathic brother.
When Carson sees his brother Jeremy in a clip taken in the same city, he is horrified to think that his brother may be involved. How did he escape custody?
How will he solve the murders and at the same time, keep his connection to a known killer a secret?
I was kept enthralled all the way to the end!
September 24, 2023
Book 4 with Carson Ryder with his hidden past as a policeman with a notorious serial killer brother, certifiably insane and institutionalised - who would employ him knowing my brother was a psychopath. I feel its a great idea but misses the mark. Good twisty ending, gory in parts but not overlie as no details on how the killer killed his prey rather descriptions of what the after effects are. Pacey book, distinct characters but found the writing style challenging to read, snappy sentences made me re read many to keep up with the story flow.
January 2, 2019
Great book with well thought out characters. The characters aren't too cliché which is difficult with so many crime books. I've read a lot of thrillers, crime etv but this one kept me guessing. There were some great surprises along the way, a real page turner. I'm definitely going to track down the other books in the series.
May 16, 2021
This is one talented author. He creates pictures in the mind that given the subject matter is obviously scary! But the human and emotional take is there which gives it something extra. You want to know more about the characters - they are portrayed in such a real and definable way. I am onto the next book I can find from this author.
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, only the second book of this author I’ve read, the other book was ‘Death Collectors’ which I also rated 5 stars. Alot of suspense and twists and turns and alot of surprises along the way, brilliant writing. Looking out to get more books by this author
June 15, 2018
Great book by Jack Kerley. Came across it in a charity shop and picked it up and really enjoyed it. Now to try and read the others in the series. It is a thriller about a cop whose brother is a serial killer.
August 22, 2020
Excellent Suspense Thriller🌟
This is an intense series with terrific writing, excellent well developed characters an engrossing storyline and plenty of action. The principle characters are likeable and interesting. Overall, an excellent suspense series.
This is an intense series with terrific writing, excellent well developed characters an engrossing storyline and plenty of action. The principle characters are likeable and interesting. Overall, an excellent suspense series.
June 24, 2017
Excellent book . Fast paced with quite a few twists and turns. Well written and thoroughly engrossing . Will certainly read more books in the series.
January 2, 2019
2.5 stars
December 9, 2019
Good thriller.
November 9, 2020
Loving this series!!
September 30, 2023
This is a book I have read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews