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Montague & Strong Detective Agency #3
Blood Is Thicker
A Broken Pact. An Ancient Enemy. A Bitter Betrayal.
What does a vampire fear more than sunlight? The Cazadoras Sangrientas-Blood Hunters.
Michiko Nakatomi has led the Dark Council for over a century, maintaining the uneasy truce between humanity and the supernatural. But when an ancient enemy returns the delicate balance is shattered and vampires start dying.
Now, Michiko must fight for her life and the survival of the Council. She has no one to trust. Her inner circle is destroyed, the Council is on the verge of collapse, and her only hope lies with Simon and Tristan.
Join the Montague and Strong Detective Agency as they face off against the Blood Hunters to prevent them from destroying the Dark Council and plunging humanity to its doom.
What does a vampire fear more than sunlight? The Cazadoras Sangrientas-Blood Hunters.
Michiko Nakatomi has led the Dark Council for over a century, maintaining the uneasy truce between humanity and the supernatural. But when an ancient enemy returns the delicate balance is shattered and vampires start dying.
Now, Michiko must fight for her life and the survival of the Council. She has no one to trust. Her inner circle is destroyed, the Council is on the verge of collapse, and her only hope lies with Simon and Tristan.
Join the Montague and Strong Detective Agency as they face off against the Blood Hunters to prevent them from destroying the Dark Council and plunging humanity to its doom.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2017
656 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
104 books589 followersOrlando Sanchez has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends every weekend. An avid reader, his influences are too numerous to list here. Some of the most prominent are: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Lee Child, George Lucas, Andrew Vachss, and Barry Eisler to name a few in no particular order.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
January 3, 2022
3.5*
I’m enjoying this series. It’s totally crazy, laugh out loud funny in places. And there’s never a dull moment and I do mean that. It’s nonstop action. I wish sometimes they’d get a minute to just take a breath.
This one however is not my favourite so far.
I’m enjoying this series. It’s totally crazy, laugh out loud funny in places. And there’s never a dull moment and I do mean that. It’s nonstop action. I wish sometimes they’d get a minute to just take a breath.
This one however is not my favourite so far.
January 20, 2021
3.5/5
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Pour la première fois depuis le début de la série, ce tome ci ne fait que commencer son intrigue. Il se termine sur un cliffhanger.
J’avoue que j’ai un peu moins aimé ce tome que les précédents. Sans doute ce coté non terminé a joué son rôle, mais le principal défaut pour moi était le fait que j’ai trouvé ce tome trop porté sur l’action. On n’a pas un moment de calme durant tout le tome et il m’a manque ce souffle.
Pour rappel nous suivons deux protagonistes : Montage, Monty pour les intimes, un mage renégat qui a quitté son Cercle, et Strong, un ancien inspecteur qui a été maudit et est devenu l’immortel vassal de la déesse Karma.
Dans ce tome les mages de l’ancien cercle de Monty ont décidé que le moment de la discussion était terminée. Vu qu’il refuse de revenir vers eux, maintenant ils emploient la manière forte pour tenter de se débarrasser de lui. Du coté de Strong, tout n’est pas rose non plus. Son employeur, la vampire Mishiko, qui est actuellement à la tête du conseil des surnaturels du coin, est attaquée alors qu’elle le rend visite. Elle est enlevée sous leurs yeux.
Il semblerait qu’il y ai des Blood Hunter dans le coin (des chasseurs de vampires). Et en plus il s’agit de la Cazadoras Sangrientas, le groupement le plus violent d’entre eux.
Mais si la situation n’était déjà pas assez compliqué, voila qu’en plus le marché noir est inondé de sang de vampire en vente, qui est une drogue pour les surnaturels, mais qui malheureusement est mortel quand il est trop puissant et rend fou les surnaturels qui en prennent.
Le chaos s’installe en ville, alors que la drogue se répand de partout et que le conseil est paralysé par l’absence de sa dirigeante.
La Cazadoras Sangrientas ne maintiendrait jamais de vampires vivants, surtout pour le gain si faible de la revente de leur sang. Ce n’est donc surement pas eux qui sont derrière cet arrivage en masse. Mais ils ont Mishiko, et ils veulent en échange les lames noires qui sont présentes en ville. Mais le problème c’est que l’une d’elle est déjà liée à Strong, et que la seule façon de la leur donner serait de le tuer. Seulement, Strong est justement immortel …
Il ne reste plus qu’a Montage et Strong de trouver un moyen de délivrer Mishiko avant que les chasseurs de vampires ne finissent par en avoir marre de maintenir un vampire en vie , en espérant que la libérer suffise à rétablir l’ordre …
Un tome ou tout arrive d’un coup. Nos deux héros ne savent plus ou donner de la tête.
Surtout que leur contact dans la police humaine, au courant de l’existence des surnaturels, devient fou car les signalements arrivent de partout et que ça met en danger la vie de tout le monde.
Bref, un rythme effréné, une intrigue qui ne fait que commencer. J’ai lu ce tome en 2-2, ça se dévore, c’est court et ça change rien les idées.
Si je devais trouver un défaut à ce tome, c’était surtout que l’ensemble faisait un peu chaotique. Le fait que tout leur tombe dessus en même temps fait qu’ils passent d’un problème à l’autre sans avoir le temps de souffler et que la situation ne fait que devenir de plus en plus instable au fur et à mesure. On ne sait vraiment plus ou donner de la tête.
Déjà je trouvais que le tome précédent était limite un peu trop porté sur l’action pour moi, moins équilibré que le premier qui m’avait bien plu. Mais la c’est l’apothéose. Après ça s’explique par la situation, et c’est totalement fait pour. Mais rajouter un coté chaotique à une série déjà très portée sur l’action, ça fait peut etre un peu trop pour moi.
Néanmoins je le sais maintenant, ce qui fait que je peux caser le tome suivant au bon moment.
Je n’en suis pas encore au point de vouloir abandonner.
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
Pour la première fois depuis le début de la série, ce tome ci ne fait que commencer son intrigue. Il se termine sur un cliffhanger.
J’avoue que j’ai un peu moins aimé ce tome que les précédents. Sans doute ce coté non terminé a joué son rôle, mais le principal défaut pour moi était le fait que j’ai trouvé ce tome trop porté sur l’action. On n’a pas un moment de calme durant tout le tome et il m’a manque ce souffle.
Pour rappel nous suivons deux protagonistes : Montage, Monty pour les intimes, un mage renégat qui a quitté son Cercle, et Strong, un ancien inspecteur qui a été maudit et est devenu l’immortel vassal de la déesse Karma.
Dans ce tome les mages de l’ancien cercle de Monty ont décidé que le moment de la discussion était terminée. Vu qu’il refuse de revenir vers eux, maintenant ils emploient la manière forte pour tenter de se débarrasser de lui. Du coté de Strong, tout n’est pas rose non plus. Son employeur, la vampire Mishiko, qui est actuellement à la tête du conseil des surnaturels du coin, est attaquée alors qu’elle le rend visite. Elle est enlevée sous leurs yeux.
Il semblerait qu’il y ai des Blood Hunter dans le coin (des chasseurs de vampires). Et en plus il s’agit de la Cazadoras Sangrientas, le groupement le plus violent d’entre eux.
Mais si la situation n’était déjà pas assez compliqué, voila qu’en plus le marché noir est inondé de sang de vampire en vente, qui est une drogue pour les surnaturels, mais qui malheureusement est mortel quand il est trop puissant et rend fou les surnaturels qui en prennent.
Le chaos s’installe en ville, alors que la drogue se répand de partout et que le conseil est paralysé par l’absence de sa dirigeante.
La Cazadoras Sangrientas ne maintiendrait jamais de vampires vivants, surtout pour le gain si faible de la revente de leur sang. Ce n’est donc surement pas eux qui sont derrière cet arrivage en masse. Mais ils ont Mishiko, et ils veulent en échange les lames noires qui sont présentes en ville. Mais le problème c’est que l’une d’elle est déjà liée à Strong, et que la seule façon de la leur donner serait de le tuer. Seulement, Strong est justement immortel …
Il ne reste plus qu’a Montage et Strong de trouver un moyen de délivrer Mishiko avant que les chasseurs de vampires ne finissent par en avoir marre de maintenir un vampire en vie , en espérant que la libérer suffise à rétablir l’ordre …
Un tome ou tout arrive d’un coup. Nos deux héros ne savent plus ou donner de la tête.
Surtout que leur contact dans la police humaine, au courant de l’existence des surnaturels, devient fou car les signalements arrivent de partout et que ça met en danger la vie de tout le monde.
Bref, un rythme effréné, une intrigue qui ne fait que commencer. J’ai lu ce tome en 2-2, ça se dévore, c’est court et ça change rien les idées.
Si je devais trouver un défaut à ce tome, c’était surtout que l’ensemble faisait un peu chaotique. Le fait que tout leur tombe dessus en même temps fait qu’ils passent d’un problème à l’autre sans avoir le temps de souffler et que la situation ne fait que devenir de plus en plus instable au fur et à mesure. On ne sait vraiment plus ou donner de la tête.
Déjà je trouvais que le tome précédent était limite un peu trop porté sur l’action pour moi, moins équilibré que le premier qui m’avait bien plu. Mais la c’est l’apothéose. Après ça s’explique par la situation, et c’est totalement fait pour. Mais rajouter un coté chaotique à une série déjà très portée sur l’action, ça fait peut etre un peu trop pour moi.
Néanmoins je le sais maintenant, ce qui fait que je peux caser le tome suivant au bon moment.
Je n’en suis pas encore au point de vouloir abandonner.
September 26, 2019
3 1/2 stars. Good story. Shows humans can be just as lethal as anything supernatural. More of the world is explored which is always interesting.
April 10, 2018
Montague & Strong Case Files: 3
This book has so many concurrent major plot threads that it is a mess - coupled with the author's style of trickling world-building info just makes it worse. So many things happen without letting the reader absorb the info, that the book ends up feeling like one non-sensical thing happening after another. There's too much going on and too many supporting (though some are recurring) characters to keep straight. Simon is the same stupidly irreverent open-mouth-insert foot idiot that it's a wonder no one manages to seriously damage him. As a main character trait, it was barely entertaining. By this the third book, it is very annoying. Even more annoying, this book ends on a cliffhanger and is basically incomplete, as none of the plot threads are wrapped up. Feels like a rip off.
This book has so many concurrent major plot threads that it is a mess - coupled with the author's style of trickling world-building info just makes it worse. So many things happen without letting the reader absorb the info, that the book ends up feeling like one non-sensical thing happening after another. There's too much going on and too many supporting (though some are recurring) characters to keep straight. Simon is the same stupidly irreverent open-mouth-insert foot idiot that it's a wonder no one manages to seriously damage him. As a main character trait, it was barely entertaining. By this the third book, it is very annoying. Even more annoying, this book ends on a cliffhanger and is basically incomplete, as none of the plot threads are wrapped up. Feels like a rip off.
July 9, 2020
My Thoughts:
In this book we acquired a Gandalf! (Not literally, but metaphorically speaking.) It remains to be seen if this Gandalf character is going to be a positive addition to the series or not...
The plot has kind of slide down a little bit. It seems to me that Simon and Tristan are just running around chasing their tail in the story... What is that all about?! At least Peaches got his priorities straight!
This is the first Montague & Strong Case Files book without an audiobook version at the time I read this book. I was annoyed about that... Even though... with all that moaning, I still enjoyed this book. Very much! So this book gets a four with me.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 3.5
Plot = 3
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
In this book we acquired a Gandalf! (Not literally, but metaphorically speaking.) It remains to be seen if this Gandalf character is going to be a positive addition to the series or not...
The plot has kind of slide down a little bit. It seems to me that Simon and Tristan are just running around chasing their tail in the story... What is that all about?! At least Peaches got his priorities straight!
This is the first Montague & Strong Case Files book without an audiobook version at the time I read this book. I was annoyed about that... Even though... with all that moaning, I still enjoyed this book. Very much! So this book gets a four with me.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = 3.5
Plot = 3
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 cherries
April 20, 2020
This is a fun, entertaining little series. I would think it's difficult for authors to come up with new ways to tell stories of preternatural creatures. I appreciate how Orlando Sanchez thinks! His story lines are unique, his characters distinct! Keep me coming back for more!
October 27, 2017
‘ “Have I told you how scary you are?” I opened the back door and let Peaches into the car. I slid into my seat, as he rocked the suspension while settling into his backseat sprawl. “Repeatedly and in great detail,” Monty said, pulling out the bullet again and examining it. “I’d say it’s a bit hypocritical coming from a time-stopping immortal who’s bonded to a hellhound that regularly winks in and out of existence, trying to gnaw on whatever it can get its jaws on. But who am I to judge?” “My point exactly,” I said as we sped uptown. “You’re definitely scarier than that.” ‘ (Quote from ‘Blood is Thicker’ by Orlando A. Sanchez)
I just thought this passage was hilarious!!! This is a excellent series!!!! The author even humorously references (not by name), the guys from Chicago and St. Louis, from 2 other series by other authors I have read and love!
If you liked the Dresden files or the Nate Temple Chronicles, you will love these. Definitely recommended!
I just thought this passage was hilarious!!! This is a excellent series!!!! The author even humorously references (not by name), the guys from Chicago and St. Louis, from 2 other series by other authors I have read and love!
If you liked the Dresden files or the Nate Temple Chronicles, you will love these. Definitely recommended!
December 6, 2017
A really great series
This is a great new series, but a it does read like those old time stories that used to appear in theaters after the movies in the 40s and early 50s. In other words, each book ends with a cliffhanger. While each book solves the main issue, so far nothing has been resolved about the main subplot. I do enjoy the veiled references to “the wizards in Chicago and the one in St. Lewis”. The heroes constantly tumble from frying pan to fire in each story: so far there has been an encounter with Hades, Hel, the Morrigan, among other. Well worth a read.
This is a great new series, but a it does read like those old time stories that used to appear in theaters after the movies in the 40s and early 50s. In other words, each book ends with a cliffhanger. While each book solves the main issue, so far nothing has been resolved about the main subplot. I do enjoy the veiled references to “the wizards in Chicago and the one in St. Lewis”. The heroes constantly tumble from frying pan to fire in each story: so far there has been an encounter with Hades, Hel, the Morrigan, among other. Well worth a read.
October 6, 2017
Fun read
This series continues to get better with each book. Entertaining and likable characters, lots of action, and Easter eggs and snark. A fun read. THe only downside is ending the book in a cliff hanger, but I guess I will have to tough it out until the next book is out.
This series continues to get better with each book. Entertaining and likable characters, lots of action, and Easter eggs and snark. A fun read. THe only downside is ending the book in a cliff hanger, but I guess I will have to tough it out until the next book is out.
October 28, 2021
Mega cliffhanger, a lot of action, but the plot/action seems to run in circles with no discernable advancement of the story.
September 27, 2017
They had to magicscience the heck out of this one...
Orlando Sanchez hits it out of the park, again! Each Monty & Strong adventure becomes more over the top than the last. As the cast of characters grows and the storyline develops the danger and intrigue becomes more complex and for every answer there are at least two new questions. The core group remains stable. Top billing goes to Tristan Montague, the somewhat uptight, quintessentially English mage, who is currently on the run from his old order for opening a void vortex in New York City. There were extenuating circumstances. We’re still not really sure why he left his order in the first place. Chances are high that the reason involved irreconcilable philosophical diffetences. Simon Strong rounds out the partnership as the somewhat rough around the edges, newly minted, cursed immortal. Strong, who used to work for NYTF, New York's supernatural police force, in an undisclosed capacity, is still learning his way around the supernatural world. Hades (yeah, that Hades), apparently has an odd sense of humor because he gave Simon one of Cerberus' puppies, Peaches. Peaches is a perpetually hungry force of nature who accompanies Simon everywhere and periodically talks Simon into allowing him to maim and shred things.
When Blood Hunters attack and kidnap Michiko, the current head of the Dark Council and Simon's, well, we're not really sure exactly what their relationship is, it's complicated, the boys go on the offensive. Not surprisingly, it turns out that there is more going on than initially meets the eye. In order to save Chi, Monty and Strong will have call on old friends, make new enemies, get reacquainted with family, and magicscience the heck out of their rescue plan. The action is non-stop and by the end there are so many plates in the air that the boys may need to call in reinforcements to keep it all from crashing down around their ears. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Orlando Sanchez hits it out of the park, again! Each Monty & Strong adventure becomes more over the top than the last. As the cast of characters grows and the storyline develops the danger and intrigue becomes more complex and for every answer there are at least two new questions. The core group remains stable. Top billing goes to Tristan Montague, the somewhat uptight, quintessentially English mage, who is currently on the run from his old order for opening a void vortex in New York City. There were extenuating circumstances. We’re still not really sure why he left his order in the first place. Chances are high that the reason involved irreconcilable philosophical diffetences. Simon Strong rounds out the partnership as the somewhat rough around the edges, newly minted, cursed immortal. Strong, who used to work for NYTF, New York's supernatural police force, in an undisclosed capacity, is still learning his way around the supernatural world. Hades (yeah, that Hades), apparently has an odd sense of humor because he gave Simon one of Cerberus' puppies, Peaches. Peaches is a perpetually hungry force of nature who accompanies Simon everywhere and periodically talks Simon into allowing him to maim and shred things.
When Blood Hunters attack and kidnap Michiko, the current head of the Dark Council and Simon's, well, we're not really sure exactly what their relationship is, it's complicated, the boys go on the offensive. Not surprisingly, it turns out that there is more going on than initially meets the eye. In order to save Chi, Monty and Strong will have call on old friends, make new enemies, get reacquainted with family, and magicscience the heck out of their rescue plan. The action is non-stop and by the end there are so many plates in the air that the boys may need to call in reinforcements to keep it all from crashing down around their ears. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
August 23, 2022
Okay, first...downside.
OMG CLIFFHANGER! And I don't mean the 'some open loops from the story that will get answered through the series' kind.
Nope. Serious action ending at the key moment full stop of the book. GAH! I really hate those.
But...as is per usual for readers, I'm invested enough in the series that while I curse the author's cliff, I did immediately start the next book because I HAVE TO KNOW.
The upside.
There was a lot of magic slung around in this book and I liked it! If you're going to have magic, use the magic and Monty delivers that by the bulldozer load. He's in trouble and the Golden Circle wants him brought in/dead and they keep having to send more and more powerful mages after him to do the job.
The beautiful thing is that Monty goes head-to-head and doesn't Gary Stu out of the confrontation. He's not as powerful as some of the mages gunning for him. It's a lot of quick thinking and much running to stay ahead while they try to figure out what's happening and who the major players are in the city who are bringing a supernatural war.
Our boys end up hurt. A lot. Even Peaches. But Peaches appears to be indestructible, which is good. He is the real hidden hero after all. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And our baddies did a stupid thing in making an enemy of Michiko. She's one bad ass. Good thing she likes Simon.
The author is really reaching his stride as far as writing goes. The story is compelling and keeps piling things on for our heroes, not making it easy for them to wiggle out.
So, yes, the cliff had me scrambling for the next book. Will have a review in a day or so as I blow through this next book 4.
OMG CLIFFHANGER! And I don't mean the 'some open loops from the story that will get answered through the series' kind.
Nope. Serious action ending at the key moment full stop of the book. GAH! I really hate those.
But...as is per usual for readers, I'm invested enough in the series that while I curse the author's cliff, I did immediately start the next book because I HAVE TO KNOW.
The upside.
There was a lot of magic slung around in this book and I liked it! If you're going to have magic, use the magic and Monty delivers that by the bulldozer load. He's in trouble and the Golden Circle wants him brought in/dead and they keep having to send more and more powerful mages after him to do the job.
The beautiful thing is that Monty goes head-to-head and doesn't Gary Stu out of the confrontation. He's not as powerful as some of the mages gunning for him. It's a lot of quick thinking and much running to stay ahead while they try to figure out what's happening and who the major players are in the city who are bringing a supernatural war.
Our boys end up hurt. A lot. Even Peaches. But Peaches appears to be indestructible, which is good. He is the real hidden hero after all. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And our baddies did a stupid thing in making an enemy of Michiko. She's one bad ass. Good thing she likes Simon.
The author is really reaching his stride as far as writing goes. The story is compelling and keeps piling things on for our heroes, not making it easy for them to wiggle out.
So, yes, the cliff had me scrambling for the next book. Will have a review in a day or so as I blow through this next book 4.
October 1, 2017
Third entry in Orlando Sanchez's 'Montague and Strong' series, which I - accidentally - picked up alongside The Date A Montague & Strong Detective Story: Montague & Strong Case Files thinking this was also a short story (which it's not).
I say accidentally, but only in thinking it was a short story: I had fully intended to pick this up at some stage, based on my experience of the previous two full length stories (No God is Safe: A Montague & Strong Detective Story and Full Moon Howl: A Montague & Strong Detective Novel), with this picking up almost immediately after the events of the latter, with said events having repurcussions in this and with further background being given to the (supernaturla) world in which the two main characters move.
I have to say, thought, that I found the ending of this one - obviously setting up the sequel - to be rather abrupt!
I say accidentally, but only in thinking it was a short story: I had fully intended to pick this up at some stage, based on my experience of the previous two full length stories (No God is Safe: A Montague & Strong Detective Story and Full Moon Howl: A Montague & Strong Detective Novel), with this picking up almost immediately after the events of the latter, with said events having repurcussions in this and with further background being given to the (supernaturla) world in which the two main characters move.
I have to say, thought, that I found the ending of this one - obviously setting up the sequel - to be rather abrupt!
January 31, 2019
You would think, that as you get further into a series, storylines will start overlapping, things won’t be fresh and exciting, but that’s not the case of this series. If anything, it just gets better and better. The brilliant action scenes, some of the best dialog I’ve read in any urban fantasy and great plotlines. I don’t what goes on in this author’s mind, but I’ll bet that it’s a riot.
Blood Hunters out to destroy all vampires are spreading Bloodrum as a drug in the streets. Their aim is to take out all vampires – but at a cost to both vampires and human casualties. When they also kidnap Michiko – the target is now on the Dark Council. And on top of it all, Tristan has a price on his head from the Golden Circle. We also meet Dex, Tristan’s uncle, and a powerful mage with connections to Morrigan…yes THAT Morrigan.
This is a full-fledged urban fantasy series that will keep you pulled in to the pages and won’t let go. This one ended on a cliffhanger – but this series is 7 books strong, so it didn’t bother me too much and the first chapter of the 4th book is included in the back. If you love urban fantasy, you won’t get much better than these. Reviewed by Cyrene
Blood Hunters out to destroy all vampires are spreading Bloodrum as a drug in the streets. Their aim is to take out all vampires – but at a cost to both vampires and human casualties. When they also kidnap Michiko – the target is now on the Dark Council. And on top of it all, Tristan has a price on his head from the Golden Circle. We also meet Dex, Tristan’s uncle, and a powerful mage with connections to Morrigan…yes THAT Morrigan.
This is a full-fledged urban fantasy series that will keep you pulled in to the pages and won’t let go. This one ended on a cliffhanger – but this series is 7 books strong, so it didn’t bother me too much and the first chapter of the 4th book is included in the back. If you love urban fantasy, you won’t get much better than these. Reviewed by Cyrene
February 10, 2025
A Broken Pact. An Ancient Enemy. A Bitter Betrayal.
What does a vampire fear more than sunlight? The Cazadoras Sangrientas-Blood Hunters.
Michiko Nakatomi has led the Dark Council for over a century, maintaining the uneasy truce between humanity and the supernatural. But when an ancient enemy returns the delicate balance is shattered and vampires start dying.
Now, Michiko must fight for her life and the survival of the Council. She has no one to trust. Her inner circle is destroyed, the Council is on the verge of collapse, and her only hope lies with Simon and Tristan.
Join the Montague and Strong Detective Agency as they face off against the Blood Hunters to prevent them from destroying the Dark Council and plunging humanity to its doom.
Heather's Notes
I have enjoyed these stories, however this one ends in a cliffhanger, and I hate those so unfortunately I took off a star. I will continue to read this series though as I still like Tristan and Simon, and the other characters being introduced. I hope we get to see more of Dexter.
What does a vampire fear more than sunlight? The Cazadoras Sangrientas-Blood Hunters.
Michiko Nakatomi has led the Dark Council for over a century, maintaining the uneasy truce between humanity and the supernatural. But when an ancient enemy returns the delicate balance is shattered and vampires start dying.
Now, Michiko must fight for her life and the survival of the Council. She has no one to trust. Her inner circle is destroyed, the Council is on the verge of collapse, and her only hope lies with Simon and Tristan.
Join the Montague and Strong Detective Agency as they face off against the Blood Hunters to prevent them from destroying the Dark Council and plunging humanity to its doom.
Heather's Notes
I have enjoyed these stories, however this one ends in a cliffhanger, and I hate those so unfortunately I took off a star. I will continue to read this series though as I still like Tristan and Simon, and the other characters being introduced. I hope we get to see more of Dexter.
September 25, 2017
This is the third book in the series and it just keeps getting better and better. We find out more about Monty's family as one of them shows up to help. Which does Monty feel like he doesn't need, in typical Monty fashion? But he has ticked off someone back home and his father felt he needed the help.
Simon is Simon, and you still want to tell him to be quiet, but where is the fun in that? Peaches are still always hunger.
But there are some new problems with Simon's love life as Chi gets kidnapped by the Blood Hunter, who are flooding the streets with Redrum, in hopes of being needed by the city to fix the mistake.
All in all another great installment can't wait for the next one to come out.
Simon is Simon, and you still want to tell him to be quiet, but where is the fun in that? Peaches are still always hunger.
But there are some new problems with Simon's love life as Chi gets kidnapped by the Blood Hunter, who are flooding the streets with Redrum, in hopes of being needed by the city to fix the mistake.
All in all another great installment can't wait for the next one to come out.
July 8, 2020
Getting Good
Bad news is this book leave you in a cliffhanger. The good news is the next book is out and you don’t have to wait to read it. I’m enjoy listening / reading this series. I love Simon and his smart mouth. It get him in trouble. The series keeps getting better and leave me wanting more! Can’t wait to listen to the next book.
Unfortunately after that I’ll have to wait for the next one come out on Audible. There are 10 books in the series and I wish I had the time to read the books. I listened to audible books and this narrator is good. I switch from book to audible when I on the go. This book is not Whispersync. Where you can switch between audible & kindle book for Audible keeps the Story Going when you not able to read kindle books.
Bad news is this book leave you in a cliffhanger. The good news is the next book is out and you don’t have to wait to read it. I’m enjoy listening / reading this series. I love Simon and his smart mouth. It get him in trouble. The series keeps getting better and leave me wanting more! Can’t wait to listen to the next book.
Unfortunately after that I’ll have to wait for the next one come out on Audible. There are 10 books in the series and I wish I had the time to read the books. I listened to audible books and this narrator is good. I switch from book to audible when I on the go. This book is not Whispersync. Where you can switch between audible & kindle book for Audible keeps the Story Going when you not able to read kindle books.
September 11, 2023
So much wrong
So very confusing. There is so much going its extremely busy and almost all of the characters seem to be dim witted if not blatantly stupid. Too many random references to just about everything under the sun. Oh and this :
"THE RANDY RUMP butcher shop-restaurant was owned and operated by a werebear named Jimmy the Cleaver." Really what a name :-) a werebear owning a business called the Randy rump wow.
But in all honesty if the books were say cleaned up and some reworked I think it would be very good, if it was about quality over quantity meaning having a nice clean story line vs packing an book filled with constant busy just for the sake of content and the constant need for childish immature comments or overly egotistical one.
So very confusing. There is so much going its extremely busy and almost all of the characters seem to be dim witted if not blatantly stupid. Too many random references to just about everything under the sun. Oh and this :
"THE RANDY RUMP butcher shop-restaurant was owned and operated by a werebear named Jimmy the Cleaver." Really what a name :-) a werebear owning a business called the Randy rump wow.
But in all honesty if the books were say cleaned up and some reworked I think it would be very good, if it was about quality over quantity meaning having a nice clean story line vs packing an book filled with constant busy just for the sake of content and the constant need for childish immature comments or overly egotistical one.
October 6, 2017
Blood is Thicker is the third full length novel in the Montague and Strong series. Mr Sanchez has the talent for exciting storytelling with plenty of action and a good bit of humour to boot. Due to the continuing theme in the stories it is better to read them in order. The characters all have their own individual strengths and they compliment each other well, all the old ones are there, and we are introduced to some new ones, including Monty's uncle who adds even more humour to even the most serious of situations. Definitely recommended for those who love a high action, paranormal adventure story that's fast paced and great fun to read
December 30, 2017
Fast paced Magical Action and Adventure that can't be beat. W O W is the first thought that comes to mind when describing this mind blowing Lethal Weapon turns magic. Action, wit, gumshoe smarts, mysterious Mage, and the best kind of male bonding partnership as they work together to not only save Simon's soul mate (bad ass lady vamp keeping tight leash on the safety of their city) from an ancient and unexpected foe but also dealing with new threats to Monty and trying to keep their city safe without her. Excellent tale with a brand new, and hilarious, addition to the team with Monty's uncle popping up. Can't wait for the next one!!!!!
April 2, 2018
Wow this series just keeps upping its game! Blood is Thicker is the 3rd book in the Montague & Strong series (Tombyards and Butterflies being the 1st) which already started off well but gets even better with every book. This book is full of action with a slightly warped sense of humour. As we catch up with Monty and Simon we find out more about their dysfunctional family as this story goes more in depth into characters you already knew as well as introducing you to new ones with potential to be seriously interesting. You probably ought to set some time aside as once I started reading I really didn't want to stop!
July 2, 2018
A solid addition to the Montague & Strong series.
The good: fast-paced with plenty of the destructive action you came for. The stakes are high, the banter is... reasonably witty. More of the world is explored. The bad: the denouement is unsatisfying, feeling rushed with the chief baddie getting comeuppance a little too easily. I also remain unconvinced that these images aren't in the over 9000 camp. I mean, come on, each one is more & more powerful. And the Easter eggs are more dad jokes after a while. We get it. We've read/watched/etc. too. As complaints go, that's pretty mild. I enjoyed it & am looking forward to the next book.
The good: fast-paced with plenty of the destructive action you came for. The stakes are high, the banter is... reasonably witty. More of the world is explored. The bad: the denouement is unsatisfying, feeling rushed with the chief baddie getting comeuppance a little too easily. I also remain unconvinced that these images aren't in the over 9000 camp. I mean, come on, each one is more & more powerful. And the Easter eggs are more dad jokes after a while. We get it. We've read/watched/etc. too. As complaints go, that's pretty mild. I enjoyed it & am looking forward to the next book.
October 18, 2019
I like this series quite a bit and intend to read all of it. I like the two main characters, Simon and Tristan. The supporting cast is an intriguing bunch (especially Peaches!). In this, the third book of the series, Michiko (Chi) is nearly killed and kidnapped. Monty and Strong do what they do best (mayhem!) to try save her and the world from the Blood Hunters who seek to destroy all vampires. The story moves at breakneck speed, lots of action and humor. It seems like the guys get beat up a little too often, but manage to hang in there. This one is definitely a cliff-hanger. Thank goodness it's on KU!
April 9, 2022
😮.😮.😮.😮 how dare this book end on a cliff hanger 😮😮😮 this is seriously unacceptable!! I need to know
What happened to Uncle Dex
Where did the circle take them
Is Simon close to figuring out the riddle Karma smacked him down for doubting her abilities to reign chaos- seriously Simon, what were you thinking?
Is Peaches ever going to get more sausages or pastrami?
This book was a rollicking good time of fun, murder, vampires ( Nick got what he deserved by the way), destruction galore, rage, magic, Simon testing everyone’s patience with his runaway mouth ( nothing new to see here 🙄😁) so moving along, Ramirez threatening bodily harm to Simon ( when isn’t he?) and all the good things that continue to make this series fun…. Except for that CLIFFHANGER!!!
😒😒😒 4.5 stars
What happened to Uncle Dex
Where did the circle take them
Is Simon close to figuring out the riddle Karma smacked him down for doubting her abilities to reign chaos- seriously Simon, what were you thinking?
Is Peaches ever going to get more sausages or pastrami?
This book was a rollicking good time of fun, murder, vampires ( Nick got what he deserved by the way), destruction galore, rage, magic, Simon testing everyone’s patience with his runaway mouth ( nothing new to see here 🙄😁) so moving along, Ramirez threatening bodily harm to Simon ( when isn’t he?) and all the good things that continue to make this series fun…. Except for that CLIFFHANGER!!!
😒😒😒 4.5 stars
January 28, 2021
Annoyingly abrupt cliffhanger
I wanted a lighter read with a bit of snark, so I chose this UF, which I read three years ago, and must admit I can’t remember the storyline. Looks like I didn’t leave a review, probably because Blood is Thicker has a cliffhanger ending—which really annoys me, especially when I’m not expecting it. Depending on my aggravation level, I knock off 1-2 stars.
This time I listened to the audiobook version, because Kevin T. Collins is an excellent narrator. Mr. Collins gets 5 stars. Mr. Sanchez gets 3 stars after I docked 2 stars for the thrown-off-a-cliff ending.
I wanted a lighter read with a bit of snark, so I chose this UF, which I read three years ago, and must admit I can’t remember the storyline. Looks like I didn’t leave a review, probably because Blood is Thicker has a cliffhanger ending—which really annoys me, especially when I’m not expecting it. Depending on my aggravation level, I knock off 1-2 stars.
This time I listened to the audiobook version, because Kevin T. Collins is an excellent narrator. Mr. Collins gets 5 stars. Mr. Sanchez gets 3 stars after I docked 2 stars for the thrown-off-a-cliff ending.
January 20, 2025
This might be closer to a 3.5 stars. Monty and Strong are back again to save a friend from a group of bloodthirsty vampire hunters. Their usual banter is there but this one felt a lot of going back and forth between things. There is a separate storyline about Monty’s old crew hunting him down due to broken magical laws and I feel like it should’ve been its own story, rather than being lumped in with the A plot. These books are short and I feel like there isn’t enough room for two competing stories like this. But I still had a fun time and look forward to reading more.
March 2, 2019
This book is fine; which sounds harsh but isn't intended as such. The series is enjoyable, but it didn't set my heart on fire.
That said, the author is good. I'm hopeful that one of his other works will broadcast with more resonance on my frequency.
It isn't on my top shelf with Rothfuss, Anderson, Weeks, Herbert, Pratchett, Gwynne(...etc.), but it is a happy addition to the collection.
That said, the author is good. I'm hopeful that one of his other works will broadcast with more resonance on my frequency.
It isn't on my top shelf with Rothfuss, Anderson, Weeks, Herbert, Pratchett, Gwynne(...etc.), but it is a happy addition to the collection.
June 7, 2020
This is be the last of these case files I will be reading.
The first novel, doesn't really read as the first book in a series.
The main charater has powers and weapons...no explaination.
The second novel improves on the first and was good.
This book's ending is the end for me. Spoiler:
The first novel, doesn't really read as the first book in a series.
The main charater has powers and weapons...no explaination.
The second novel improves on the first and was good.
This book's ending is the end for me. Spoiler:
October 14, 2022
Why???? Why end on such a cliffhanger??? Now I need to run to listen to the next book!
That said, this book has the usual non-stop action but I felt like the plot went a bit slippery-slope, with Simon and Monty running around in circles, without a real plan.
I still enjoyed it, though, and I still adore Kevin T. Collins' narration. And it's nice to see that Simon really cares about Michiko, strange as it may seem :P
On to the next book, now!
That said, this book has the usual non-stop action but I felt like the plot went a bit slippery-slope, with Simon and Monty running around in circles, without a real plan.
I still enjoyed it, though, and I still adore Kevin T. Collins' narration. And it's nice to see that Simon really cares about Michiko, strange as it may seem :P
On to the next book, now!
January 29, 2025
I think this is my favorite of the series so far.
I don't often appreciate an author throwing so many characters into one novel, especially so early in a series, as the attempt to keep all the characters straight can often jumble the storyline for the reader. However, Sanchez has a deft way of introducing and then re-introducing characters with enough plot context that it was never an issue figuring out who was in the scene with the main protagonists.
I don't often appreciate an author throwing so many characters into one novel, especially so early in a series, as the attempt to keep all the characters straight can often jumble the storyline for the reader. However, Sanchez has a deft way of introducing and then re-introducing characters with enough plot context that it was never an issue figuring out who was in the scene with the main protagonists.
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