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In Our Blood: A Jake Hawksworth Thriller
Evil isn’t always learned…sometimes it’s IN OUR BLOOD.
Nearly thirty years ago, Detective Jake Hawksworth and best-selling author Drew McCauley were brought together by a horrific crime. Jake, still reeling from the unsolved hit-and-run death of his wife, and Drew will be reunited once again when a crime from Drew's novel-in-the-making becomes a devastating reality. Is the kidnapping of Drew's son somehow linked to the murder Jake is investigating? Was Jake's wife's death really an accident? And could the person who has haunted both men for decades be responsible for these seemingly unrelated events? As Jake races to protect Drew's family, they find themselves on a collision course with fate - derailed by a series of breakneck twists and turns that culminates at an isolated, snow-ravaged house. It is here that long-buried secrets are unearthed and Jake realizes, to his horror, that his hunches are not always right. That the keys to solving his wife's death and a heinous, decades-old crime have been under his nose all along.
Nearly thirty years ago, Detective Jake Hawksworth and best-selling author Drew McCauley were brought together by a horrific crime. Jake, still reeling from the unsolved hit-and-run death of his wife, and Drew will be reunited once again when a crime from Drew's novel-in-the-making becomes a devastating reality. Is the kidnapping of Drew's son somehow linked to the murder Jake is investigating? Was Jake's wife's death really an accident? And could the person who has haunted both men for decades be responsible for these seemingly unrelated events? As Jake races to protect Drew's family, they find themselves on a collision course with fate - derailed by a series of breakneck twists and turns that culminates at an isolated, snow-ravaged house. It is here that long-buried secrets are unearthed and Jake realizes, to his horror, that his hunches are not always right. That the keys to solving his wife's death and a heinous, decades-old crime have been under his nose all along.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2018
About the author
William J. Goyette
3 books66 followersJUST RELEASED – THE LONG-AWAITED SEQUEL TO IN OUR BLOOD! My third novel, Phobia, the second installment in the Jake Hawksworth series, is now available in ebook and print formats on Amazon and other fine booksellers.
PHOBIA is a pulse-pounding, page-turning, plot-twisting rollercoaster ride of terror and suspense.
When members of a phobia therapy group begin dying, Detective Jake Hawksworth faces his most complex, and terrifying, case.
READ AN EXCERPT NOW:
https://www.amazon.com/Phobia-Jake-Ha...
I'm also excited to announce that the third in the Jake Hawksworth crime thriller series, Little Red Herrings, is currently in the works.
Jake isn't superhuman. He can't take on five guys at once, can't scale buildings, can't save the world from weapons of mass destruction. Jake is everyman. He's a flawed, complex character we can all relate to and want to root for.
Like Jake, I'm no superhero either. I'm more of a "word nerd," with my mind always in the "on" position. Right now, I have about a half dozen new ideas banging around in my head.
When I'm not lost in my fictional world, I'm traveling the world with my wife, spending quality time with my two daughters, or rolling around on the ground with my dog.
And I do like to think that I'm their superhero.
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Blood-Jake...
PHOBIA is a pulse-pounding, page-turning, plot-twisting rollercoaster ride of terror and suspense.
When members of a phobia therapy group begin dying, Detective Jake Hawksworth faces his most complex, and terrifying, case.
READ AN EXCERPT NOW:
https://www.amazon.com/Phobia-Jake-Ha...
I'm also excited to announce that the third in the Jake Hawksworth crime thriller series, Little Red Herrings, is currently in the works.
Jake isn't superhuman. He can't take on five guys at once, can't scale buildings, can't save the world from weapons of mass destruction. Jake is everyman. He's a flawed, complex character we can all relate to and want to root for.
Like Jake, I'm no superhero either. I'm more of a "word nerd," with my mind always in the "on" position. Right now, I have about a half dozen new ideas banging around in my head.
When I'm not lost in my fictional world, I'm traveling the world with my wife, spending quality time with my two daughters, or rolling around on the ground with my dog.
And I do like to think that I'm their superhero.
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Blood-Jake...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 6, 2018
A phenomenal debut crime novel. I’m officially hooked!
‘In Our Blood’ is tightly-written, entertaining and skilfully crafted, with memorable, unique characters. There were plenty of clever, (and one heart-wrenching) twists that threw me for loop – one in particular had me mentally kicking myself for not figuring it out, as it was staring me in the face. The ending was quite unexpected and I was very satisfied with how things wrapped up.
The plot favoured action over character study (which I tend to prefer in a crime novel), yet the characters were in no way one-dimensional, and I became completely engrossed in them, and have found a new favourite detective in Jake Hawksworth. I especially adored his sense of humour – he was quick with the comebacks and one liners, and his internal dialogue amused me many times over the course of the novel. I also liked how instead of being portrayed as a whiny teenager, waiting to be rescued, the kidnapped boy Ben, was resourceful, smart, and never gave up on trying to escape his dire situation. This was very refreshing and had me really invested in what happened to him. Excerpts from his father’s (Drew) latest manuscript were used at the beginning of Ben’s chapters, which eerily mirrored what he was going through, and successfully upped the tension.
The novel utilised several third person POV’s including Jake, Ben, Jake’s old friend, and author, Drew McCauley (Ben’s Dad), Drew’s wife Paige, a sociopath, one baddie, and some minor characters. There were also flashbacks to when Drew was teenager, and Jake a newbie cop, as well as to the night Jake’s wife Sheila was killed in a hit-and-run.
This would make an excellent choice for your next summer read, as it’s fast-paced, easy-to-follow, with short chapters, and medium level violence. Actually it’s a good anytime read, since I read it in the winter. William J. Goyette has set the bar really high with this first novel, and has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I highly recommend to all.
‘In Our Blood’ is tightly-written, entertaining and skilfully crafted, with memorable, unique characters. There were plenty of clever, (and one heart-wrenching) twists that threw me for loop – one in particular had me mentally kicking myself for not figuring it out, as it was staring me in the face. The ending was quite unexpected and I was very satisfied with how things wrapped up.
The plot favoured action over character study (which I tend to prefer in a crime novel), yet the characters were in no way one-dimensional, and I became completely engrossed in them, and have found a new favourite detective in Jake Hawksworth. I especially adored his sense of humour – he was quick with the comebacks and one liners, and his internal dialogue amused me many times over the course of the novel. I also liked how instead of being portrayed as a whiny teenager, waiting to be rescued, the kidnapped boy Ben, was resourceful, smart, and never gave up on trying to escape his dire situation. This was very refreshing and had me really invested in what happened to him. Excerpts from his father’s (Drew) latest manuscript were used at the beginning of Ben’s chapters, which eerily mirrored what he was going through, and successfully upped the tension.
The novel utilised several third person POV’s including Jake, Ben, Jake’s old friend, and author, Drew McCauley (Ben’s Dad), Drew’s wife Paige, a sociopath, one baddie, and some minor characters. There were also flashbacks to when Drew was teenager, and Jake a newbie cop, as well as to the night Jake’s wife Sheila was killed in a hit-and-run.
This would make an excellent choice for your next summer read, as it’s fast-paced, easy-to-follow, with short chapters, and medium level violence. Actually it’s a good anytime read, since I read it in the winter. William J. Goyette has set the bar really high with this first novel, and has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I highly recommend to all.
June 5, 2019
It has been a while since I've read a crime thriller and I'm happy to say that this one was very difficult to put down! I bought the Kindle version and I found myself reading the book while walking from lunch to my desk at work.
The characters in this book feel real, like you could meet them in your local pub (but god forbid you meet someone like Martin!); they're very 3-dimensional, even peripheral characters.
The author also constructed some good twists, a couple of which had me physically smiling at the reveal.
If you're looking for a fun read, especially as you travel or while relaxing on the beach, give this one a read.
The characters in this book feel real, like you could meet them in your local pub (but god forbid you meet someone like Martin!); they're very 3-dimensional, even peripheral characters.
The author also constructed some good twists, a couple of which had me physically smiling at the reveal.
If you're looking for a fun read, especially as you travel or while relaxing on the beach, give this one a read.
February 27, 2019
Is crime fiction your thing? Looking for some grit, some serious mystery and razor taut tension? William J. Goyette has it in spades in IN OUR BLOODas two men make a desperate attempt to save the life of a young, kidnapped teen. This is no one and done tale, the journey is fraught with danger, shocking twists and unexpected turns that promise to entertain from start to one heck of a finish!
Prepare to meet several highly developed characters, even the ones that dance around the edges. Of this highly intriguing tale. Some are good, some are snakes and some walk a dangerous line straddling each side of the fence. Discover how these people came to be who and what they are, what shaped their pasts and what may just be pulling them together in a tale that is sure to entertain throughout.
Looking for something that stands out in the crowd? William J. Goyette has it right here, just waiting to be read!
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.; 1 edition (April 24, 2018)
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Crime Fiction
Print Length: 330 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Prepare to meet several highly developed characters, even the ones that dance around the edges. Of this highly intriguing tale. Some are good, some are snakes and some walk a dangerous line straddling each side of the fence. Discover how these people came to be who and what they are, what shaped their pasts and what may just be pulling them together in a tale that is sure to entertain throughout.
Looking for something that stands out in the crowd? William J. Goyette has it right here, just waiting to be read!
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.; 1 edition (April 24, 2018)
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Crime Fiction
Print Length: 330 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 14, 2018
Wow! What a Climax!
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January 13, 2019
In a world full of crime thrillers it is difficult to stand out from the crowd. However, this debut novel from William J Goyette, is certainly well above the average.
When author Drew McCauley’s son is kidnapped, he enlists the help of Jake Hawksworth a Homicide Detective who’d helped him through a traumatic experience years before. The two embark on a desperate attempt to find the boy, but what they discover along the way, is disturbing and scary.
It is fast paced, has great descriptions and a good atmosphere. I loved the way the story unfolded, with so many twists and turns so that I never saw the ending coming. High recommended, look forward to the next in the series.
When author Drew McCauley’s son is kidnapped, he enlists the help of Jake Hawksworth a Homicide Detective who’d helped him through a traumatic experience years before. The two embark on a desperate attempt to find the boy, but what they discover along the way, is disturbing and scary.
It is fast paced, has great descriptions and a good atmosphere. I loved the way the story unfolded, with so many twists and turns so that I never saw the ending coming. High recommended, look forward to the next in the series.
September 19, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. This thriller got me on a roller coaster of emotions! I couldn't put this down until I ended. Totally recommended!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. This thriller got me on a roller coaster of emotions! I couldn't put this down until I ended. Totally recommended!
July 17, 2018
I received this book as a Good reads giveaway. My first book from this author, certainly probably wont be my last. A book that keeps you turning the page to see what will be happening next.
August 30, 2018
Absorbing.
“In Our Blood” by William J. Goyette (Outskirts Press) ISBN: 978-1-4787-9759-3
Absorbing: above all things I found this book an absorbing read and, at first, I didn’t know why. The opening seemed standard stock thriller stuff. A prologue with a killer gloating over the remains of his last victim and gloating even more over his intentions for the next two. A battle weary cop, Jake Hawksworth – a widower, his wife killed in a hit and run – dragged most unwillingly from his bed in the small hours to attend the crime scene and then the onset of a murder enquiry. I’d read it all before. But yet, from the off, I was deeply absorbed and then it occurred to me that this was due to the technique of the author: the skilled use of prose in the generation of dialogue, the creation of characters and the setting of scene. In all parts it was good, it was better than average, it was, in fact, way above the norm and thus I was absorbed.
The killer calls himself Chance. “You’re taking a chance if you get involved with him.”He is described by a surviving witness as having eyes that are beautiful and yet sinister: like the eyes of Charles Manson on the cover of Life Magazine. A psychopath then, a serial homicidal maniac void of conscience and remorse? Well, yes, but there’s rather more to him than that. This psychopath has motive and as well as killing he’s into kidnapping and collecting ransom, yes and seduction too. Above all things he is driven by hatred and an insatiable thirst for revenge though this is not wholly revealed until the completely unexpected and truly shocking end.
But forget the end for a moment. First the plot: I’m not even going to attempt to enter into detail. I leave the plot unspoilt for the reader. But it is a twisting, turning, writhing serpentine like plot, as mesmeric, to this reader at least, as a stalking snake to a rabbit. A roller coaster of a plot that repeatedly climbs high and plunges low, generating a succession of thrills, perpetual nail biting tension and fear: a plot that accelerates from the outset gaining velocity, gaining mass and then slams to an abrupt stop in an ending which is not only unexpected in nature and shocking but wholly destructive, even to those who don’t die. Destructive to this reader’s ego too because there are clues implanted in the book, in the plot, and, alas, I didn’t spot one.
“In Our Blood” by William J. Goyette: (Outskirts Press) I recommend it to all who enjoy a good thriller and I say again, above all things, it is an absorbing read.
D. A. Barker: author of “Killing for Christmas.” “What Am I?” and, in composition, “Susanne.”
“In Our Blood” by William J. Goyette (Outskirts Press) ISBN: 978-1-4787-9759-3
Absorbing: above all things I found this book an absorbing read and, at first, I didn’t know why. The opening seemed standard stock thriller stuff. A prologue with a killer gloating over the remains of his last victim and gloating even more over his intentions for the next two. A battle weary cop, Jake Hawksworth – a widower, his wife killed in a hit and run – dragged most unwillingly from his bed in the small hours to attend the crime scene and then the onset of a murder enquiry. I’d read it all before. But yet, from the off, I was deeply absorbed and then it occurred to me that this was due to the technique of the author: the skilled use of prose in the generation of dialogue, the creation of characters and the setting of scene. In all parts it was good, it was better than average, it was, in fact, way above the norm and thus I was absorbed.
The killer calls himself Chance. “You’re taking a chance if you get involved with him.”He is described by a surviving witness as having eyes that are beautiful and yet sinister: like the eyes of Charles Manson on the cover of Life Magazine. A psychopath then, a serial homicidal maniac void of conscience and remorse? Well, yes, but there’s rather more to him than that. This psychopath has motive and as well as killing he’s into kidnapping and collecting ransom, yes and seduction too. Above all things he is driven by hatred and an insatiable thirst for revenge though this is not wholly revealed until the completely unexpected and truly shocking end.
But forget the end for a moment. First the plot: I’m not even going to attempt to enter into detail. I leave the plot unspoilt for the reader. But it is a twisting, turning, writhing serpentine like plot, as mesmeric, to this reader at least, as a stalking snake to a rabbit. A roller coaster of a plot that repeatedly climbs high and plunges low, generating a succession of thrills, perpetual nail biting tension and fear: a plot that accelerates from the outset gaining velocity, gaining mass and then slams to an abrupt stop in an ending which is not only unexpected in nature and shocking but wholly destructive, even to those who don’t die. Destructive to this reader’s ego too because there are clues implanted in the book, in the plot, and, alas, I didn’t spot one.
“In Our Blood” by William J. Goyette: (Outskirts Press) I recommend it to all who enjoy a good thriller and I say again, above all things, it is an absorbing read.
D. A. Barker: author of “Killing for Christmas.” “What Am I?” and, in composition, “Susanne.”
April 27, 2020
This book was exciting, well written and highly entertaining.
Who doesn't love a murder mystery especially one that covers a kidnapping, twists, turns and even more twists?
If you enjoy an unpredictable read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!
Who doesn't love a murder mystery especially one that covers a kidnapping, twists, turns and even more twists?
If you enjoy an unpredictable read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!
October 24, 2018
Step aside Alex Cross, there’s a new detective in town and his name is Jake Hawksworth!! This debut novel by William J. Goyette has it all, murder, mystery, revenge, guilt, and twists you can’t begin to imagine! Goyette creates a great character in Hawksworth-recently widowed, trying to stay connected with his daughter while searching for his wife’s murderer! A case from his past pulls him in and.....pick this up to find out what happens! I need more Jake Hawksworth!
September 12, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
October 1, 2018
Loved it!
August 31, 2018
As twisted as they come!
Great book. Scary, twisted! Read it! You won’t be sorry you did! I won’t forget this book for awhile-maybe never!
Great book. Scary, twisted! Read it! You won’t be sorry you did! I won’t forget this book for awhile-maybe never!
August 19, 2018
Interesting
Nifty mystery. Good twists and turns. Only problem was I had a little bit of a hard time following each change as I found I had a hard time remembering who was who and I felt the story was a bit longer than it needed to be. If you like mystery and twists and turns this is the book.
Nifty mystery. Good twists and turns. Only problem was I had a little bit of a hard time following each change as I found I had a hard time remembering who was who and I felt the story was a bit longer than it needed to be. If you like mystery and twists and turns this is the book.
August 9, 2018
One Of Summer’s Best Crime Thrillers
This is an excellent crime thriller that’s perfect for an airline or beach read. The storyline is skillfully plotted with several well-integrated family-related subplots. Both the primary storyline and subplots have good twists, one of which surprised me.
As a mystery aficionado, I appreciated clues the author skillfully slid into the narrative. I did guess the bombshell reveal about what was driving the vengeful antagonist, who would kill anyone standing in his path. However, my guess did not detract from my reading enjoyment.
I eagerly followed the fully realized characters, especially protagonist Detective Jake Hawksworth, and his partner, Kyle Henderson. The author‘s believable descriptions of the secondary characters added urgency to the investigation as their lives were threatened.
I highly recommend “In Our Blood.”
This is an excellent crime thriller that’s perfect for an airline or beach read. The storyline is skillfully plotted with several well-integrated family-related subplots. Both the primary storyline and subplots have good twists, one of which surprised me.
As a mystery aficionado, I appreciated clues the author skillfully slid into the narrative. I did guess the bombshell reveal about what was driving the vengeful antagonist, who would kill anyone standing in his path. However, my guess did not detract from my reading enjoyment.
I eagerly followed the fully realized characters, especially protagonist Detective Jake Hawksworth, and his partner, Kyle Henderson. The author‘s believable descriptions of the secondary characters added urgency to the investigation as their lives were threatened.
I highly recommend “In Our Blood.”
July 3, 2018
very good
July 5, 2018
Great book
This was a good book. The story kept you in your toes. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed this book.
This was a good book. The story kept you in your toes. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed this book.
Read
August 12, 2018Good thriller. Liked the background story of main character and how it intersected with current story line. Also liked how the past came back to haunt the future.
January 8, 2021
I had a bit of trouble getting into In Our Blood in the beginning. Maybe it's because each chapter started with a portion of the book the character in the book was writing. I didn't figure it out at first so, I was a wee bit lost. However, once the book got going it reeeally got going! There were twists and turns galore!! I liked the MC, Jake Hawksworth, a lot. And Ben! The Name the Crime game was fun! I was shocked by the big twist in the last part of the book. I so didn't see it coming!! The book was edited well, which not something one usually finds in an Amazon Kindle book.
I have read other reviews of In Our Blood, where the readers have stated they were enthralled from the very beginning, so please take my review with a grain of sand.
Once the next book is released I definitely plan on reading it!
There is one more thing I want to add.
I have read other reviews of In Our Blood, where the readers have stated they were enthralled from the very beginning, so please take my review with a grain of sand.
Once the next book is released I definitely plan on reading it!
There is one more thing I want to add.
April 10, 2019
This was my first time reading a book from this author, but I do love a good thriller, so thought I would give it a chance. I was not disappointed. The book had great characters, interesting backstory and the author has a talent for keeping the excitement going. The reader may feel like the story is familiar once the first surprise is revealed, but hold on to your seats, there are some excellent twist that carry you through to the end of the book. Well worth the read, would definitely read more from this author.
July 11, 2019
"Complex thriller"
Oh, what a tangled web we weave. This one has more layers, more twists and turns, more points of view switches than any book I've ever read. Does that make it great? For some, maybe, but sometimes the simple, straightforward approach is more appealing. I'm glad I read this book but I can't see myself being a long-term follower of the author.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave. This one has more layers, more twists and turns, more points of view switches than any book I've ever read. Does that make it great? For some, maybe, but sometimes the simple, straightforward approach is more appealing. I'm glad I read this book but I can't see myself being a long-term follower of the author.
November 29, 2024
Great story
Lots of twists and turns, I really enjoyed the story. My only negative comment is that sometimes I found it hard to keep track of who was who because it jumps between characters so often and some of them aren't important to the main storyline. All in all it was still.a good story and I would recommend it to others.
Lots of twists and turns, I really enjoyed the story. My only negative comment is that sometimes I found it hard to keep track of who was who because it jumps between characters so often and some of them aren't important to the main storyline. All in all it was still.a good story and I would recommend it to others.
August 13, 2019
Awesome Read!!
I loved all the twists and turns in this book along with the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this book!!
I loved all the twists and turns in this book along with the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this book!!
March 9, 2022
I won this book through goodreads giveaway
October 18, 2022
So many great twists and surprises!
February 26, 2025
Definitely better than This Guy Walks into a Bar.
June 21, 2025
Quite a page turner. Done in two long afternoons at the pool. Several unexpected twists. Not predictable at all. Great book
June 3, 2022
Great first novel full of non-stop suspense and surprising twists. Each chapter ends with a hook that makes you eager to keep reading and see what happens next. The characters are very well developed and as a reader you are constantly wondering if each character is who they appear to be. Looking forward to reading the next case Jake Hawksworth takes on!
June 29, 2018
An okay read. Nothing extraordinary, nothing compelling; more like a police procedural t.v. series. Hey, I watch some of those, too, but I prefer the British or Scandinavian ones.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews