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Blood in the Water
Jack Flynn's Blood in the Water is an edge-of-the-seat ride in a roller coaster, action-packed thriller with international terrorism at its core and family at its heart.
Boston is in the grip of the coldest winter on record, but in its criminal underworld the temperature is rising.
Harbor chief Cormack O’Connell has lived his life close to the wire – above and below the law. He knows every movement on his waterfront, and that's why someone wants him out of the way, fast.
Homeland security agent Kit Steele is committed to avenge terrorism. Also known as The Hunter, she’s got her eye on the prize. This time it’s personal, and she has nothing left to lose.
Her prey is Vincente Carpio, one of the world’s most dangerous criminals. He is clever, calculating and he's biding his time.
Diamond O’Connell is a daughter, a lover and a fighter. She’s seen things most nineteen-year-old girls couldn’t even begin to imagine. And she’s about to become a pawn in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Everyone has their part to play, but now it seems that there are much darker, far-reaching forces at work which look to be preparing for the international stage.
Boston is in the grip of the coldest winter on record, but in its criminal underworld the temperature is rising.
Harbor chief Cormack O’Connell has lived his life close to the wire – above and below the law. He knows every movement on his waterfront, and that's why someone wants him out of the way, fast.
Homeland security agent Kit Steele is committed to avenge terrorism. Also known as The Hunter, she’s got her eye on the prize. This time it’s personal, and she has nothing left to lose.
Her prey is Vincente Carpio, one of the world’s most dangerous criminals. He is clever, calculating and he's biding his time.
Diamond O’Connell is a daughter, a lover and a fighter. She’s seen things most nineteen-year-old girls couldn’t even begin to imagine. And she’s about to become a pawn in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Everyone has their part to play, but now it seems that there are much darker, far-reaching forces at work which look to be preparing for the international stage.
342 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
42 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Jack Flynn
2 books8 followersJack Flynn is a lawyer in Boston and has worked pro bono on behalf of wrongly convicted individuals. He lives south of the city and writes on his daily commute across Boston Harbor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 31, 2020
Nothing happens in the Boston Harbor without Cormac O’Connell knowing about it. But when a psychopath soldier of the notorious gang, MS-13, is captured. Elements of the gang move towards his terrain to help with the rescue operation and they are willing to kill everyone in the way.
Cormac must team up with Homeland Security agent, Kit Steel, as he risks losing his own empire to stop the rescue. Everyone can expect to lose if they are unable to stop the impending conflict. Who will be the last person standing?
Very exciting. I will definitely be on the watch for other books from this author.
Cormac must team up with Homeland Security agent, Kit Steel, as he risks losing his own empire to stop the rescue. Everyone can expect to lose if they are unable to stop the impending conflict. Who will be the last person standing?
Very exciting. I will definitely be on the watch for other books from this author.
October 31, 2019
A fast-paced, action-packed thriller with many traditional elements.
Cormac O’Connell, the highly flawed protagonist was easy to side with and I thoroughly enjoyed his character. Dogged Homeland security agent Kit Steele and his daughter Diamond were not as easy to engage with in this read.
Some seriously twisted underworld scenes were well written and not too over-the-top. I could see this novel making an excellent movie.
Cormac O’Connell, the highly flawed protagonist was easy to side with and I thoroughly enjoyed his character. Dogged Homeland security agent Kit Steele and his daughter Diamond were not as easy to engage with in this read.
Some seriously twisted underworld scenes were well written and not too over-the-top. I could see this novel making an excellent movie.
November 10, 2019
Blood in the Water – Who are the good guys?
Jack Flynn has written an excellent thriller that, while it does include the FBI, the Irish mafia of Boston are not screaming in your face for once. Ok one of the lead characters is of Irish extraction, but he is not an Irish mafioso which makes a pleasant change.
Harbour chief, Cormack O’Connell has lived on both sides of the law, as anyone who has worked or organised longshore men and other dock workers all their life. He knows everything that is happening in the harbour and what is going through the port. He often receives his tribute from various sources. Unfortunately, there is someone who no longer wants to pay a tribute while at the same time take control of the harbour and then move illegal drugs through the port.
Cormack’s daughter, Diamond is a dangerous lady to know, she is both a lover and a fighter, but at the same time very much her own woman. While having seen many things most nineteen year olds will never see in a lifetime. She is strong minded and knows what she wants, but is she prepared to become a pawn in a larger more dangerous game of cat and mouse?
Agent Kit Steele has managed to hunt her prey down, and Vincente Carpio is her prisoner, whether she can keep him locked up is a different matter. Carpio besides having ice in his veins is not afraid to kill, as the trail of dead bodies behind him proves. Can she get him to court without the cartel breaking him out? It does not help her lover also happens to be O’Connell is a criminal.
With a war waging along the harbour front, nobody is going to be safe, and the O’Connell family are front and centre. Cormack recognising that if he loses this war, he will not be put into retirement but into a cemetery plot. He will do whatever it takes to win this war, but it might cost him more than he wants.
An exciting and intense thriller that will keep you on edge throughout, especially when you realise that O’Connell is facing a foe that has no boundaries or depths that they are willing to reach. This really is a case of wanting to stay out of the water, as it is the water that could be the death of them.
Jack Flynn has written an excellent thriller that, while it does include the FBI, the Irish mafia of Boston are not screaming in your face for once. Ok one of the lead characters is of Irish extraction, but he is not an Irish mafioso which makes a pleasant change.
Harbour chief, Cormack O’Connell has lived on both sides of the law, as anyone who has worked or organised longshore men and other dock workers all their life. He knows everything that is happening in the harbour and what is going through the port. He often receives his tribute from various sources. Unfortunately, there is someone who no longer wants to pay a tribute while at the same time take control of the harbour and then move illegal drugs through the port.
Cormack’s daughter, Diamond is a dangerous lady to know, she is both a lover and a fighter, but at the same time very much her own woman. While having seen many things most nineteen year olds will never see in a lifetime. She is strong minded and knows what she wants, but is she prepared to become a pawn in a larger more dangerous game of cat and mouse?
Agent Kit Steele has managed to hunt her prey down, and Vincente Carpio is her prisoner, whether she can keep him locked up is a different matter. Carpio besides having ice in his veins is not afraid to kill, as the trail of dead bodies behind him proves. Can she get him to court without the cartel breaking him out? It does not help her lover also happens to be O’Connell is a criminal.
With a war waging along the harbour front, nobody is going to be safe, and the O’Connell family are front and centre. Cormack recognising that if he loses this war, he will not be put into retirement but into a cemetery plot. He will do whatever it takes to win this war, but it might cost him more than he wants.
An exciting and intense thriller that will keep you on edge throughout, especially when you realise that O’Connell is facing a foe that has no boundaries or depths that they are willing to reach. This really is a case of wanting to stay out of the water, as it is the water that could be the death of them.
October 12, 2019
Holy shit, I loved everything about this, action packed book. From page 1 to the end, everything kept me on my toes and I just wanted more of everything.
This story blends old world Boston ideals and new world chaos beautifully. FBI, old school Boston underworld and MS13 all collide. FANTASTIC.
Also, it's an easy read, nothing gets too convoluted or too detailed that a simple reader can keep up with.
This story blends old world Boston ideals and new world chaos beautifully. FBI, old school Boston underworld and MS13 all collide. FANTASTIC.
Also, it's an easy read, nothing gets too convoluted or too detailed that a simple reader can keep up with.
October 28, 2019
Great thriller but too many characters.
October 10, 2019
Twisty turny thriller. MS-13 violence. Boston harbor. Has it all.
September 26, 2019
Thanks so much Minotaur for this free book!
Talk about ACTION packed! There are 3 eliments to this book. Cormach O'Connell the harbor master trying to keep his hold on all the goings on in the harbor. Kit Steele a federal agen who lost her family to a senseless killing of her husband and son by MS-13. She is hell bent to keep murderer Vincente Carpio behind Bars. T'phong Sog member of MS-13 looking for more power and trying to take over all harbor activities from Cormach.
This book was fast paced! I am not sure if it was becasue the story line or the short chapters. It was a great crime based novel. There was one twist at the end that I didn't really see coming and would have like to see something different happen. But thats just because I want the good to win and bad to lose.
Talk about ACTION packed! There are 3 eliments to this book. Cormach O'Connell the harbor master trying to keep his hold on all the goings on in the harbor. Kit Steele a federal agen who lost her family to a senseless killing of her husband and son by MS-13. She is hell bent to keep murderer Vincente Carpio behind Bars. T'phong Sog member of MS-13 looking for more power and trying to take over all harbor activities from Cormach.
This book was fast paced! I am not sure if it was becasue the story line or the short chapters. It was a great crime based novel. There was one twist at the end that I didn't really see coming and would have like to see something different happen. But thats just because I want the good to win and bad to lose.
September 22, 2019
Action packed thriller, where the pace is relentless.
Three strands to the story - a turf war regarding control over Boston Harbour, an FBI agent trying to ensure a previously escaped psychopath does not escape again for personal reasons, and some family drama thrown in as well.
Three strands to the story - a turf war regarding control over Boston Harbour, an FBI agent trying to ensure a previously escaped psychopath does not escape again for personal reasons, and some family drama thrown in as well.
April 12, 2021
This debut thriller is fantastic, and it is unfortunate that it didn't seem to find a wider audience. Think Winslow's Border Trilogy, but set in the Boston of HBO's The Wire. Non-stop action, complex characters, and a satisfying ending.
January 22, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book
an all out action packed book right from the first chapter....brilliantly written with believable characters that once you know you can get behind them
mack runs the harbour...nothing goes in or out without his say so...and he takes a tribute as in he has a piece of the action...but everyone knows he does a good job and if he can rule the roost and keep things on an even keel then everything runs smoothly....
but theres a new gang in town and they want control of the harbour...and try to take mack out...mack also has a traitor in his mist
diamond is also macks daughter and her role is to stay alive...which is difficult when this gang target her
with killers galore in this action packed book i couldnt put it down...another author to keep an eye out for
an all out action packed book right from the first chapter....brilliantly written with believable characters that once you know you can get behind them
mack runs the harbour...nothing goes in or out without his say so...and he takes a tribute as in he has a piece of the action...but everyone knows he does a good job and if he can rule the roost and keep things on an even keel then everything runs smoothly....
but theres a new gang in town and they want control of the harbour...and try to take mack out...mack also has a traitor in his mist
diamond is also macks daughter and her role is to stay alive...which is difficult when this gang target her
with killers galore in this action packed book i couldnt put it down...another author to keep an eye out for
February 16, 2020
Good solid old fashion page turner !
September 23, 2019
Wow this book was good! I’ve been reading so many 400+ pages that when I first opened it I was starting to feel nervous about digging in but Jack Flynn delivered!!!
Cormack O’Connell is the harbor Chief in Boston, he has his finger on the pulse of every movement on his harbor, legal and otherwise. His tights control ensures order- organized crime stays managed and the law turns a blind eye. If anyone needs anything through the harbor, they first need Mack’s approval.
Kit Steele, aka The Hunter- homeland security agent has a personally vendetta to capture serial killer and international terrorist Vincent Carpio.
Diamond O’Connell is Mack’s 19 year old daughter, and only family. She’s street smart and savvy- about to embark on adult life where the possibilities are endless.
But this a game of cat and mouse- and Diamond is the mouse between many cats.
I loved this story and I’m eager to read more by Flynn. Action packed at its finest, he did such an amazing job of introducing so many different characters- some seemingly irrelevant- but everyone has their part to play. Everything came together with finesse for an explosive finale which did not disappoint. There were some deep rooted evils and twists that I didn’t see coming, and I was hooked from page 1.
FBI agent meet the criminal underworld - to strike deals and take out the common enemy. With evils coming from the inside to imports from international terrorist groups- everyone had their best interests at heart, loyalties were bought and swapped on a whim, gang wars for control of the harbor- this really had it all and I loved the main characters Cormack and Kit, two unlikely allies in this intense crime thriller.
A big thanks to @minotaur_books for the review copy #partner
Cormack O’Connell is the harbor Chief in Boston, he has his finger on the pulse of every movement on his harbor, legal and otherwise. His tights control ensures order- organized crime stays managed and the law turns a blind eye. If anyone needs anything through the harbor, they first need Mack’s approval.
Kit Steele, aka The Hunter- homeland security agent has a personally vendetta to capture serial killer and international terrorist Vincent Carpio.
Diamond O’Connell is Mack’s 19 year old daughter, and only family. She’s street smart and savvy- about to embark on adult life where the possibilities are endless.
But this a game of cat and mouse- and Diamond is the mouse between many cats.
I loved this story and I’m eager to read more by Flynn. Action packed at its finest, he did such an amazing job of introducing so many different characters- some seemingly irrelevant- but everyone has their part to play. Everything came together with finesse for an explosive finale which did not disappoint. There were some deep rooted evils and twists that I didn’t see coming, and I was hooked from page 1.
FBI agent meet the criminal underworld - to strike deals and take out the common enemy. With evils coming from the inside to imports from international terrorist groups- everyone had their best interests at heart, loyalties were bought and swapped on a whim, gang wars for control of the harbor- this really had it all and I loved the main characters Cormack and Kit, two unlikely allies in this intense crime thriller.
A big thanks to @minotaur_books for the review copy #partner
September 23, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
I love crime thrillers and this was was action packed from the very first page and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love watching The Blacklist on Netflix and this book reminded me a lot of that. The characters were so complex. I would highly recommend this book.
I love crime thrillers and this was was action packed from the very first page and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love watching The Blacklist on Netflix and this book reminded me a lot of that. The characters were so complex. I would highly recommend this book.
February 13, 2020
My thanks to Pan Macmillan for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Blood in the Water’ by Jack Flynn in exchange for an honest review. Its paperback edition was published on 6 February.
This is a high action, gritty thriller set among the docklands of Boston and focuses on its underworld of mob bosses and violent gangs. Lots of graphic violence, corruption and dodgy goings on. Add to the mix a notorious serial killer, whose brother is a member of MS-13, and the FBI agent determined to see him incarcerated for his heinous crimes.
Special Agent Kit Steele’s role in the tale is complicated by her closeness to Cormack McConnell, leader of the Boston dockworkers’ union, who “knew all of the ways money could be made, both legally and not.”
My overall feeling was that there was just too much going on and after a while I felt overwhelmed by its relentless violence. Certainly there were times when I was gripped by its unfolding narrative, yet overall I just failed to meaningfully connect with its characters and various plot lines.
It’s an okay 2.5 star read for me, rounded up to 3.
This is a high action, gritty thriller set among the docklands of Boston and focuses on its underworld of mob bosses and violent gangs. Lots of graphic violence, corruption and dodgy goings on. Add to the mix a notorious serial killer, whose brother is a member of MS-13, and the FBI agent determined to see him incarcerated for his heinous crimes.
Special Agent Kit Steele’s role in the tale is complicated by her closeness to Cormack McConnell, leader of the Boston dockworkers’ union, who “knew all of the ways money could be made, both legally and not.”
My overall feeling was that there was just too much going on and after a while I felt overwhelmed by its relentless violence. Certainly there were times when I was gripped by its unfolding narrative, yet overall I just failed to meaningfully connect with its characters and various plot lines.
It’s an okay 2.5 star read for me, rounded up to 3.
April 17, 2021
A decent debut action-thriller from author Jack Flynn, 'Blood in the Water' has some good moments but is a bit disjointed as a whole. Taking place over a couple weeks in Boston during one of the coldest winters on record, crooked harbour chief Cormack O' Connell is caught in the crossfire of a deadly war between a driven, determined FBI agent named Kit Steele and various factions of the violent MS-13 gang. Bullets fly and bodies drop and the twists come thick and fast.
Flynn writes well enough, but his characters are never fully developed and the twists he peppers throughout the book come out of left field with little build up. I get the sense he couldn't decide whether he wanted this to be a sprawling crime drama or a pot-boiled shoot 'em up, settling instead for this mash-up which doesn't particularly work well as either.
Even with it's flaws, 'Blood in the Water' is an entertaining enough read and there's enough good here that I'd be tempted to read a follow-up, but I can't wholeheartedly recommend this one.
Flynn writes well enough, but his characters are never fully developed and the twists he peppers throughout the book come out of left field with little build up. I get the sense he couldn't decide whether he wanted this to be a sprawling crime drama or a pot-boiled shoot 'em up, settling instead for this mash-up which doesn't particularly work well as either.
Even with it's flaws, 'Blood in the Water' is an entertaining enough read and there's enough good here that I'd be tempted to read a follow-up, but I can't wholeheartedly recommend this one.
December 21, 2024
הספר הזה איכשהו התפספס לי בשנתיים האחרונות, בדרכ כל ספר מתח חדש שיצא ב5 שנים האחרונות שמגיע לחנות אני מרפרפת בקצרה לראות אם מדובר במשהו שאוהב. הספר הזה יצא ב2023 והוא ממש נעלם מהרדאר שלי, ורק בגלל מבצע שמתי עליו עין.
והוא היה טוב!
בתחילה חששתי שלא אצליח להבין בעקבות ריבוי הדמויות, הכנופיות השונות והמלחמות ביניהם, וכן העלילה הראשית ותתי העלילות. החשש היה גם מכיוון שהפרקים הקצרים גרמו לי לעשות הפסקות ארוכות, כך שלא הייתה לי קריאה רציפה.
ברגע שישבתי והחלטתי שאני מסיימת את הספר, הוא ממש רץ לי והייתי מאוד שקועה. העלילה מעניינת (למרבה המזל כולן) ומצאתי את עצמי מבינה את המרדף אחרי הצדק של קיט, מסוקרנת לגבי הפעולות של מק, ומוקסמת מסיפור אהבה של הבת שלו. בכללי, כל הקטע של הכנופיות והסמים (הזכרתי שיש רוצח סדרתי פסיכי שמנסים להציל אותו? משהו הזיה) היה קצת מפחיד והלוואי ולא אתקל במשהו כזה במציאות אבל לקרוא על זה? מעניין ומסקרן ממש🤣
לסיכום הוא היה ספר טוב, אולי אם הוא היה כתוב בפרקים יותר ארוכים לא הייתי נמרחת איתו מלא, אבל אהבתי שהספר הצליח לגרום לי להבין דמויות שנויות במחלוקת.
והוא היה טוב!
בתחילה חששתי שלא אצליח להבין בעקבות ריבוי הדמויות, הכנופיות השונות והמלחמות ביניהם, וכן העלילה הראשית ותתי העלילות. החשש היה גם מכיוון שהפרקים הקצרים גרמו לי לעשות הפסקות ארוכות, כך שלא הייתה לי קריאה רציפה.
ברגע שישבתי והחלטתי שאני מסיימת את הספר, הוא ממש רץ לי והייתי מאוד שקועה. העלילה מעניינת (למרבה המזל כולן) ומצאתי את עצמי מבינה את המרדף אחרי הצדק של קיט, מסוקרנת לגבי הפעולות של מק, ומוקסמת מסיפור אהבה של הבת שלו. בכללי, כל הקטע של הכנופיות והסמים (הזכרתי שיש רוצח סדרתי פסיכי שמנסים להציל אותו? משהו הזיה) היה קצת מפחיד והלוואי ולא אתקל במשהו כזה במציאות אבל לקרוא על זה? מעניין ומסקרן ממש🤣
לסיכום הוא היה ספר טוב, אולי אם הוא היה כתוב בפרקים יותר ארוכים לא הייתי נמרחת איתו מלא, אבל אהבתי שהספר הצליח לגרום לי להבין דמויות שנויות במחלוקת.
November 21, 2019
Two rival gangs pull Boston into a bloody and potentially devastating conflict during one of the coldest winters on record. This action-packed, heart-pounding thriller dives into the seedy under belly of Boston’s harbor district. Flynn’s fast paced storytelling is accentuated by Graham’s resonate tones giving depth to the gritty writing style. The myriad of accents are perfectly crafted for the wide range of characters, from Southie Boston to South American. At points listeners can almost feel the frigid temperatures that Flynn conveys through vivid and complex narrative. Put this book in the hands of avid thriller and suspense readers. Genre crossover appeal is strong for urban fiction and mystery enthusiasts. Excellent for readers of James Patterson and Catherine Coulter.
October 29, 2019
Boston is not a town that I have visited or set steps into, not because I don't want to experience Bostonians, rather because of the coldness and bleakness that seems to be suggested somehow by it's location and it's people. That coldness is is shown in this novel is depicted by a wintertime setting, and by the hard lives of those that live there. Yet even in that coldness there is a glimmer of love and hope for the future. Perhaps it would be worth at least taking in a Red Sox's game? What would be so wrong with that?
June 4, 2024
3.5 stars from me.
I liked this book well enough, but if I wasn’t immersive reading I would have struggled to get through it. This gave me the vibe of a Netflix film I’ve put on for something to watch cos it seemed interesting at the time.
The vast majority of the story happens over the span of about 6 weeks. There is a large cast of characters, and at some points in the story I lost track of who was who, but thats more than likely my easily distracted brain.
Over all pretty good, if you like crime and thriller novels this is definitely for you.
I liked this book well enough, but if I wasn’t immersive reading I would have struggled to get through it. This gave me the vibe of a Netflix film I’ve put on for something to watch cos it seemed interesting at the time.
The vast majority of the story happens over the span of about 6 weeks. There is a large cast of characters, and at some points in the story I lost track of who was who, but thats more than likely my easily distracted brain.
Over all pretty good, if you like crime and thriller novels this is definitely for you.
February 19, 2020
I picked this one off the shelf in the library, never having heard of it. It read like an action movie and I can see it turning into one. A terrorist group has plans to help a serial-killing member free, and both FBI and citizens are tasked with trying to stop it. There was tons of plot lines that intersect and connections among each character. Quick and easy to follow- plot focused and little down time between page.
May 12, 2022
This was an enjoyable read and overall I think its worthy of 4 stars although much of the book felt like it was leading up to a big finale which seemed to be over quite quickly! However, I am a bit confused as to why the author (Jack Flynn aka David Hosp) wrote this book under a pen name when he is using at least one character that has appeared in a previous book about the same sort of subject matter under his own name.
January 29, 2021
Ok Thriller
Overall this was an okay read. I found myself torn about the character development - which was somewhat shallow - and the believability of the action and plot of the story. The pacing is somewhat uneven (there are parts that are really slow) though the last two chapters are crammed with action.
Overall this was an okay read. I found myself torn about the character development - which was somewhat shallow - and the believability of the action and plot of the story. The pacing is somewhat uneven (there are parts that are really slow) though the last two chapters are crammed with action.
January 14, 2024
I'm pretty sure I picked this book up at a thrift store and I definitely misjudged it by its cover. I think the only way I could finish it was the really short chapters. I didn't appreciate the racist comments and sexist vibes. Parts were too gruesome for my liking and the characters were unrelatable.
January 12, 2020
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time .It has everything you want from a good book .Drama and excitement on every page .First book for Jack Flynn,I will certainly be looking forward to his next book. I highly recommend this thriller.
Read
March 29, 2020I'm just not seeing this one...perhaps a bit too wordy for my tastes...perhaps a bit too stereotypical...mainly, I just wasn't enjoying this enough to read it all...skipped to the end and it was pretty much what I expected. I will look at others by this author.
February 24, 2022
I kinda liked this book it was quite good but I would've preferred it if it was more thrilling and the characters were more loveable.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves gangster crime and likes a lot of action in a book.
Overall quite enjoyable and an okay read.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves gangster crime and likes a lot of action in a book.
Overall quite enjoyable and an okay read.
July 16, 2022
Great book!!! Full of action and intrigue. Each chapter has you wondering What Next?!!? Who will live and who will die seems to change with every turn of the page. You will be riveted to this book and won’t want to stop reading it.
November 23, 2019
Really good, hope he writes again
November 29, 2019
A bit drawn out for me but not a bad read
Read
December 29, 2019Good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews