What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Ties
"Blood Ties" is about love and conflict, set in the Britain of mounting inequality, populism, Brexit ideology and people-trafficking. Ritchie, a successful advertising executive, is blackmailed into leading a campaign to make modern slavery acceptable to the public. His children, activists in the struggle against people-trafficking, are horrified. The novel tells how he uses all his skills to turn the tables on an ambitious Home Secretary, and finds that it is only through self-sacrifice that he can reunite his family.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2020
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Peter Taylor-Gooby
32 books28 followersIn my day job I'm an academic but I believe that you can only truly understand the issues that matter through your feelings, your imagination and your compassion. That's why I write novels.
My latest “The Immigrant Queen” is about Aspasia, the only woman member of Socrates’ circle, passionate lover of Pericles and author of his speeches, the model for Athene on the Parthenon and the most striking woman in Athens. Then history forgot her.
My earlier novels are "The Baby Auction" and “A Kinder City”, love stories set in a fantasy world where the only rule is the law of the market; "Ardent Justice", a cop fighting for the rights of homeless people in a city dominated by high finance; and "Blood Ties", a father who must struggle against people-traffickers and corrupt politicians to save his bi-polar daughter..
I’ve worked on adventure playgrounds, in a social security office and as a teacher. I love walking, cycling, writing and talking to my children.
My latest “The Immigrant Queen” is about Aspasia, the only woman member of Socrates’ circle, passionate lover of Pericles and author of his speeches, the model for Athene on the Parthenon and the most striking woman in Athens. Then history forgot her.
My earlier novels are "The Baby Auction" and “A Kinder City”, love stories set in a fantasy world where the only rule is the law of the market; "Ardent Justice", a cop fighting for the rights of homeless people in a city dominated by high finance; and "Blood Ties", a father who must struggle against people-traffickers and corrupt politicians to save his bi-polar daughter..
I’ve worked on adventure playgrounds, in a social security office and as a teacher. I love walking, cycling, writing and talking to my children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 30, 2020
I received a digital copy of this book for review from Reedsy Discover, with thanks to them and the author. This fact has in no way changed my opinions on this book.
Link: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/blo...
Overwhelmingly this book is about the love of a father. The story begins with Ritchie leaving his job at one of the most prestigious advertising and promotional companies in the country to support his children, Jack and Nic, on their exposure of modern-day slavery in Britain. Both children are passionate about this subject, and Ritchie wants to do what he can to help using his background as a successful promoter. However, he may be out of his depth with this project beginning during a time when the government is seeking to make immigrants fully illegal. Not only does he land himself in trouble but Nic also finds herself in serious trouble as well. When mass riots break out, Nic is easy to blame for being the culprit, leaving Ritchie to make a deal to ensure her safety, he must join and work with the most corrupt Home Secretary you can imagine (yeah, openly worse than whoever you're thinking of, mirroring very close to the one I'm thinking of anyway) to sell a programme to the public to essentially make modern-day slavery legal.
What struck me about this book was the honesty. I found it almost refreshing to read a politically driven book with emotionally honest and vulnerable characters. Ritchie throughout the book accepts and understands that he could have done more as a father, and as an ally to his children and works to rectify his previous mistakes by throwing himself headfirst into their passion projects. He shows a lot of resilience throughout the book, continually putting his kids first rather than his own morals and beliefs. I found myself getting almost teary-eyed at one point as Ritchie's inner monologue explained how much he loved his kids, filled with pointless and seemingly random bouts of love at their smallest of actions.
Out of all the characters in this book however, I liked Nic the most. Albeit a little over the top in places, she was so passionate about everything she put her heart into and she spoke for the people who remained voiceless in society. I think Nic's character really reflects a true advocate for those who find themselves in trouble. Her mental illnesses didn't deter her from pressing on, although her impulsive recklessness should be noted, she continued to shout and demonstrate and voice what was wrong on behalf of those who couldn't and in the face of those who thought it was right.
This book is definitely worth a read if you don't mind political fiction books, it flows well, it is well written and contains a whole host of well-rounded characters. The heroes are not perfect heroes, doing everything right to get to a perfect conclusion and the villains are not perfect villains.
Link: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/blo...
Overwhelmingly this book is about the love of a father. The story begins with Ritchie leaving his job at one of the most prestigious advertising and promotional companies in the country to support his children, Jack and Nic, on their exposure of modern-day slavery in Britain. Both children are passionate about this subject, and Ritchie wants to do what he can to help using his background as a successful promoter. However, he may be out of his depth with this project beginning during a time when the government is seeking to make immigrants fully illegal. Not only does he land himself in trouble but Nic also finds herself in serious trouble as well. When mass riots break out, Nic is easy to blame for being the culprit, leaving Ritchie to make a deal to ensure her safety, he must join and work with the most corrupt Home Secretary you can imagine (yeah, openly worse than whoever you're thinking of, mirroring very close to the one I'm thinking of anyway) to sell a programme to the public to essentially make modern-day slavery legal.
What struck me about this book was the honesty. I found it almost refreshing to read a politically driven book with emotionally honest and vulnerable characters. Ritchie throughout the book accepts and understands that he could have done more as a father, and as an ally to his children and works to rectify his previous mistakes by throwing himself headfirst into their passion projects. He shows a lot of resilience throughout the book, continually putting his kids first rather than his own morals and beliefs. I found myself getting almost teary-eyed at one point as Ritchie's inner monologue explained how much he loved his kids, filled with pointless and seemingly random bouts of love at their smallest of actions.
Out of all the characters in this book however, I liked Nic the most. Albeit a little over the top in places, she was so passionate about everything she put her heart into and she spoke for the people who remained voiceless in society. I think Nic's character really reflects a true advocate for those who find themselves in trouble. Her mental illnesses didn't deter her from pressing on, although her impulsive recklessness should be noted, she continued to shout and demonstrate and voice what was wrong on behalf of those who couldn't and in the face of those who thought it was right.
This book is definitely worth a read if you don't mind political fiction books, it flows well, it is well written and contains a whole host of well-rounded characters. The heroes are not perfect heroes, doing everything right to get to a perfect conclusion and the villains are not perfect villains.
August 19, 2020
Set only slightly in the future, 2022, this story has a realistic feel about it in today's political climate. Richie is a widower of 22 years and has two grown-up children who are both heavily involved in politics and legislation. Nic, a lawyer by profession, is a strong campaigner for refugees to come to Britain and be entitled to a living wage. Her brother Jack is also a stronger campaigner who is running for a seat in the Houses of Parliament. Richie, on the other hand, works in advertising and is often on the opposing sides to his children, something that he intends to put right.
Nic suffers from bi-polar and hates being different and being treated differently. Richie worries constantly about her as she often decides that she doesn’t need the meds any more. I really felt for him. The more Richie becomes involved he sees the extent of the passion his children have for this cause. Risks are taken that put him in a compromising position and drive a further wedge between them again.
This is a fascinating read, very modern and realistic with today's lifestyle and political arena. Refugees, illegal immigrants and slave labour are all very topical. The twist that the author gives this story feels all too possible. It really brought goosebumps at how quickly situations were adapted and by people greedy to make money from others poverty and despair.
Another brilliantly written book by the author, who always seems very in tune with a constantly changing society.
A very well thought out storyline. Recommended Reading.
Nic suffers from bi-polar and hates being different and being treated differently. Richie worries constantly about her as she often decides that she doesn’t need the meds any more. I really felt for him. The more Richie becomes involved he sees the extent of the passion his children have for this cause. Risks are taken that put him in a compromising position and drive a further wedge between them again.
This is a fascinating read, very modern and realistic with today's lifestyle and political arena. Refugees, illegal immigrants and slave labour are all very topical. The twist that the author gives this story feels all too possible. It really brought goosebumps at how quickly situations were adapted and by people greedy to make money from others poverty and despair.
Another brilliantly written book by the author, who always seems very in tune with a constantly changing society.
A very well thought out storyline. Recommended Reading.
May 5, 2020
I’m glad I chose Blood Ties to read. Written in first person tense, it was engaging and I was right there throughout the story, a fly on the wall. I liked the main character of Ritchie very much and found myself supporting him all the way through his struggles, hoping his daughter would eventually make peace with him. Peter Taylor-Gooby led me into an intricate world of politics and certainly made me question the subject of immigration and cheap-labour, reminding me of one of our world’s many problems. I thoroughly recommend Blood Ties.
June 24, 2020
I enjoyed this a lot. It is not that often that one comes across a book which is a light read but which also has something important to say. Nor is it common to come across something as well written and complex as this published in the indie sector. This is certainly one of my top five books so far this year (and there has been plenty of time for reading …)
The writing is assured and supple, and capable of telling a complicated tale. The tale it tells is of a modern dystopia ‘a couple of years from now’. But elements of this story are with us already. The story is immigration, the banning of it, the sending home of ‘illegals’, the modern slavery which is certainly with us already, and how we might replace the labour that’s being deported.
Does this sound a bit worthy? A bit heavy going? Not a bit of it. The story is light on its feet. The reader is treated to plenty of satire and irony in the thoughts, words and deeds of the narrator-protagonist, who is an ad-man. Ad-men see opportunity in everything. And this one is very good at what he does. Some of the aphorisms and insights are delicious. such as: “ … they want to understand the world but that’s not enough. If you ask them, they’ll tell you they want to change it. What they really most desire is to play with it, and they’re very serious about their play.” Or “ Ordinary people are like children. So … easily misguided. And they forget so quickly.” And there are some great slogans (as you might expect from a really good ad-man) such as “A job you care for, that cares for you.”
As well as Ritchie Morlan, the ad-man, the most rounded character is his daughter Nic. Ritchie would do absolutely anything for her. Nic is one of those people who always have a cause in hand, who have boundless energy if it’s on behalf of other people. Neither she nor her father are particularly likeable people – but they are demonstrably well-meaning and utterly believable. During the course of the book Ritchie’s status goes from high-flying creative at a top advertising agency to unemployed activist, to advisor to the country’s new Prime Minister. Nic’s goes from legal representative of a woman about to be deported, to debating a people trafficker on Facebook, to jail on conspiracy charges. Between them they achieve the most extraordinary outcome.
Could any of what this novel posits actually happen here? I like a book that raises questions, don’t you? And Taylor-Gooby isn’t afraid to provide answers to the questions he poses.
The writing is assured and supple, and capable of telling a complicated tale. The tale it tells is of a modern dystopia ‘a couple of years from now’. But elements of this story are with us already. The story is immigration, the banning of it, the sending home of ‘illegals’, the modern slavery which is certainly with us already, and how we might replace the labour that’s being deported.
Does this sound a bit worthy? A bit heavy going? Not a bit of it. The story is light on its feet. The reader is treated to plenty of satire and irony in the thoughts, words and deeds of the narrator-protagonist, who is an ad-man. Ad-men see opportunity in everything. And this one is very good at what he does. Some of the aphorisms and insights are delicious. such as: “ … they want to understand the world but that’s not enough. If you ask them, they’ll tell you they want to change it. What they really most desire is to play with it, and they’re very serious about their play.” Or “ Ordinary people are like children. So … easily misguided. And they forget so quickly.” And there are some great slogans (as you might expect from a really good ad-man) such as “A job you care for, that cares for you.”
As well as Ritchie Morlan, the ad-man, the most rounded character is his daughter Nic. Ritchie would do absolutely anything for her. Nic is one of those people who always have a cause in hand, who have boundless energy if it’s on behalf of other people. Neither she nor her father are particularly likeable people – but they are demonstrably well-meaning and utterly believable. During the course of the book Ritchie’s status goes from high-flying creative at a top advertising agency to unemployed activist, to advisor to the country’s new Prime Minister. Nic’s goes from legal representative of a woman about to be deported, to debating a people trafficker on Facebook, to jail on conspiracy charges. Between them they achieve the most extraordinary outcome.
Could any of what this novel posits actually happen here? I like a book that raises questions, don’t you? And Taylor-Gooby isn’t afraid to provide answers to the questions he poses.
August 28, 2020
Blood Ties is absolutely brilliant. I loved it.
Peter Taylor-Gooby writes with erudite style, intelligence and pitch perfect plotting, but above all that, he writes with humanity so that whilst his reader is entertained, they are educated and affected too. The themes of Blood Ties are incredibly pertinent to Britain today, with modern slavery, political corruption and family relationships at the very heart of the writing. And heart is the correct term. The author displays such moral empathy whilst crafting a brilliant thriller of a book. However, none of the story is self-righteous, so that its impact is all the more powerful. I genuinely felt ashamed of my lack of knowledge of some of the subject matter and hugely grateful for the comfortable, privileged life I have. Blood Ties is a book with real, emotional impact. It has come as no surprise to me to discover that Peter Taylor-Gooby is both a Professor of Social Policy and has an OBE for services to social science, as the authenticity of Blood Ties is astounding.
The plot zips along at breakneck, thrilling speed but manages to retain complete credibility so that I couldn’t trust the narrative not to move on without me if I put the book down. I was completely captivated and in fact read Blood Ties in one sitting. There’s an episodic nature the the story that would make a simply fabulous television series. I think Blood Ties is a book that needs championing in every quarter to bring it to as wide a readership as possible.
Peter Taylor-Gooby has a deft touch in imparting textual details that enliven the prose but don’t cause a break in the pace. I found Blood Ties surprisingly visual and this effect enhanced my enjoyment still further. I loved the variety of sentence structure, the natural dialogue and how brilliantly meaning is conveyed just as effectively by what is withheld as by what is revealed. I confess I was moved to tears more than once.
The characters are all wonderfully drawn, but it is Ritchie’s first person voice that rings out so clearly making him completely compelling. I finished reading Blood Ties feeling I wanted to sit down with Ritchie, talk through the events and issues he’d told me about and to support him in any way I can.
Blood Ties is thriller with a moral conscience that never preaches, but rather grips the reader to the extent they feel they are sitting on Ritchie’s shoulder in the thick of the action throughout. Blood Ties is splendid in every respect and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Peter Taylor-Gooby writes with erudite style, intelligence and pitch perfect plotting, but above all that, he writes with humanity so that whilst his reader is entertained, they are educated and affected too. The themes of Blood Ties are incredibly pertinent to Britain today, with modern slavery, political corruption and family relationships at the very heart of the writing. And heart is the correct term. The author displays such moral empathy whilst crafting a brilliant thriller of a book. However, none of the story is self-righteous, so that its impact is all the more powerful. I genuinely felt ashamed of my lack of knowledge of some of the subject matter and hugely grateful for the comfortable, privileged life I have. Blood Ties is a book with real, emotional impact. It has come as no surprise to me to discover that Peter Taylor-Gooby is both a Professor of Social Policy and has an OBE for services to social science, as the authenticity of Blood Ties is astounding.
The plot zips along at breakneck, thrilling speed but manages to retain complete credibility so that I couldn’t trust the narrative not to move on without me if I put the book down. I was completely captivated and in fact read Blood Ties in one sitting. There’s an episodic nature the the story that would make a simply fabulous television series. I think Blood Ties is a book that needs championing in every quarter to bring it to as wide a readership as possible.
Peter Taylor-Gooby has a deft touch in imparting textual details that enliven the prose but don’t cause a break in the pace. I found Blood Ties surprisingly visual and this effect enhanced my enjoyment still further. I loved the variety of sentence structure, the natural dialogue and how brilliantly meaning is conveyed just as effectively by what is withheld as by what is revealed. I confess I was moved to tears more than once.
The characters are all wonderfully drawn, but it is Ritchie’s first person voice that rings out so clearly making him completely compelling. I finished reading Blood Ties feeling I wanted to sit down with Ritchie, talk through the events and issues he’d told me about and to support him in any way I can.
Blood Ties is thriller with a moral conscience that never preaches, but rather grips the reader to the extent they feel they are sitting on Ritchie’s shoulder in the thick of the action throughout. Blood Ties is splendid in every respect and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 28, 2020
[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]
Its been a while since I read a gripping political thriller and Blood Ties did not disappoint.
The author keeps you on your toes with a lot of twists and turns. The topics of modern slavery fascinated me, and how the characters play an important role to stop it. I feel it is a serious topic that nobody highlights, and I admire the author for making this the center of the plot. Ritchie and Nic go through a lot in the story. In fact, they drive the entire story on their shoulders. Both of them are complex, in that, I did not really like them at times, yet I still wanted to root for them. Syker was also an interesting character, and I wanted his backstory.
Moreover, while set in the near future, the story is very realistic and feels like something that could happen today. Similarly, I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The dialogues are easy to follow, and the author writes the story in a very simple manner. Yet, the story is so gripping that you wonder how things will turn out.
However, there were a few minor things which could be improved. At times, I felt there was imbalance between the plot and the characters. While I loved the story as a whole, I felt it was too plot-centric at times, and we didn’t really get to know the characters in depth. Also, there were characters like Jack who I really liked and wished played a prominent role.
Apart from that, this was a very entertaining read. Overall, I recommend it to anyone looking for a nice socio-political thriller.
August 31, 2020
Book Review for Blood Ties as part of the book tour with @lovebookstours
Thank you so much for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. And this will be honest because honesty is the best policy.
⭐⭐⭐.5
I have so many unanswered questions, a lot of confusion and emptiness from finishing this book but I am also left comforted and with a greater knowledge on British slavery within plain sight.
"Blood Lines is Ritchie Morlan's family fight for the stop to people trafficking, internal UK slavery & family dynamics. Ritchie joins his daughter Nic, and son Jack on their own indivuals journeys to putting all thats wrong right, and bringing those responsible to justice"
I am unsure at the real depth of the storyline, it was so loose and at times empty that I questioned whether there was a prequel I had missed. Some things did not make sense; how the public allowed Jack to become an MP, despite his family being the ones to assist in the trafficking even if it was for the greater good, why Ritchie seemed at peace for bringing the UK to attention, when actually he made a huge mistake at creating the helpers scheme. All I saw was the slavery become worse even if the perpetrators were caught. And why the police returned Ritchies knife, despite his earlier fight & injury, despite the danger, in real life he would never get that knife back.
But it did have some very good ways of bringing attention to what does happen in real life everywhere, written in a fictional way, which takes talent to do. This book wasn't for me, but there was something that kept me going, I just don't know what it was.
If you're interested in bringing awareness to trafficking, immigration, slavery fiction storylines then this will be the book for you.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookworm #bookaddict #booklover #bookish #bookishphotography #bookishnerd #booksbooksbooks #ilovereading #ilovebooks #igreaders #mumswhoread #readingmum #dogsofinstagram #cockerspanielpuppy #puppiesofinstagram #cockerspaniel #booksanddogs #dogsandbooks #bloodties #booktour #gifted #petertaylorgooby
Thank you so much for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. And this will be honest because honesty is the best policy.
⭐⭐⭐.5
I have so many unanswered questions, a lot of confusion and emptiness from finishing this book but I am also left comforted and with a greater knowledge on British slavery within plain sight.
"Blood Lines is Ritchie Morlan's family fight for the stop to people trafficking, internal UK slavery & family dynamics. Ritchie joins his daughter Nic, and son Jack on their own indivuals journeys to putting all thats wrong right, and bringing those responsible to justice"
I am unsure at the real depth of the storyline, it was so loose and at times empty that I questioned whether there was a prequel I had missed. Some things did not make sense; how the public allowed Jack to become an MP, despite his family being the ones to assist in the trafficking even if it was for the greater good, why Ritchie seemed at peace for bringing the UK to attention, when actually he made a huge mistake at creating the helpers scheme. All I saw was the slavery become worse even if the perpetrators were caught. And why the police returned Ritchies knife, despite his earlier fight & injury, despite the danger, in real life he would never get that knife back.
But it did have some very good ways of bringing attention to what does happen in real life everywhere, written in a fictional way, which takes talent to do. This book wasn't for me, but there was something that kept me going, I just don't know what it was.
If you're interested in bringing awareness to trafficking, immigration, slavery fiction storylines then this will be the book for you.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookworm #bookaddict #booklover #bookish #bookishphotography #bookishnerd #booksbooksbooks #ilovereading #ilovebooks #igreaders #mumswhoread #readingmum #dogsofinstagram #cockerspanielpuppy #puppiesofinstagram #cockerspaniel #booksanddogs #dogsandbooks #bloodties #booktour #gifted #petertaylorgooby
September 17, 2020
This book is a political fiction and is not a genre I have delved into before. This features intense themes such as human trafficking and exploitation of immigrant workers. This novel reflects my strong views about politics and human rights that they are essential to life itself. It still blows my mind how inhumane and impersonal people can be to make money out of peoples suffering. The main plot is to chase down human-traffickers, arresting them and helping their victims to lead a safe, and valued life.
It is prevalent now to expose massive corporations for human rights issues. Lately, many fast fashion brands have been exposed for having poor working conditions, slave labour and making thousands of pounds from paying Asian workers less than £4 a day. Brands such as Topshop, Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing and Shein but this is just a few names, most chain fast-fashion brands are guilty of this inhumanity.
Blood Ties features strong and passionate characters Jack, Nic and their father Ritchie. Ritchie has a strained relationship at the beginning with his children and tries to win them back by showing compassion and showing them, they are all fighting the same fight.
Jack was my favourite character. A man who is a passionate activist and a running contender for PM in the UK. He is vocal about human rights and keeping immigrants safe as well as trying to abolish modern slavery. Jack was an inspiring man who would make a great PM in England for our beautiful multi-cultural country. Even now as we are speaking refugees are not being very warmly welcomed, which is ironic after the last few months of delusional anti-BLM claiming that ‘all lives matter,’ which apparently does not include refugees.
Peter Taylor-Gooby has previously advised the government on immigration and social policy so when he talks, we need to listen. This book almost feels like a foreshadowing of what is happening now, and what is yet to come.
It is prevalent now to expose massive corporations for human rights issues. Lately, many fast fashion brands have been exposed for having poor working conditions, slave labour and making thousands of pounds from paying Asian workers less than £4 a day. Brands such as Topshop, Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing and Shein but this is just a few names, most chain fast-fashion brands are guilty of this inhumanity.
Blood Ties features strong and passionate characters Jack, Nic and their father Ritchie. Ritchie has a strained relationship at the beginning with his children and tries to win them back by showing compassion and showing them, they are all fighting the same fight.
Jack was my favourite character. A man who is a passionate activist and a running contender for PM in the UK. He is vocal about human rights and keeping immigrants safe as well as trying to abolish modern slavery. Jack was an inspiring man who would make a great PM in England for our beautiful multi-cultural country. Even now as we are speaking refugees are not being very warmly welcomed, which is ironic after the last few months of delusional anti-BLM claiming that ‘all lives matter,’ which apparently does not include refugees.
Peter Taylor-Gooby has previously advised the government on immigration and social policy so when he talks, we need to listen. This book almost feels like a foreshadowing of what is happening now, and what is yet to come.
September 2, 2020
It was the description of this book that really pulled me in before I had even read this book and I was excited that I was going to have the chance to do so. I love books that make a social commentary and this definitely did that with aplomb. At times it was heartbreaking to read some of the parts in this book. Hidden slavery IS all around us. I refuse to go to those ‘USA nail bars and car washes’ as I don’t know the working the conditions but I bet you they aren’t great. It’s a sad state of affairs when this issue isn’t shouted about. But nah brexit brexit brexit. By not allowing genuine workers into this country you can bet that there will be a rise in people being forced into slavery in order to enable things like food to be picked in the fields, to construction and many more roles.
The family dynamic is really weird in this book as the father still feels guilty about a car crash which killed his wife. His daughter Nic is bipolar and his son John is in politics. I enjoyed (the feeling not the words) the impact from the crash from 20 years ago. The kids are very passionate about the issue of slavery and it is heartening that maybe there are some people in the world like them.
The world which is created by the legislation in this book is horrifying. Please let it never happen here but with numpties with like Boris who knows?? Basically, what is the power and strength in this book was the fact that you can see it so easily coming into fruition. I really enjoyed that it was packaged up as a thriller as it means more people might pick up the messages in this book. Yes, it’s a light read which you can fly through but it also packs a punch with its message. People need to read this book.
The family dynamic is really weird in this book as the father still feels guilty about a car crash which killed his wife. His daughter Nic is bipolar and his son John is in politics. I enjoyed (the feeling not the words) the impact from the crash from 20 years ago. The kids are very passionate about the issue of slavery and it is heartening that maybe there are some people in the world like them.
The world which is created by the legislation in this book is horrifying. Please let it never happen here but with numpties with like Boris who knows?? Basically, what is the power and strength in this book was the fact that you can see it so easily coming into fruition. I really enjoyed that it was packaged up as a thriller as it means more people might pick up the messages in this book. Yes, it’s a light read which you can fly through but it also packs a punch with its message. People need to read this book.
August 17, 2020
Peter Taylor-Gooby has invented his own special genre of socio-political thrillers; this is the third novel he has written in it. Each one deals with a particular evil produced by consumer capitalism and is set in a world which is not quite our own but is easily recognisable.
Blood Ties takes us into the nightmare world of modern slavery and develops from the story of Salma, whose application to stay in the UK as a refugee is rejected despite her case being championed by the feisty Nic Morlan, who has set up a charity to represent asylum seekers. Salma’s son is in the hands of traffickers and she is desperate to free him. Nic's father Ritchie is the first-person narrator of the novel and he fights to help his daughter’s cause and become reconciled with her after years of making a high-flying career in the advertising industry. They risk their lives in the shady underworld of brutal people-traffickers to try to expose the apparently legitimate businessman in charge of operations.
As a result, Ritchie becomes embroiled in the world of high politics and hopes to bring down the government’s leading light by associating him with a scheme to make modern slavery respectable by giving the unemployed and homeless bed and board for taking on any casual work required. But things are taken out of Ritchie’s hands, and the scheme mushrooms. The next stage planned includes the banning of trade unions and the denial of workers’ rights. The novel ends with an uprising reminiscent of the film V for Vendetta. Will it be successful?
Blood Ties is another page-turner by Taylor-Gooby with his own trademark twists and turns.
Blood Ties takes us into the nightmare world of modern slavery and develops from the story of Salma, whose application to stay in the UK as a refugee is rejected despite her case being championed by the feisty Nic Morlan, who has set up a charity to represent asylum seekers. Salma’s son is in the hands of traffickers and she is desperate to free him. Nic's father Ritchie is the first-person narrator of the novel and he fights to help his daughter’s cause and become reconciled with her after years of making a high-flying career in the advertising industry. They risk their lives in the shady underworld of brutal people-traffickers to try to expose the apparently legitimate businessman in charge of operations.
As a result, Ritchie becomes embroiled in the world of high politics and hopes to bring down the government’s leading light by associating him with a scheme to make modern slavery respectable by giving the unemployed and homeless bed and board for taking on any casual work required. But things are taken out of Ritchie’s hands, and the scheme mushrooms. The next stage planned includes the banning of trade unions and the denial of workers’ rights. The novel ends with an uprising reminiscent of the film V for Vendetta. Will it be successful?
Blood Ties is another page-turner by Taylor-Gooby with his own trademark twists and turns.
October 7, 2020
Thank you to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for the copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I enjoy thrillers but this isn't necessarily the kind of book I would pick up in a store or library, as I prefer to keep politics separate from fiction since I read to relax. I changed my preconceptions as soon as I began to read it though, as it had me riveted from start to finish. It made me wish I could read faster to find out what was going to happen next! Whilst we join the protagonist at a pivotal point in his life and are introduced to his adult children, the narration made me feel like I'd always known this family.
One of my pet peeves is when a character's past is dropped in to the narrative in a jarring way, ruining the flow and sometimes making me lose interest: 'Bob stepped into the room and looked for his sister. They hadn't spoken since the day that....' (cue lengthy entry on what had happened, by the end of which I've forgotten where Bob is and what's happening). In Blood Ties, the past was built into the story smoothly and not an eye was rolled on my part! The characters are well-developed and I especially loved the author's portrayal of Nic and her struggle with her mental health.
I'd never thought in depth about how modern slavery has crept insidiously into so many parts of society, hiding in plain sight, before starting this book. It's given me food for thought and whilst the book is fictional, it's not too much of a stretch of the imagination to believe in the events actually happening.
I'd recommend this novel to fans of John Grisham and political thrillers, or to those who enjoy fiction with a sense of "it really could happen."
I enjoy thrillers but this isn't necessarily the kind of book I would pick up in a store or library, as I prefer to keep politics separate from fiction since I read to relax. I changed my preconceptions as soon as I began to read it though, as it had me riveted from start to finish. It made me wish I could read faster to find out what was going to happen next! Whilst we join the protagonist at a pivotal point in his life and are introduced to his adult children, the narration made me feel like I'd always known this family.
One of my pet peeves is when a character's past is dropped in to the narrative in a jarring way, ruining the flow and sometimes making me lose interest: 'Bob stepped into the room and looked for his sister. They hadn't spoken since the day that....' (cue lengthy entry on what had happened, by the end of which I've forgotten where Bob is and what's happening). In Blood Ties, the past was built into the story smoothly and not an eye was rolled on my part! The characters are well-developed and I especially loved the author's portrayal of Nic and her struggle with her mental health.
I'd never thought in depth about how modern slavery has crept insidiously into so many parts of society, hiding in plain sight, before starting this book. It's given me food for thought and whilst the book is fictional, it's not too much of a stretch of the imagination to believe in the events actually happening.
I'd recommend this novel to fans of John Grisham and political thrillers, or to those who enjoy fiction with a sense of "it really could happen."
August 29, 2020
Firstly, what a brilliant storyline of the shady under-world of people trafficking and modern slavery, so very relevant and realistic in today's society.
I have to be honest when I read the synopsis I thought it would be a book I would enjoy far more than did. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. I know from the other reviews of this book I am in the minority. The story as a whole moved along at a good pace, but there were times when I found myself skimming over the slower moments in the storyline. I can't put my finger on why I didn't gel with this book as much as I thought I would. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable or unlikeable all come across as well meaning. Family tensions are interwoven into the storyline.
The subject of people trafficking is dealt with sensitively. It makes you really realise how easy it is for this to be happening right under our noses. I just wished I had fallen in love with this book more than I did.
I have to be honest when I read the synopsis I thought it would be a book I would enjoy far more than did. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. I know from the other reviews of this book I am in the minority. The story as a whole moved along at a good pace, but there were times when I found myself skimming over the slower moments in the storyline. I can't put my finger on why I didn't gel with this book as much as I thought I would. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable or unlikeable all come across as well meaning. Family tensions are interwoven into the storyline.
The subject of people trafficking is dealt with sensitively. It makes you really realise how easy it is for this to be happening right under our noses. I just wished I had fallen in love with this book more than I did.
August 28, 2020
Blood Ties is a chilling glimpse into an all too possible future. I think we can all agree that the world is in a state of flux and the political climate is somewhat volatile at the moment. Ritchie kicks off the book drawing you in immediately like you were listening to a story from a friend. Each character has a unique voice and personality, and Taylor-Gooby has done a wonderful job of bringing them to life. I feel like I could bump into any of them at the local coffee shop (if we weren't mid-pandemic). From page one you'll be drawn into a world of political intrigue, human rights, and family bonds that are tested by the circumstances Ritchie is forced into. Cannot recommend this book enough!
January 15, 2021
Thank you to love books tours, the author and publisher for this awesome book in return for my own honest review.
This book is set in the year 2022 ( 2 years from now) but it has a real feeling throughout about the climate in todays political issues.
Richie has lost his wife in a car accident and is a father to Nic and Jack. Nic is a lawyer who is helping illegal immigrants get asylum in Britain. Jack is campaigner who is trying to to gain a seat in the Houses of Parliament together the three of them help bring those who are bringing the illegals into Britain arrested and charged.
the author has done a wonderful job of telling this story, the author seems very in tune with what is happening in todays world.
This book is set in the year 2022 ( 2 years from now) but it has a real feeling throughout about the climate in todays political issues.
Richie has lost his wife in a car accident and is a father to Nic and Jack. Nic is a lawyer who is helping illegal immigrants get asylum in Britain. Jack is campaigner who is trying to to gain a seat in the Houses of Parliament together the three of them help bring those who are bringing the illegals into Britain arrested and charged.
the author has done a wonderful job of telling this story, the author seems very in tune with what is happening in todays world.
June 11, 2020
I liken this book to the early realistic fiction books of Philip K Dick. The protagonist has a screw in him, a screw up that will cost him and the people close to him to carry buried trauma into their lives. The trauma propels them into action , wise and unwise. I feel our hero is kinda in and kinda out of the life game until someone he loves put themselves at risk. Then he’s fully in the game with dangerous ideas and dangerous people. I like him a lot, and I like the quirky characters that are quirky enough to be like you and I. I like the pace and how the story builds. And like Mr. Dick, the story reveals present day exploitation in all its loathed aspects.
June 17, 2020
Peter Taylor-Gooby gives us an intense modern political thriller in Blood Ties! After the loss of his wife, Ritchie struggles to find peace in the world, including the love and acceptance of his children. This is only complicated further as his family gets wrapped up in the political plot to reintroduce forced labor in a modern world. Taylor-Gooby doesn’t pull his punches, laying out several difficult moral dilemmas for poor Ritchie and his family! It’s this focus on morality, family drama, and a great bad guy that makes Blood Ties a wonderful emotional political thriller worthy of your time!
August 14, 2020
So I'll have to be honest, when I first read the synopsis for this book, I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. There were elements of it that sounded thriller-y though so I thought I'd give it a go and people-trafficking/modern slavery is an interesting subject to read about.
But I was wrong; this book grabbed my attention straight away and was very fast-paced, and I found myself desperately wanting to read more. There were a couple of slower moments in the book where the main character was reflecting and there was a lot of focus on the relationships between characters, but overall I really enjoyed it and it gave me way more fictional insight into a world that I knew little about.
But I was wrong; this book grabbed my attention straight away and was very fast-paced, and I found myself desperately wanting to read more. There were a couple of slower moments in the book where the main character was reflecting and there was a lot of focus on the relationships between characters, but overall I really enjoyed it and it gave me way more fictional insight into a world that I knew little about.
September 14, 2020
I have to say this was a very interesting read. Set in 2022 not so far in the future. A book based on modern day slavery and exploitation. This was the first book i ave read for the author and won't be the last.
November 16, 2020
This was a very political book set in the near future in London. The political climate is not great, there are lots of protests about lack of jobs. The government is planning to solve this by banning immigration and kicking out the illegals. This book deals with very serious issues surrounding human trafficking and modern day slavery. It handles the issue well and shows how this kind of thing can hide in plain site. It also shows the frustrations of the people trying to fight both the government bills and the human traffickers to make people's lives better. It's also a story of a man trying to reconnect with his children and make up for bad decisions he has made in the past. It was an interesting story and really made you think about these important issues as well as if this would be a possibility in real life. I did struggle to follow the book sometimes and it wasn't as exciting as I was expecting but I still enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews