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Detective Brock Scanlin Files #1
Blood Alley
When Detective Brock Scanlin gets called in to investigate two brutal murders in an alley off Bourbon Street, New Orleans, he never imagined the deeper he dug, the more dangerous and complex the case would become. Just when he thinks he has the killer dead-to-rights, the case takes an unpredictable twist, leaving him with a list of whodunits, a kidnapping, and a trail of bodies. Scanlin scrambles to uncover the illusory chain of events before more victims fall prey.
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First published September 2, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 14, 2021
Detective Brock Scanlin is up to his ears in crime. He's got a double homicide to deal with, a potential serial killer on the loose, political suspects with too much power and too many friends to confront, and a daughter who comes up with a surprise that catches him flat-footed. To top it off, he tends to fall-off-the-wagon as the problems mount.
When he receives important leads and key witnesses which may allow him to crack his cases, along with the help of an FBI agent and his devoted partners, things seem to brighten as he comes closer to solving his cases. But he soon realizes none of his suspects will go down quietly and certainly not without a fight.
As the long hours take its toll and the red tape strangles his ability to open doors, Brock returns to the bottle for relief. But will his dedication to the profession of fighting crime overcome the challenges he faces?
K.D. McNiven has struck gold with this spicy novel of crime. Her characters are genuine and the snappy dialogue makes this a page-turner. I'm already looking forward to the next book with Detective Brock Scanlin fighting crime on the streets of New Orleans.
When he receives important leads and key witnesses which may allow him to crack his cases, along with the help of an FBI agent and his devoted partners, things seem to brighten as he comes closer to solving his cases. But he soon realizes none of his suspects will go down quietly and certainly not without a fight.
As the long hours take its toll and the red tape strangles his ability to open doors, Brock returns to the bottle for relief. But will his dedication to the profession of fighting crime overcome the challenges he faces?
K.D. McNiven has struck gold with this spicy novel of crime. Her characters are genuine and the snappy dialogue makes this a page-turner. I'm already looking forward to the next book with Detective Brock Scanlin fighting crime on the streets of New Orleans.
March 25, 2021
This novel is an action-packed and complex murder investigation. It has all the ingredients for a gripping story - a determined, hard-drinking lead detective bent on solving multiple murders, a stunning FBI profiler seconded to assist the New Orleans police and a potpourri of political corruption/drugs/trafficking.
What I really like about K.D.'s books is her figurative descriptions of scenes and events. For instance when Alex the FBI profiler is confronted by a horde of cockroaches, the author employs this description "( they) scampered across the room in every direction. Apparently, they knew how to have a party too, she mused." And "She tried to focus, yet everything grew blurry. Through the slits of her eyes, her gaze caught slender fingers of light glinting off a steel blade…" where K.D. is portraying an attack on Alex. The author uses another good image when she depicts the expectations of casino bosses about their workers "Whatever they heard or observed, the establishment expected their employees to keep the lid strapped down like an unopened birthday gift. She had broken the code and wondered whether anyone would discover she’d untied the gift and put the spotlight on powerful men running for office."
To lighten the book's unavoidable violence, several currents of humor run throughout the story: the wry quips from the central character, Brock, despite the threats to his daughter and grandchild along with the pleasant banter between Brock's sidekick, Brodsky, and Alex.
I enjoyed this novel very much and I look forward to reading more about Brock and his escapades.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
What I really like about K.D.'s books is her figurative descriptions of scenes and events. For instance when Alex the FBI profiler is confronted by a horde of cockroaches, the author employs this description "( they) scampered across the room in every direction. Apparently, they knew how to have a party too, she mused." And "She tried to focus, yet everything grew blurry. Through the slits of her eyes, her gaze caught slender fingers of light glinting off a steel blade…" where K.D. is portraying an attack on Alex. The author uses another good image when she depicts the expectations of casino bosses about their workers "Whatever they heard or observed, the establishment expected their employees to keep the lid strapped down like an unopened birthday gift. She had broken the code and wondered whether anyone would discover she’d untied the gift and put the spotlight on powerful men running for office."
To lighten the book's unavoidable violence, several currents of humor run throughout the story: the wry quips from the central character, Brock, despite the threats to his daughter and grandchild along with the pleasant banter between Brock's sidekick, Brodsky, and Alex.
I enjoyed this novel very much and I look forward to reading more about Brock and his escapades.
This review was written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
September 22, 2020
I have been a fan of K.D. McNiven ever since I discovered her wonderful action-adventure series featuring Decker and Callie. Within the pages of Bermuda Conspiracy, book 3 in that series, we were introduced to Brock Scanlin, a Detective with the New Orleans Police Dept. I remember thinking as I was reading that story that Detective Scanlin was worthy of starring in his own book series. Well, I got my wish with McNiven’s newest offering, Blood Alley. This is a departure from the author’s other work… and when a writer moves out of their comfort zone and tries to craft a storyline within a different genre, one can’t help but wonder if the story and characters will hold up. As a lover of mysteries and police procedurals, I went into this with a high level of curiosity. That curiosity was satisfied within the first few minutes of the first chapter. McNiven is a terrific writer and had no issues handling the twists and turns needed for a good mystery. She has put together a great whodunnit in Blood Alley, and I was soon caught up in the gritty storyline which kept me turning the pages late into the night.
As much fun as the city of N’Orleans can be with all the great restaurants, sporting events, and of course, Mardi Gras, like a lot of tourist cities with a party atmosphere, there is bound to be a dark, seedy underbelly full of prostitution, drugs, and murder. And that is what Detective Scanlin specializes in; murder and catching those who commit such vile acts.
At its core, this book is a murder mystery. But the heart of this book is found within its characters. The author has done a great job fleshing out each member of the primary cast, with more and more of their backstories emerging as you progress through the story. This gives the book the flavor of a character driven story rather than just being plot driven. That being said, McNiven has crafted an excellent plot with plenty of murder and mayhem throughout.
Scanlin is a seasoned detective who has seen it all... and it has taken a toll on him personally. His marriage fell apart years ago, he doesn’t see his daughter and grandchild as much as he would like, his health could be better, he drinks a little too much, and his diet is atrocious. All casualties from a job that takes up all his time and doesn’t let him sleep at night. The job is the only thing he is really good at, which is good for the city of New Orleans even if not for his personal life. When a young girl is found murdered in a back alley, Scanlin and his team must decide if this crime is related or somehow connected to another murdered young girl. The trail of suspects rivals the trail of bodies, with their investigation leading them down a path of immoral, foul behavior that promises to shake the city to its core.
There are enough curveballs to satisfy any mystery fan, with a turn of events toward the end that took me by surprise. I enjoyed this book very much. I certainly hope this isn’t the last we see of Detective Brock Scanlin, as I believe McNiven has put together the makings of a great new detective mystery series.
Highly recommended.
As much fun as the city of N’Orleans can be with all the great restaurants, sporting events, and of course, Mardi Gras, like a lot of tourist cities with a party atmosphere, there is bound to be a dark, seedy underbelly full of prostitution, drugs, and murder. And that is what Detective Scanlin specializes in; murder and catching those who commit such vile acts.
At its core, this book is a murder mystery. But the heart of this book is found within its characters. The author has done a great job fleshing out each member of the primary cast, with more and more of their backstories emerging as you progress through the story. This gives the book the flavor of a character driven story rather than just being plot driven. That being said, McNiven has crafted an excellent plot with plenty of murder and mayhem throughout.
Scanlin is a seasoned detective who has seen it all... and it has taken a toll on him personally. His marriage fell apart years ago, he doesn’t see his daughter and grandchild as much as he would like, his health could be better, he drinks a little too much, and his diet is atrocious. All casualties from a job that takes up all his time and doesn’t let him sleep at night. The job is the only thing he is really good at, which is good for the city of New Orleans even if not for his personal life. When a young girl is found murdered in a back alley, Scanlin and his team must decide if this crime is related or somehow connected to another murdered young girl. The trail of suspects rivals the trail of bodies, with their investigation leading them down a path of immoral, foul behavior that promises to shake the city to its core.
There are enough curveballs to satisfy any mystery fan, with a turn of events toward the end that took me by surprise. I enjoyed this book very much. I certainly hope this isn’t the last we see of Detective Brock Scanlin, as I believe McNiven has put together the makings of a great new detective mystery series.
Highly recommended.
March 26, 2021
Review of Blood Alley by K D McNiven
In her mystery novel Blood Alley, author K. D. McNiven nails the seamy, corrupt, sordid, and sleazy side of New Orleans. This is a good, solid murder story replete with all the elements of a police procedural—detectives investigate brutal crimes, study clues, profile possible perpetrators, criminals, and suspects. What also gives the book a realistic setting and flavor is the author’s use of the lingo and speech patterns to enhance the narrative. New Orleans Police Detective Brock Scanlin, first and foremost, heads a cast of memorable and rounded characters the reader follows willingly throughout the fast-paced novel and which make the story interesting and compelling.
In her mystery novel Blood Alley, author K. D. McNiven nails the seamy, corrupt, sordid, and sleazy side of New Orleans. This is a good, solid murder story replete with all the elements of a police procedural—detectives investigate brutal crimes, study clues, profile possible perpetrators, criminals, and suspects. What also gives the book a realistic setting and flavor is the author’s use of the lingo and speech patterns to enhance the narrative. New Orleans Police Detective Brock Scanlin, first and foremost, heads a cast of memorable and rounded characters the reader follows willingly throughout the fast-paced novel and which make the story interesting and compelling.
December 4, 2023
Homicide Detective Brock Scanlin's wife divorced him and later died, now his only child is a widow with a child and has just started as patrolman with the NOPD. Now. Now that there is evidence that there is the possibility that there is a serial killer loose in the Big Easy. So he calls for a behavioral specialist from the FBI and that surely puts the cat among the pigeons. But suspects are being murdered--even one in jail! Excellent read with great characters, diabolical twists, and truly inventive diversions.
September 6, 2020
Starting a new series by Author K.D. McNiven!
Brock Scanlin is back!
Good news readers. New Orleans Police Detective Brock Scanlin made a memorable appearance in Bermuda Conspiracy by Author McNiven. Brock caught my imagination as the older cop, somewhat jaded and cynical, trying to hide his heart. He was so popular he is now the lead character in this new series, set in New Orleans. (And he looks great on the cover!)
New Orleans oozes its own secret vibe and Det. Scanlin knows his city all too well. As part of the NOPD, he needs lots of coffee to function, and although he tries to hide it, he needs someone to care about, too. The crime, the murders, the victims- each one has added to the callus on his soul. In Blood Alley, he is confronted by evil so revolting and unfathomable that it almost breaks him.
The crimes and their solutions make for an exciting and “must keep reading” book. Murder, poisoning and a terrible crime are all well presented. I don’t want to reveal any of the specifics- I want you to savor them. Instead, as this is a character-driven book filled with fascinating characters, let’s look at them.
Detective Scanlin is more of an old school cop. Yes, he knows about DNA evidence, but he’s the guy who interviews all the witness and follows up on all the details. He’s brave and caring, but he also has weaknesses and darkness within him. He loves his adult daughter Kari, and her daughter, Nikki. Kari is the kind of daughter who invites him over to family meals, so she can get some “greens” into him. Turns out, she has a big surprise for him.
We meet some of the police force. Det. Brodsky is Brock’s partner- a bit more modern, but just as dedicated as Brock. Special FBI Agent and profiler Alex Foret is another surprise in the book, and a pleasant one for Det. Brodsky. And will we be seeing more of police administrator Wanda ‘Bright Spot’ Garber? Det. Scanlin like his beignets but I suspect he likes Wanda, too.
This crime thriller features exciting police work, excellent characters, and wonderful writing. You will see, hear and feel “The Big Easy.” I highlighted so many descriptions. Here is one, “Branches draped over the homes like arms of the past wrapped around them.”
Blood Alley is a well-paced and well-written book and an enticing introduction to what I hope will be a long series. Yes, it’s called Blood Alley and horrible crimes are committed but the descriptions are not gory. Thanks to the author for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Brock Scanlin is back!
Good news readers. New Orleans Police Detective Brock Scanlin made a memorable appearance in Bermuda Conspiracy by Author McNiven. Brock caught my imagination as the older cop, somewhat jaded and cynical, trying to hide his heart. He was so popular he is now the lead character in this new series, set in New Orleans. (And he looks great on the cover!)
New Orleans oozes its own secret vibe and Det. Scanlin knows his city all too well. As part of the NOPD, he needs lots of coffee to function, and although he tries to hide it, he needs someone to care about, too. The crime, the murders, the victims- each one has added to the callus on his soul. In Blood Alley, he is confronted by evil so revolting and unfathomable that it almost breaks him.
The crimes and their solutions make for an exciting and “must keep reading” book. Murder, poisoning and a terrible crime are all well presented. I don’t want to reveal any of the specifics- I want you to savor them. Instead, as this is a character-driven book filled with fascinating characters, let’s look at them.
Detective Scanlin is more of an old school cop. Yes, he knows about DNA evidence, but he’s the guy who interviews all the witness and follows up on all the details. He’s brave and caring, but he also has weaknesses and darkness within him. He loves his adult daughter Kari, and her daughter, Nikki. Kari is the kind of daughter who invites him over to family meals, so she can get some “greens” into him. Turns out, she has a big surprise for him.
We meet some of the police force. Det. Brodsky is Brock’s partner- a bit more modern, but just as dedicated as Brock. Special FBI Agent and profiler Alex Foret is another surprise in the book, and a pleasant one for Det. Brodsky. And will we be seeing more of police administrator Wanda ‘Bright Spot’ Garber? Det. Scanlin like his beignets but I suspect he likes Wanda, too.
This crime thriller features exciting police work, excellent characters, and wonderful writing. You will see, hear and feel “The Big Easy.” I highlighted so many descriptions. Here is one, “Branches draped over the homes like arms of the past wrapped around them.”
Blood Alley is a well-paced and well-written book and an enticing introduction to what I hope will be a long series. Yes, it’s called Blood Alley and horrible crimes are committed but the descriptions are not gory. Thanks to the author for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
September 13, 2020
KD McNiven writes large, about people, in bright colours, a style that has worked well in a number of warm weather thrillers. I wouldn’t have thought her approach would work for a gritty New Orleans police procedural about murdered prostitutes, poisoners and corruption. And I would have been wrong. In fact her style, personified in cop protagonist Brock Scanlin, humanizes everyone. The victims have mothers. He has a daughter and granddaughter he loves. Sure, he’s tough and smart but he’s also as relatable a detective as I have seen in a long time. The story flows beautifully. Loved this book; highly recommended with a coffee and fresh beignet.
December 15, 2021
Put the words murder and thriller together, and you have a perfect summary of BLOOD ALLEY. The descriptions of characters, locales and police procedures are spot on. Combined, they give the reader an exciting, close up and personal, intense experience of what’s happening throughout the story.
I felt like I got to know Detective Brock Scanlin, his dedication, his exhaustion, and how he gave his investigation everything he had to give. The toll on his health and relationships was portrayed in a way that made me appreciate what it must take to be a really good detective.
Many of the other characters were also well developed and added to the dramatic impact the story delivers. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you turning pages, a thriller that puts you into the middle of tense, action scenes, a thriller with lots of twists and turns, then read BLOOD ALLEY! Highly recommended.
I felt like I got to know Detective Brock Scanlin, his dedication, his exhaustion, and how he gave his investigation everything he had to give. The toll on his health and relationships was portrayed in a way that made me appreciate what it must take to be a really good detective.
Many of the other characters were also well developed and added to the dramatic impact the story delivers. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you turning pages, a thriller that puts you into the middle of tense, action scenes, a thriller with lots of twists and turns, then read BLOOD ALLEY! Highly recommended.
December 31, 2021
K.D. McNiven presents us with a fast-paced novel that keeps the pages turning. Who is responsible for the deaths of two underage women on the streets of New Orleans? Where the evidence points is not necessarily the solution to the murders. Or is it? The plot thickens into a gumbo stew of mayhem as more murders are added to the list veteran NOPD detective Brock Scanlin must solve. And then when his own daughter becomes a target for the killer - or killers? - Scanlin and his team must race against time to save her.
The plot that involves the underbelly of New Orleans and the lives of the law enforcement officers who have to deal with it on a daily basis is compelling and the characters are well-drawn. If you want an action-packed crime/mystery novel, this one's for you.
The plot that involves the underbelly of New Orleans and the lives of the law enforcement officers who have to deal with it on a daily basis is compelling and the characters are well-drawn. If you want an action-packed crime/mystery novel, this one's for you.
August 23, 2021
I love police procedural novels, and New Orleans is a great setting for this type of novel.
The main character, Detective Scanlin uses old school police work to unravel the crime.
He's good at what he does, and doesn't apologize for his character flaws.
The case hits close to home and he and his team do what it takes to solve it. With his first priority keeping his family safe.
I enjoyed the plot twists, and the cast of characters.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the Detective Brock Scanlin Files.
Well done, KD McNiven.
The main character, Detective Scanlin uses old school police work to unravel the crime.
He's good at what he does, and doesn't apologize for his character flaws.
The case hits close to home and he and his team do what it takes to solve it. With his first priority keeping his family safe.
I enjoyed the plot twists, and the cast of characters.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the Detective Brock Scanlin Files.
Well done, KD McNiven.
January 15, 2023
My five-star review of Blood Alley by K.D. McNiven
Author McNiven's novel Blood Alley is an exciting, action-packed police thriller. Set in New Orleans, the story begins with a second murder victim of an underage prostitute. Chief Detective Brock Scanlin, Detective Brodsky, beautiful FBI profiler Alex Foret, and police cadet Kari Striker (Brock Scanlin's daughter) are all involved in the investigation. However, the real threat of a possible serial killer has the whole city on edge. Desperate to find the killer before more murders. The story is very well written. You feel the pressure detective Scanlin is under. You feel the fear as body counts begin to climb as each murder takes the investigation in different directions. The characters are likable, and you will root for them as each faces danger lurking everywhere. With author McNiven's writing style, you will feel like you are riding along with them as they crisscross New Orleans city streets, gritty bars, and crime scenes. With more than enough action and plot twists, this crime thriller is a page-turner from the get-go! I highly recommend it to any crime thrillers readers! I just ordered Blood Pool, book 2 of this exciting series… I think you will too.
Author McNiven's novel Blood Alley is an exciting, action-packed police thriller. Set in New Orleans, the story begins with a second murder victim of an underage prostitute. Chief Detective Brock Scanlin, Detective Brodsky, beautiful FBI profiler Alex Foret, and police cadet Kari Striker (Brock Scanlin's daughter) are all involved in the investigation. However, the real threat of a possible serial killer has the whole city on edge. Desperate to find the killer before more murders. The story is very well written. You feel the pressure detective Scanlin is under. You feel the fear as body counts begin to climb as each murder takes the investigation in different directions. The characters are likable, and you will root for them as each faces danger lurking everywhere. With author McNiven's writing style, you will feel like you are riding along with them as they crisscross New Orleans city streets, gritty bars, and crime scenes. With more than enough action and plot twists, this crime thriller is a page-turner from the get-go! I highly recommend it to any crime thrillers readers! I just ordered Blood Pool, book 2 of this exciting series… I think you will too.
October 5, 2020
Blood Ally
I loved this book. I have read all of Ms McNiven’s book and this is by far my most favourite because I love crime novels. What I appreciate most about this book besides all the characters is the lack of swear words and gratuitous sex which are found in many other crime novels. Thank you for this small mercy Ms McNiven. I fell quickly in love with the characters and I look forward to the second novel in this series. This was a page turner.
I loved this book. I have read all of Ms McNiven’s book and this is by far my most favourite because I love crime novels. What I appreciate most about this book besides all the characters is the lack of swear words and gratuitous sex which are found in many other crime novels. Thank you for this small mercy Ms McNiven. I fell quickly in love with the characters and I look forward to the second novel in this series. This was a page turner.
Read
September 4, 2024“Blood Alley” by K.D. McNiven, is a gritty crime drama that follows Det. Brock Scanlin in the investigation of a killer targeting young prostitutes in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Brock gets a shock when he finds his daughter, Kari, has applied to the NOPD without his knowledge, and she soon becomes involved in the murder investigation. This is a well-paced and twisty story; a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals!
January 23, 2022
Believable characters, Breakneck Plot
Blood Alley will keep mystery and police procedural fans guessing until the very end. The non-stop plot twists and mounting deaths make for a real page turner. The characters are engaging and relatable from the start and the city of New Orleans comes to life thanks to author K.D. McNiven’s vibrant descriptions. You’ll feel like you’re walking in the characters shoes taking in the sights, smells, sounds…I could taste the beignets.
The death of a prostitute opens the story but a series of other deaths make the case a tough one to solve for Scanlin and his team, including an FBI Agent brought in to hunt down a killer. How are all of these people connected? That’s the question this top-notch team need to answer to connect the dots to the murderer. Prostitutes and drug dealers often go hand and hand but politicians and ordinary people, not so much. The slow reveals and intricate plot make for a compelling read.
You don’t wanna miss this one! Add it to your reading list today.
Blood Alley will keep mystery and police procedural fans guessing until the very end. The non-stop plot twists and mounting deaths make for a real page turner. The characters are engaging and relatable from the start and the city of New Orleans comes to life thanks to author K.D. McNiven’s vibrant descriptions. You’ll feel like you’re walking in the characters shoes taking in the sights, smells, sounds…I could taste the beignets.
The death of a prostitute opens the story but a series of other deaths make the case a tough one to solve for Scanlin and his team, including an FBI Agent brought in to hunt down a killer. How are all of these people connected? That’s the question this top-notch team need to answer to connect the dots to the murderer. Prostitutes and drug dealers often go hand and hand but politicians and ordinary people, not so much. The slow reveals and intricate plot make for a compelling read.
You don’t wanna miss this one! Add it to your reading list today.
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