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Gary Blood #1
Blanket of Blood
"Disturbing and fast paced, this book began to appeal to me from page one... if you are a fan of this genre you'll love this well thought out and well-crafted plot line. I hope to read more of DI Blood in the future." Anita Waller, author of best-selling thriller Beautiful
"Full of twists and turns this gripping, gruesome thriller does not disappoint. Blanket of Blood is one you won't want to miss." Betsy Reavley, author of the best-selling thrillers Carrion and The Quiet Ones
Book description;
The gripping first novel in an explosive new crime series.
The body of a baby is found in the woods. But all is not as it seems…
A twisted serial killer is targeting young, pregnant girls.
Senior Investigating Officer, D.I. Gary Blood, must use all his powers of deduction to bring to justice the most sadistic murderer his force has ever seen. A killer unlike any he has hunted before. But Blood has problems of his own. Can he stop his private life interfering with the case?
To find the killer Blood needs to understand the motive. But this is a place full of secrets, where dark pasts lie buried.
Will Blood catch The Crotchet Hook killer before it’s too late?
The truth is closer than you think.
Blanket of Blood is the first book in a series of Gary Blood crime novels.
Blanket of Blood is a fast-paced serial killer thriller which will have you gripped from page 1. If you are a fan of authors like Mark Billingham, Adam Croft, Helen Durrant or Angela Marsons, you'll love Blanket of Blood.
"Full of twists and turns this gripping, gruesome thriller does not disappoint. Blanket of Blood is one you won't want to miss." Betsy Reavley, author of the best-selling thrillers Carrion and The Quiet Ones
Book description;
The gripping first novel in an explosive new crime series.
The body of a baby is found in the woods. But all is not as it seems…
A twisted serial killer is targeting young, pregnant girls.
Senior Investigating Officer, D.I. Gary Blood, must use all his powers of deduction to bring to justice the most sadistic murderer his force has ever seen. A killer unlike any he has hunted before. But Blood has problems of his own. Can he stop his private life interfering with the case?
To find the killer Blood needs to understand the motive. But this is a place full of secrets, where dark pasts lie buried.
Will Blood catch The Crotchet Hook killer before it’s too late?
The truth is closer than you think.
Blanket of Blood is the first book in a series of Gary Blood crime novels.
Blanket of Blood is a fast-paced serial killer thriller which will have you gripped from page 1. If you are a fan of authors like Mark Billingham, Adam Croft, Helen Durrant or Angela Marsons, you'll love Blanket of Blood.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2016
45 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 18, 2019
A maniacal killer is targeting not only young women, but those who are pregnant. The women are later found dead, no baby is seen. The killer leaves written messages in their throats ...and a crochet hook embedded in their body.
Motive? Blood has no idea but he's determined to find out. His belief is find the motive, then he can identify the killer.
He and his team do find some suspects .. but it's not what Blood could ever have imagined. The truth is closer than he thinks.
DI Gary Blood is a unique character. His daughter has become a man and Blood is really having trouble accepting this. He's been in love with his ex-sister in law for ages. When his brother makes a huge admission, will this pave the way for romance? Because he hasn't been able to make this woman his own, he's become somewhat of a serial lover. His team is secondary and not a lot is learned about them in a personal sense.
This is a riveting first novel in an explosive crime series. It features a lot of old-fashioned investigating .. a lot of questioning family, friends, colleagues .... much time spent on door-knocking looking for witnesses. But they are also modern in that they have access to DNA and Crime Scene Investigators. It's a real page turner with a surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the digital copy of this exciting new crime series. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Motive? Blood has no idea but he's determined to find out. His belief is find the motive, then he can identify the killer.
He and his team do find some suspects .. but it's not what Blood could ever have imagined. The truth is closer than he thinks.
DI Gary Blood is a unique character. His daughter has become a man and Blood is really having trouble accepting this. He's been in love with his ex-sister in law for ages. When his brother makes a huge admission, will this pave the way for romance? Because he hasn't been able to make this woman his own, he's become somewhat of a serial lover. His team is secondary and not a lot is learned about them in a personal sense.
This is a riveting first novel in an explosive crime series. It features a lot of old-fashioned investigating .. a lot of questioning family, friends, colleagues .... much time spent on door-knocking looking for witnesses. But they are also modern in that they have access to DNA and Crime Scene Investigators. It's a real page turner with a surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group for the digital copy of this exciting new crime series. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 7, 2019
BLANKET OF BLOOD is the first in the Gary Blood Crime Thriller Series, by author Eileen F Wharton. The sequel, “Blood is Thicker” will be featured in March.
This is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted as it's very graphic in parts, but I didn’t feel it was over the top.
A twisted serial killer is targeting pregnant teenage girls, who are soon found dead.
Senior Investigating Officer, D.I. Gary Blood, is investigating the death of a premature baby found in the woods. But Gary has enough of his own baggage, that he must focus on capturing a sadistic killer, before his private life interferes with this case.
DI Gary Blood makes for an interesting flawed protagonist in this story. His daughter or should I say son is a transgender who requests to be called Lewis and not Lucy. This situation has caused a lot of pain and suffering for Blood, and he is having difficulty accepting it. Blood has also been in love with his sister-in-law, Sue for years. What a mess…and a team to run and give direction too, in the interim!
But what is the motive for these brutal attacks? Blood must dig deeper to uncover the truths.
The killer has been named “The Crochet Hook Killer”, because he leaves a crochet hook in the victim’s body, and writes messages on their throats.
Will Blood catch The Crochet Hook Killer before it's too late?
This is a promising debut crime series. Lots of action, and investigative procedures and DNA to uncover the truth, with a surprise ending.
Many thanks to the author and the TBC Reviewer Request Group for my digital copy.
This is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted as it's very graphic in parts, but I didn’t feel it was over the top.
A twisted serial killer is targeting pregnant teenage girls, who are soon found dead.
Senior Investigating Officer, D.I. Gary Blood, is investigating the death of a premature baby found in the woods. But Gary has enough of his own baggage, that he must focus on capturing a sadistic killer, before his private life interferes with this case.
DI Gary Blood makes for an interesting flawed protagonist in this story. His daughter or should I say son is a transgender who requests to be called Lewis and not Lucy. This situation has caused a lot of pain and suffering for Blood, and he is having difficulty accepting it. Blood has also been in love with his sister-in-law, Sue for years. What a mess…and a team to run and give direction too, in the interim!
But what is the motive for these brutal attacks? Blood must dig deeper to uncover the truths.
The killer has been named “The Crochet Hook Killer”, because he leaves a crochet hook in the victim’s body, and writes messages on their throats.
Will Blood catch The Crochet Hook Killer before it's too late?
This is a promising debut crime series. Lots of action, and investigative procedures and DNA to uncover the truth, with a surprise ending.
Many thanks to the author and the TBC Reviewer Request Group for my digital copy.
October 30, 2019
Not often you can get LOL bellyaching humour alongside a horrifying set of murders that make you blanche but in this book you do
In a writing style like no other the author tells a tale of a pure evil psychopath who will stop at nothing, no degrading act is out of bounds to fulfil their needs yet within the same story bring to life rich, colourful characters that you relate to and want to friend request!
Its hard to describe how well it works but work it really does and its a pleasure to read it
I loved Gary Blood, one of my fav police characters ever read, feisty and full of it but a man trying to come to terms with his daughters change of gender and also seeing the woman he loves with another man whilst his psychotic ex wife tries all she can to bed him again
All the characters are multi dimensional and have lots going on BUT not confusingly so
I love the easy flow language used and the almost ‘ on the phone telling you the story’ style the author has
Mind you, this is no cozy cuddle
up drama and the crimes are grim, despicable and horrific and the killer evilly insane!
A full on finish that had me wanting Book 2 asap to see what crimes Blood investigates next and how all the characters I met are doing
Fab
10/10
5 Stars
September 5, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
Blanket of Blood is the first book in a hard-hitting new crime fiction series featuring a new detective DI Gary Blood. Blood is on the case of a serial killer who is targeting young pregnant girls and leaving them with a message written at their throats and a crochet hook embedded in their body. The babies are missing and the case starts after finding a dead baby. Blood and his team are working against the clock to find out how the cases connect and unearthing and capturing this sick killer.
This book is definitely not for the faint hearted and was very gruesome at times. This was certainly a book that keeps you guessing until the very end and is a great series starter for a very promising new crime fiction series. I enjoyed Bloods character and found his very down to earth. He has issues like most of us that play a risk at times to his career but have so far been kept in check. I can't wait to read more from this promising new series!
Blanket of Blood is the first book in a hard-hitting new crime fiction series featuring a new detective DI Gary Blood. Blood is on the case of a serial killer who is targeting young pregnant girls and leaving them with a message written at their throats and a crochet hook embedded in their body. The babies are missing and the case starts after finding a dead baby. Blood and his team are working against the clock to find out how the cases connect and unearthing and capturing this sick killer.
This book is definitely not for the faint hearted and was very gruesome at times. This was certainly a book that keeps you guessing until the very end and is a great series starter for a very promising new crime fiction series. I enjoyed Bloods character and found his very down to earth. He has issues like most of us that play a risk at times to his career but have so far been kept in check. I can't wait to read more from this promising new series!
May 29, 2017
A non-stop graphic crime page turner! Full review to come!
April 1, 2016
Blanket of Blood is a great start to what looks set to be a very promising new crime series.
Gary Blood comes across as being a very down to earth character. He has some issues in his personal life, which at times are at risk of overtaking his working life but otherwise than that he seems very grounded.
The case that Blood finds himself working on really isn’t for the faint hearted. A dead baby is only the start of the horrendous finds that the public and police start discovering. Blood and his team have their work cut out trying to work out what connects all the victims.
Blanket of Blood had me guessing right until the end who was behind the horrific killings. I had absolutely no idea of who it was. Usually I will have a couple of suspects in my mind but with this one, I really had no clue.
The characters very much came to life for me through the authors writing. They were extremely realistic and made the whole story seem very real.
The story starts off steady and picks up speed towards the end. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the killer to be revealed to me. The ending certainly doesn’t disappoint and left me very much looking forward to reading more about Blood and his team.
Gary Blood comes across as being a very down to earth character. He has some issues in his personal life, which at times are at risk of overtaking his working life but otherwise than that he seems very grounded.
The case that Blood finds himself working on really isn’t for the faint hearted. A dead baby is only the start of the horrendous finds that the public and police start discovering. Blood and his team have their work cut out trying to work out what connects all the victims.
Blanket of Blood had me guessing right until the end who was behind the horrific killings. I had absolutely no idea of who it was. Usually I will have a couple of suspects in my mind but with this one, I really had no clue.
The characters very much came to life for me through the authors writing. They were extremely realistic and made the whole story seem very real.
The story starts off steady and picks up speed towards the end. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the killer to be revealed to me. The ending certainly doesn’t disappoint and left me very much looking forward to reading more about Blood and his team.
August 4, 2016
If you like your crime thrillers to contain a police detective with a troubled personal life, a very sick and twisted serial killer and some of the most revolting and vile characters imaginable then this is the book for you! Blanket of Blood is a fast paced thriller with so many characters and back stories it does get a little confusing in places. There were some brilliant flashes of the authors humour and I did laugh out loud in several places. 3.5 stars for this debut crime novel
April 20, 2018
This is a new author to me and the first in a series of crime thrillers. It is very fast paced with lots of action and lots of innuendos and crude banter and camaraderie within the team which made it seem more realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will certainly be looking out for the next in the series.
April 3, 2016
I was given this book from Fred Freeman of Bloodhound Books in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book. The opening reminded me of cross between “Ted Bundy meets Buffalo Bill” (Real life serial killer coupled with the serial killer from Silence of the Lambs for those of you who may not be familiar!) so my interest was immediately piqued! I was also curious as to how the book would be as this is the author’s first work in the crime fiction genre and with this being my absolute favourite genre, I tend to be a bit more critical. #MyBad
Although I was not doing a beta read, I had a few suggestions which I fed back through Fred and which appear to have been taken on board in the final version. I really think it has made a difference to how the story reads. Me being a bit of a cover snob…well, I have to say…I LOVE the cover of this book! I think it gives a real feel for the story and is very eye catching!
So about this book then! This was a fairly fast paced story. The plot was interesting and kept me hooked, although the sub plots, were probably not as strong or pertinent in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong — they were interesting, I just don’t think they were as well developed, so at times I did find myself questioning their relevance. In some ways, they played a key role in the characters background stories, but could overwhelm the reader (ok,yes me…again). The build up of the main events were, however, ordered in such a way that it was easy to follow with the reader being drip fed information with enough unrelated clues to throw those amateur detectives (yes..me!) off the track!
A few themes ran through out the story-line – the main one being revenge for a past wrong. But there also was loss, trauma and childhood abuse to name a few. I felt the style of writing from both the first POV (the killer) and third point of view was well executed. At times it had felt slightly disjointed, but not enough to confuse the reader ~ I can get easily confused!
The characters were indeed the main pull for me. Three stood out for me for various reasons, though all had some relevance which kept me hooked. I have only just realised that I seem to have a real “thing” for characters. If I feel detached from them, I tend to feel detached from the whole story itself. Fortunately that was not the case for most of the characters in this book!
Gary Blood, the protagonist, I had a definite connection with. Despite his flaws, he was a very likeable character as the main DI. With the classic “bad boy” qualities ~ drinker, sleeps around, you know the score~ he was also passionate, dedicated to the job, haunted, and on the hunt for justice. A great balance. Sue Herron on the other hand, I felt less connected with. I liked her character, she was strong-willed, determined and in search of answers to her past but I think because it jumped a bit in relation to her sub story…well, I managed to easily lose interest. I am guessing that as this is a series, we will learn more about Sue and perhaps my feelings will change. The Killer ~ now this was a character that intrigued me. The back story was key and I found myself questioning everything about who she/he could be. I must admit, I did figure out who the killler was eventually, but it took some doing!!
So would I recommend this author and this series to my felllow CrimeBookJunkies? Hell yeah I would! I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop and what new case Gary Blood will find himself embroiled in, in the future. Hats off to Ms Wharton for a great entrance into the crime genre!
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I started this book. The opening reminded me of cross between “Ted Bundy meets Buffalo Bill” (Real life serial killer coupled with the serial killer from Silence of the Lambs for those of you who may not be familiar!) so my interest was immediately piqued! I was also curious as to how the book would be as this is the author’s first work in the crime fiction genre and with this being my absolute favourite genre, I tend to be a bit more critical. #MyBad
Although I was not doing a beta read, I had a few suggestions which I fed back through Fred and which appear to have been taken on board in the final version. I really think it has made a difference to how the story reads. Me being a bit of a cover snob…well, I have to say…I LOVE the cover of this book! I think it gives a real feel for the story and is very eye catching!
So about this book then! This was a fairly fast paced story. The plot was interesting and kept me hooked, although the sub plots, were probably not as strong or pertinent in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong — they were interesting, I just don’t think they were as well developed, so at times I did find myself questioning their relevance. In some ways, they played a key role in the characters background stories, but could overwhelm the reader (ok,yes me…again). The build up of the main events were, however, ordered in such a way that it was easy to follow with the reader being drip fed information with enough unrelated clues to throw those amateur detectives (yes..me!) off the track!
A few themes ran through out the story-line – the main one being revenge for a past wrong. But there also was loss, trauma and childhood abuse to name a few. I felt the style of writing from both the first POV (the killer) and third point of view was well executed. At times it had felt slightly disjointed, but not enough to confuse the reader ~ I can get easily confused!
The characters were indeed the main pull for me. Three stood out for me for various reasons, though all had some relevance which kept me hooked. I have only just realised that I seem to have a real “thing” for characters. If I feel detached from them, I tend to feel detached from the whole story itself. Fortunately that was not the case for most of the characters in this book!
Gary Blood, the protagonist, I had a definite connection with. Despite his flaws, he was a very likeable character as the main DI. With the classic “bad boy” qualities ~ drinker, sleeps around, you know the score~ he was also passionate, dedicated to the job, haunted, and on the hunt for justice. A great balance. Sue Herron on the other hand, I felt less connected with. I liked her character, she was strong-willed, determined and in search of answers to her past but I think because it jumped a bit in relation to her sub story…well, I managed to easily lose interest. I am guessing that as this is a series, we will learn more about Sue and perhaps my feelings will change. The Killer ~ now this was a character that intrigued me. The back story was key and I found myself questioning everything about who she/he could be. I must admit, I did figure out who the killler was eventually, but it took some doing!!
So would I recommend this author and this series to my felllow CrimeBookJunkies? Hell yeah I would! I am looking forward to seeing how the characters develop and what new case Gary Blood will find himself embroiled in, in the future. Hats off to Ms Wharton for a great entrance into the crime genre!
July 10, 2017
I bought this after seeing so many recommendations and I'm so pleased I did.
This is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted as it's very graphic in parts, which I personally love.
Ms Wharton must have done a lot of research to know so much about the preservation of bodies.
It wasn't all doom and gloom. A couple of phrases set me off giggling particularly "ears like open doors on a panda car".
I had no idea who the killer was and the reveal was a real OMG moment!
I hope there are going to be many more books featuring DI Gary Blood.
This is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted as it's very graphic in parts, which I personally love.
Ms Wharton must have done a lot of research to know so much about the preservation of bodies.
It wasn't all doom and gloom. A couple of phrases set me off giggling particularly "ears like open doors on a panda car".
I had no idea who the killer was and the reveal was a real OMG moment!
I hope there are going to be many more books featuring DI Gary Blood.
April 16, 2016
Actual rating 4-4.4/5
There is a lot packed into Blanket of Blood. I had only read a quarter of the book and I felt I should be further into the book but little did I know there was plenty in store!!
I really liked DI Blood; as with most fictional police officers, he's got baggage but this baggage is human form. An ex-wife who won't take no for an answer, a grown up child whose life choices Blood needs to come to terms with. And then there are the bodies that start appearing....
I had picked my suspect quite early in the book but as the story went on, I began to doubt myself and at points I questioned the gender of the nasty piece of work Blood and the team were tracking. But as with all good crime thrillers, there are plenty of red herrings to lead you up the garden path and confuse you!
I had to smirk at the acronym used for the Centre of Beginnings...CoB. To me, a cob is a bread roll, barm cake, bap...each area of the UK has a different name for it and for me a cob is it. A mild amusement in a dark murder story.
Considering this is the first crime novel by Eileen Wharton I am really impressed! I was kept guessing all the way through and I even re-read the unveiling of the killer to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm yet to read the author's previous literary offering "Shit Happens" which (from what I understand) is a totally different genre but I will be reading it and the future investigations that Blood is involved in.
A massive thank you to Fred Freeman at Bloodhound Books and Crimebookjunkie Book Blog for giving me a copy of Blanket of Blood in return for my unbiased review.
There is a lot packed into Blanket of Blood. I had only read a quarter of the book and I felt I should be further into the book but little did I know there was plenty in store!!
I really liked DI Blood; as with most fictional police officers, he's got baggage but this baggage is human form. An ex-wife who won't take no for an answer, a grown up child whose life choices Blood needs to come to terms with. And then there are the bodies that start appearing....
I had picked my suspect quite early in the book but as the story went on, I began to doubt myself and at points I questioned the gender of the nasty piece of work Blood and the team were tracking. But as with all good crime thrillers, there are plenty of red herrings to lead you up the garden path and confuse you!
I had to smirk at the acronym used for the Centre of Beginnings...CoB. To me, a cob is a bread roll, barm cake, bap...each area of the UK has a different name for it and for me a cob is it. A mild amusement in a dark murder story.
Considering this is the first crime novel by Eileen Wharton I am really impressed! I was kept guessing all the way through and I even re-read the unveiling of the killer to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm yet to read the author's previous literary offering "Shit Happens" which (from what I understand) is a totally different genre but I will be reading it and the future investigations that Blood is involved in.
A massive thank you to Fred Freeman at Bloodhound Books and Crimebookjunkie Book Blog for giving me a copy of Blanket of Blood in return for my unbiased review.
April 13, 2016
Blanket of Blood- Eileen Wharton 5* (UK crime)
A real page turner!!
DI Blood has his own problems as well as those found at work. His dysfunctional family life won’t leave him alone and now he is investigating missing teenage girls and the bodies of two babies. Plasticisation make this case even stranger (yes I had to look it up as well!). Several times through the book I thought I knew who the killer was but even by halfway knew I was wrong and hadn’t a clue!
This is a fairly fast paced book which I loved. There are a number of characters both investigators and victims’ families and some of their words of conversation are written phonetically to get across how they are speaking. This gives depth of character and you can almost hear them speaking. Many have their own problems, no respect for the police and are withholding information through ignorance which I am sure possibly happens in the real world (?).
This is one of those tales that has twists, intermingled pages from the killer about his thoughts and past history and there is such an excellent plot in this to give many best sellers a run for their money. I don’t like gore or horror and although there are some descriptions of what the killer had done, this was done in a non- shocking manner to the reader.
(One small point- at one stage someone throws away an umbrella. A few sentences later “she shook the umbrella and put it down in the hallway”??? Call me hawk-eye?)
A very well written and enjoyable book- highly recommended.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
A real page turner!!
DI Blood has his own problems as well as those found at work. His dysfunctional family life won’t leave him alone and now he is investigating missing teenage girls and the bodies of two babies. Plasticisation make this case even stranger (yes I had to look it up as well!). Several times through the book I thought I knew who the killer was but even by halfway knew I was wrong and hadn’t a clue!
This is a fairly fast paced book which I loved. There are a number of characters both investigators and victims’ families and some of their words of conversation are written phonetically to get across how they are speaking. This gives depth of character and you can almost hear them speaking. Many have their own problems, no respect for the police and are withholding information through ignorance which I am sure possibly happens in the real world (?).
This is one of those tales that has twists, intermingled pages from the killer about his thoughts and past history and there is such an excellent plot in this to give many best sellers a run for their money. I don’t like gore or horror and although there are some descriptions of what the killer had done, this was done in a non- shocking manner to the reader.
(One small point- at one stage someone throws away an umbrella. A few sentences later “she shook the umbrella and put it down in the hallway”??? Call me hawk-eye?)
A very well written and enjoyable book- highly recommended.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
October 4, 2016
Sometimes you download a book and leave reading it for a while, this is one of those books. I wish I had read it earlier.
It is extremely gritty, disturbing, and brilliant.
Sue, was one of my favourite characters and really felt for her back story.
Blood is a likeable rouge with a mix bag of emotions towards him.
The story itself is clever, multi layered with so much going on. I was trying to pace myself reading it, but found I had to read just one more chapter. A true page turner of a book.
I am hoping the next in the series isn't too long in coming out, and we get to see more of Sue and Blood, with the team. Their interactions are perfection and personally, I love a gritty crime book with humour and sarcasm.
It is extremely gritty, disturbing, and brilliant.
Sue, was one of my favourite characters and really felt for her back story.
Blood is a likeable rouge with a mix bag of emotions towards him.
The story itself is clever, multi layered with so much going on. I was trying to pace myself reading it, but found I had to read just one more chapter. A true page turner of a book.
I am hoping the next in the series isn't too long in coming out, and we get to see more of Sue and Blood, with the team. Their interactions are perfection and personally, I love a gritty crime book with humour and sarcasm.
April 1, 2016
Was given this novel as a review copy by the author. A terrifyingly dark, stunning read that had me checking under the bed before sleeping. Love DI Blood's character and found him likable and engaging - his personal issues throughout the novel are portrayed well, especially the issues of a parent with a transgender child - I felt these were covered very well by the author and loved Lucy's interaction with Blood. The overall plot is fantastic - deliciously dark and creepy - I loved it and can't wait for the sequel. This author reminds me a little of Mo Hayder with the darkness surrounding the murders and how the plot interweaves.
April 11, 2016
Another fantastic ARC, received in exchange for an Honest review, this is very gruesome and definitely appeals to my Inner science nerd with the discussion of the fascinating work of Gunter von Hagens. There were time such as when discussing the Tandem repeats in DNA that the scientific detail was slightly too much but again this is an easy fix. This is not a book for the faint hearted there are some gruesome moments but I liked the character development and feel invested enough in the main cast of characters to want to read more from this author
March 1, 2019
Sadistic serial killer on the loose
This is a serial killer thriller in which a very sadistic individual is targeting pregnant girls. D.I. Gary Blood is the archetypical police officer with a full set of his own family problems that threaten to interfere with him solving of the case. The story is gruesome in places and there is a great deal going on, which was a challenge to keep in mind. However, it is well paced and has as good twists and turns, which kept me turning the pages. Recommended.
This is a serial killer thriller in which a very sadistic individual is targeting pregnant girls. D.I. Gary Blood is the archetypical police officer with a full set of his own family problems that threaten to interfere with him solving of the case. The story is gruesome in places and there is a great deal going on, which was a challenge to keep in mind. However, it is well paced and has as good twists and turns, which kept me turning the pages. Recommended.
May 10, 2016
A clever plot, some well-drawn and interesting characters - so far, so good, but nothing to shout about. But the style, now that IS something to shout about. Eileen Wharton has a gift for the short staccato burst, the half-sentence that sets a scene so well and turns a crime thriller into something darker, something definitively noir. Look forward to the next in the series.
April 19, 2016
This gripped me right from the start and kept me enthralled all the way to the finish. One of my best reads ever. Can't wait to see what Gary Blood has install for us next!
September 1, 2022
Blanket of Blood is the first in the Gary Blood crime series. In this book the body of a baby is found in the woods, add in a twisted serial killer targeting pregnant teens and you have one heck of a crime thriller.
I found this book to be fast-paced and full of tension. The book also contains graphic details that bring depth to the plot. The cast of characters are brilliantly written and realistic. I love their depth and can't wait to see how they develop as the series evolves.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @SpellBoundBks, @WhartonEileen, and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
I found this book to be fast-paced and full of tension. The book also contains graphic details that bring depth to the plot. The cast of characters are brilliantly written and realistic. I love their depth and can't wait to see how they develop as the series evolves.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @SpellBoundBks, @WhartonEileen, and @ZooloosBT for my #giftedbook!
August 24, 2022
This is a book that I really enjoyed but feel like I really shouldn't have. It was well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters, however they are some of the most disgusting characters that I have ever read in a book, completely twisted and vile, however, they also made the book what it was.
This is a fast paced thriller with a detective that had a troubled life to say the least and who was hunting a serieal killer that again was probably one of the worst characters I have ever read about - he makes some of the true crime serial killers I have read about look like pussy cats.
It was a gripping read and if you like books by Katerina Diamond or Sharon Bolton then you will like this read.
This is a fast paced thriller with a detective that had a troubled life to say the least and who was hunting a serieal killer that again was probably one of the worst characters I have ever read about - he makes some of the true crime serial killers I have read about look like pussy cats.
It was a gripping read and if you like books by Katerina Diamond or Sharon Bolton then you will like this read.
September 29, 2019
I have been raving about Eileen Wharton since reading her extremely funny book, The M Word, last year; I love Eileen's sense of humour and if you ever get the chance to go to an author event where she's appearing (Morecambe & Vice, perhaps?) you don't want to miss it. I put on my serious head as I picked up her pre-The M Word book, Blanket of Blood, but really should have known that there would be some tea-spluttering laugh out loud moments in a thriller written by Eileen Wharton.
The prologue is pretty chilling as a young girl is abducted as she contemplates buying something literally 'off the back of lorry'. I was plunged deeper into darkness in chapter one with the discovery of a baby's body in the woods and the introduction to DI Gary Blood. I went from goosebumpy chills of the crime to choking laughter at Blood's circumstances on waking. There it is! Eileen Wharton's trademark humour; you just can't keep it down and I love it.
What makes this book different from run-of-the-mill thrillers is, not just the humour, but the depth of character Eileen Wharton has created in Gary Blood. DI Blood is one thing but family man Gary Blood is a whole different beast when emotions are added to the mix. Gary has his own demons with his health, an ex-wife who doesn't want to leave, inappropriate feelings for his sister-in-law and his struggle to accept the lifestyle of his daughter. With so much going on in his life, along with a stressful job, I'm surprised he wasn't found preparing to jump off the Tyne Bridge!
The story about the abduction of pregnant girls is chilly, scary and very clever as we get to see inside the mind of a killer and the scars that have been left there. It's sobering to be reminded how our actions can affect others, especially impressionable children. I'm not condoning the crime, but by showing the reader the reason behind it is very refreshing and clever of Eileen Wharton as it is rare to see the full picture in a book.
Blanket of Blood is superbly written with a cunning criminal, a seriously flawed detective, a dark, original murder method and lashings of dry humour to keep the reader grounded. It's fast-paced, gripping, unique, amusing and very very highly recommended; I can guarantee that you won't have read anything like this before. I do hope to see the return of DI Blood in the future.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The prologue is pretty chilling as a young girl is abducted as she contemplates buying something literally 'off the back of lorry'. I was plunged deeper into darkness in chapter one with the discovery of a baby's body in the woods and the introduction to DI Gary Blood. I went from goosebumpy chills of the crime to choking laughter at Blood's circumstances on waking. There it is! Eileen Wharton's trademark humour; you just can't keep it down and I love it.
What makes this book different from run-of-the-mill thrillers is, not just the humour, but the depth of character Eileen Wharton has created in Gary Blood. DI Blood is one thing but family man Gary Blood is a whole different beast when emotions are added to the mix. Gary has his own demons with his health, an ex-wife who doesn't want to leave, inappropriate feelings for his sister-in-law and his struggle to accept the lifestyle of his daughter. With so much going on in his life, along with a stressful job, I'm surprised he wasn't found preparing to jump off the Tyne Bridge!
The story about the abduction of pregnant girls is chilly, scary and very clever as we get to see inside the mind of a killer and the scars that have been left there. It's sobering to be reminded how our actions can affect others, especially impressionable children. I'm not condoning the crime, but by showing the reader the reason behind it is very refreshing and clever of Eileen Wharton as it is rare to see the full picture in a book.
Blanket of Blood is superbly written with a cunning criminal, a seriously flawed detective, a dark, original murder method and lashings of dry humour to keep the reader grounded. It's fast-paced, gripping, unique, amusing and very very highly recommended; I can guarantee that you won't have read anything like this before. I do hope to see the return of DI Blood in the future.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 9, 2016
Excellent thriller
Having read many thrillers I really enjoyed this one.
The writing was good, the characters were very real and I do hope that more of these books follow on. Many of the famous writers should follow in Eileen Wharton's footsteps!
Having read many thrillers I really enjoyed this one.
The writing was good, the characters were very real and I do hope that more of these books follow on. Many of the famous writers should follow in Eileen Wharton's footsteps!
August 30, 2022
This is certainly not a book for the squeamish or faint hearted but I loved it. It is full of the most amazing characters and reading about Blood and his team acts as the perfect foil for the beyond gruesome crimes they are investigating. The interaction between them is laugh out loud and as for the nearly romance between Blood and Sue. Well I can’t wait to read the sequel and find out if they eventually realise they are made for each other.
There is a lot happening in this book. We have a psychopathic serial killer who murders pregnant girls and babies in the most horrific way. As mentioned, not for the faint hearted. We have stories of child abuse on a level few of us can imagine. We have a race against time to find a missing child. We have Sue’s search for her long lost brother and we have some horrific characters but against all this are Blood’s wonderful team. The vampish, terrifying Tree, Mulholland of the veggie farts to name just two. The story is fast paced from the first page to the last and when the killer is actually revealed. Well I was shocked. Not the ending I expected. Eileen has certainly set the bar high in the first of at least two books about DI Blood and I’ll be disappointed if there are not more.
There is a lot happening in this book. We have a psychopathic serial killer who murders pregnant girls and babies in the most horrific way. As mentioned, not for the faint hearted. We have stories of child abuse on a level few of us can imagine. We have a race against time to find a missing child. We have Sue’s search for her long lost brother and we have some horrific characters but against all this are Blood’s wonderful team. The vampish, terrifying Tree, Mulholland of the veggie farts to name just two. The story is fast paced from the first page to the last and when the killer is actually revealed. Well I was shocked. Not the ending I expected. Eileen has certainly set the bar high in the first of at least two books about DI Blood and I’ll be disappointed if there are not more.
August 31, 2022
This is the first in a series featuring Gary Blood. A detective who is having to juggle a transgender son, who he keeps referring to as Lucy still, an ex wife who would like to get back with him and a sister in law he'd quite like to get with.
Each of these aspects of his life are written perfectly, I was fully there with him, felt his awkwardness with his son, and that he was really trying, but also honest that he was struggling and why.
The crime at the heart of the book is horrific. It begins with a dead baby being found. As more deaths occur, it becomes imperative this killer is found quickly.
However, although this all sounds rather dark and depressing, there are light moments and some very funny lines. The relationship between Blood and Tree a particular joy.
It was a really brilliant read, I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down as I really really needed to know what happened.
I also had to know that one of the most horrendous sadistic evil killers written was caught and brought to justice in the end.
Each of these aspects of his life are written perfectly, I was fully there with him, felt his awkwardness with his son, and that he was really trying, but also honest that he was struggling and why.
The crime at the heart of the book is horrific. It begins with a dead baby being found. As more deaths occur, it becomes imperative this killer is found quickly.
However, although this all sounds rather dark and depressing, there are light moments and some very funny lines. The relationship between Blood and Tree a particular joy.
It was a really brilliant read, I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down as I really really needed to know what happened.
I also had to know that one of the most horrendous sadistic evil killers written was caught and brought to justice in the end.
August 15, 2022
Wow, what an exceptionally ingenious and devious hook the author has thought up.
As well as a fast pace, Blanket of Blood, is a creepy serial killer read, with fabulous characters and a really tricksy storyline that weaves in so many different strands in a beliveable and compelling way. I love a serial killer novel where we hear the killer's story alongside the investigative narrative - it always seems to balance the story out somewhat and that is definitely the case in Eileeen Wharton's Blanket of Blood.
Those peeks into the life of the killer don't exactly humanise them, but what it does serve to do is to offer a narrative that explores how early life experiences can impact on later life actions and I find getting inot the psyche of the killer quite fascinating.
In the main character, Gary Blood we have a detective who is juggling many different strands of his life, from his complex family, to this distrubing and increasingly threatening serial killer case, wher he alwasy seems to be caught on the back foot. What I like most about Blood is his doggedness in the face of adversity and hisdedication to duty. Wharton lightens the narrative on many occasions by her wonderful Northern humour, which is something that I believe all good gritty fiction needs.
The pace is non stop and the way the different storylines overlap is intriguing and propels the narrative forward. I look forward to reading more in this series.
As well as a fast pace, Blanket of Blood, is a creepy serial killer read, with fabulous characters and a really tricksy storyline that weaves in so many different strands in a beliveable and compelling way. I love a serial killer novel where we hear the killer's story alongside the investigative narrative - it always seems to balance the story out somewhat and that is definitely the case in Eileeen Wharton's Blanket of Blood.
Those peeks into the life of the killer don't exactly humanise them, but what it does serve to do is to offer a narrative that explores how early life experiences can impact on later life actions and I find getting inot the psyche of the killer quite fascinating.
In the main character, Gary Blood we have a detective who is juggling many different strands of his life, from his complex family, to this distrubing and increasingly threatening serial killer case, wher he alwasy seems to be caught on the back foot. What I like most about Blood is his doggedness in the face of adversity and hisdedication to duty. Wharton lightens the narrative on many occasions by her wonderful Northern humour, which is something that I believe all good gritty fiction needs.
The pace is non stop and the way the different storylines overlap is intriguing and propels the narrative forward. I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 2, 2022
I mean that ending - wowza. The book goes along at a nice pace - the last 50 pages just tear it all apart. And I loved it!
A baby is found in the woods - strangely preserved. The number of missing teenage girls is beyond alarming - Blood sifts through their lives, desperate for a clue. Especially when they turn up dead.
Blood's private life is a walking disaster - his daughter came out as trans and Lewis months prior. Blood just can't wrap his mind around it. His ex-wife is temporarily living with him - though she believes they are on the verge of reconciling. Blood has been in love with his brother's ex wife for years - desperate to keep it hidden.
Excellent read.
A baby is found in the woods - strangely preserved. The number of missing teenage girls is beyond alarming - Blood sifts through their lives, desperate for a clue. Especially when they turn up dead.
Blood's private life is a walking disaster - his daughter came out as trans and Lewis months prior. Blood just can't wrap his mind around it. His ex-wife is temporarily living with him - though she believes they are on the verge of reconciling. Blood has been in love with his brother's ex wife for years - desperate to keep it hidden.
Excellent read.
August 7, 2016
Blanket of Blood is the first book in a series of D.I. Gary Blood crime novels written by Eileen Wharton, and what a fantastic start to a very promising series. In Blanket Of Blood we meet D.I. Gary Blood he’s your typical crime thriller detective he drinks too much, sleeps around and his personal life is a mess, but despite all his foibles, I found him to be an engaging and a very likeable protagonist. This book is not one for the faint hearted, it’s pretty graphic in parts, when a body of a baby is found in the woods, and a twisted serial killer begins to target young, pregnant girls you know it’s not going to be a pretty tale. Throughout Blanket Of Blood we get snippets from the serial killer himself, which gives a chilling insight into the darkest corners of the human mind, and believe me this serial killer is one twisted individual!
Blanket Of Blood is a very dark and chilling read, but the author manages to add a touch of humour by creating original and very believable dialogue between characters, which balances out what could have been a very dark and depressing read. There are interesting Parallels with real criminal cases, which make the plot unfortunately very plausible in parts. There were a few sub plots that really didn’t add to the story, but that is just a small criticism and in no way distracted from a compelling and disturbing read. As the investigation intensifies, so does the pace and we see a different side to Blood as he tries to get ahead of the killer.
By the time I had read 70% of Blanket Of Blood I can honestly say I was no closer to working out who the killer was than when I started, so this certainly added to my enjoyment of this book, I just hate it when you work the plot out early in a book! There are enough red herrings to lead the reader astray, and my imagination was working overtime as I tried to piece this well plotted puzzle together, I failed right up until the killer was revealed, which is very unusual for me and well done to the author for managing to keep me on tender hooks until the heart stopping conclusion.
Eileen Wharton the author has produced a dark and gritty debut crime novel, chilling in subject, well paced and darkly disturbing, I will certainly be looking to read the next in the D.I.Blood series when it’s released. A promising start to what I hope will become a long running series.
My thanks to Shell Baker over at Crime Book Club and Eileen Wharton for my review copy in exchange for a honest review.
Blanket Of Blood is a very dark and chilling read, but the author manages to add a touch of humour by creating original and very believable dialogue between characters, which balances out what could have been a very dark and depressing read. There are interesting Parallels with real criminal cases, which make the plot unfortunately very plausible in parts. There were a few sub plots that really didn’t add to the story, but that is just a small criticism and in no way distracted from a compelling and disturbing read. As the investigation intensifies, so does the pace and we see a different side to Blood as he tries to get ahead of the killer.
By the time I had read 70% of Blanket Of Blood I can honestly say I was no closer to working out who the killer was than when I started, so this certainly added to my enjoyment of this book, I just hate it when you work the plot out early in a book! There are enough red herrings to lead the reader astray, and my imagination was working overtime as I tried to piece this well plotted puzzle together, I failed right up until the killer was revealed, which is very unusual for me and well done to the author for managing to keep me on tender hooks until the heart stopping conclusion.
Eileen Wharton the author has produced a dark and gritty debut crime novel, chilling in subject, well paced and darkly disturbing, I will certainly be looking to read the next in the D.I.Blood series when it’s released. A promising start to what I hope will become a long running series.
My thanks to Shell Baker over at Crime Book Club and Eileen Wharton for my review copy in exchange for a honest review.
March 14, 2019
I'm always excited to discover a new crime thriller series, and this first book featuring DI Gary Blood is a cracker!
Like most fictional detectives Blood has his fair share of baggage and addictions, but I love that one of this detective's addictions is crisps!
This book is definitely a difficult read, due to the subject matter, but that's why I love this genre!
The author writes with real skill, blending the web of the plot and subplots seamlessly, and has obviously done her research into the scientific aspect of the story line.
The characters are very well drawn, so much so that I developed a real loathing for some of them!
This book drew me in and kept me interested until the last page. I was convinced I knew who the killer was but changed my mind throughout until I'd mentally accused virtually every one!
This is a fantastic introduction to the series and I'm so looking forward to getting to know Gary better in the next story.
Like most fictional detectives Blood has his fair share of baggage and addictions, but I love that one of this detective's addictions is crisps!
This book is definitely a difficult read, due to the subject matter, but that's why I love this genre!
The author writes with real skill, blending the web of the plot and subplots seamlessly, and has obviously done her research into the scientific aspect of the story line.
The characters are very well drawn, so much so that I developed a real loathing for some of them!
This book drew me in and kept me interested until the last page. I was convinced I knew who the killer was but changed my mind throughout until I'd mentally accused virtually every one!
This is a fantastic introduction to the series and I'm so looking forward to getting to know Gary better in the next story.
January 14, 2021
This was the first book in a new series I had seen recommended and I was intrigued to start it.
Wow! I was not disappointed.
It is extremely gritty, disturbing, and brilliant.
Blood is a likeable rouge with a mix bag of emotions towards him. His difficult relationships are played out so well in this book that i really felt like I knew him.
The story itself is clever, multi layered with so much going on. The storyline is quite difficult to read at times as it is an emotive subject but although I was trying to pace myself reading it, I found I had to read just one more chapter. A true page turner of a book. I kept thinking I had sussed out who the killer was and then realising nope; wrong again :)
I was lucky that I knew I had the second in the series waiting for me and I would get to see more of Sue and Blood, with the team. Their relationship was one that i was fighting for and the frustrations between them was very well written.
Totally recommend.
Wow! I was not disappointed.
It is extremely gritty, disturbing, and brilliant.
Blood is a likeable rouge with a mix bag of emotions towards him. His difficult relationships are played out so well in this book that i really felt like I knew him.
The story itself is clever, multi layered with so much going on. The storyline is quite difficult to read at times as it is an emotive subject but although I was trying to pace myself reading it, I found I had to read just one more chapter. A true page turner of a book. I kept thinking I had sussed out who the killer was and then realising nope; wrong again :)
I was lucky that I knew I had the second in the series waiting for me and I would get to see more of Sue and Blood, with the team. Their relationship was one that i was fighting for and the frustrations between them was very well written.
Totally recommend.
March 10, 2019
What a great start to a new series, with this book introducing us to DI Gary Blood. A great detective, who really isn’t so great with people! But as his personal story started to unfold throughout the book, I found my initial distaste for the womanising drinker softened a little as we caught glimpses of the man beneath and his broken family life.
A twisted thriller, that was suitably gruesome at times and most definitely disturbing. The characters were well written and their personal stories were intertwined well amongst the hunt for the serial killer. The plot was very clever and kept me gripped right until the end, with just enough humour scattered throughout to raise a smile whilst the full extent of the crochet hook killer’s atrocities unfold.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
A twisted thriller, that was suitably gruesome at times and most definitely disturbing. The characters were well written and their personal stories were intertwined well amongst the hunt for the serial killer. The plot was very clever and kept me gripped right until the end, with just enough humour scattered throughout to raise a smile whilst the full extent of the crochet hook killer’s atrocities unfold.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
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