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Blood Trails #9
Conviction
Shade’s FBI partner has shot a kelpie.
Again.
And this time, the law may not be on his side…
Agent Andrew Bradford once used deadly force to stop a kelpie from kidnapping a human teenager. And now Shade has gotten a call saying he’s done it again. Flesh-eating kelpie dead, human victim saved.
At least, he thinks that’s what happened.
He doesn’t remember.
His inability to clearly recall the night’s events forces Shade to seek answers among the monsters of the Otherworld. She’ll have to question scheming leannan sidhe, malicious waterhorses, and take a dangerous step into the world of vampire politics.
Otherworlders are nothing if not opportunistic. And there are plenty of powerful players ready to take advantage of Shade’s desperation to do whatever it takes to save her partner…
Again.
And this time, the law may not be on his side…
Agent Andrew Bradford once used deadly force to stop a kelpie from kidnapping a human teenager. And now Shade has gotten a call saying he’s done it again. Flesh-eating kelpie dead, human victim saved.
At least, he thinks that’s what happened.
He doesn’t remember.
His inability to clearly recall the night’s events forces Shade to seek answers among the monsters of the Otherworld. She’ll have to question scheming leannan sidhe, malicious waterhorses, and take a dangerous step into the world of vampire politics.
Otherworlders are nothing if not opportunistic. And there are plenty of powerful players ready to take advantage of Shade’s desperation to do whatever it takes to save her partner…
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
51 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
56 books512 followersJennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2021
Shade is weak (sigh)
9 books is too far in for the main character to still be useless. I really enjoyed the plot and the mystery but for a book about a witch there is no magic. This authors fails like many others were they throw out mythical creature terms but all the action is essentially strong humans fighting. Shade literally unlocks a door, dispels a wound, and calls non-lethal lighting. Those were her only uses of magic. I love the fact that magic isn’t a fix all but this story is suppose to surround a magical world.
She is also still way to weak to deal with her opponents. Everyone around her literally owns her and plays her like a dog. It’s almost laughable when you see her “get angry” now because you know it’s all bark and she lacks the conviction or power to actually do anything. As a mystery/detective book I give it 4 stars. As a urban fantasy novel it’s horrible.
9 books is too far in for the main character to still be useless. I really enjoyed the plot and the mystery but for a book about a witch there is no magic. This authors fails like many others were they throw out mythical creature terms but all the action is essentially strong humans fighting. Shade literally unlocks a door, dispels a wound, and calls non-lethal lighting. Those were her only uses of magic. I love the fact that magic isn’t a fix all but this story is suppose to surround a magical world.
She is also still way to weak to deal with her opponents. Everyone around her literally owns her and plays her like a dog. It’s almost laughable when you see her “get angry” now because you know it’s all bark and she lacks the conviction or power to actually do anything. As a mystery/detective book I give it 4 stars. As a urban fantasy novel it’s horrible.
January 26, 2021
Excellent
Excellent as always. I literally could not put it down and read the whole thing in one sitting. The Blood Trails series as a whole, is a fabulous urban adventure/detective mystery involving witches, pixies, the fey, kelpies, demons, and pretty much every other type of folklore you can think of. Always a great read.
Excellent as always. I literally could not put it down and read the whole thing in one sitting. The Blood Trails series as a whole, is a fabulous urban adventure/detective mystery involving witches, pixies, the fey, kelpies, demons, and pretty much every other type of folklore you can think of. Always a great read.
February 6, 2022
In Conviction Ohio witch P.I. Shade and her trusty pixie sidekick Peasblossom must tackle their most personal and nerve-wracking case yet: clearing the name of their human friend and investigative partner Agent Andy Bradford.
If they fail, his fate under Otherworld law will be far worse than any prison or gallows.
Too bad there was a smoking gun at his feet and a history of bad blood between him and the dead kelpie's herd (i.e. the events of book #3 called Taken).
Too bad Andy claims to have no memory after drawing his weapon, but the specialists of the Otherworld patrol Vanguard cannot find any trace of magical memory tampering.
Too bad all the witnesses are fey or their close allies---the same Otherworld community that's branded Bradford a dangerous vigilante---except for Morgan, whose too keen interest in "helping" him, always behind Shade's back, is even more sinister.
Shade usually chooses her allies carefully. But this time her choices will be stripped away as the evidence mounts against her friend in a second murder and key allies fall prey to Otherworld intrigue.
This book has become a new favorite of mine in this urban fantasy series so chock full of engaging characters and high emotional stakes, and there are several reasons for that. Shade and Peasblossom themselves and their quirky partnership, natch, that's a given I shouldn't have to explain by now, but there's more.
First, Andy himself. Gruff, reserved, and unflinching in his drive to stand between the innocent and predators even if they're supernatural, he has been one of my favorite characters since the first book, Deadline. Ever since that moment he caught Peasblossom bathing in his coffee cup, and called for silence and nobody to move while he adjusted his entire worldview---and thoughtfully fetched her a drop of dish soap.
The FBI agent is not so much unflappable (which could get boring fast) as very resilient and focused on getting justice such that he continuously rolls with the shock of learning about the Otherworld's strange denizens and politics. Like Shade, Andy cannot abide bullies, though he is much quicker to respond with threats of violence than the diplomatic and pragmatic witch (whom I adore for that and much more).
Second, there was a lot of build-up to this story in previous books that really pays off in surprising and satisfying ways, especially character development. Shade's loyalties to Andy and her principles are tested as never before, yes, but I'm also talking about big reveals and returning characters guaranteed to impact the rest of the series. (It would be tricky to say more about that without revealing too much, so I won't try.)
And when I mention pay-off, I'm also talking about scenes between Shade and Liam that got me, finally, fully on board with their burgeoning romance.
[Side note: I never shipped Shade with anyone else either, heck she didn't need to enter a pairing at all to satisfy me. It's just that until this book Liam did not stand out to me as a great friend (which I prefer as a basis for romance, fictional or otherwise), so their attraction seemed to rest almost entirely on magnetism and professional respect in that order.]
Third, as always this series delivers big on banter and verbal face-offs, and this volume had me alternately cackling and feeling my eyes bulge out like a bullfrog's. I was spurred to keep reading by some of the most intense showdowns (more than a few) between Shade and her allies and domineering supernatural beings, and by the lighthearted sparring of cheeky Peasblossom and---well, anyone.
Fourth, the face-offs that turn action-packed are as gripping as ever too, with new 'monsters' and their abilities and cinematic narration. But these are also some of the most memorable clashes because of their high emotional impact. Shade gets pushed to the edge, and over it, and she's far from the only one.
Fifth (last one, but only because I'm cutting myself off), I respect that once again Blackstream doesn't shy away from exploring harsh issues without easy answers. Even more so than a combat scene, this sort of exploration can get uncomfortably intense for me, despite anticipating both as part of the genre.
This is one of those books where I felt it deserved five stars and I only left one off for a deeply personal reason that is neither a complaint nor a criticism. One part of the narrative struck me as so tragic it was hard to mentally shake-off afterward, and my method is to primarily use stars to mark my unrestrained delight, and secondarily how impressed and moved I felt and/or how much it taught me something new or inspired me to think or re-examine my thinking.
I heartily recommend this story and the entire Blood Trails series to fans of urban fantasy, of heroic allies who take strength from the depth of their feelings and convictions instead of from suppressing them and hardening their hearts, of loyal underdogs who don't give in but also choose their battles wisely, and of really snarky humor that's more about timing than cheap shots.
When an adventure story nails both humor and heart and the characters live on after the book closes, you know you should do your part...BOOST THE SIGNAL!
If they fail, his fate under Otherworld law will be far worse than any prison or gallows.
Too bad there was a smoking gun at his feet and a history of bad blood between him and the dead kelpie's herd (i.e. the events of book #3 called Taken).
Too bad Andy claims to have no memory after drawing his weapon, but the specialists of the Otherworld patrol Vanguard cannot find any trace of magical memory tampering.
Too bad all the witnesses are fey or their close allies---the same Otherworld community that's branded Bradford a dangerous vigilante---except for Morgan, whose too keen interest in "helping" him, always behind Shade's back, is even more sinister.
Shade usually chooses her allies carefully. But this time her choices will be stripped away as the evidence mounts against her friend in a second murder and key allies fall prey to Otherworld intrigue.
This book has become a new favorite of mine in this urban fantasy series so chock full of engaging characters and high emotional stakes, and there are several reasons for that. Shade and Peasblossom themselves and their quirky partnership, natch, that's a given I shouldn't have to explain by now, but there's more.
First, Andy himself. Gruff, reserved, and unflinching in his drive to stand between the innocent and predators even if they're supernatural, he has been one of my favorite characters since the first book, Deadline. Ever since that moment he caught Peasblossom bathing in his coffee cup, and called for silence and nobody to move while he adjusted his entire worldview---and thoughtfully fetched her a drop of dish soap.
The FBI agent is not so much unflappable (which could get boring fast) as very resilient and focused on getting justice such that he continuously rolls with the shock of learning about the Otherworld's strange denizens and politics. Like Shade, Andy cannot abide bullies, though he is much quicker to respond with threats of violence than the diplomatic and pragmatic witch (whom I adore for that and much more).
Second, there was a lot of build-up to this story in previous books that really pays off in surprising and satisfying ways, especially character development. Shade's loyalties to Andy and her principles are tested as never before, yes, but I'm also talking about big reveals and returning characters guaranteed to impact the rest of the series. (It would be tricky to say more about that without revealing too much, so I won't try.)
And when I mention pay-off, I'm also talking about scenes between Shade and Liam that got me, finally, fully on board with their burgeoning romance.
[Side note: I never shipped Shade with anyone else either, heck she didn't need to enter a pairing at all to satisfy me. It's just that until this book Liam did not stand out to me as a great friend (which I prefer as a basis for romance, fictional or otherwise), so their attraction seemed to rest almost entirely on magnetism and professional respect in that order.]
Third, as always this series delivers big on banter and verbal face-offs, and this volume had me alternately cackling and feeling my eyes bulge out like a bullfrog's. I was spurred to keep reading by some of the most intense showdowns (more than a few) between Shade and her allies and domineering supernatural beings, and by the lighthearted sparring of cheeky Peasblossom and---well, anyone.
Fourth, the face-offs that turn action-packed are as gripping as ever too, with new 'monsters' and their abilities and cinematic narration. But these are also some of the most memorable clashes because of their high emotional impact. Shade gets pushed to the edge, and over it, and she's far from the only one.
Fifth (last one, but only because I'm cutting myself off), I respect that once again Blackstream doesn't shy away from exploring harsh issues without easy answers. Even more so than a combat scene, this sort of exploration can get uncomfortably intense for me, despite anticipating both as part of the genre.
This is one of those books where I felt it deserved five stars and I only left one off for a deeply personal reason that is neither a complaint nor a criticism. One part of the narrative struck me as so tragic it was hard to mentally shake-off afterward, and my method is to primarily use stars to mark my unrestrained delight, and secondarily how impressed and moved I felt and/or how much it taught me something new or inspired me to think or re-examine my thinking.
I heartily recommend this story and the entire Blood Trails series to fans of urban fantasy, of heroic allies who take strength from the depth of their feelings and convictions instead of from suppressing them and hardening their hearts, of loyal underdogs who don't give in but also choose their battles wisely, and of really snarky humor that's more about timing than cheap shots.
When an adventure story nails both humor and heart and the characters live on after the book closes, you know you should do your part...BOOST THE SIGNAL!
April 6, 2021
Love this series!
January 28, 2021
I had to put the book down so I wouldn't wolf it down in one. So good! I loved the plot, the depth and variety of the characters, the intrinsic web of red herrings and so very believable solution at the end. It took me by surprise and made my respect for the characters involved deepen.
And I have to say Flint is my favorite favorite villain at the moment. So unapologetic, so do whatever it takes effective, so very not human - I adore him as much as I despise him and I need to know more about him!
Can't wait for book 10!
And I have to say Flint is my favorite favorite villain at the moment. So unapologetic, so do whatever it takes effective, so very not human - I adore him as much as I despise him and I need to know more about him!
Can't wait for book 10!
January 27, 2021
In this book, Andy is accused of murdering a Kelpie and Shade pulls out all the stops trying to prove he is innocent. But with his odd behavior lately, sexrrts at every turn, and a mountain of evidence... it's not an easy task.
As much as I like this series, it's frustrating when the author hints at the excessive magic someone has, and then never uses it. Shade is an excellent character who has been nerfed all to hell. She does simple spells, and every now and then, we get hints of her growing abilities...but she is constantly being used, manipulated, and led around by others.
I would love to see her stand up for herself more, and be taken seriously. She is treated like the poor little sister that no one wants around...and everyone has secrets that have to do with her, but that she can't seem to find out.
I keep waiting for her to pull something great out, and show more than a hint of skills. I know she's trying to do it without magic first...but come on...
As much as I like this series, it's frustrating when the author hints at the excessive magic someone has, and then never uses it. Shade is an excellent character who has been nerfed all to hell. She does simple spells, and every now and then, we get hints of her growing abilities...but she is constantly being used, manipulated, and led around by others.
I would love to see her stand up for herself more, and be taken seriously. She is treated like the poor little sister that no one wants around...and everyone has secrets that have to do with her, but that she can't seem to find out.
I keep waiting for her to pull something great out, and show more than a hint of skills. I know she's trying to do it without magic first...but come on...
March 5, 2021
<3<3<3
Man I seriously love this author and this whole series! It’s become an absolute must have for me and I love rereading it every time a new book comes out so I’m back with fresh remembrance. Shade has become not just a hero but an inspiration. Liam has become my heartthrob. And even Flynn has wormed his way in. But this one is about Andy, and so many secrets have come to light. I’m quite surprised and I love when that happens. I love that Peasblossom and Scath are becoming very main characters and I love them just as much. I cannot wait to see what the next boom will open up because I KNOW some secrets I’ve been waiting to understand are about to be revealed. If the way the suspense and mystery flow from this book is a precursor, then know I’m so ready!! Absolutely phenomenal as always!
Man I seriously love this author and this whole series! It’s become an absolute must have for me and I love rereading it every time a new book comes out so I’m back with fresh remembrance. Shade has become not just a hero but an inspiration. Liam has become my heartthrob. And even Flynn has wormed his way in. But this one is about Andy, and so many secrets have come to light. I’m quite surprised and I love when that happens. I love that Peasblossom and Scath are becoming very main characters and I love them just as much. I cannot wait to see what the next boom will open up because I KNOW some secrets I’ve been waiting to understand are about to be revealed. If the way the suspense and mystery flow from this book is a precursor, then know I’m so ready!! Absolutely phenomenal as always!
Read
March 6, 2021Jennifer’s urban fantasy and paranormal books are so hard to put down. Conviction is another amazing book in her Blood Trails series and things are more exciting than ever as Shade works to unravel what has happened with her FBI partner, Agent Andrew Bradford, as he is accused of murder in the Otherworld that Shade is a part of. I love all of the various mythological creatures that she brings into her stories - it makes me want to dig in and learn more about mythology while I’m trying to unravel her latest mystery! A+++
March 4, 2021
I continue to read the books in this series because I genuinely enjoy the characters and the mystery but I am becoming increasingly frustrated with Shade’s lack of ability. For a centuries-old witch, she is surprisingly incompetent and naive. I keep waiting for her to do something amazing but she becomes overwhelmed by others’ magic so easily and performs virtually no magic of her own. I prefer a heroine that is not so helpless!
November 30, 2021
At first I thought this book was just a twist on a previous used storyline(and to some extent it was) however as I kept reading I felt more and more for Shade and loved the high stakes(that felt realistic and made sense to not just the plot of this particular book but to the series as a whole).
I was glad to see the character growth for Andy and I am excited to read the next book in the series. 10/10.
I was glad to see the character growth for Andy and I am excited to read the next book in the series. 10/10.
March 28, 2021
Another great book
I love this series. The characters are strong, quirky and likeable. The story is well written with fast paced action packed scenes. This is a murder mystery set in the world of fantastical and magical creatures that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for the next book.Highly recommend.
I love this series. The characters are strong, quirky and likeable. The story is well written with fast paced action packed scenes. This is a murder mystery set in the world of fantastical and magical creatures that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for the next book.Highly recommend.
April 5, 2021
A wild ride
Ok, I'll admit this one kept me on my toes, edge of my seat & fighting to not throw my Tablet. Twists & turns, frustrating obstacles & freakn evil side characters with almost no seeable reason to be there! It didn't let up! Very good. You had me verbally swearing out loud JB. & that's talent
Ok, I'll admit this one kept me on my toes, edge of my seat & fighting to not throw my Tablet. Twists & turns, frustrating obstacles & freakn evil side characters with almost no seeable reason to be there! It didn't let up! Very good. You had me verbally swearing out loud JB. & that's talent
June 4, 2021
The plot thickens
And thickens and thickens and thickens. The Andy arc seems to have achieved some small resolution, And isn't that a relief. But there's plenty of stuff keep us going. Majestic, Scath, and what is the Underlie Queen up to. And I know I'm not the only one enjoying the unfolding romance between Shade and Liam.
And thickens and thickens and thickens. The Andy arc seems to have achieved some small resolution, And isn't that a relief. But there's plenty of stuff keep us going. Majestic, Scath, and what is the Underlie Queen up to. And I know I'm not the only one enjoying the unfolding romance between Shade and Liam.
January 16, 2025
Mostly these have been just-good-enough-to-keep-going. This one was a little better than average, plot- and editing-wise. Bonus points for moving the bigger overarching mystery along, and for giving Agent Bradford what looks like it will be a) better control of his temper and b) .
March 9, 2021
Another great contribution to the series, but there are still a lot of loose ends. We still don't know the answers to Shade's origins and why some seem to know her. Same for Scath. Andy's story and the saga of the kelpies was well explained. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 6, 2021
Conviction was really good, and I enjoyed it, but I fee like it isn't fair to Shade that she keeps saving everyone and no one helps her get answers. It's annoying. I'm excited for more in the story, though.
April 25, 2022
Loving Me Some Shade!
From the beginning of the series up to this point three cheers
to Shade and her companions. I have enjoyed their adventures and cheered for them to solve the case. Thank you for this cast of characters!
From the beginning of the series up to this point three cheers
to Shade and her companions. I have enjoyed their adventures and cheered for them to solve the case. Thank you for this cast of characters!
August 25, 2023
Wow, this book was really intense and pulling. Shade was really good at figuring the crimes out and why they happened the way they did. Andy's past was reviled in this book. Shade once again shown to everyone that she would do anything she possibly could to help her friends out. Great book!
January 30, 2021
A great series!
This has been an outstanding series! Always keeps me wanting more - can’t wait for the next installment - soon I hope!
This has been an outstanding series! Always keeps me wanting more - can’t wait for the next installment - soon I hope!
February 18, 2021
Total fangirl of this series.
This episode involves Andy and a murder and the kelpies.
This episode involves Andy and a murder and the kelpies.
March 25, 2021
Yes
This is a great series. I am still waiting for Liam to step up and get busy with Shade. Andy is having such a tough time with those kelpies.
This is a great series. I am still waiting for Liam to step up and get busy with Shade. Andy is having such a tough time with those kelpies.
October 9, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
December 21, 2023
love this series
The series is an amazing read. Keeps you coming back for more. Characters are mesmerizing.
I really do recommend these books.
The series is an amazing read. Keeps you coming back for more. Characters are mesmerizing.
I really do recommend these books.
January 15, 2024
Okay Finally !
Okay Shade I c u using common sense this time around even though the Vampire got the best of u. U made up for it. Still I'm glad you had Liam and Flint with you
Okay Shade I c u using common sense this time around even though the Vampire got the best of u. U made up for it. Still I'm glad you had Liam and Flint with you
October 31, 2022
Once again, Jennifer Blackstream nailed it!!! More characters added with more development of previous character. So many twists, turns and surprises that kept me reading almost start to finish in one sitting. It was the perfect continuation in the series and I can't wait for the next book. Way to go Jennifer Blackstream!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews