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D.I. Dani Stephens #4
The Bonds of Blood
One perfect family. One deadly secret. One killer on the loose.
Annie and Terry Eccles seemed to have it all, until one night they are brutally murdered in their bed.
Called in to head up the case, DI Dani Stephens delves into the couple’s past, quickly realising that beneath the comfortable veneer of this apparently golden family, lies uncomfortable truths.
But when Dani finds her own safety threatened, it becomes clear that someone wants those truths to remain hidden – whatever it takes…
Perfect for fans of Stuart Macbride and Peter James, this is a completely original and utterly unputdownable crime thriller from a modern master.
Annie and Terry Eccles seemed to have it all, until one night they are brutally murdered in their bed.
Called in to head up the case, DI Dani Stephens delves into the couple’s past, quickly realising that beneath the comfortable veneer of this apparently golden family, lies uncomfortable truths.
But when Dani finds her own safety threatened, it becomes clear that someone wants those truths to remain hidden – whatever it takes…
Perfect for fans of Stuart Macbride and Peter James, this is a completely original and utterly unputdownable crime thriller from a modern master.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2021
About the author
Rob Sinclair
35 books688 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 19, 2021
The Bonds of Blood is the fourth instalment in the Detective Inspector Dani Stephens series set in and around the city of Birmingham in the West Midlands, in particular the areas of Sutton Coldfield and Little Aston. The prologue opens with Annie and Terry Eccles, a seemingly happy and loyal couple, in bed sleeping with Terry dreaming he's in a bar having a sexual encounter with a young, leggy blonde. When Terry opens his eyes, though, he realises he's... at home in the marital bedroom. He realises he is being struck and both he and the bedsheets are soaking wet. His eyes eventually adjust to the light and are met with the scarlet red of more blood than he has ever seen before and Annie begging for her life. The tall masked figure obscuring the doorway then jumps onto the bed straddling him and bringing down the axe against his head again and again. Very quickly after the vicious, blood-soaked attack began both Annie and Terry are dead. DI Stephens is called in to initiate the investigation into such a brutal and merciless slaughtering of a normal couple. The Eccles’ were a successful pair with a grown-up family and were pretty much empty nesters. Terry was a prominent and wealthy property developer alongside his business partners and they didn't appear to have any enemies. Who would have motive to murder them both this horrifically? It certainly seems from the amount of violence inflicted that it was personal rather than a simple burglary gone wrong.
On closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the family were nowhere near as squeaky clean as purported and a series of dirty dealings, secrets, lies, betrayals and duplicity swiftly come to the fore as well as issues of domestic violence, infidelity and alcoholism. The more Dani delves into the couple's past, the more it seems this golden family conceal some earth-shattering skeletons. Beneath the comfortable veneer lie uncomfortable truths, truths that more than one person will do anything to keep under wraps. Meanwhile, Dani is also involved in looking into a murder following a road traffic collision, which seems to be an open and shut case. This is a riveting and compulsive police procedural with plenty of thrills and a huge cache of secrets squirrelled away just ready to be uncovered by wily detectives. The plot is expertly woven with a decent suspect pool, albeit comprised of family, friends and business associates, and a perpetrator who remains concealed to the end. The facade of the family and their reputation locally are soon smashed to smithereens as their indulgent lifestyles and blatant misdeeds unravel for all to see. Throughout it remains believable and is cleverly told and once again Dani ends up in an extremely dangerous situation as she comes up against people acting like cornered animals. Told from Dani’s present-day perspective and Terry’s past one, this is a drama-filled, twisty and intense read. Highly recommended.
On closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the family were nowhere near as squeaky clean as purported and a series of dirty dealings, secrets, lies, betrayals and duplicity swiftly come to the fore as well as issues of domestic violence, infidelity and alcoholism. The more Dani delves into the couple's past, the more it seems this golden family conceal some earth-shattering skeletons. Beneath the comfortable veneer lie uncomfortable truths, truths that more than one person will do anything to keep under wraps. Meanwhile, Dani is also involved in looking into a murder following a road traffic collision, which seems to be an open and shut case. This is a riveting and compulsive police procedural with plenty of thrills and a huge cache of secrets squirrelled away just ready to be uncovered by wily detectives. The plot is expertly woven with a decent suspect pool, albeit comprised of family, friends and business associates, and a perpetrator who remains concealed to the end. The facade of the family and their reputation locally are soon smashed to smithereens as their indulgent lifestyles and blatant misdeeds unravel for all to see. Throughout it remains believable and is cleverly told and once again Dani ends up in an extremely dangerous situation as she comes up against people acting like cornered animals. Told from Dani’s present-day perspective and Terry’s past one, this is a drama-filled, twisty and intense read. Highly recommended.
May 15, 2021
DI Dani Stephens #4
**TRIGGER WARNING** this story covers: infidelity, domestic violence and alcoholism.
Annie and Terry Eccles seemed to have it all, until the night they were brutally murdered in their bed. Called in to head up the case, DI Dani Stephens delves into the couples past, quickly realising that beneath the comfortable veneer of this apparent golden family, lies uncomfortable truths.
DI Dani Stephens and her team have been called in to investigate a double murder. They have to look closely at the victims family and they discover they are all hiding their own secrets. The characters are complex but believable and the plotline is multi-layered. I liked the authors style in writing this book. It held my attention throughout. There's plenty of twists and suspects to choose from. There's also another story being told at the same time about a case Dani and her team were investigating.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #RobSinclair for my ARC of #TheBondsOfBlood in exchange for an honest review.
**TRIGGER WARNING** this story covers: infidelity, domestic violence and alcoholism.
Annie and Terry Eccles seemed to have it all, until the night they were brutally murdered in their bed. Called in to head up the case, DI Dani Stephens delves into the couples past, quickly realising that beneath the comfortable veneer of this apparent golden family, lies uncomfortable truths.
DI Dani Stephens and her team have been called in to investigate a double murder. They have to look closely at the victims family and they discover they are all hiding their own secrets. The characters are complex but believable and the plotline is multi-layered. I liked the authors style in writing this book. It held my attention throughout. There's plenty of twists and suspects to choose from. There's also another story being told at the same time about a case Dani and her team were investigating.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #RobSinclair for my ARC of #TheBondsOfBlood in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
It starts with a vicious, brutal murder of a married couple. When DI Dani Stephens is called to investigate, she and her team start with family and friends first.
Not finding any evidence, or DNA, or even a motive for the killings, Dani turns her attention to the male victim's apparent successful business.
What she uncovers are lies and secrets among family members. Did one of them commit this horrible crime? Is the business partner responsible. Who's lying and who's telling the truth?
When she gets too close to the truth, her own life is threatened. Someone wants Dani to stop looking ... and will do whatever it takes to keep some secrets hidden from the light of day.
Although 4th is the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. A running story throughout, the reader learns about her brother ... the brother who tried to kill her. She is in a relationship that seems to be working .. but there's always worry on Dani's part. This is a well-written police procedural with outstanding characters. The action is non-stop and the suspense starts at the very first and maintains a high level until the final explosive, unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Not finding any evidence, or DNA, or even a motive for the killings, Dani turns her attention to the male victim's apparent successful business.
What she uncovers are lies and secrets among family members. Did one of them commit this horrible crime? Is the business partner responsible. Who's lying and who's telling the truth?
When she gets too close to the truth, her own life is threatened. Someone wants Dani to stop looking ... and will do whatever it takes to keep some secrets hidden from the light of day.
Although 4th is the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. A running story throughout, the reader learns about her brother ... the brother who tried to kill her. She is in a relationship that seems to be working .. but there's always worry on Dani's part. This is a well-written police procedural with outstanding characters. The action is non-stop and the suspense starts at the very first and maintains a high level until the final explosive, unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 26, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of The Bonds of Blood, the fourth novel to feature DI Dani Stephens of the West Midlands Police.
Annie and Terry Eccles are an apparently successful couple with a grown family, so why would someone brutally butcher them in their bed? DI Dani Stephens is determined to find out and the more she and her team dig the more secrets they uncover.
I enjoyed The Bonds of Blood, which has a compulsive, well thought out plot with several suspects and a well concealed perpetrator. This is a different kind of novel in that the suspect pool is limited to family, friends and acquaintances rather being wide open. That means that the concentration is on motive and opportunity, allowing the author a deep dive into what soon becomes a recognisably dysfunctional family.
The format is, maybe not unusual, but not quite standard either to a police procedural. It slips between Dani’s present day investigation and the months before Terry’s death, telling from his point of view the struggles he had in his life. I didn’t find this latter particularly interesting and skim read much of it, only concentrating the salient parts, namely why each character had a motive. The investigation is much more interesting as the team goes about unearthing information about the family and overcoming resistance from them. Of course, it wouldn’t be a DI Dani Stephens book without her encountering violence and injury, so apart from a few minor scuffles earlier in the novel, the big denouement puts her in danger. It is well done but I think the motive got lost in all the action as it seems a bit muddled.
There are hints of possible change for Dani, but I’m not sure if it is simply another red herring in her eternal quest for justice. In this novel she is the same gung-ho, relentless detective she has always been.
The Bonds of Blood is a good read that I can recommend.
Annie and Terry Eccles are an apparently successful couple with a grown family, so why would someone brutally butcher them in their bed? DI Dani Stephens is determined to find out and the more she and her team dig the more secrets they uncover.
I enjoyed The Bonds of Blood, which has a compulsive, well thought out plot with several suspects and a well concealed perpetrator. This is a different kind of novel in that the suspect pool is limited to family, friends and acquaintances rather being wide open. That means that the concentration is on motive and opportunity, allowing the author a deep dive into what soon becomes a recognisably dysfunctional family.
The format is, maybe not unusual, but not quite standard either to a police procedural. It slips between Dani’s present day investigation and the months before Terry’s death, telling from his point of view the struggles he had in his life. I didn’t find this latter particularly interesting and skim read much of it, only concentrating the salient parts, namely why each character had a motive. The investigation is much more interesting as the team goes about unearthing information about the family and overcoming resistance from them. Of course, it wouldn’t be a DI Dani Stephens book without her encountering violence and injury, so apart from a few minor scuffles earlier in the novel, the big denouement puts her in danger. It is well done but I think the motive got lost in all the action as it seems a bit muddled.
There are hints of possible change for Dani, but I’m not sure if it is simply another red herring in her eternal quest for justice. In this novel she is the same gung-ho, relentless detective she has always been.
The Bonds of Blood is a good read that I can recommend.
May 5, 2021
Finished reading: May 4th 2021
"The sense of loss, of betrayal, could stir up the most primal of behaviours in all humans."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
December 4, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Canelo for the ARC.
This is Book#4 in the DI Dani Stephens series, and just as captivating as the three previous ones. It reads reasonably well as a standalone with intermittent explanations given on Danni's and boyfriend Jason's backgrounds; however, reading the books in sequence would be a good idea.
Whilst investigating the death of 12-yr old Tyler Harrison in an apparent traffic accident whilst he was enjoying a bike ride with father Clinton, and his father's subsequent fatal beating of the driver of the vehicle involved, Dani and her team switch their focus to the double murder of Annie and Terry Eccles. Eccles Holdings were in the property business - building, developing, letting and maintenance. Terry was in partnership with Peter Werner.
The Eccles' had 4 grown-up children, 3 boys and one girl. But, as Dani and her team necessarily delve into the family relationships, cracks begin to appear - who really has a motive to kill their parents?
The investigation opens up sibling rivalries, family frictions, jealousies and recriminations. Is the Eccles' Will the motive?
Throughout we continue to follow Dani's and Jason's relationship, and Dani's relationship with her brother Ben. Dani has a decision to make.
A complex, multi-layered story which leads the reader forward to Book#5. Well-written and with believable dialogue and great team characterisation.
This is Book#4 in the DI Dani Stephens series, and just as captivating as the three previous ones. It reads reasonably well as a standalone with intermittent explanations given on Danni's and boyfriend Jason's backgrounds; however, reading the books in sequence would be a good idea.
Whilst investigating the death of 12-yr old Tyler Harrison in an apparent traffic accident whilst he was enjoying a bike ride with father Clinton, and his father's subsequent fatal beating of the driver of the vehicle involved, Dani and her team switch their focus to the double murder of Annie and Terry Eccles. Eccles Holdings were in the property business - building, developing, letting and maintenance. Terry was in partnership with Peter Werner.
The Eccles' had 4 grown-up children, 3 boys and one girl. But, as Dani and her team necessarily delve into the family relationships, cracks begin to appear - who really has a motive to kill their parents?
The investigation opens up sibling rivalries, family frictions, jealousies and recriminations. Is the Eccles' Will the motive?
Throughout we continue to follow Dani's and Jason's relationship, and Dani's relationship with her brother Ben. Dani has a decision to make.
A complex, multi-layered story which leads the reader forward to Book#5. Well-written and with believable dialogue and great team characterisation.
April 12, 2021
3 stars
I enjoyed watching the dark secrets of the Eccles family unravel as DI Dani hunts down the perpetrator of a grisly double murder. The ending is a bit melodramatic for my tastes, but otherwise the story was a fun read.
[What I liked:]
•The very complex lives & dirty secrets of the whole Eccles family, plus the other case Dani & her team are working simultaneously, make for an interesting plot with many layers for the investigation to uncover, keeping the plot engaging til the end.
•Easton made a good sidekick/partner to Dani. The way they read each other’s cues & handled interviews was interesting to observe.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Towards the end, the action gets a bit unrealistic & melodramatic. The last scene at the Kibble house in particular seemed way over the top.
•There are conflicts between Dani & her partner Jason running throughout the entire book that never get fully addressed. I wish there had been at least a confrontation if not a full resolution, but the issue was just left dangling.
CW: murder, on-page violence, racism, islamophobia, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, infidelity
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
I enjoyed watching the dark secrets of the Eccles family unravel as DI Dani hunts down the perpetrator of a grisly double murder. The ending is a bit melodramatic for my tastes, but otherwise the story was a fun read.
[What I liked:]
•The very complex lives & dirty secrets of the whole Eccles family, plus the other case Dani & her team are working simultaneously, make for an interesting plot with many layers for the investigation to uncover, keeping the plot engaging til the end.
•Easton made a good sidekick/partner to Dani. The way they read each other’s cues & handled interviews was interesting to observe.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Towards the end, the action gets a bit unrealistic & melodramatic. The last scene at the Kibble house in particular seemed way over the top.
•There are conflicts between Dani & her partner Jason running throughout the entire book that never get fully addressed. I wish there had been at least a confrontation if not a full resolution, but the issue was just left dangling.
CW: murder, on-page violence, racism, islamophobia, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, infidelity
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
June 28, 2025
I received this as an ARC, and yet again requested a book 4th in the series 🤦♀️🤦♀️ So as always I started from the beginning, I love the different side of this character DI Dani Stephens, one messed up policewoman, who at times you actually really dislike. The plots are superb and gribbing, supporting characters development over the 4 books are equally impressive, and every book really kept me guessing, 4th installment didn't disappoint. Superb story, writing plot amd ending, left me hanging come on Rob its been a year,where is number 5
August 3, 2021
The Bonds of Blood is book four in the DI Dani Stephens series. As is fairly usual for me, I have not read the first three; however, I had no issue piecing together what came before, and the book works fine as a standalone.
We open with a rather gruesome murder - the blood and gore is kept to a minimum, but we get the idea without it. A man and woman, killed in their bed in the dead of night.
DI Stephens is working another case when this one comes up: a man who beat another man to death after the second man ran over and killed the first man's son while they were out biking. This issue - determining what level of intent was involved on the part of both men runs through the book as a subplot.
Stephens is then called out to the scene of the murder that opens the book. It's a bit close to home for her, as she and her fiancee suffered a similar attack, but lived.. Still, she tackles the case with her team, and discovers that the murdered couple owned a development business, buying properties and creating new housing. As Stephens and her team delve more deeply into the business, they find that the company is burning through money. During the investigation, they also find a will for the father, notarized and signed by a lawyer, and another will, unsigned and undated. The difference between them revolves around how much a portion of the business each of their four children receive.
Their kids are really somewhat of a mess. The daughter is married and they run a competing company in real estate development. One son is of course the one who is rather flighty and undependable. One son has a gambling problem, and owes a lot of money to an illegal gambling front that extended him credit. The last son works in the company business with the father, and is displeased with the way the company is being run and the money it's losing on each project. All are good candidates for motive, and Stephens and her team sort through the entanglements of the family to get to the truth.
The book moves back and forth in time, and is told both from the viewpoint of Stephens and from the viewpoint of the father, Terry, as he goes through trying to keep his business afloat. This back and forth does not make the book hard to follow, but it does give the reader some vital information that will allow them to crack the case if they are observant.
I'll give this a solid four out of five.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the reading copy.
We open with a rather gruesome murder - the blood and gore is kept to a minimum, but we get the idea without it. A man and woman, killed in their bed in the dead of night.
DI Stephens is working another case when this one comes up: a man who beat another man to death after the second man ran over and killed the first man's son while they were out biking. This issue - determining what level of intent was involved on the part of both men runs through the book as a subplot.
Stephens is then called out to the scene of the murder that opens the book. It's a bit close to home for her, as she and her fiancee suffered a similar attack, but lived.. Still, she tackles the case with her team, and discovers that the murdered couple owned a development business, buying properties and creating new housing. As Stephens and her team delve more deeply into the business, they find that the company is burning through money. During the investigation, they also find a will for the father, notarized and signed by a lawyer, and another will, unsigned and undated. The difference between them revolves around how much a portion of the business each of their four children receive.
Their kids are really somewhat of a mess. The daughter is married and they run a competing company in real estate development. One son is of course the one who is rather flighty and undependable. One son has a gambling problem, and owes a lot of money to an illegal gambling front that extended him credit. The last son works in the company business with the father, and is displeased with the way the company is being run and the money it's losing on each project. All are good candidates for motive, and Stephens and her team sort through the entanglements of the family to get to the truth.
The book moves back and forth in time, and is told both from the viewpoint of Stephens and from the viewpoint of the father, Terry, as he goes through trying to keep his business afloat. This back and forth does not make the book hard to follow, but it does give the reader some vital information that will allow them to crack the case if they are observant.
I'll give this a solid four out of five.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the reading copy.
June 29, 2021
Brutal murders shock Sutton Coldfield residents
DI Dani Stephens and her team are called to a horrendous murder scene – Terry and his wife Annie Eccles bludgeoned to death in their beds. Although the bedroom and stairs are covered in blood, Dani’s team have truly little to work with and finding out who the perpetrator might be will mean digging into their background.
At the same time, she is dealing with the case of Clinton Harrison – trying to decide whether he should be charged with murdering the man who killed his son. He and his son were out riding when the vehicle driven by Dylan Roberts hit Tyler, killing him instantly.
Dani is trying to get both these cases solved as quickly as possible to satisfy her boss, DCI McNair when she hears that her brother, Ben – in jail for murder and the attempted murder of both her and his wife has been attacked in prison and is in a coma in hospital. He is Dani’s twin and even though he’d left her with brain damage and terrible injuries when he attacked her, she still has a bond with him that she can’t explain, and she immediately rushes to the hospital to visit him.
DI Dani Stephens is an extremely complicated character and with each new book in the series, we get to understand her a bit more. She’s a feisty, well-respected detective with a team who are loyal and willing to always go the extra mile to help solve a crime. Her private life, with her partner Jason, who had been severely injured trying to protect her when she was attacked by a psychopath is still on somewhat shaky ground, and yet their deep commitment to each other might still ensure that their relationship survives.
Rob Sinclair captures DI Dani Stephens perfectly, making her one of my favourite characters. I find the connection between her and Ben, her twin truly fascinating, especially knowing what damage he’d inflicted on her. What is the bond between twins that keep her still so close to him?
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
DI Dani Stephens and her team are called to a horrendous murder scene – Terry and his wife Annie Eccles bludgeoned to death in their beds. Although the bedroom and stairs are covered in blood, Dani’s team have truly little to work with and finding out who the perpetrator might be will mean digging into their background.
At the same time, she is dealing with the case of Clinton Harrison – trying to decide whether he should be charged with murdering the man who killed his son. He and his son were out riding when the vehicle driven by Dylan Roberts hit Tyler, killing him instantly.
Dani is trying to get both these cases solved as quickly as possible to satisfy her boss, DCI McNair when she hears that her brother, Ben – in jail for murder and the attempted murder of both her and his wife has been attacked in prison and is in a coma in hospital. He is Dani’s twin and even though he’d left her with brain damage and terrible injuries when he attacked her, she still has a bond with him that she can’t explain, and she immediately rushes to the hospital to visit him.
DI Dani Stephens is an extremely complicated character and with each new book in the series, we get to understand her a bit more. She’s a feisty, well-respected detective with a team who are loyal and willing to always go the extra mile to help solve a crime. Her private life, with her partner Jason, who had been severely injured trying to protect her when she was attacked by a psychopath is still on somewhat shaky ground, and yet their deep commitment to each other might still ensure that their relationship survives.
Rob Sinclair captures DI Dani Stephens perfectly, making her one of my favourite characters. I find the connection between her and Ben, her twin truly fascinating, especially knowing what damage he’d inflicted on her. What is the bond between twins that keep her still so close to him?
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
May 23, 2021
DI Dani Stevens didn’t have long before a meeting with Clinton Harrison and his lawyer to decide if he was being charged with murder or something else. The newspaper article hadn’t helped and they were still going through witness statements plus mobile phone footage. She wasn’t happy to do so unless there was conclusive proof or he confessed but just before the meeting she was called away to another crime scene, passing the buck to DCI McNair.
DI Dani Stephens and DS Aaron Easton were called to Kibble House where they found the bloodied bodies of Annie and Terry Eccles in their blood drenched bed. There was an axe and baseball bat beside the bed that looked liked the murder weapons. Further investigation of the house found two wills, one dated two years ago from a solicitor not too far away and a draft drawn up more recently but not signed where the children were not due to get anything from the will. Eric was the only one of the children to gain out of the second will as he had shares in his father’s company along with the Werners.
One night outside her home, Dani is attacked by two men who threaten her to stop investigating the case or else! Jason hears her scream, calls the police and comes out to help so the attackers jump in their car and escape. Luckily Dani isn’t seriously hurt but she isn’t sure which case they mean as she has been delving into both the Harrison case and Eccles case. Although this doesn’t stop her, it just makes her more determined to get her attackers locked up!
Had the murderer taken the original will? Could the Werners be behind the killings? Could someone in the family be behind it? Trying to get straight answers from anyone connected to the case is difficult as they are either elusive or slippery as eels.
This is book four in the DI Dani Stephens series but the first time I have read them. I totally enjoyed reading this thrilling story which combined two different cases and pushed Dani and her team to get them solved. They seem to work really well as a team even though Dani has problems in her personal life. I need to read the other books in the series as going forward, this is a series I could grow to love.
DI Dani Stephens and DS Aaron Easton were called to Kibble House where they found the bloodied bodies of Annie and Terry Eccles in their blood drenched bed. There was an axe and baseball bat beside the bed that looked liked the murder weapons. Further investigation of the house found two wills, one dated two years ago from a solicitor not too far away and a draft drawn up more recently but not signed where the children were not due to get anything from the will. Eric was the only one of the children to gain out of the second will as he had shares in his father’s company along with the Werners.
One night outside her home, Dani is attacked by two men who threaten her to stop investigating the case or else! Jason hears her scream, calls the police and comes out to help so the attackers jump in their car and escape. Luckily Dani isn’t seriously hurt but she isn’t sure which case they mean as she has been delving into both the Harrison case and Eccles case. Although this doesn’t stop her, it just makes her more determined to get her attackers locked up!
Had the murderer taken the original will? Could the Werners be behind the killings? Could someone in the family be behind it? Trying to get straight answers from anyone connected to the case is difficult as they are either elusive or slippery as eels.
This is book four in the DI Dani Stephens series but the first time I have read them. I totally enjoyed reading this thrilling story which combined two different cases and pushed Dani and her team to get them solved. They seem to work really well as a team even though Dani has problems in her personal life. I need to read the other books in the series as going forward, this is a series I could grow to love.
May 16, 2024
Rob Sinclair (https://www.robsinclairauthor.com/) is the author of more than 20 novels. The Bonds of Blood was published in 2021 and is the fourth novel in his DI Dani Stephens series. It is the 27th book I completed reading in 2024.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.
A reckless driver strikes and kills a young boy on his bicycle. A man and his wife are brutally murdered in their bed. Detective Inspector Dani Stephens and her team are charged with investigating both.
At first, the traffic incident appears to just be a tragic accident. A boy and his father are biking along the road when a reckless driver strikes and kills the boy. The father reacts and kills the driver of the car. On the surface, it would appear to be momentary anger and grief, but the team thinks there may be more behind the incident.
Annie and Terry Eccles Are living a comfortable life. Eccles leaves behind a business partner and four adult children. The death of Eccles and his wife is more than some random break-in and killing. Someone had to have benefitted from their death.
Complicating the investigation are threats made against DI Stephens. The Eccles had secrets, and someone does not want them revealed. Her team encounters arson, blackmail, and murder as they investigate these two cases.
I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 357-page mystery. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.
A reckless driver strikes and kills a young boy on his bicycle. A man and his wife are brutally murdered in their bed. Detective Inspector Dani Stephens and her team are charged with investigating both.
At first, the traffic incident appears to just be a tragic accident. A boy and his father are biking along the road when a reckless driver strikes and kills the boy. The father reacts and kills the driver of the car. On the surface, it would appear to be momentary anger and grief, but the team thinks there may be more behind the incident.
Annie and Terry Eccles Are living a comfortable life. Eccles leaves behind a business partner and four adult children. The death of Eccles and his wife is more than some random break-in and killing. Someone had to have benefitted from their death.
Complicating the investigation are threats made against DI Stephens. The Eccles had secrets, and someone does not want them revealed. Her team encounters arson, blackmail, and murder as they investigate these two cases.
I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 357-page mystery. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
May 11, 2021
This is book four in this series and, although the main story is self contained, you might want to start from the beginning and read in order. If for no other reason than backstory and character development. Dani Stephens is a very complex character with an interesting past which does intrude in her present, both personal and professional, so...
Annie and Terry Eccles are brutally murdered. In their house, in their bed. They are successful people with a grown family, no apparent enemies, so who would want them dead? Or is it a burglary gone wrong? Enter DI Dani Stephens and her team to investigate.
We then flit between the present day investigation and Terry's past which adds colour and context to what happened in the present. It starts to open up threads and motives that could form part of what happened. Unearthing secrets and lies, and more than a healthy slice of duplicitous behaviour that helped me try and second guess Dani and her team in their investigation...
It's well plotted and fast paced. There is no superfluous waffle or padding save for the usual series arcs and Dani's personal stuff, but nothing more than you would expect or indeed want from a series book. This means that it gets on with itself very well and the insertion of the past into the present also helps to progress things nicely.
All in all a solid addition to a series that is shaping up nicely. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Annie and Terry Eccles are brutally murdered. In their house, in their bed. They are successful people with a grown family, no apparent enemies, so who would want them dead? Or is it a burglary gone wrong? Enter DI Dani Stephens and her team to investigate.
We then flit between the present day investigation and Terry's past which adds colour and context to what happened in the present. It starts to open up threads and motives that could form part of what happened. Unearthing secrets and lies, and more than a healthy slice of duplicitous behaviour that helped me try and second guess Dani and her team in their investigation...
It's well plotted and fast paced. There is no superfluous waffle or padding save for the usual series arcs and Dani's personal stuff, but nothing more than you would expect or indeed want from a series book. This means that it gets on with itself very well and the insertion of the past into the present also helps to progress things nicely.
All in all a solid addition to a series that is shaping up nicely. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 30, 2021
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
This is the fourth instalment in the DI Dani Stephens Series however, the first that I have read. For me, I don't feel I have missed out too much not having read the previous three in the series, maybe on a bit of the backstory, but nothing that ended up being detrimental to my enjoyment of The Bonds of Blood and just makes me want to go back and read more.
This is a great story - it starts pretty brutally with the murder of a husband and wife in their bed so be prepared - and one that follows DI Stephens and her team's investigation into the brutal murder which is far from straight forward.
Full of lies, deceit and secrets, this is a tricky one to try and work out who did it which makes it all the more enjoyable. It's full of great characters and is written at a good pace and I would definitely recommend to those who love a police procedural where it's not obvious who the perpetrator is until close to the end.
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is the fourth instalment in the DI Dani Stephens Series however, the first that I have read. For me, I don't feel I have missed out too much not having read the previous three in the series, maybe on a bit of the backstory, but nothing that ended up being detrimental to my enjoyment of The Bonds of Blood and just makes me want to go back and read more.
This is a great story - it starts pretty brutally with the murder of a husband and wife in their bed so be prepared - and one that follows DI Stephens and her team's investigation into the brutal murder which is far from straight forward.
Full of lies, deceit and secrets, this is a tricky one to try and work out who did it which makes it all the more enjoyable. It's full of great characters and is written at a good pace and I would definitely recommend to those who love a police procedural where it's not obvious who the perpetrator is until close to the end.
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
May 13, 2021
The fourth of a series of which this is the first I have read. It is fine to read as a stand alone. There are references to past events which helped me to understand the detective , Dani . There is a lot going on in this book, but it is believable and does not come across as confusing . Probably a realistic picture of police life.
The crime and investigation is well described, though at times I did not follow the detectives way of thinking, it became apparent quite quickly . There are quite a few twists in the story and the pace is fast-moving and keeps the reader interested.
I liked the characters on the whole and although there was some explanation of their relationships to each other, I occasionally felt that it was based on something from a book earlier in the series. Definitely not criticism though, perhaps more a feeling that I`ve come to the party late !
Thank you to Net Galley, Canelo and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Another author to add to my must read list !
The crime and investigation is well described, though at times I did not follow the detectives way of thinking, it became apparent quite quickly . There are quite a few twists in the story and the pace is fast-moving and keeps the reader interested.
I liked the characters on the whole and although there was some explanation of their relationships to each other, I occasionally felt that it was based on something from a book earlier in the series. Definitely not criticism though, perhaps more a feeling that I`ve come to the party late !
Thank you to Net Galley, Canelo and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Another author to add to my must read list !
April 23, 2021
I thought this was a very good, entertaining read and great addition to this series. I love the authors writing style here, it is engaging and had my attention all the way through. DI Stephens and her team investigate a double murder and look closely at the victims family who are hiding secrets of their own, where all is not as it seems. I felt the book flowed really well and moved from past to present times really easily, it had likeable and believable characters, quite a few twists in the plot line and I quickly became engrossed in the story. I loved reading of the working relationships between Stephens and Easton and also the second story thread about another unrelated case Stephens and her team were investigating. I know of some of the areas mentioned in the book as I live in Birmingham and always like books more when they are set in places/areas I’m familiar with. Overall a good, fast paced read that I enjoyed, although it was one that didn’t really wow me. 3.5 stars
September 6, 2021
The Bonds of Blood by Rob Sinclair is the forth book in the DI Dani Stephens series. I enjoyed reading all these books within this series and his latest book is another great page turner and full of twists and turns throughout. especially as there is so much going on within this book, When DI Dani Stephens and her team are called to a horrendous murder scene – They find Terry and his wife Annie Eccles bludgeoned to death in their beds. They also find the bedroom and stairs are also covered in blood,
Why is there so much blood everywhere when the victims are found in their bed?
Is it their Blood or is it someones else's blood?
Dani’s team and her team have to work fast before someone else is murdered!!!
Yet, another excellent read and I highly recommend this series of book.
Thank you to Net Galley, Canelo and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why is there so much blood everywhere when the victims are found in their bed?
Is it their Blood or is it someones else's blood?
Dani’s team and her team have to work fast before someone else is murdered!!!
Yet, another excellent read and I highly recommend this series of book.
Thank you to Net Galley, Canelo and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
I've been a bit reluctant to read this book having not read book three in the series, I needn't have worried because it works well as a stand alone. Books one and two are excellent, so is this. A bit of back story is weaved into the plot so everything makes sense. I like DI Dani Stephen's, she is well respected by her team and gets results. She is called to head up a brutal murder. Man and wife butchered in their home. A horrific case and evidence always seems to point to family members. Is it that simple? If so, the question is why? A twisty plot indeed. She is also called to head another murder which again isn't straightforward. More pressure for poor Dani. Events are putting stress on her family life too as well as putting her in mortal danger.
A well paced and very exciting read. I need to get hold of book three!
A well paced and very exciting read. I need to get hold of book three!
July 6, 2021
My first book by Sinclair and I will definitely be going back to read the other books. I was hooked from the first page and the plot was very well executed.
The story starts with a brutal death of a husband and wife. DI Stephens and her team begin to investigate and while investigating Stephens gets attacked outside her house.
Will she continue with her investigation to find out the killer?
This is a fast paced dark psychological thriller with family lies, secrets and deception. I enjoyed the background story of Dani, Jason and Ben. This is a well written and engaging book. Definitely recommend.
The story starts with a brutal death of a husband and wife. DI Stephens and her team begin to investigate and while investigating Stephens gets attacked outside her house.
Will she continue with her investigation to find out the killer?
This is a fast paced dark psychological thriller with family lies, secrets and deception. I enjoyed the background story of Dani, Jason and Ben. This is a well written and engaging book. Definitely recommend.
April 19, 2021
DI Dani, and her team, are investigating a grisly double murder of a husband and wife. The investigation reveals family secrets and dirty dealings, as well as domestic violence, infidelity and alcoholism. The book was well written with an interesting plot and good characterisation. I loved the dynamic between Dani and Easton but the conflict between Dani and her partner Jason, was left unresolved by the end of the book. A good story which kept me engrossed until the end. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
June 9, 2021
The Bonds of Blood. Rob Sinclair
To say this is an excellent read is a monumental understatement. DI Stephens took a long time to recover after her brother almost killed her and her long term boyfriend, lover and a major force in her life.Now a prominent businessman and his wife have been brutally murdered in there bed. Was it a fAmily member or a business partner? Well, I'm not going to give it up!! Once you start reading you won't stop!!! Enjoyed immensely!! My highest recommendation!!
To say this is an excellent read is a monumental understatement. DI Stephens took a long time to recover after her brother almost killed her and her long term boyfriend, lover and a major force in her life.Now a prominent businessman and his wife have been brutally murdered in there bed. Was it a fAmily member or a business partner? Well, I'm not going to give it up!! Once you start reading you won't stop!!! Enjoyed immensely!! My highest recommendation!!
July 5, 2021
The dark secrets of the Eccles family become unraveled following the murder of Terry and Annie Eccles in their bed. Entwined family relationships and of course money are the main motives for DI Dani Stephens to investigate.
I enjoyed the dynamic of the Eccles family and layers of dirty secrets that’s keeps the interest going throughout the plot.
Dani and her team work well together to investigate the suspects.
Some scenes became a little unrealistic towards the end but don’t let that put you off another epic read by Rob Sinlcair.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
I enjoyed the dynamic of the Eccles family and layers of dirty secrets that’s keeps the interest going throughout the plot.
Dani and her team work well together to investigate the suspects.
Some scenes became a little unrealistic towards the end but don’t let that put you off another epic read by Rob Sinlcair.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
January 30, 2023
From start to finish, the book really was incredible as we continue to see the detective evolve and gain increased respect and trust of supervisors and partners alike. While this could’ve been a perfect place to end the series, I kind of hope she continues because they’ve really done themselves proud with each and every book. They continue to elevate in the nature of the stories, and in the evolution of her character
January 11, 2026
delivering the goods, as usual
With this, the 4th novel in the Dani Stephens’ series, Rob Sinclair moves back slightly, into the classic whodunit type structure. A bit risky for a successful author with a known plot type, yet Mr Sinclair delivers it with style and ease.
You can read it as standalone but, come on, who in their right mind if going to do that??
Add it to your bookshelf, you won’t regret it.
With this, the 4th novel in the Dani Stephens’ series, Rob Sinclair moves back slightly, into the classic whodunit type structure. A bit risky for a successful author with a known plot type, yet Mr Sinclair delivers it with style and ease.
You can read it as standalone but, come on, who in their right mind if going to do that??
Add it to your bookshelf, you won’t regret it.
June 6, 2021
Probably the best new crime novel of 2021. Rob Sinclair's DI Dani Stephens returns with a bang, two murders, one seemingly clear cut, one involving Birmingham's hopefully most dysfunctional family. Throw in a surprise plot twist with her murderous brother and problems in her personal life, and this story doesn't pause for breath.
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July 8, 2021Rob Sinclair has done it again!
I love the DI Dani Stephens series. This was gripping from the first to the last page. I found it refreshing for it to be slightly different to the previous books in this series in that she wasn't hunting a serial killer but there were still plenty of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next installment.
I love the DI Dani Stephens series. This was gripping from the first to the last page. I found it refreshing for it to be slightly different to the previous books in this series in that she wasn't hunting a serial killer but there were still plenty of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next installment.
December 22, 2021
This is the fourth book in the DI Dani Stephens book and the first one I’ve read. I found it quite slow going in parts and nothing much happened until the last quarter of the book. The main character wasn’t very likeable which made it difficult to connect with her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 6, 2022
First book I've finished in a long, long time, and I'm fairly pleased this was the first one of the year too. Basically a classic thriller, as would be expected from Rob Sinclair... To be honest I didn't realise it was part of a series, despite it saying so on the front, though you don't have to read them in order anyway. Probably will read some of the others later in the year.
May 22, 2021
Family lies
So many lies in one family. I think out of everyone only one person was living their life the way they wanted without all the deceit and lies. Can't the author just give Dani one break like you know a vacation. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
So many lies in one family. I think out of everyone only one person was living their life the way they wanted without all the deceit and lies. Can't the author just give Dani one break like you know a vacation. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
June 19, 2021
solid procedural. have to say I don’t totally understand her relationship with her brother and where it maybe going. and the female protagonist with the troubled past with intimacy issues is a bit tired plot wise.
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