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DS Vicky Dodds #1
Blood and Guts
Christmas Eve. A dead teenager, another missing. One hell of a case.
Settling down for a nice Christmas Eve with her daughter and her best friend, a phone call pulls DS Vicky Dodds into work and to a deadly new case.
A teenage girl, her body cooling in a cold, dark supermarket car park. Found next to her friend’s car, but she’s missing too — has the killer taken her? Or is she the killer?
As the clock ticks down, Vicky digs deep as she investigates Dundee’s grim underbelly, and shows real blood and guts as she cuts through the lies of teenagers and a colleague’s furious rage in her pursuit of the truth.
BLOOD & GUTS is an explosive crime thriller novel from bestselling author, Ed James, one of Scottish crime fiction’s grittiest writers. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, James Oswald and Stuart MacBride.
Settling down for a nice Christmas Eve with her daughter and her best friend, a phone call pulls DS Vicky Dodds into work and to a deadly new case.
A teenage girl, her body cooling in a cold, dark supermarket car park. Found next to her friend’s car, but she’s missing too — has the killer taken her? Or is she the killer?
As the clock ticks down, Vicky digs deep as she investigates Dundee’s grim underbelly, and shows real blood and guts as she cuts through the lies of teenagers and a colleague’s furious rage in her pursuit of the truth.
BLOOD & GUTS is an explosive crime thriller novel from bestselling author, Ed James, one of Scottish crime fiction’s grittiest writers. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, James Oswald and Stuart MacBride.
204 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2021
744 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 15, 2021
Marked up from 2.5* Only a shortish story but plenty to get stuck in to. Unfortunately the time line felt really confusing to me - it all takes place between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning (early) but something just felt a bit off with the flow. Also, really could have done with another pass from the editors. I spotted several glaring errors without even really looking.
On the plus side I liked the characters so I guess I may well try the next in the series
On the plus side I liked the characters so I guess I may well try the next in the series
April 30, 2025
This is book one in the DS Vicky Dodds series. The plot carries over a single evening and shows Dodds and her colleagues working hard to find a missing girl, Teresa Ennis, after finding the dead body of her friend, Carly Johnson. Will Dodds be able to find Teresa, or will she end up suffering the same fate as her friend?
I enjoyed the plot of this book as there was a lot involved in it. From kidnapping, to murder, to sex trafficking, there was certainly a lot to keep a reader focused and intrigued. What should be one case ends up being several connected all together which made for an exciting read. I particularly liked the ending as I was surprised by the killer and felt the author concluded the book in a good way.
However, although the storyline itself was good, I found I disliked more about the novel than I liked. For example, the book is a Scottish thriller, and yet I had no sense of place at all throughout the book. I think this was because the action was spread out over a day so it didn’t allow the author much time to focus on place. Furthermore, the name of the novel doesn’t fit the actual plot. Blood and Guts is casually mentioned once as the name of an operation a character is working on, but the title suggests a gory storyline which isn’t the case at all. I found this rather misleading.
I also struggled with the characters. The protagonist isn’t too bad and I liked the fact she is a single mother. I’m willing to give her more of a chance as she showed many good qualities. The others, on the other hand, seemed unlikeable so I’m really hoping that changes as the series progresses.
Overall, it didn’t completely draw me in, but as the storyline was interesting I will try book two and see what I think. The version I read was an edited 2024 one with an extra 25,000 words, so part of me is curious what the original book was like.
I enjoyed the plot of this book as there was a lot involved in it. From kidnapping, to murder, to sex trafficking, there was certainly a lot to keep a reader focused and intrigued. What should be one case ends up being several connected all together which made for an exciting read. I particularly liked the ending as I was surprised by the killer and felt the author concluded the book in a good way.
However, although the storyline itself was good, I found I disliked more about the novel than I liked. For example, the book is a Scottish thriller, and yet I had no sense of place at all throughout the book. I think this was because the action was spread out over a day so it didn’t allow the author much time to focus on place. Furthermore, the name of the novel doesn’t fit the actual plot. Blood and Guts is casually mentioned once as the name of an operation a character is working on, but the title suggests a gory storyline which isn’t the case at all. I found this rather misleading.
I also struggled with the characters. The protagonist isn’t too bad and I liked the fact she is a single mother. I’m willing to give her more of a chance as she showed many good qualities. The others, on the other hand, seemed unlikeable so I’m really hoping that changes as the series progresses.
Overall, it didn’t completely draw me in, but as the storyline was interesting I will try book two and see what I think. The version I read was an edited 2024 one with an extra 25,000 words, so part of me is curious what the original book was like.
June 14, 2021
"Loved it"
Raw, real, pacy, suspenseful, and laced with dark humour. I read it in one sitting. It deserved nothing less. Loved it.
Raw, real, pacy, suspenseful, and laced with dark humour. I read it in one sitting. It deserved nothing less. Loved it.
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed this despite the probability of all this action taking place within the time frame (early evening on Christmas Eve to a few hours before Christmas Day) being unbelievable. There's a few errors that should have been picked up on the final reading but none the less it was enjoyable.
May 31, 2022
Cool Calm Vicky
I like the DS Vicky Dodds series. Being a single Mum throws Vicky into conflict between ensuring her daughter's safety and welfare are taken care of and her wanting to be the best copper she can be. Knowing Dundee like she does a lot of the policing she does is on instinct and the knowledge of the City she polices. With her Dad being ex Police it helps that she has a reliable source of strength to turn to along with a trusted and reliable baby sitter. Easy to read and enjoyable. Ed James makes you feel comfortable to follow Vicky and her colleagues stories.
I like the DS Vicky Dodds series. Being a single Mum throws Vicky into conflict between ensuring her daughter's safety and welfare are taken care of and her wanting to be the best copper she can be. Knowing Dundee like she does a lot of the policing she does is on instinct and the knowledge of the City she polices. With her Dad being ex Police it helps that she has a reliable source of strength to turn to along with a trusted and reliable baby sitter. Easy to read and enjoyable. Ed James makes you feel comfortable to follow Vicky and her colleagues stories.
May 17, 2021
A very good book, enjoyed it thoroughly. I recommend it!
September 18, 2021
BRILLIANT!!!
Discovered this book by sheer chance and so glad I did. I loved the story, the characters and the descriptions of my home town. Took me right back there when reading the book. Great storyline, can't wait to read more FROM Ed James.
Discovered this book by sheer chance and so glad I did. I loved the story, the characters and the descriptions of my home town. Took me right back there when reading the book. Great storyline, can't wait to read more FROM Ed James.
April 1, 2021
The year is 2015, its the 24th December and Detective Sergeant Vicky Dodds is just getting into the festive spirit with her three year old daughter and best friend when the phone rings. The body of a young girl, dressed to party, has been found in a deserted supermarket car park and instantly Christmas is cancelled.
Although a short story and a prequel this still packs the punch fans of Ed James have come to expect. It explains the origins of a couple of things mentioned in books later in this series and why some of her colleagues behave way they do. The case itself covers a lot of areas for a novella and once again was immensely enjoyable. If I could take one author's work to a desert island Mr James would definitely be my choice.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great short story which I loved.
Although a short story and a prequel this still packs the punch fans of Ed James have come to expect. It explains the origins of a couple of things mentioned in books later in this series and why some of her colleagues behave way they do. The case itself covers a lot of areas for a novella and once again was immensely enjoyable. If I could take one author's work to a desert island Mr James would definitely be my choice.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great short story which I loved.
January 21, 2023
This is the first book in the DS Vicky Dodds series by author Ed James. I enjoy reading Ed James novels, good characters, interesting plots and good solid entertaining reads. I am not saying that the books are classics but in my opinion authors like Kerry Wilkinson, Val McDermid and Ed James are high up on my to read list when looking for a good quick entertaining read.
This is a new series featuring DS Vicky Dodds and begins with her settling down for a nice Christmas Eve with her daughter and her best friend when she receives a phone call that is the start of a brand new case. The dead body of a teenage girl has been found in a supermarket carpark next to her best friends car. Her friend is no where to be seen, but is she in danger or does she have something to do with the murder.
This is a decent start to a new series and the introduction of a new character Vicky Dodds. I feel sure that this character will have more to offer in subsequent novels which I look forward to.
This is a new series featuring DS Vicky Dodds and begins with her settling down for a nice Christmas Eve with her daughter and her best friend when she receives a phone call that is the start of a brand new case. The dead body of a teenage girl has been found in a supermarket carpark next to her best friends car. Her friend is no where to be seen, but is she in danger or does she have something to do with the murder.
This is a decent start to a new series and the introduction of a new character Vicky Dodds. I feel sure that this character will have more to offer in subsequent novels which I look forward to.
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March 28, 2025Vicky Dodds is supposed to be having a night off but gets called into work. A murdered teenage girl and a missing one on New year's Eve. Her dad's ex police so her parents are understanding about babysitting Bella for a while.
But the night goes on and the tale becomes twisted with adult men using pick up sites to meet and sleep with underage girls. But does this extend to rape, kidnapping or murder?
Vicky has to cope with the old boys police network including the complication of the missing girl's father being a serving police officer.
But the night goes on and the tale becomes twisted with adult men using pick up sites to meet and sleep with underage girls. But does this extend to rape, kidnapping or murder?
Vicky has to cope with the old boys police network including the complication of the missing girl's father being a serving police officer.
January 8, 2026
This will be a couple of rows about how much I like Ed James's writing. This story drew me in at once. DS Vicky Dodds is a good character to follow. Add to this, James's way with words. I like his gritty, no nonsense writing. It's like a slap in the face (a good one) He'll be saying "here you have it, my work is done, like it or not, this is it". Kind of. Oh, I'm blabbering.
I'll end this here by saying: Read it, you won't regret it. Don't be afraid, pick it up and enjoy the wake-up slap, it's a great way to start the day.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
I'll end this here by saying: Read it, you won't regret it. Don't be afraid, pick it up and enjoy the wake-up slap, it's a great way to start the day.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
November 6, 2024
An interesting British police drama. Doesn't follow the usual approach where you have the DCI heading things up, whiteboard, leading the team, instead this is the DS deciding what needs to be done and pretty much working around the clock to do it.
Some interesting characters and I'm sure they will be further enhanced as the series progresses.
I rated the book at 3 stars. Thought there were a few tooo many repeat phrases or mannerisms but overall an entertaining who Dunn it.
Some interesting characters and I'm sure they will be further enhanced as the series progresses.
I rated the book at 3 stars. Thought there were a few tooo many repeat phrases or mannerisms but overall an entertaining who Dunn it.
April 7, 2021
As I'm a fan of Ed James, I thought I'd give this book a try even though I'm not a fan of novellas/short stories. And this reminded me why. The storyline and characters could not be detailed enough in so few pages to make it a gripping read. I had no interest in the characters nor the plot, I only kept going because it was so short.
April 8, 2021
Brilliant novella
D S Vicky Dodds , supposedly on time off for Christmas, receives a phone call from her superior at work detailing a crime that would knock her plans on the head. Gritty, well-written, dark and believable stuff from Ed James. Kept me awake trying to solve the murder and attacks. Well worth reading!
D S Vicky Dodds , supposedly on time off for Christmas, receives a phone call from her superior at work detailing a crime that would knock her plans on the head. Gritty, well-written, dark and believable stuff from Ed James. Kept me awake trying to solve the murder and attacks. Well worth reading!
February 2, 2022
I know Dundee really well so was looking forward to reading this book but I am afraid it was really disappointing. I spent most of the book wondering how this miserable lot of coppers managed to keep going everything was so depressing the plot, the characters even the City. Dundee has improved so much over the years it’s time to give the city and the people a much needed break.
March 26, 2023
Boring
A night of romance turns out badly for two friends. One is abducted and the other murdered. It happens on Christmas Eve so the responding officers are put out.
I did not enjoy this book. Dark and dreary their is nary a semi likable character. There is too much slang and the story is neither interesting nor entertaining.
A night of romance turns out badly for two friends. One is abducted and the other murdered. It happens on Christmas Eve so the responding officers are put out.
I did not enjoy this book. Dark and dreary their is nary a semi likable character. There is too much slang and the story is neither interesting nor entertaining.
June 3, 2024
DNF I tried but the book starts off with too many characters. Don't do that. If you threw in all your characters at once at the start of the book I get confused to who is who etc.. it confuses me so much that I just stop reading. It's like being the new person in an already established group of people in a club or being the new guy at work.
September 8, 2024
sorry not for me
Why oh why does authors think it’s acceptable to have swearing and profanity in their novels. It’s totally acceptable not to include it in my opinion. However, I do know other readers will enjoy this kind of language bit for me it’s nit so ima little disappointed as I thought the stead potential.
Why oh why does authors think it’s acceptable to have swearing and profanity in their novels. It’s totally acceptable not to include it in my opinion. However, I do know other readers will enjoy this kind of language bit for me it’s nit so ima little disappointed as I thought the stead potential.
June 12, 2025
Well out together
A story that’s well put together. A whole dunnit or is it who didn’t do it?
Nice twist near the end leaving Vicky with a dilemna.
Some good characters, although some cops a bit stereotypical.
It’s set in Scotland which makes a nice change from America or London.
It’s an enjoyable read that’s whet my appetite for more from Ed James.
A story that’s well put together. A whole dunnit or is it who didn’t do it?
Nice twist near the end leaving Vicky with a dilemna.
Some good characters, although some cops a bit stereotypical.
It’s set in Scotland which makes a nice change from America or London.
It’s an enjoyable read that’s whet my appetite for more from Ed James.
March 31, 2021
Brilliant
A fascinating murder, mystery with twists and surprises, which keep you guessing right up to the end. An enjoyable instalment in the Vicky Dodds series. Love Ed James books
A fascinating murder, mystery with twists and surprises, which keep you guessing right up to the end. An enjoyable instalment in the Vicky Dodds series. Love Ed James books
April 17, 2021
Too short. Great story
I marked this down because although I really enjoyed the story and found it to be quite fast paced it was just too short. I wanted to get to know the characters and felt this was not achieved.
I marked this down because although I really enjoyed the story and found it to be quite fast paced it was just too short. I wanted to get to know the characters and felt this was not achieved.
April 29, 2021
Hhh
Barbara O’Neal is the author of twelve novels of women’s fiction, including The Art of Inheriting Secrets, How to Bake a Perfect Life, and The All You Can Dream Buffet. Her award-winning books have been published in more than a dozen countries,
Barbara O’Neal is the author of twelve novels of women’s fiction, including The Art of Inheriting Secrets, How to Bake a Perfect Life, and The All You Can Dream Buffet. Her award-winning books have been published in more than a dozen countries,
May 18, 2021
Excellent as usual
Loving this series and it was good to get an insight into what happened previously with Vicky, Forrester and Ennis only wish it was longer but a good read, really enjoyed.
Loving this series and it was good to get an insight into what happened previously with Vicky, Forrester and Ennis only wish it was longer but a good read, really enjoyed.
March 2, 2022
Avoid
I thought I would be able to finish this as it is relatively short but it is so badly written I had to give up
Poor plot, unconvincing characters, abysmal dialogue, need I go on??
I thought I would be able to finish this as it is relatively short but it is so badly written I had to give up
Poor plot, unconvincing characters, abysmal dialogue, need I go on??
July 6, 2022
I didn’t realize this was so short until I started it. I’m not a fan of short stories/novellas. I just finished it and I’m still not sure who did what. Everything was rushed. But the characters sound like they will be interesting so I’ll continue. Glad the audiobooks are finally available.
March 22, 2024
Good
A quick read. Some inconsistencies but nevertheless a fast paced and gripping read. A fabulous plot that keeps you guessing and makes your blood boil. Well crafted characters and a huge twist. A satisfying read.
A quick read. Some inconsistencies but nevertheless a fast paced and gripping read. A fabulous plot that keeps you guessing and makes your blood boil. Well crafted characters and a huge twist. A satisfying read.
November 6, 2024
Kept Me Guessing ...
This was my first book with this author and I'm now a fan.
I really like the characters and look forward to them in the next four books.
This book was well-written and kept me guessing right up to the end.
This was my first book with this author and I'm now a fan.
I really like the characters and look forward to them in the next four books.
This book was well-written and kept me guessing right up to the end.
April 5, 2021
A fab prequel of what is fast becoming one of my favourite characters from Ed James.
April 5, 2021
Nice to read a book set in my home town.
April 13, 2021
A novella length prequel to the Dundee based police procedural series featuring DS Vicky Dodds, daughter of a retired policeman. A murder, an abduction and a rape make for a bust Christmas Eve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews