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The Blood Divide
A detective rings the doorbell in the middle of the night.
He wants to ask Jack Baxi some questions. Jack fears the police have come to arrest him. But things quickly take a darker, more violent turn.
He isn't here to solve a crime.
Because soon Jack is tortured and left for dead, with a young woman he's never met before.
He's here to commit a murder.
Now, running for their lives, Jack and Aisha set out on a perilous journey from Bradford to Delhi to expose a dangerous organisation - and to save the lives of the people they love...
He wants to ask Jack Baxi some questions. Jack fears the police have come to arrest him. But things quickly take a darker, more violent turn.
He isn't here to solve a crime.
Because soon Jack is tortured and left for dead, with a young woman he's never met before.
He's here to commit a murder.
Now, running for their lives, Jack and Aisha set out on a perilous journey from Bradford to Delhi to expose a dangerous organisation - and to save the lives of the people they love...
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
37 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
A.A. Dhand
11 books173 followersA.A. Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired his Harry Virdee novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 22, 2021
Being a huge fan of A.A.Dhand’s Detective Harry Virdee series, I was excited to read his stand-alone The Blood Divide.
Bradford shopkeeper, Jack (Jatinder) Baxi, is woken in the depths of night by a loud hammering on his door, but little does he know that it will lead to him being tortured by none other than an officer of the law, DS Singh. Singh has also abducted and tortured a young medical student called Aisha. Both Jack and Aisha are interrogated, and Baxi’s corner shop burnt to the ground, but they have no idea why, as they know nothing about the questions and accusations being thrown at them. Baxi has always moved in criminal circles, but he’s at a loss to explain any of this.
The pair manage a daring, and breathtaking escape, and before they know it, they are literally running for their lives, in order to find out who has ordered their capture and interrogation, and why - the two have never met before, so any connection they may have to each other, is a complete mystery.
Their quest for answers will take them to India, vividly brought to life by the author, with rich descriptions of locations, holy temples, the sights, sounds, culture and history of the country.
‘The Blood Divide’ is a dark and gripping all action thriller, lightened somewhat by ‘Cruise’, Jack and Aisha’s Indian driver, whom they met in Delhi. Cruise is a wonderful character, completely loyal, kind, and immensely funny. All in all, another gripping read from this talented writer.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Bradford shopkeeper, Jack (Jatinder) Baxi, is woken in the depths of night by a loud hammering on his door, but little does he know that it will lead to him being tortured by none other than an officer of the law, DS Singh. Singh has also abducted and tortured a young medical student called Aisha. Both Jack and Aisha are interrogated, and Baxi’s corner shop burnt to the ground, but they have no idea why, as they know nothing about the questions and accusations being thrown at them. Baxi has always moved in criminal circles, but he’s at a loss to explain any of this.
The pair manage a daring, and breathtaking escape, and before they know it, they are literally running for their lives, in order to find out who has ordered their capture and interrogation, and why - the two have never met before, so any connection they may have to each other, is a complete mystery.
Their quest for answers will take them to India, vividly brought to life by the author, with rich descriptions of locations, holy temples, the sights, sounds, culture and history of the country.
‘The Blood Divide’ is a dark and gripping all action thriller, lightened somewhat by ‘Cruise’, Jack and Aisha’s Indian driver, whom they met in Delhi. Cruise is a wonderful character, completely loyal, kind, and immensely funny. All in all, another gripping read from this talented writer.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
April 4, 2021
4 - 5.
Store owner Jack (Jatinder) Baxi and medical student Aisha Iqbal’s early morning starts very dramatically when Detective Kuldeed Singh menacingly demands to know how they are both connected to a man called Benedict Cave. What transpires is a tale of Kismet, of burdens carried and the past coming back to haunt them. The gritty thriller takes the action from Bradford to Delhi and finishes breathtakingly at the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) at Amritsar.
This is a clever and complex thriller with a really good plot that has intriguing twists and turns from the mysterious start to the tense and exciting finale and is compelling reading. I love the Sikh elements in the plotting which relates to Jack’s Khalsa family background which is fascinating and from which the title is derived. There’s so much tension and action with some of the settings in Delhi and on the Indian/Pakistani border adding an extra level of atmosphere. There are some colourful and vivid descriptions and incredible action in some very dark places and daring escapes. It’s like a movie, in fact it would make a great movie! We have everything from a shadowy, elusive, mysterious global organisation, to corruption and manipulation. There are big buried secrets, huge lies and deception as well as murder and betrayal in a very rich plot! There are missionaries and religious codes of honour with Jack learning much about his background and there are jaw dropping revelations. The characters are good, they’re easy to visualise although they’re not all likeable with some most certainly not following a path to goodness. My favourite would have to be ‘Cruise’ who Jack and Aisha meet in India who is brave, resourceful, loyal and very funny. I like how the story has some historical context especially relating to the 1947 Partition which is very thought provoking.
Overall, I love AA Dhand’s Harry Virdee series but for those who haven’t read his Bradford based books before this one is a good place to start. It’s a really good, well written and enjoyable thriller. Then read the Virdee series!!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, Bantam for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Store owner Jack (Jatinder) Baxi and medical student Aisha Iqbal’s early morning starts very dramatically when Detective Kuldeed Singh menacingly demands to know how they are both connected to a man called Benedict Cave. What transpires is a tale of Kismet, of burdens carried and the past coming back to haunt them. The gritty thriller takes the action from Bradford to Delhi and finishes breathtakingly at the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) at Amritsar.
This is a clever and complex thriller with a really good plot that has intriguing twists and turns from the mysterious start to the tense and exciting finale and is compelling reading. I love the Sikh elements in the plotting which relates to Jack’s Khalsa family background which is fascinating and from which the title is derived. There’s so much tension and action with some of the settings in Delhi and on the Indian/Pakistani border adding an extra level of atmosphere. There are some colourful and vivid descriptions and incredible action in some very dark places and daring escapes. It’s like a movie, in fact it would make a great movie! We have everything from a shadowy, elusive, mysterious global organisation, to corruption and manipulation. There are big buried secrets, huge lies and deception as well as murder and betrayal in a very rich plot! There are missionaries and religious codes of honour with Jack learning much about his background and there are jaw dropping revelations. The characters are good, they’re easy to visualise although they’re not all likeable with some most certainly not following a path to goodness. My favourite would have to be ‘Cruise’ who Jack and Aisha meet in India who is brave, resourceful, loyal and very funny. I like how the story has some historical context especially relating to the 1947 Partition which is very thought provoking.
Overall, I love AA Dhand’s Harry Virdee series but for those who haven’t read his Bradford based books before this one is a good place to start. It’s a really good, well written and enjoyable thriller. Then read the Virdee series!!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, Bantam for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
Briefly - Hum - going to have to think about this one a bit. A "Harry" book it ain't. Dark and compelling though.
In full
Jack Baxi is a shady corner shop owner in Bradford. He is woken in the middle of the night by a policeman knocking on his door. He is tortured and left for dead. When he comes round he is tied up and there is a young woman he has never met before with him. Jack and Aisha manage to escape and run for their lives. What both of them want to know is why a policeman neither of them know has tortured them both and tried to kill them.
The book actually starts via a prologue in the Punjab in 1947. I am aware that "partition" of India took place then and did have that in mind while reading this. The prologue is as brief as it is dark. The story then moves to Jack and 2019. The story follows Jack and Aisha's attempts to try and find out what exactly is behind the attacks on them. To do so they need to travel and India is the most likely destination - what does lie in the past?
I come to this book as a real fan of AA Dhand's "Harry Virdee" books. This one does have aspects in common with that series while being very different in some ways. The tensions between Muslim and Sikh are a facet of this story. This book has that very pacey feel of the other books. I often found myself thinking "I'll just read one more chapter" and then reading three! The other real commonality to me is the darkness. The Harry Virdee are dark but this one takes darkness to another level.
I found both Jack and Aisha very powerful characters and largely convincing given the story I guess. Honourable mention must go to Cruise too, I enjoyed his presence in this. It provided some light in an otherwise dark picture. I can certainly say I'm glad I read this. Equally I'm sure the many fans of the "Harry" books want to read this. It is a standalone book anyway but I would probably suggest newcomers might go for the first Virdee book for a preference.
Looking back on it I was caught up in this completely however I'm not sure I was fully convinced. For the story to work this probably had to be a less than easy read. I think that the overall story may not work as well as the author intended for some people. The pace and power are there in abundance - Dhand is an excellent writer. I just think that maybe this was a little too dark. I will certainly continue to read any future books by this author.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
Jack Baxi is a shady corner shop owner in Bradford. He is woken in the middle of the night by a policeman knocking on his door. He is tortured and left for dead. When he comes round he is tied up and there is a young woman he has never met before with him. Jack and Aisha manage to escape and run for their lives. What both of them want to know is why a policeman neither of them know has tortured them both and tried to kill them.
The book actually starts via a prologue in the Punjab in 1947. I am aware that "partition" of India took place then and did have that in mind while reading this. The prologue is as brief as it is dark. The story then moves to Jack and 2019. The story follows Jack and Aisha's attempts to try and find out what exactly is behind the attacks on them. To do so they need to travel and India is the most likely destination - what does lie in the past?
I come to this book as a real fan of AA Dhand's "Harry Virdee" books. This one does have aspects in common with that series while being very different in some ways. The tensions between Muslim and Sikh are a facet of this story. This book has that very pacey feel of the other books. I often found myself thinking "I'll just read one more chapter" and then reading three! The other real commonality to me is the darkness. The Harry Virdee are dark but this one takes darkness to another level.
I found both Jack and Aisha very powerful characters and largely convincing given the story I guess. Honourable mention must go to Cruise too, I enjoyed his presence in this. It provided some light in an otherwise dark picture. I can certainly say I'm glad I read this. Equally I'm sure the many fans of the "Harry" books want to read this. It is a standalone book anyway but I would probably suggest newcomers might go for the first Virdee book for a preference.
Looking back on it I was caught up in this completely however I'm not sure I was fully convinced. For the story to work this probably had to be a less than easy read. I think that the overall story may not work as well as the author intended for some people. The pace and power are there in abundance - Dhand is an excellent writer. I just think that maybe this was a little too dark. I will certainly continue to read any future books by this author.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
May 7, 2021
This was my first book by A. A. Dhand and it was a bit different but I enjoyed it. Its' a dark, complex and fast-paced detective mystery thriller taken place in England and India. The story is a bit uneven and the characters are rather strange but it kept my interest through the whole book. I also liked the political, historical and cultural insights. If you are looking for a different kind of thriller then you will enjoy this book. I will definitely look into Dhand's other work.
Thanks to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2021
The last thing Jack Baxi expected when a Detective rang his doorbell in the middle of the night was that he'd be tortured and left for dead, with a young woman he'd never met before. Now running for their lives, Jack and Aisha frantically try to discover why the Detective was so convinced they both have information on a missing person. Jack is a Sikh corner shopkeeper with a criminal record. Aisha is a Muslim medical student from a wealthy family.
This is a new standalone novel from the fantastic A. A. Dhand. I was hooked from the first page, I just knew it was going to be another winner for me. I was desperate to find out the connection between Jack and Aisha. The story is set between Bradford and Delhi, it's descriptively written with cultural, historical and political insights. We also learn about Sikh's Muslim's, shamans and gurus. I didn't like any of the characters except for Aisha and Cruise, the rest are quite shady. Cruise was my favourite with his film star white teeth and big ideas. At times it can be quite violent, it's filled with twists and action packed. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandonHouseUk #TransworldPublishers and the author #AADhand for my ARC of #TheBloodDivide in exchange for an honest review.
This is a new standalone novel from the fantastic A. A. Dhand. I was hooked from the first page, I just knew it was going to be another winner for me. I was desperate to find out the connection between Jack and Aisha. The story is set between Bradford and Delhi, it's descriptively written with cultural, historical and political insights. We also learn about Sikh's Muslim's, shamans and gurus. I didn't like any of the characters except for Aisha and Cruise, the rest are quite shady. Cruise was my favourite with his film star white teeth and big ideas. At times it can be quite violent, it's filled with twists and action packed. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandonHouseUk #TransworldPublishers and the author #AADhand for my ARC of #TheBloodDivide in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
The Blood Divide is a riveting standalone thriller set in Bradford and the Punjabi region of northern India from A.A. Dhand and is not only thrumming with action but is filled with rich cultural aspects, too. Sikh corner-shop owner Jatinder "Jack" Baxi is awakened one night in the early hours by the sound of intense hammering from outside, and when he plucks up the courage to go to the door he is greeted by an unlikely figure - Detective Kuldeed Singh. It's 2 am and hardworking, dumbfounded Jack is taken to the shop’s cellar where he is attacked, tortured and ultimately left for dead by Singh. An explanation as to why is not provided. When he awakes from his ordeal the following day, by his side is a young woman and medical student Aisha Iqbal who he has never seen before. They both manage to escape and run without drawing too much attention to themselves. Having endured terrible physical pain and hours of questioning and accusations, Baxi’s shop is burned to the ground and despite knowing that he himself is on the run and involved quite deeply in crime, Jack has no idea as to what the interrogation was even about - but the name that kept being brought up - Benedict Cave - Singh had wanted to know how both Jack and Aisha are connected to the eponymous man.
And so together they’re thrust into a thrill-a-minute race to discover why they’re at the centre of a missing person case – one that appears to be controlled by a dangerous organisation. This is a riveting and compulsive, rapid-fire action thriller that soon becomes international, whisking readers away on a nail-biting journey from Delhi’s Red Light District to India’s militarised zones as we follow the lives of these two protagonists. It's gritty and complexly plotted with a focus on the intersectionality of crime and everyday city life. As the story unravels, with a development at least every few pages, we piece together the backstory and detailed histories of Jack and Aisha’s lives, and I felt the trip to India really elevated the book. I loved the rich descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells and the culture, history and heritage threaded through the pages kept me rapt, even exploring the tension along India’s border with Pakistan. The author’s intelligent narrative shines and with wicked, unforeseeable twists and dizzying misdirection in abundance, it was tough to put down. It's ripe with intrigue, secrets, multiple murders, betrayal and a large shadowy organization with powerful ties and a big reach. Highly recommended.
And so together they’re thrust into a thrill-a-minute race to discover why they’re at the centre of a missing person case – one that appears to be controlled by a dangerous organisation. This is a riveting and compulsive, rapid-fire action thriller that soon becomes international, whisking readers away on a nail-biting journey from Delhi’s Red Light District to India’s militarised zones as we follow the lives of these two protagonists. It's gritty and complexly plotted with a focus on the intersectionality of crime and everyday city life. As the story unravels, with a development at least every few pages, we piece together the backstory and detailed histories of Jack and Aisha’s lives, and I felt the trip to India really elevated the book. I loved the rich descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells and the culture, history and heritage threaded through the pages kept me rapt, even exploring the tension along India’s border with Pakistan. The author’s intelligent narrative shines and with wicked, unforeseeable twists and dizzying misdirection in abundance, it was tough to put down. It's ripe with intrigue, secrets, multiple murders, betrayal and a large shadowy organization with powerful ties and a big reach. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2021
After four superb novels & a short story featuring detective Harry Virdee author AA Dhand gives us his first stand alone thriller.
The story takes the reader from Bradford to the Indian city of Delhi & moves along at breakneck speed. When Jack & Aisha are tortured & left for dead in a burning building they manage to survive. Jack (a Sikh corner-shop owner) & Aisha (a Muslim junior doctor) cannot understand what links them or why they were targeted, but they are determined to find out.
The Bllod Divide is a dark & sometimes brutal story & is filled with Dhand's always excellent characterisations. There are plenty of twists & turns along the way & some surprisingly lighthearted moments are supplied by Cruise, a taxi driver they meet in Delhi.
As with Dhand's previous novels it's well constructed, only this time he links the factual past with the fictional present to give the reader another fine novel.
The story takes the reader from Bradford to the Indian city of Delhi & moves along at breakneck speed. When Jack & Aisha are tortured & left for dead in a burning building they manage to survive. Jack (a Sikh corner-shop owner) & Aisha (a Muslim junior doctor) cannot understand what links them or why they were targeted, but they are determined to find out.
The Bllod Divide is a dark & sometimes brutal story & is filled with Dhand's always excellent characterisations. There are plenty of twists & turns along the way & some surprisingly lighthearted moments are supplied by Cruise, a taxi driver they meet in Delhi.
As with Dhand's previous novels it's well constructed, only this time he links the factual past with the fictional present to give the reader another fine novel.
June 20, 2021
This was an edge of your sea thriller, it was part of a series but I hadn’t read any of the others but, it was easily read as a stand alone book. The pace of this book was fast and it kept me gripped all the way through. A brilliant read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
I really did love this book it was a new author (A A Dhand) for me and I was so impressed with the scale and complexity of the read it was so much more than I was expecting. The main character Jack Baxi is so well written and likeable with lots of faults but I felt right from the start his heart was in the right place.
The story starts in Bradford where Jack is tortured along with a young women who Jack has never seen before and what follows is a thrilling and fast paced plot that takes us from Bradford to India and Pakistan. There is so much information in this this book I learn a lot of things I didn’t know and for me that is what made it such a brilliant read it wasn’t just a thriller it had a whole lot more than that.
I also have to mention the other wonderful character Cruise he was for me a real star and made me laugh many times.
So this was a read that I couldn’t put down it had a bit of everything, interesting, thrilling and full of facts it’s a read I can highly recommend and high praise to AA Dhand for a great 5 star read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Bantam Press for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story starts in Bradford where Jack is tortured along with a young women who Jack has never seen before and what follows is a thrilling and fast paced plot that takes us from Bradford to India and Pakistan. There is so much information in this this book I learn a lot of things I didn’t know and for me that is what made it such a brilliant read it wasn’t just a thriller it had a whole lot more than that.
I also have to mention the other wonderful character Cruise he was for me a real star and made me laugh many times.
So this was a read that I couldn’t put down it had a bit of everything, interesting, thrilling and full of facts it’s a read I can highly recommend and high praise to AA Dhand for a great 5 star read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Bantam Press for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 15, 2021
4.25*
Gore score 4/5
I love the gritty Harry Virdee series, so I was excited to read the new standalone. Oh my! This is a full on dark gritty all action thriller! It might not be for everyone’s as the author has pushed the envelope with this book. It has a dual location between Bradford and India.
The prologue takes to to 1947 and to the Punjab in India.
The story starts proper in Bradford in 2019. Jack is visited in the middle of the night by police. He is beaten and interrogated and left in the premises with a young Medical student called Aisha while the property is set on fire.
They manage to escape through the cellar and try to work out how they are bound together and can only come up with a name of Benedict Cave who neither of them know. They need to find answers.
It starts with a fast pace, and a lot of action becoming an international action adventure come quest with a trip to Delhi seeking answers. It’s hard to know through the book whether the driving forces behind the situation are political, financial,religious or historical in their basis.
Jack isn’t very likeable, but I feel he has a morale compass, and he does grow on me towards the end. I wanted him to find the answers to his questions. Aisha I didn’t engage with, but Cruise the taxi driver, guide and fixer is very likeable, without doubt my favourite character.
There’s aspects in the book that I found upsetting, the wide spread bribery and corruption. The existence still of barbaric practices, I am presuming that the practices of the Khoon-Saab are real.
This is even darker than the Harry Virdee books that I’ve read. I had to get my head around that practices on a different continent are very different to what I am used to. It was interesting to get a glimpse of the seedy side of Delhi.
It’s a very unique plot, 10/10 for originality. It took me a little while to get a feel for it and become engrossed with it. But when I did it had me hooked. I lost track of the amount of times I said OMG!
The ending delved too much into history and the outcome of Partition for me. However the very end was another OMG! moment. Although whether it say well with me as a likely outcome I’m not so sure. Overall I feel that the author came up trumps for me with this one.
A favourite quote ‘whiter than white on paper, but in reality dirtier than a crack addict’s needle’
Gore score 4/5
I love the gritty Harry Virdee series, so I was excited to read the new standalone. Oh my! This is a full on dark gritty all action thriller! It might not be for everyone’s as the author has pushed the envelope with this book. It has a dual location between Bradford and India.
The prologue takes to to 1947 and to the Punjab in India.
The story starts proper in Bradford in 2019. Jack is visited in the middle of the night by police. He is beaten and interrogated and left in the premises with a young Medical student called Aisha while the property is set on fire.
They manage to escape through the cellar and try to work out how they are bound together and can only come up with a name of Benedict Cave who neither of them know. They need to find answers.
It starts with a fast pace, and a lot of action becoming an international action adventure come quest with a trip to Delhi seeking answers. It’s hard to know through the book whether the driving forces behind the situation are political, financial,religious or historical in their basis.
Jack isn’t very likeable, but I feel he has a morale compass, and he does grow on me towards the end. I wanted him to find the answers to his questions. Aisha I didn’t engage with, but Cruise the taxi driver, guide and fixer is very likeable, without doubt my favourite character.
There’s aspects in the book that I found upsetting, the wide spread bribery and corruption. The existence still of barbaric practices, I am presuming that the practices of the Khoon-Saab are real.
This is even darker than the Harry Virdee books that I’ve read. I had to get my head around that practices on a different continent are very different to what I am used to. It was interesting to get a glimpse of the seedy side of Delhi.
It’s a very unique plot, 10/10 for originality. It took me a little while to get a feel for it and become engrossed with it. But when I did it had me hooked. I lost track of the amount of times I said OMG!
The ending delved too much into history and the outcome of Partition for me. However the very end was another OMG! moment. Although whether it say well with me as a likely outcome I’m not so sure. Overall I feel that the author came up trumps for me with this one.
A favourite quote ‘whiter than white on paper, but in reality dirtier than a crack addict’s needle’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
Being a confirmed fan of Harry Virdee series set in Bradford, I did have a slight feeling of trepidation at the prospect of a stand alone from A. A. Dhand as sometimes these can feel a little unsatisfying. But have no fear, as Dhand has produced a genuinely blistering paced and exciting thriller spanning two continents, and more va va voom than you can poke a stick at. I fair raced through this one, as Dhand totally hooks the reader at the end of each chapter with a mini cliff-hanger that entices the reader to one more chapter, and then one more chapter, making putting the book aside entirely futile. Both Jack, our erstwhile hero and Aisha, a young girl who gets sucked into the mystery are perfectly characterised, and Jack in particular is painted as not wholly good and not wholly bad which makes him and his shifting moral compass an extremely interesting aspect of the book. I heard an interview with Dhand saying that he had physically walked the Indian locations himself, and this shines through in the authenticity and atmosphere that he injects into the depiction of the locations too. The Blood Divide is a bloody and brutal ride packed full of betrayal and double, triple crossing, leaving the reader breathless and unnerved in equal measure, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Recommended.
June 24, 2021
"The Blood Divide" is a cracking standalone thriller. A. A. Dhand provides a fascinating insight into Sikh culture and tradition as he transports us to India, via 1947. Cruise is a brilliantly authentic character who I utterly loved. The book is ultimately about family and legacy, giving us a real sense of history amidst the high stakes drama.
June 27, 2022
I've read all of A A Dhand's earlier books - and, full disclosure, know him a little. His series of Bradford noir thrillers featuring Harry Virdee breaks new ground in exploring brown on brown (his words) tensions between Sikh, Muslim and Hindu.
This is a stand-alone thriller. It's as violent and fast moving as the Virdee series, moving from Bradford to Delhi to the Punjab, but it doesn't have the same depth of embedded conflict and tension.
That said, lurking just underneath the surface here are some enormous questions: what happens when you leave your cultural background and become Westernised? Are the consequences good, or bad? Or both? Can you go back? Does your family have the right to pull you back?
It's a terrific read, devoured in four hours on the sun-lounger. But it might have been better if it were a bigger, slower moving book in which the back-stories are allowed to breathe a bit more. But that would also mean Dhand becoming a different sort of writer from the breathless, fearless one that he is.
This is a stand-alone thriller. It's as violent and fast moving as the Virdee series, moving from Bradford to Delhi to the Punjab, but it doesn't have the same depth of embedded conflict and tension.
That said, lurking just underneath the surface here are some enormous questions: what happens when you leave your cultural background and become Westernised? Are the consequences good, or bad? Or both? Can you go back? Does your family have the right to pull you back?
It's a terrific read, devoured in four hours on the sun-lounger. But it might have been better if it were a bigger, slower moving book in which the back-stories are allowed to breathe a bit more. But that would also mean Dhand becoming a different sort of writer from the breathless, fearless one that he is.
December 25, 2023
"The Blood Divide" intricately weaves Punjabi culture and Sikh beliefs into a gripping thriller, seamlessly connecting the past and present from 1947's Punjab to contemporary Bradford in 2019. Its adept storytelling kept me engrossed, skillfully unraveling unexpected mysteries while resonating deeply with my cultural roots and religious heritage. The book's seamless blend of historical echoes and present-day intrigue delivers a masterfully written narrative that captivates until the very end.
May 9, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advance copy of The Blood Divide, a stand-alone thriller set in Bradford and Northern India.
Jack Baxi is woken in the middle of the night by DS Singh, but he doesn’t expect to be tortured, along with a young woman he has never met before, for information about a man neither of them has heard of. Soon Jack and Aisha are running for their lives and searching for an explanation for their predicament, a search that will take them to the slums of Delhi and further north to the militarised zone.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Blood Divide. I was a big fan of Harry Virdee so I was interested to see where the author’s talents could take him with different characters and a different setting. I was not disappointed as this is a tense, well paced thriller with the extra mystery of why. I found it very readable and compulsive.
I found the novel well paced and plotted. The overriding questions of who and why are gradually teased out over the course of the novel with strategic reveals at key moments, with strategic being defined as a little but not enough for the curious reader, thus forcing them to keep reading. Of course, these reveals are not sufficient for the author who sows more confusion by adding extra players with different motives and further layers of complexity with interconnecting relationships between the characters. It sounds confusing but the author’s clear headed style and crisp writing keep it under control and make it easy to follow.
I was fascinated by the historical detail in the novel and the descriptions of India. They supply context and bring the location to life. So why, then, four and not five stars? I thought the ending was a whimper rather than a bang, especially following the high octane action that came before. It seems like a cop out for the cynical Jack, never mind the other events.
The Blood Divide is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jack Baxi is woken in the middle of the night by DS Singh, but he doesn’t expect to be tortured, along with a young woman he has never met before, for information about a man neither of them has heard of. Soon Jack and Aisha are running for their lives and searching for an explanation for their predicament, a search that will take them to the slums of Delhi and further north to the militarised zone.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Blood Divide. I was a big fan of Harry Virdee so I was interested to see where the author’s talents could take him with different characters and a different setting. I was not disappointed as this is a tense, well paced thriller with the extra mystery of why. I found it very readable and compulsive.
I found the novel well paced and plotted. The overriding questions of who and why are gradually teased out over the course of the novel with strategic reveals at key moments, with strategic being defined as a little but not enough for the curious reader, thus forcing them to keep reading. Of course, these reveals are not sufficient for the author who sows more confusion by adding extra players with different motives and further layers of complexity with interconnecting relationships between the characters. It sounds confusing but the author’s clear headed style and crisp writing keep it under control and make it easy to follow.
I was fascinated by the historical detail in the novel and the descriptions of India. They supply context and bring the location to life. So why, then, four and not five stars? I thought the ending was a whimper rather than a bang, especially following the high octane action that came before. It seems like a cop out for the cynical Jack, never mind the other events.
The Blood Divide is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 25, 2021
The Blood Divide follows the story of shopkeeper Jack and medical student Aisha who are thrown together after being tortured and left for dead. They work together to try and solve the mysteries that have linked them together.
This story is FULL of plot twists and devices to shock the reader. It is also incredibly fast paced. In the beginning I really enjoyed the style and the constant twists to reel me in. But after a while I found it quite hard to follow and confusing. The plot became so convoluted I couldn’t keep up, and the story was just so unrealistic.
I feel like the book was quite dragged out in parts, but in other areas I feel I needed more explanation, particularly about the organisation and what really happened to Jack’s wife (trying not to spoil!).
It is disappointing as there are some great elements to the book. The choppy writing works well for a thriller and some characters such as Cruise were really humorous and added light to the shade. The scene setting in Bradford and India was also well described.
However, I didn’t really like Jack as a protagonist and don’t think he’s very likeable through the majority of the novel.
I also feel the ending was so rushed and that the constant plot twists were just unnecessary. It became too much and almost like it was just for shock value not to add anything to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to review.
This story is FULL of plot twists and devices to shock the reader. It is also incredibly fast paced. In the beginning I really enjoyed the style and the constant twists to reel me in. But after a while I found it quite hard to follow and confusing. The plot became so convoluted I couldn’t keep up, and the story was just so unrealistic.
I feel like the book was quite dragged out in parts, but in other areas I feel I needed more explanation, particularly about the organisation and what really happened to Jack’s wife (trying not to spoil!).
It is disappointing as there are some great elements to the book. The choppy writing works well for a thriller and some characters such as Cruise were really humorous and added light to the shade. The scene setting in Bradford and India was also well described.
However, I didn’t really like Jack as a protagonist and don’t think he’s very likeable through the majority of the novel.
I also feel the ending was so rushed and that the constant plot twists were just unnecessary. It became too much and almost like it was just for shock value not to add anything to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to review.
August 29, 2021
Further to my review, the fact that I had visited both the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh made it even more alive to me.
March 18, 2021
Jack Baxi, a shopkeeper in Bradford, England is disturbed in the early hours of the morning by a police officer. Despite living a solitary, quiet life for many years, Jack has a history of violence and black-market trade, making him believe that his history has finally caught up with him. Little does he know that this interruption leads to a chain of events that unravel the true nature of trauma from his past, leading him to New Delhi and then to his birthplace, where he faces the truths of his family legacy.
The Blood Divide is a gritty, fast-paced, international mystery thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey I was taken on. A. A. Dhand’s writing style is excellent, providing descriptions that were needed to establish the atmosphere of each scene and allow me to picture the events as they unfolded. The plot was brilliantly constructed, and the story had a satisfying finale with no loose ends. I didn’t feel like there was a single part of this story that dragged or was unnecessary and towards the last 30% of the book I was unable to put it down. Furthermore, the cultural and historical explorations throughout this story were wonderful and helped immerse me in the story and thoroughly establish the character’s identities.
Whilst this story is a mystery thriller, with lots of action, and an engaging plot, I thought the driving force of this story was the brilliantly fleshed-out characters. The protagonist in this story was morally grey and at times I was not sure whether I should be supporting his pursuits (I absolutely love when this is done well - which it was here). Information about Jack’s background is drip-fed throughout the story as it is needed, and I felt like this allowed for brilliant character development. Similarly, Aisha’s character was wonderfully portrayed, and I felt like I got to know her very well throughout the story. I loved the relationship between Jack, Aisha and Cruise and all of these characters were very unique and important to the progression of the story. I was concerned that Cruise may have just been included to help out Jack and Aisha, but I appreciated how the author gave a solid reason for why he helps them which was true to his character arc.
The Blood Divide is full of action, betrayal and friendship and is a must-read for any mystery/thriller fan or anyone who loves strong character and plot development. I will definitely be reading more of A. A. Dhand’s work.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Transworld Publishers for providing me with an ARC copy of The Blood Divide in exchange for an honest review.
The Blood Divide is a gritty, fast-paced, international mystery thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey I was taken on. A. A. Dhand’s writing style is excellent, providing descriptions that were needed to establish the atmosphere of each scene and allow me to picture the events as they unfolded. The plot was brilliantly constructed, and the story had a satisfying finale with no loose ends. I didn’t feel like there was a single part of this story that dragged or was unnecessary and towards the last 30% of the book I was unable to put it down. Furthermore, the cultural and historical explorations throughout this story were wonderful and helped immerse me in the story and thoroughly establish the character’s identities.
Whilst this story is a mystery thriller, with lots of action, and an engaging plot, I thought the driving force of this story was the brilliantly fleshed-out characters. The protagonist in this story was morally grey and at times I was not sure whether I should be supporting his pursuits (I absolutely love when this is done well - which it was here). Information about Jack’s background is drip-fed throughout the story as it is needed, and I felt like this allowed for brilliant character development. Similarly, Aisha’s character was wonderfully portrayed, and I felt like I got to know her very well throughout the story. I loved the relationship between Jack, Aisha and Cruise and all of these characters were very unique and important to the progression of the story. I was concerned that Cruise may have just been included to help out Jack and Aisha, but I appreciated how the author gave a solid reason for why he helps them which was true to his character arc.
The Blood Divide is full of action, betrayal and friendship and is a must-read for any mystery/thriller fan or anyone who loves strong character and plot development. I will definitely be reading more of A. A. Dhand’s work.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Transworld Publishers for providing me with an ARC copy of The Blood Divide in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2021
I have been enjoying the Harry Virdee series written by this author so I thought I'd give this, his latest stand alone, a crack. Although it didn't quite hit the sweet spot for me, it was a good solid read that kept my attention nicely throughout, and which left me satisfied at the end. With a few enquiring questions though but that's more about the history and culture aspects of what is contained within the book, and which led me to wonder why this stuff wasn't taught more in schools when I was younger.
But, I digress. Jack Baxi (great name btw) is rudely awoken in the middle of the night by the police. In the formidable form of Detective Singh. Along with him is a young woman. Long story short and both Baxi and the woman find themselves tortured and left locked in the cellar of Baxi's shop. As they smell smoke coming from above, the duo make their dramatic escape as they also try and come to terms with what is happening to them. And indeed, what connects them? And what of the person Singh accused them of knowing? All a bit strange, unsettling and unreal. But it's a situation that has thrown them together and will keep them running a while yet. All the way to Delhi as they race to find the truth, as they strive to stay one step ahead of those who mean them harm.
Firstly I must say that I loved Baxi. Name and all! And I really want to read more about him. I know this is a stand alone book... but... maybe?
Secondly, I thought that the history and cultural aspects of the book have been well researched (or already known) and their inclusions really brought the narrative to life in parts. Locations likewise as the action spans many settings.
The story was fascinating and kept me on my toes throughout as it built up layer by layer initially and then became a race to the end. Pacing matching the narrative throughout.
And then, to relieve the high octane thrilling nature of the book, to give the reader the occasional respite, we have Cruise - our duo's erstwhile driver who provides some great comedy relief from what is going on and makes the book more balanced.
All in all, another winner from an up and coming author who is now firmly cemented on my watch list. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
But, I digress. Jack Baxi (great name btw) is rudely awoken in the middle of the night by the police. In the formidable form of Detective Singh. Along with him is a young woman. Long story short and both Baxi and the woman find themselves tortured and left locked in the cellar of Baxi's shop. As they smell smoke coming from above, the duo make their dramatic escape as they also try and come to terms with what is happening to them. And indeed, what connects them? And what of the person Singh accused them of knowing? All a bit strange, unsettling and unreal. But it's a situation that has thrown them together and will keep them running a while yet. All the way to Delhi as they race to find the truth, as they strive to stay one step ahead of those who mean them harm.
Firstly I must say that I loved Baxi. Name and all! And I really want to read more about him. I know this is a stand alone book... but... maybe?
Secondly, I thought that the history and cultural aspects of the book have been well researched (or already known) and their inclusions really brought the narrative to life in parts. Locations likewise as the action spans many settings.
The story was fascinating and kept me on my toes throughout as it built up layer by layer initially and then became a race to the end. Pacing matching the narrative throughout.
And then, to relieve the high octane thrilling nature of the book, to give the reader the occasional respite, we have Cruise - our duo's erstwhile driver who provides some great comedy relief from what is going on and makes the book more balanced.
All in all, another winner from an up and coming author who is now firmly cemented on my watch list. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 9, 2021
My Book Review Of A A Dhand's Brilliant Suspense Mystery Action Packed Standalone Thriller, The Blood Divide. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
My thoughts about A A Dhand's brilliantly written standout standalone, mystery suspense action packed international thriller, The Blood Divide was just spectacular, with its eye-opening suspense and breathtaking action that blows you away, Talented Author Amit Dhand, not only he delivers a hard-hitting nail-biting thriller, he has also brilliantly written a powerful story, that witnesses dark secrets of Jack Baxi's families generation's past, was just fantastic. What a fantastic breakthrough standalone thriller, that doesn't disappoint.Amit Dhand's The Blood Divide story begins with were we see Jack Baxi, gets a suprise visit from a detective who is asking him questions about a missing dead person, but he also brings a mystery woman named Aisha who Jack has never seen before, from here begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse adventure, Jack is a Sikh corner shopkeeper with a criminal record. Aisha is a Muslim medical student from a wealthy family. What connects them truly was remarkable and unviable. Their desperate hunt for answers takes them on a perilous journey, from the sprawling underground markets and dangerous red-light district of Delhi all the way to the most militarized zone in India, which just blows you away. But little do they know, a dangerous organisation is watching their every move - and they'll do whatever it takes to stop Jack and Aisha learning the truth is outstanding. If you thought Amit Dhand's brilliant Harry Virdee series were brilliant, then think again this standalone is on a next level. With The Blood Divide he has once again proved that he is a masterclass story teller. The Blood Divide takes you on a rollocoster ride that reveals some shocking truths about your familie generations secrets this also takes you back to the partion in 1947 which is just mindblowing. I would like to say thank you to Author Amit Dhand, Publishers Transworld Books, and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review this outstanding nail-biting thriller, that packs a punch.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
My thoughts about A A Dhand's brilliantly written standout standalone, mystery suspense action packed international thriller, The Blood Divide was just spectacular, with its eye-opening suspense and breathtaking action that blows you away, Talented Author Amit Dhand, not only he delivers a hard-hitting nail-biting thriller, he has also brilliantly written a powerful story, that witnesses dark secrets of Jack Baxi's families generation's past, was just fantastic. What a fantastic breakthrough standalone thriller, that doesn't disappoint.Amit Dhand's The Blood Divide story begins with were we see Jack Baxi, gets a suprise visit from a detective who is asking him questions about a missing dead person, but he also brings a mystery woman named Aisha who Jack has never seen before, from here begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse adventure, Jack is a Sikh corner shopkeeper with a criminal record. Aisha is a Muslim medical student from a wealthy family. What connects them truly was remarkable and unviable. Their desperate hunt for answers takes them on a perilous journey, from the sprawling underground markets and dangerous red-light district of Delhi all the way to the most militarized zone in India, which just blows you away. But little do they know, a dangerous organisation is watching their every move - and they'll do whatever it takes to stop Jack and Aisha learning the truth is outstanding. If you thought Amit Dhand's brilliant Harry Virdee series were brilliant, then think again this standalone is on a next level. With The Blood Divide he has once again proved that he is a masterclass story teller. The Blood Divide takes you on a rollocoster ride that reveals some shocking truths about your familie generations secrets this also takes you back to the partion in 1947 which is just mindblowing. I would like to say thank you to Author Amit Dhand, Publishers Transworld Books, and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review this outstanding nail-biting thriller, that packs a punch.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2021
A dark, complex and fast-paced detective mystery thriller that satisfies. Mostly.
I’m a newcomer to the works of AA Dhand, so when the chance of a NetGalley ARC came up, it was a good opportunity to see what he’s about.
“The Blood Divide” is a stand-alone story, but like the author’s Virdee series, takes place in and around Bradford and within the large Asian community there. But this time we also travel to India and beyond. When shop owner Jack Baxi is awoken at 2am by Detective Kuldeed Singh at his back door, demanding to know if he knows a man called Benedict Cave, he is drawn into a maze of deception and murder. Things get worse when he is kidnapped, along with medical student Aisha.
What follows is a fast-paced journey from Bradford to India, in search of truth, past crimes and justice. The sights, sounds and smells of India are vividly described, and the images conjured up of Delhi and the Golden Temple had me reaching for the atlas and encyclopaedia. As hinted at in the prologue, the reader is introduced to the Partition of India, with its bloodshed and violence. There is sufficient background relating to Jack’s family and the wider Asian community to flesh out the story without slowing the pace of the story.
There’s a taste of John Buchan in here, as well as Dan Brown and even Steve Berry, as the race across India and Pakistan continues. We encounter the obligatory Illuminati-type global organisation, corruption, old secrets, lies, murder and betrayal. There are missionaries and zealots too. Not all the characters are likeable, but they are nicely drawn.
The pacing of the book is a little stilted, but moves forward well enough. Towards the end of the book, I detected some minor continuity errors, which might be due to the preview status of my ARC. Hopefully these will not appear in the final book, as they spoiled the ending a little.
This is a complex thriller with the historical context I love, it’s just the ending which I wasn’t 100% satisfied with. Maybe just me, so I’d encourage Dhand fans and thriller lovers to read the book, and make up their own mind. Definitely recommended.
I’m a newcomer to the works of AA Dhand, so when the chance of a NetGalley ARC came up, it was a good opportunity to see what he’s about.
“The Blood Divide” is a stand-alone story, but like the author’s Virdee series, takes place in and around Bradford and within the large Asian community there. But this time we also travel to India and beyond. When shop owner Jack Baxi is awoken at 2am by Detective Kuldeed Singh at his back door, demanding to know if he knows a man called Benedict Cave, he is drawn into a maze of deception and murder. Things get worse when he is kidnapped, along with medical student Aisha.
What follows is a fast-paced journey from Bradford to India, in search of truth, past crimes and justice. The sights, sounds and smells of India are vividly described, and the images conjured up of Delhi and the Golden Temple had me reaching for the atlas and encyclopaedia. As hinted at in the prologue, the reader is introduced to the Partition of India, with its bloodshed and violence. There is sufficient background relating to Jack’s family and the wider Asian community to flesh out the story without slowing the pace of the story.
There’s a taste of John Buchan in here, as well as Dan Brown and even Steve Berry, as the race across India and Pakistan continues. We encounter the obligatory Illuminati-type global organisation, corruption, old secrets, lies, murder and betrayal. There are missionaries and zealots too. Not all the characters are likeable, but they are nicely drawn.
The pacing of the book is a little stilted, but moves forward well enough. Towards the end of the book, I detected some minor continuity errors, which might be due to the preview status of my ARC. Hopefully these will not appear in the final book, as they spoiled the ending a little.
This is a complex thriller with the historical context I love, it’s just the ending which I wasn’t 100% satisfied with. Maybe just me, so I’d encourage Dhand fans and thriller lovers to read the book, and make up their own mind. Definitely recommended.
May 19, 2021
This was my first taste of this author’s work and it was a thoroughly engrossing read, both thrilling and historically educational. I knew little of Sikh history, something which was expertly woven into this story.
When Jatinder Baxi’s corner shop in Bradford is attacked and set alight he barely escapes with his life. He is thrown together with Aisha, a young medical student who has also been attacked and kidnapped and they both have no idea why this should have happened to them. Their escape and quest for answers leads them all the way to India where both must confront ghosts from their past.
There are some great characters in this book: Jatinder or Jack as he is known seems to be a likeable rogue who has a good heart despite, by his own admission, having made a few mistakes along the way.
Aisha is a strong and formidable young woman, who although she is placed in many difficult situations, shows fortitude and a cool head.
The other person I liked was Cruise, the Indian driver who takes them around Delhi, getting involved with their quest and despite the violence directed at Jack, Cruise remains loyal and will not leave them to fend for themselves.
The story itself is really a search for a truth which will eventually overturn everything both Jack and Aisha know about their lives up until this point. .As the reader learns more about them both, their quest becomes more and more intriguing.
This is a fast paced action packed thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve already looked for more books by A. A Dhand which is definitely a tell tale sign for me when I find a good author- I’m always keen to read more books that they have written.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
When Jatinder Baxi’s corner shop in Bradford is attacked and set alight he barely escapes with his life. He is thrown together with Aisha, a young medical student who has also been attacked and kidnapped and they both have no idea why this should have happened to them. Their escape and quest for answers leads them all the way to India where both must confront ghosts from their past.
There are some great characters in this book: Jatinder or Jack as he is known seems to be a likeable rogue who has a good heart despite, by his own admission, having made a few mistakes along the way.
Aisha is a strong and formidable young woman, who although she is placed in many difficult situations, shows fortitude and a cool head.
The other person I liked was Cruise, the Indian driver who takes them around Delhi, getting involved with their quest and despite the violence directed at Jack, Cruise remains loyal and will not leave them to fend for themselves.
The story itself is really a search for a truth which will eventually overturn everything both Jack and Aisha know about their lives up until this point. .As the reader learns more about them both, their quest becomes more and more intriguing.
This is a fast paced action packed thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve already looked for more books by A. A Dhand which is definitely a tell tale sign for me when I find a good author- I’m always keen to read more books that they have written.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2022
Jack and Aisha are two strangers who are thrown together with no idea why. It not only leaves the reader with lots of question but for both of the characters also. They make an unlikely pairing but they pull together in their search for the truth.
The beginning of the story is set in Bradford with the remainder set in Delhi. The author’s descriptions had the settings playing out vividly in my mind. More so in Delhi where I could almost feel the unrelenting heat, smells and sounds. It was like he had transported me there. I really enjoyed Jack and Aisha’s characters but have to say that Cruise, someone we meet along the way, is definitely the underdog of the story but who I absolutely loved. At times he brings a bit of lightness into this otherwise dark read.
I would love to see this made into a film. It’s pretty much action packed which makes it a fast paced read as I had to keep reading just one more chapter as I couldn’t put the book down from the chapter before as my need to know what was going to happen next was too strong. There is so much within the storyline of betrayal, lies, secrets, family, I could go on but all make for an utterly compelling story.
The Blood Divide I believe is the author’s first standalone novel and boy is it a good one! There is never a dull moment and I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough to discover the truth. There are so many twists and turns which will have you trusting no one. As well as there being lots of thrills from all the action, there is also a melancholy to this book. At times it felt like someone was squeezing my heart as the story takes some unexpected turns that left me feeling highly emotional. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next for his readers!
The beginning of the story is set in Bradford with the remainder set in Delhi. The author’s descriptions had the settings playing out vividly in my mind. More so in Delhi where I could almost feel the unrelenting heat, smells and sounds. It was like he had transported me there. I really enjoyed Jack and Aisha’s characters but have to say that Cruise, someone we meet along the way, is definitely the underdog of the story but who I absolutely loved. At times he brings a bit of lightness into this otherwise dark read.
I would love to see this made into a film. It’s pretty much action packed which makes it a fast paced read as I had to keep reading just one more chapter as I couldn’t put the book down from the chapter before as my need to know what was going to happen next was too strong. There is so much within the storyline of betrayal, lies, secrets, family, I could go on but all make for an utterly compelling story.
The Blood Divide I believe is the author’s first standalone novel and boy is it a good one! There is never a dull moment and I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough to discover the truth. There are so many twists and turns which will have you trusting no one. As well as there being lots of thrills from all the action, there is also a melancholy to this book. At times it felt like someone was squeezing my heart as the story takes some unexpected turns that left me feeling highly emotional. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next for his readers!
April 18, 2021
This one really confused me. The first half was so fast paced, I was gripped instantly and thought Wow I just want to know why all this is happening, and I guess I’m still wondering......?
Store owner Jack has a sketchy past, and when he is disturbed one night by a Detective, he is kidnapped along with medical student Aisha. There’s clearly an attempt on their lives and they manage to escape. Jack then learns that Aisha is the daughter of an old friend of his, Habib, who is involved in organised crime. This is where the plot gets confusing and seems to be all over the place. It’s revealed that Kiran, Jack’s wife, and Habib had an affair which led to the birth of Aisha. Then Kiran was kidnapped and sent to Delhi to work as a prostitute. However I’m not sure if I just missed this part but it was never explained as to why that happened.
Furthermore, and this is just me being critical, but all the women in the book seemed to meet some demise that didn’t seem fair for the character. Aisha was built up as a strong and complex woman, and she deserved better! Sara, Habib’s wife just seemed very complacent and weak, I feel like her character could have offered a lot more.
Overall, I was so confused by the ending, I didn’t have a clue why things happened the way the did? Maybe I’ll have to reread but until now, 2 stars.
Store owner Jack has a sketchy past, and when he is disturbed one night by a Detective, he is kidnapped along with medical student Aisha. There’s clearly an attempt on their lives and they manage to escape. Jack then learns that Aisha is the daughter of an old friend of his, Habib, who is involved in organised crime. This is where the plot gets confusing and seems to be all over the place. It’s revealed that Kiran, Jack’s wife, and Habib had an affair which led to the birth of Aisha. Then Kiran was kidnapped and sent to Delhi to work as a prostitute. However I’m not sure if I just missed this part but it was never explained as to why that happened.
Furthermore, and this is just me being critical, but all the women in the book seemed to meet some demise that didn’t seem fair for the character. Aisha was built up as a strong and complex woman, and she deserved better! Sara, Habib’s wife just seemed very complacent and weak, I feel like her character could have offered a lot more.
Overall, I was so confused by the ending, I didn’t have a clue why things happened the way the did? Maybe I’ll have to reread but until now, 2 stars.
August 14, 2022
because AADhand grew up in Bradford with its 25% muslim population and 100 mosques and 200 curry houses his books are a very disturbing read - fact not fiction. I taught English in Bradford in the 60's with 40 kids in a class and so I can relate to the atmosphere. Study the history of India and you will realise why so many Asian religions arrived in Bradford, and they still do not respect each others many religions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogra...
In the book Jack is right, the only thing that counts in Delhi and Bradford is money! Cash!
Pakistanis remit £2billion a month back to Pakistan and when it arrives via Dubai PM Imran Khan rewards them with a cash bonus!
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/9748...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1643380
I would never visit India or for that matter go back to Bradford. Crime levels in Bradford are at their highest because Pakistan is the biggest heroin smuggler, from opium poppies grown in Afghanistan
by the Taliban, funded by Saudi wahhabi muslims.
Reality crime shows on TV feature Yorkshire police chasing teenage drug dealers in stolen cars without driving licenses but with a list of customers on their burner phones.
AADhand is an authentic author who writes more about fact than fiction. Highly recommended.
Check out attack on Salman Rushdie by muslim jihadi in NY who wasn't even born when book was published but has been recruited for the £3m fatwa reward.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demogra...
In the book Jack is right, the only thing that counts in Delhi and Bradford is money! Cash!
Pakistanis remit £2billion a month back to Pakistan and when it arrives via Dubai PM Imran Khan rewards them with a cash bonus!
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/9748...
https://www.dawn.com/news/1643380
I would never visit India or for that matter go back to Bradford. Crime levels in Bradford are at their highest because Pakistan is the biggest heroin smuggler, from opium poppies grown in Afghanistan
by the Taliban, funded by Saudi wahhabi muslims.
Reality crime shows on TV feature Yorkshire police chasing teenage drug dealers in stolen cars without driving licenses but with a list of customers on their burner phones.
AADhand is an authentic author who writes more about fact than fiction. Highly recommended.
Check out attack on Salman Rushdie by muslim jihadi in NY who wasn't even born when book was published but has been recruited for the £3m fatwa reward.
July 30, 2021
The Blood Divide by A.A. Dhand is a thrilling contemporary crime suspense that will have your heart racing as the tension rises.
The novel is set in the back streets of Bradford moving to the hot, dusty, exotic Delhi. With comprehensive descriptions the reader becomes immersed in the locations. We ‘sense’ the heat and ‘see’ the vibrant colours of Delhi which is in sharp contrast to Bradford.
We are a product of our past. A rich heritage should be persevered, not wasted or squandered. The criminal underworld contrasts with a respected Khali bloodline. Preoccupation with money and crime insults a family line.
Secrets from the past need to be unearthed. The truth must be faced.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Some struck fear into the reader.
Incidentally some of the book is set in Baildon where I have family. This enabled me to easily picture the location.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Blood Divide. I always find A.A. Dhand’s novels gripping and exciting, and being set in Bradford, the scenes really come to life for me.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set in the back streets of Bradford moving to the hot, dusty, exotic Delhi. With comprehensive descriptions the reader becomes immersed in the locations. We ‘sense’ the heat and ‘see’ the vibrant colours of Delhi which is in sharp contrast to Bradford.
We are a product of our past. A rich heritage should be persevered, not wasted or squandered. The criminal underworld contrasts with a respected Khali bloodline. Preoccupation with money and crime insults a family line.
Secrets from the past need to be unearthed. The truth must be faced.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Some struck fear into the reader.
Incidentally some of the book is set in Baildon where I have family. This enabled me to easily picture the location.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Blood Divide. I always find A.A. Dhand’s novels gripping and exciting, and being set in Bradford, the scenes really come to life for me.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2021
Full disclosure; I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Having read the Harry Virdee books by A.A. Dhand already, I was looking forward to his first stand-alone thriller and I was not disappointed.
The story begins in Bradford but takes the reader all the way to Delhi and across to the India/Pakistan border as we follow our protagonist, Jatinder "Jack" Baxi, on his mission to find who tried to kill him (and why).
I really enjoyed this novel; it is dark, gripping, action-packed and fast paced and the characters are all richly drawn (Cruise was a particular favourite of mine).
My only (minor) criticism would be that there a few moments where there is a lull in the action that took me out of it a little bit.
All in all though I really enjoyed this novel and hope that author continues in his stride and that more stand-alone works are on the horizon. 4/5
Having read the Harry Virdee books by A.A. Dhand already, I was looking forward to his first stand-alone thriller and I was not disappointed.
The story begins in Bradford but takes the reader all the way to Delhi and across to the India/Pakistan border as we follow our protagonist, Jatinder "Jack" Baxi, on his mission to find who tried to kill him (and why).
I really enjoyed this novel; it is dark, gripping, action-packed and fast paced and the characters are all richly drawn (Cruise was a particular favourite of mine).
My only (minor) criticism would be that there a few moments where there is a lull in the action that took me out of it a little bit.
All in all though I really enjoyed this novel and hope that author continues in his stride and that more stand-alone works are on the horizon. 4/5
June 8, 2021
I received an advance digital copy of "The Blood Divide" from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not familiar with the author, A. A. Dhand, thus had no idea what to expect. This book was definitely not my usual genre of British mystery/thriller.
Jatinder (Jack) Baxi is a wealthy criminal with a murdered, adulterous wife & deceased parents. Someone wants him dead. Discovering who will change everything he thought he knew about his family.
This is a gritty, dark tale of secrets, deceit, lies, corruption, torture, murder, prostitution, rape, & betrayal. It is fast paced with surprising revelations and is painfully descriptive.
My lack of knowledge of India, the culture, religion, customs, and the history involving Britain & Pakistan had me at a disadvantage. The author gave vivid descriptions of the underbelly of Delhi. The supporting character, Cruise, was the best part of the book.
This book was out of my comfort zone and at times left me a bit lost and somewhat confused.
Jatinder (Jack) Baxi is a wealthy criminal with a murdered, adulterous wife & deceased parents. Someone wants him dead. Discovering who will change everything he thought he knew about his family.
This is a gritty, dark tale of secrets, deceit, lies, corruption, torture, murder, prostitution, rape, & betrayal. It is fast paced with surprising revelations and is painfully descriptive.
My lack of knowledge of India, the culture, religion, customs, and the history involving Britain & Pakistan had me at a disadvantage. The author gave vivid descriptions of the underbelly of Delhi. The supporting character, Cruise, was the best part of the book.
This book was out of my comfort zone and at times left me a bit lost and somewhat confused.
July 5, 2021
This was such a great read, it had everything I like in a thriller. It was fast paced, lots of twists and turns, not really sure where the story is heading, It was fantastic, I couldn't believe that this is a debut novel it was superb. I read it in a day as I just didn't want to put it down. It all starts with Jack and when one evening he gets a knock on his door from someone claiming to be a detective, with this detective is a woman and their lives are at risk if they don't do something quick. So they flee, but what they both really want to know is why them and what could connect them? they go on a journey through India with the help of a very nice taxi driver who doesn't know what he has let himself in for. Will they find out the truth before it is too late? The story moved at a good pace, some of the chapters left you hanging so you feel obliged to continue through to the next chapter. The characters were believable and the sense of urgency of finding out is really there. This author is definitely one to watch in the future.
June 21, 2022
From the moment I read the opening pages of One Way Out, A.A. Dhand's Harry Virdee thrillers had me gripped by their hyper-kinetic plots full of tough guy action and family conflict centred on divisions along religious fault lines. Compared with the top writers of the genre such as Ian Rankin and Lee Child, Dhand's books moved at a far more brutal whiplash pace.
The Blood Divide, a standalone story unrelated to the Vurdee saga, translates the formula to a new setting, the action quickly shifting from Bradford to the Indian subcontinent. As usual, we are given lead characters whose lives have been thrown into violent crisis and a plot that has them running from one danger to another. Dhand is also concerned here with conveying the environment of this new setting. This has the effect of evoking the sights, sounds and smells of the exotic background but also slows down the action a little compared to the previous books. It's a trade-off, and one which works. But I was also left hoping that Harry Virdee is going to return in the next one.
The Blood Divide, a standalone story unrelated to the Vurdee saga, translates the formula to a new setting, the action quickly shifting from Bradford to the Indian subcontinent. As usual, we are given lead characters whose lives have been thrown into violent crisis and a plot that has them running from one danger to another. Dhand is also concerned here with conveying the environment of this new setting. This has the effect of evoking the sights, sounds and smells of the exotic background but also slows down the action a little compared to the previous books. It's a trade-off, and one which works. But I was also left hoping that Harry Virdee is going to return in the next one.
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