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Bad Blood #5

Traitor in the House

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‘ Gritty , compelling and laced with menace ’
Mel Sherratt ‘ If you like Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you will LOVE [Caz Finlay]’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reader Review OLD GAME When several young prostitutes are found murdered in Liverpool, DI Leigh Moss knows there is only one person she can turn to for help with the case.  Gangland queen, Grace Carter, knows the streets of Liverpool better than anyone and can ask questions Leigh can’t…but will Grace help? NEW RULES Grace doesn’t trust easily, but when she discovers that her family might be linked with the gruesome murders, she decides to give Leigh a chance. But helping Leigh is risky and as Grace is dragged deeper into the murky world of vice, her own life is put in danger. Can these two sworn enemies work together? Or is that a line they will never cross? Readers have been GRIPPED by this brand new drama… ‘ Absolutely brilliant . . . edge of my seat’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well-written . . . intricately woven with drama , suspense, intrigue , twists and turns’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Love reading something set in my home city with such strong characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ Fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you like Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you will LOVE this author’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I am kicking myself why I haven’t read a Caz Finlay book before . . . brilliant’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A cracker of a book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PRAISE FOR CAZ FINLAY ‘ Gritty and hard-hitting’ Casey Kelleher
 
‘Compelling . . . heart-stopping ’ Kerry Barnes
 
‘ Expertly plotted , totally gripping’ Mel Sherratt

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2021

118 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Caz Finlay

9 books57 followers
Caz Finlay lives in Liverpool with her husband, two children, and a grumpy dog named Bert. She has two BA Hons in Criminal Justice and Community Justice.

A Probation Officer for fourteen years, Caz has always been fascinated by the psychology of human behaviour and the reasons people do the things they do.

However, it was the loss of her son in 2016 which prompted her to rediscover her love of writing and write her first novel, The Boss.

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5 stars
600 (73%)
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149 (18%)
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50 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen .
1,721 reviews7,530 followers
July 1, 2021
Grace Carter, Queen of Liverpool’s gangland scene is back, and this time around, she has to work hand in hand with her old adversary, DI Leigh Moss, in an attempt to find a killer who is stalking the Red Light districts of Liverpool - this is someone who appears to harbour a great hatred of prostitutes.

Author, Caz Finlay pulls it off once again in this gripping gangland series - and what a surprising finish! I thought it was going one way, and then.... well it didn’t! Such a great series.

*I was invited to read ‘Traitor in the House’ by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Profile Image for Bharath.
953 reviews636 followers
July 10, 2021
I read ‘The Boss’ by Caz Finlay 2 years back and really liked it (I rated it 4.5/5). Since then, though, had not kept up with the books of the author. When I chanced upon this new book, was keen to read it. I did not realize though that the author extended ‘The Boss’ to a series and this is the fifth one. So, I have jumped to #5 in the ‘Bad Blood’ series right after the first one. I end up doing such silly things sometimes. That said, the book can be read standalone though obviously better read in sequence.

‘The Boss’ was about Grace who falls for Nathan, who runs a gang doing drugs & other businesses. Nathan is violent and terrifies Grace initially. The book is all about how Grace builds her own place in a tough environment using the time Nathan is in prison well.

Coming to this book, D.I. Leigh Moss is investigating a series of crimes where three women have been murdered and the pattern is similar. The three women had at one time lived in a home called Sunnymeade when they were children. Leigh seeks the help of Grace Carter as one of the victims worked at a business, they part-owned a few years back. The Carter family is not exactly on great terms with law enforcement. Michael & Grace Carter oversee the business of security services and restaurants but allow their children to run the day-to-day operations. They also had trusted aides in Luke & Danny. The security business especially is cut-throat but the Carter family has managed to keep competition away. A new entrant however threatens them and it appears as if somehow is backing him. As the story progresses, the various threads converge well.

This is a fast paced and engrossing read. The level of violence is higher than in regular crime fiction, not unexpected in a story featuring gangs.

This is a great gang – crime series and I certainly recommend it. Start with ‘The Boss’ and read serially though!

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher (HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter) and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,676 reviews1,690 followers
July 22, 2021
Bad Blood Book 5

When several young prostitutes are found murdered in Liverpool, DI Leigh Moss knows there is only one person she can turn to for help. Grace Carter knows the streets of Liverpool better than anyone and can ask questions Leigh can't.... but will Grace help?

Grace and Michael have two new additions to their workforce, Luke and Danny, DI Leigh Moss is back asking for Grace's help in finding out who is behind the murders of local prostitutes. As always, there's a lot more going on in the book and a surprising revelation towards the end.

I love Caz Finlay's writing style, and the way she can quickly draw you in to her plotlines. I love this series, it's down to earth, believable, with so many nasty villains. This is a cleverly crafted story with all the loose threads woven together by the end. This series just gets better and better. This is another gripping read that will have you routing for the Carters all the way.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUk #OneMoreChapter and the author #CazFinlay for my ARC of #TraitorInTheHouse in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,761 reviews163 followers
July 8, 2021
Wow I am kicking myself wondering why I haven’t read a Caz Finlay book before. Traitor in the house is the 5th book in the series and the first book from the author that I have read.
Three women are murdered in the heart of Liverpool each with the same M.O. Each of them lived in a children’s home called Sunnymeade years ago. D.I. Leigh Moss is heading the investigation and has killer nicknamed ‘The Liverpool ripper’.
Grace and Michael Carter are now wanting to retire from the Carter firm and let their sons to take the lead. But when D.I Leigh contacts Grace regarding the deaths, Grace agrees to help with the investigation, without her boss knowing Burrows or they will be implications.
This is a brilliant gripping story and a great page turner which I loved. Full of twists and turns and action throughout the story. It did have some gruesome moments in it too which made my toes curl. The author also did a great job also adding a bit of back story so you can read this as a standalone. I can’t wait to discover the other books this author as written. 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Elaine.
505 reviews72 followers
July 30, 2021
5 Stars
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The Carter family are stronger than ever. Grace and Michael have decided to take a back seat and leave the day to day running of their business to their boys Jake and Conner and the new team Danny and Luke.
What Grace doesn't expect is DI Leigh Moss an old acquaintance from the past, asking for her help.

Leigh Moss is designated to the case of 3 murdered girls, and maybe a fourth one, now missing. With no DNA left on the bodies and no other clues except they all resided at the infamous Sunnymeade Childrens Home.
But what has that got to do with Grace Carter and her business?

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Grace feels the need to help and the more she and Leigh delve into these unsolved murders the more twists and turns start to come to the surface. As the past is reignited and enemies reappear.

"You’re not at all what I expected,’ he said with a snarl. ‘I remember how Nathan used to talk about you. He made out you were some sweet, naïve little girl who was scared of her own shadow. But, you’re actually a bit of a bitch really, aren’t you?"

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She's done it again... Caz Finlay has continued with Book 5 in the Bad Blood series and has created this fast moving gritty gangster thriller set in Liverpool which focuses on The Carter family and their children.
I wasn't sure if at the beginning it was going to become more focused on DI Leigh Moss and her ability to solve the murders and how Grace and her family would fit in, but how wrong was I.
Every character worked, especially the introduction of Luke and Danny and they are a great addition to the Carter family.

What makes this stand out is the way its not just a gritty tale of the underworld but it delves into the relationships of the characters along the way and I love that. Insecurities, jealousy and definitely passion.
Full of twists, its another great read from this author and I can't wait for book 6

The Boss
Back In The Game
Liverpool Loyalty
Head Of The Firm


**ARC provided by Harper Collins and NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,731 reviews52 followers
June 17, 2021
Dark Gritty Gripping Explosive reading.
Gangland queen Grace Carter Bad Blood Book Five.
Three working girl's are murdered in a month, a killer with the same MO all former residents in the sunnymeade children's home, Liverpool Merseyside police approached DI Leigh Moss to collaborate in the investigation, she is indebt to Grace after saving her from her ex husband Nathan Conlon and now she needs her help even more there's a family link to it all and will she help? some digging needs to be done and Grace's two sons Jake and Connor are part owners at Number 69 Grace sort it by handing over their shares to Opal Henshaw so they are kept well out of it all. things are happening so fast throughout this book its a hair raiser, nail biter and got some massive twists as you read. with a big almighty ending it's the best so far but I say that at the end of every one of Bad Blood books in the series, enjoyed every moment cannot wait for the next instalment Book Six, 5 stars and more I give this fantastic read.
Profile Image for Susan Hampson.
1,521 reviews69 followers
August 3, 2021
Here is one almighty gritty gangland thriller that made a tingle through me like fingernails scraping glass. Characters felt real, threatening and as scary as hell. When a new spate of murders begins, there is a couple of common factors. All the girls are known prostitutes, and they all grew up in the same place.

DI Leigh Moss isn’t long before she contacts Grace Carter, wife of one of the biggest, gangland bosses. Grace was looking forward to her and her husband taking it easy, while their sons took over the family business. The thing is, Moss suspects that there are some connections that Grace may need to address. They have had dealings before. Grace is walking on dangerous ground, but she must protect their boys.

It is a gripping story that is impossible to look away from, and believe me, I had to swallow hard on some of these pages. As the reader, you soon become aware of behind the scenes happenings which heighten the storyline because it put me on edge when certain people came together.

Grace is a cracking character, she has done a lot more than most hard men, but she has her stop point unless you mess with her family. Her gangland boss husband, Michael, is quite a character. He does what he has to do, but he has his limit these days, unlike his brother. This deadly duo is an unforgettable pair.

There are a couple of stories twisted together, and both are nail-biting corkers’. If you like the thrill of gangland Liverpool, dive in, this is perfection.
Profile Image for Sandra.
566 reviews22 followers
June 21, 2021
Wow Caz Finlay's books just get better and better i have loved catching up with Grace and Michael Carter and their family.This book grips you and has you wanting more the story is brilliant and you feel as though you are actually with them.The twists and turns in this book keep you flustered guessing but i am happy to say i guessed right.EXCELLENT book and worth more than 5*
Profile Image for Jeanette.
1,129 reviews62 followers
August 8, 2021
I so much enjoy reading books by Caz Finlay and have read all her previous books. Each one has been excellent. Whilst I seldom write what a story is about as I prefer one to read the book for themselves, I do highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
Profile Image for deborah fanning.
93 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2022
Another brilliant installment of the Carter family.
I absolutely cannot wait for book 6 ! What an odious individual Joe Parnell is!
He has history with Sean and Michael Carter he despises them and the book starts with him trying to upsurge Carters security business. He is swiftly put back in his box!
Grace is drawn in to help Di Leigh Moss with the horrific murder of young girls from a Childrens home and I guessed the players early on but wow !
What a story line ! Connor and Jake are nearly ended and thankfully Luke and Danny save them.
I love how Luke and Danny are developing and John Brennan and Leigh say no more !!
I don’t like to give spoilers just read these books each one seems to get even better than the last !
Profile Image for Madeleine Black.
Author 7 books87 followers
September 18, 2021
Can't believe I haven't read any books by this author before! Even though this was part of a series I found it didn't matter. Loved Grace Carter and her family. Three young prostitutes are murdered in Liverpool and Grace is determined to find out who did it. Gritty and fast paced thriller
Profile Image for Joe Singleton.
226 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2021
I always get excited when there is a new book coming out from Caz Finlay and so it was a delight to get to read an advanced review copy of this book. The author continues to write books with great character progression, geographic coverage of the Merseyside area and a wonderful writing style.
I must admit there were a few moments where I was worried that the story-line was going to go along the dark romance side of things but the author did not disappoint and things soon got back on the typically great UK gangland crime aspect that the author is famous for.
Whereas the last book introduced us to a lot of new characters, in this book the police procedural aspect was expanded upon which made a great slant. As always, the author is not afraid of discussing difficult issues in her books and this book opens up discussions on police informants, the actions of people in power, gay relationships and other issue.
I believe that there are going to be 10 books in the Bad Blood series so we have lots of great things to come in the next few years and the speed at which Caz writes I am sure there will be more offerings too.
I mentioned in my last review that Caz Finlay is, in my opinion, the Northern England version of Martina Cole and this book reinforces my view.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) and Caz Finlay for providing me with an electronic advanced review copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Carole Gourlay .
573 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2021
I did like this book, it was gritty and the characters were typical of hardened crime families. On the one side there’s Leigh, a police officer, who it appears owes her life to Grace, the gangland queen, and head of the family, who is on the other side. Leigh needs Grace’s help to solve the murders that are taking part of prostitutes in Liverpool.

It’s a difficult position for both of them, one has to abide by the law and the other is wary that her family may be involved in the murders.

This is a brilliantly written book, and I think as I haven’t read the ones before to get a bigger picture I need to start at the beginning, as I did get a bit flummoxed as to who was who and who to trust, and what had happened between them all. As I read deeper into the story, it enveloped me with the twists and turns, and really although the family were a gruesome lot, they only “sorted out” the bad guys, and people who deserved it. A bit like a modern day “Krays” novel. They didn’t go after the ordinary man in the street, all these were evil criminals who got their just deserts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a hard hitting gritty storyline.

My thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Anne.
760 reviews
July 2, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Having loved this series so far I was pleased to be approved for this ARC. As before, Caz Finlay has wrote a cracker of a book here. I loved it, and can’t fault her writing or this series. It was great to be back in the world of Michael and Grace and their families, and I enjoyed getting to know some new characters, and I liked that a side character in the previous book featured more in this one. I loved the different story threads and how the author wove them all together as the book raced to its conclusion. It had everything I liked, murders, a great plot with lots of twists and was fast paced, thrilling, and very realistic. Overall, a brilliant read and this author has never disappointed me. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Kim.
484 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2021
Young prostitutes are being murdered in Liverpool and the responsibility to find the culprit goes to DI Leigh Moss and her team. The young girls all have in common that they had all been children at Sunnymeade Children's home years earlier. With no clues as to who is committing these crimes, DI Moss has only one person she can turn to. Grace Carter with her husband Michael are the heads of the biggest crime family in Liverpool.

OMG, what a cracker of a book, along with the older characters from previous books we meet some new ones which keep the series fresh and exciting. This book is like being on a white knuckle ride, you get thrown in all directions and at times feel sick.
Caz Finley gets better and better with each book she writes,
This book will grip you from the off, it is addictive and the ending will not disappoint.
Well worth 5 stars.
Profile Image for Pat.
156 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2021
Three working girls all murdered within a month of each other and all with the same MO meant a serial killer was on the loose but with no clues as to the perpetrator DI Leigh Moss has her work cut out so turns to gangland queen Grace Carter for help.

From the start you are grabbed and pulled into this pulse raising novel that is fast paced and full of mile a minute action and what a wonderfully diverse bunch of realistic and believable characters Caz Finley has created - definitely a mix of the good, the bad and the down right nasty.

Loved this novel - a well written, engaging and engrossing read that I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper CollinsUK- One More Chapter for an ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
1,159 reviews26 followers
June 26, 2021
this author never disappoint s her readers each book just gets so dam good always addictive and very fast paced read . Di Leigh Moss is up against it someone is targeting working girls and they have a serial killer on there hands . so she asks for Grace carter s help as the one brothel belong s to them she wants Grace to try and get information from the girls Grace does and gifts the brothel to the manager so there no come back on her family they have there own problems as an old enemy is back in town Joey Parnell he wants there security business , as Leigh and Grace dig deeper there is a big connection to a children s home that the women were in what is the connection ? and as normal the book has been left on a cliff hanger i so recommend this series very addictive
372 reviews7 followers
February 11, 2024
Rated 4 1/2 stars on the blog...
Dark, twisty and gripping, especially with their not being a trace of DNA and a family - The Carter Family being strong in the gangland world. The only clue? The victims were all residents at Sunnymeade Childrens Home.

It is a huge, gruesome case which D.I Leigh Moss is intent on solving. The past comes hurtling into the present and old tensions arise to the surface as an increase in danger emerges, especially as the only help may well be Grace, part of the gangland family.

The book delves into the different relationships of the characters and into the murky gangland world of Liverpool. It's atmospheric and gritty, especially the deeper you go into this world. It's quite the page-turner as the dangers ramp up and there-in lies secrets and betrayals.
Profile Image for Caroline O'Neill.
272 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2021
Another fabulous page turner from Caz Finlay following on from Liverpool Loyalty.

As ever Grace Carter is the main character and a plot develops with her that I was not expecting. She also gets closer to Leigh in this book and their relationship, despite being tenuous at times, is for the good of a case despite Grace being part of the criminal set in Liverpool.

Being from Liverpool myself I really enjoyed being able to picture the locations and settings that were described so well.

Another cracker from Finlay - I can’t wait for her next!!!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,098 reviews19 followers
June 25, 2021
Welcome back Grace and Michael! With their new additions to the workforce Danny and Luke the Carter family are trying to have an easier life but with a murderer on the loose and the police at a loose end will Grace help Leigh although it goes against her principles.
Caz never fails to suck me into her books! I adore this series and it’s a definite read now for me throwing all my other books to the side. A massive thank you to netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
1,014 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2021
Another really GREAT installment in this incredible series. After four books we have watched the ‘Gangland Queen’ Grace Carter come into her own as she takes over and carves a new style and understanding of a mob lype gang in Liverpool. Now well established, Grace is drawn into a police investigation into the deaths of prostitutes that may have have involved members of her gang family. It’s better to read them in sequence to enjoy the richness in the characters but if this new one gets you into the series - go for it - no disappointment here!
Profile Image for Diane.
954 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2021
Another great instalment in the lives of the Conlan’s and Carter’s. Grace and Michael are settling in to a quieter life with their two young children after all the grief and worry of their grown up boys and the awful death of Paul. Unfortunately it’s not long before trouble rears it’s ugly head again. This is fast paced and gritty gangland aggro at it’s best with more explosive secrets coming out. A well deserved five star read
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,215 reviews27 followers
August 29, 2021
Traitor in the House by Caz Finlay is the fifth book in The Carter fantastic gangland. series. and it was another excellent book by Caz. Just like her other books I was hooked from the very first few pages and I could not put it down. If you have not read books within the series I highly recommend this series. Its Brilliant!

Big 5 stars from me and looking forward to the next instalment. No rush Caz x
Profile Image for Lucy C.
369 reviews54 followers
June 19, 2021
Our Queen Grace is back!!

I absolutely love this Bad Blood series and after each one I read I think how can Caz top that, Caz works her magic and pulls yet another blinding read out the bag.

Fantastic, gripping, a little gruesome in parts but that's what makes these excellent.

5 stars as always looking foward to the next installment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Dleech.
293 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2021
I’ve been lucky enough to have read all the books in this series.

This latest instalment sees Grace Carter joining forces with DI Leigh Moss after a spate of murders of local working girls.

As per the previous books the storyline moves quickly and ends with a massive bombshell!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
196 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2025
Well if you enjoy a good gangster thriller where the women are beautiful and the men are tough ,with a gritty storyline, you will probably enjoy this one.
Set in Liverpool, when a number of prostitutes are found tortured and murdered, the hunt is on to find the killer…
DI Leigh Moss turns to Grace Carter married to gangland boss Michael for help, it’s a page turner, and easy to read.
147 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2021
Brilliant

Another chapter in the series and I loved it and couldn't put it down. Michael,Grace Jake and Connor it just gets better with every book. I didn't want it to end tbh and now I'll have to wait for the next book to come out. Well done Caz leave us wanting more. Excellent
Profile Image for Donna Louise Kay.
139 reviews
September 23, 2021
Fab. A usual.

I have been in a reading slump of late and Caz was just the writer I needed to pick me up out of it. The Carter family takes are as amazing as always. That Michael Carter though eh? 😍 I have a total crush on him. 😂
Profile Image for Angelique Burton.
126 reviews
October 12, 2021
Fantastic

Another fantastic read by caz, Grace Carter is someone to fear and admire,the Carter's are a firm to be reckoned with. Low and behold anyone who threatens to take them down. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Jody Wheeler.
390 reviews
December 27, 2021
This series just gets better

The author is great. I love this series I just can't wait for the next book. They are so hard to put down once you start reading them. Can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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