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D.I. Isabel Blood #2
Without a Trace
Description
You can cover up the truth, but every murder leaves a trail…
The rain was relentless. It stung Ruth Prendergast’s face as she dashed towards her house, desperate to escape the cold and settle down for an early night. But upon entering her bedroom, she finds a man, lying on her bed – a knife buried in his chest.
When Detective Isabel Blood and her sergeant arrive on the scene, Ruth claims she’s never laid eyes on the victim before. But with no sign of a break-in, how did the killer gain access to the house?
Then Ruth disappears, leaving Isabel and her team to fear the worst. Has their lead suspect escaped, or is Ruth in danger herself?
Forensic evidence at the crime scene is sparse, and it’s proving impossible for Isabel to make a breakthrough. With Ruth still missing, time is running out.
But how can you catch a killer that doesn’t leave a trace?
Uncover the mystery and solve the crime alongside Derbyshire’s best detective. This utterly gripping, unputdownable whodunit will have you hooked and reading long into the night! Fans Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths and ITV’s Vera will love Without a Trace!
Readers love Jane Bettany!
“A gripping police procedural thriller that had me engrossed from the first page. The storyline had me intrigued, so much so that I read it in one day.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“Isabel Blood is a great character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I’m a great fan of police procedural novels and this was an excellent read!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“If you’re looking for a cosy crime novel that is packed with suspense, then this is the book for you. A fantastic debut novel that I have no hesitation in recommending.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“This is a fabulous debut crime novel!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“I loved this book from beginning to end and cannot wait to read more from Jane Bettany.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
You can cover up the truth, but every murder leaves a trail…
The rain was relentless. It stung Ruth Prendergast’s face as she dashed towards her house, desperate to escape the cold and settle down for an early night. But upon entering her bedroom, she finds a man, lying on her bed – a knife buried in his chest.
When Detective Isabel Blood and her sergeant arrive on the scene, Ruth claims she’s never laid eyes on the victim before. But with no sign of a break-in, how did the killer gain access to the house?
Then Ruth disappears, leaving Isabel and her team to fear the worst. Has their lead suspect escaped, or is Ruth in danger herself?
Forensic evidence at the crime scene is sparse, and it’s proving impossible for Isabel to make a breakthrough. With Ruth still missing, time is running out.
But how can you catch a killer that doesn’t leave a trace?
Uncover the mystery and solve the crime alongside Derbyshire’s best detective. This utterly gripping, unputdownable whodunit will have you hooked and reading long into the night! Fans Val McDermid, Elly Griffiths and ITV’s Vera will love Without a Trace!
Readers love Jane Bettany!
“A gripping police procedural thriller that had me engrossed from the first page. The storyline had me intrigued, so much so that I read it in one day.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“Isabel Blood is a great character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I’m a great fan of police procedural novels and this was an excellent read!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“If you’re looking for a cosy crime novel that is packed with suspense, then this is the book for you. A fantastic debut novel that I have no hesitation in recommending.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“This is a fabulous debut crime novel!” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
“I loved this book from beginning to end and cannot wait to read more from Jane Bettany.” 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2021
133 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Jane Bettany
18 books136 followersI am the author of the DI Isabel Blood crime novels, set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge, and the cosy crime series featuring amateur sleuth Violet Brewster, which is also set in Derbyshire.
My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.
Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.
I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.
My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.
Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.
I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 7, 2021
This is the second in Jane Bettany's 57 year old DI Isabel Blood of Bainbridge CID series set in Derbyshire, I haven't read the first book but found this worked reasonably fine as a standalone. HR Manager Ruth Prendergast has only moved in recently to her new home, relocating to a new area and job after her divorce, in her hopes of establishing a new beginning. She arrives home exhausted after work and doing some shopping, putting a pizza in the oven for supper. When she goes to her bedroom, she receives a horrifying shock when she finds a dead man in her bed, with a knife in his chest. This is not a man she has ever seen before, she phones the police. Isabel is on leave, making her way to the airport to pick up her father, Donald Corrington, whom she hasn't seen for decades, when she gets the call to get to the crime scene.
Fortunately, she can rely on DS Dan Fairfax to begin the initial investigations before she joins him on the oddest of murder inquiries. How did the victim and murderer get entry into Ruth's new home? So begins a case that proves to be a tough nut to crack, with the pressure on from the boss to solve it as quickly as possible. The murdered man turns out to be a unlikeable garage mechanic, Kevin Sprigg, who likes to drink, a man with a history of previously assaulting a woman. He has a son, Alfie Moss, married with two children, but Alfie had been estranged from his father who had abused his mother, having not seen him since he was a young child when his parents had divorced. Isabel's police team, which includes DC Zoe Piper and DC Lucas Killingworth find themselves frustrated at every turn in their hunt for the killer, and then Ruth disappears. Is this connected with the murder?
For quite a while I didn't think this was going to be my kind of crime fiction, I found it far too detailed in relating every move made by each individual member of the police team and their often mundane conversations with each other. However, this changed as I got progressively more and more engaged with the story and with the central mystery, and the suspense and tension increased. Isabel has to balance running the murder case whilst at the same time handling the emotionally complicated visit of a elderly father, arriving unexpectedly with her half brother, Fabien, whom she had never met. She wants her father to come clean about his past and his bigamous marriage to her mother to Fabien, and to build a closer relationship with him and Fabien. This turned out to be a engaging and entertaining crime read that I enjoyed, and the murder case had some surprising twists and turns. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Fortunately, she can rely on DS Dan Fairfax to begin the initial investigations before she joins him on the oddest of murder inquiries. How did the victim and murderer get entry into Ruth's new home? So begins a case that proves to be a tough nut to crack, with the pressure on from the boss to solve it as quickly as possible. The murdered man turns out to be a unlikeable garage mechanic, Kevin Sprigg, who likes to drink, a man with a history of previously assaulting a woman. He has a son, Alfie Moss, married with two children, but Alfie had been estranged from his father who had abused his mother, having not seen him since he was a young child when his parents had divorced. Isabel's police team, which includes DC Zoe Piper and DC Lucas Killingworth find themselves frustrated at every turn in their hunt for the killer, and then Ruth disappears. Is this connected with the murder?
For quite a while I didn't think this was going to be my kind of crime fiction, I found it far too detailed in relating every move made by each individual member of the police team and their often mundane conversations with each other. However, this changed as I got progressively more and more engaged with the story and with the central mystery, and the suspense and tension increased. Isabel has to balance running the murder case whilst at the same time handling the emotionally complicated visit of a elderly father, arriving unexpectedly with her half brother, Fabien, whom she had never met. She wants her father to come clean about his past and his bigamous marriage to her mother to Fabien, and to build a closer relationship with him and Fabien. This turned out to be a engaging and entertaining crime read that I enjoyed, and the murder case had some surprising twists and turns. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
October 31, 2021
Without a Trace is the second instalment in Jane Bettany's D.I. Isabel Blood series, set in the (fictional) town of Bainbridge, Derbyshire, UK.
This book opens in similarly dramatic style to its predecessor (In Cold Blood). Newly divorced professional woman Ruth Prendergast returns to her recently-purchased home after work, expecting a quiet night in, and finds a dead man lying tucked into her bed! Although he appears to be sleeping, early investigations reveal he's been fatally stabbed - this is murder. But who is this man, why is he in Ruth's home, and how did he (and his murderer) gain entry?
For local D.I. Isabel Blood, this new case couldn't come at a more inconvenient time. She's due to take a week's leave to spend quality time getting to know her father, who she's not seen for over 40 years, due to circumstances that are explained in the previous book. As it is, she has no option but to collect her father - unexpectedly accompanied by her French half-brother, Fabien - from the airport, drop him to a hotel and promise to catch up later.
The team quickly identifies the dead man as an unpopular local mechanic, who has a criminal record for assaulting a woman and is a regular at various insalubrious drinking establishments. No link can be found between the victim and Ruth Prendergast, who is new to both the house and Bainbridge. Despite their tenacity in following up various leads, Blood's team are having difficulty in establishing a motive for the crime, or any viable suspects. Then Ruth Prendergast goes missing without explanation...
Without a Trace is an engrossing read with two intertwined narrative threads - one, the murder investigation, the other the unfolding family drama around Isabel's reunion with her father. Both are well-developed, although I did sometimes feel as though the pace slackened a bit during the family interludes and I was itching to get back to the murder investigation plot.
D.I. Isabel Blood continues to be an intriguing and sympathetic character, who sometimes struggles to balance the long hours and dedication required of her police career with her contented family life. The cast of supporting characters are also varied and engaging, in particular the recurring characters forming D.I. Blood's closest colleagues.
The dramatic conclusion, in which the killer is unmasked, is surprising but satisfying, and a final twist brings a touch of pathos.
While Without a Trace works well as a standalone or entry point to the series, reading in series order would allow the reader greater understanding of Isabel's complicated family backstory.
Without a Trace is character-driven crime/mystery fiction in a traditional style, without too much in the way of gory crime scenes or gritty settings. It's a satisfying read, and I look forward to future instalments in the series.
My thanks to the author, Jane Bettany, publisher HQ, HQ Digital (HarperCollins) and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This book opens in similarly dramatic style to its predecessor (In Cold Blood). Newly divorced professional woman Ruth Prendergast returns to her recently-purchased home after work, expecting a quiet night in, and finds a dead man lying tucked into her bed! Although he appears to be sleeping, early investigations reveal he's been fatally stabbed - this is murder. But who is this man, why is he in Ruth's home, and how did he (and his murderer) gain entry?
For local D.I. Isabel Blood, this new case couldn't come at a more inconvenient time. She's due to take a week's leave to spend quality time getting to know her father, who she's not seen for over 40 years, due to circumstances that are explained in the previous book. As it is, she has no option but to collect her father - unexpectedly accompanied by her French half-brother, Fabien - from the airport, drop him to a hotel and promise to catch up later.
The team quickly identifies the dead man as an unpopular local mechanic, who has a criminal record for assaulting a woman and is a regular at various insalubrious drinking establishments. No link can be found between the victim and Ruth Prendergast, who is new to both the house and Bainbridge. Despite their tenacity in following up various leads, Blood's team are having difficulty in establishing a motive for the crime, or any viable suspects. Then Ruth Prendergast goes missing without explanation...
Without a Trace is an engrossing read with two intertwined narrative threads - one, the murder investigation, the other the unfolding family drama around Isabel's reunion with her father. Both are well-developed, although I did sometimes feel as though the pace slackened a bit during the family interludes and I was itching to get back to the murder investigation plot.
D.I. Isabel Blood continues to be an intriguing and sympathetic character, who sometimes struggles to balance the long hours and dedication required of her police career with her contented family life. The cast of supporting characters are also varied and engaging, in particular the recurring characters forming D.I. Blood's closest colleagues.
The dramatic conclusion, in which the killer is unmasked, is surprising but satisfying, and a final twist brings a touch of pathos.
While Without a Trace works well as a standalone or entry point to the series, reading in series order would allow the reader greater understanding of Isabel's complicated family backstory.
Without a Trace is character-driven crime/mystery fiction in a traditional style, without too much in the way of gory crime scenes or gritty settings. It's a satisfying read, and I look forward to future instalments in the series.
My thanks to the author, Jane Bettany, publisher HQ, HQ Digital (HarperCollins) and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
October 26, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Jane’s previous book ‘In Cold Blood’, which was the first book in the series featuring Detective Inspector Isabel Blood. So when I heard that Jane was due to release another book in the series I knew that I had to read it as soon as I possibly could. Well the wait is over as the second book in the series featuring DI Isabel Blood, ‘Without A Trace’ is due to be released in e-book on 29th October 2021 and in paperback format on 6th January 2022. I was lucky enough to have a sneaky peek at an early review copy and blimey, it’s another corker of a story. I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of ‘Without A Trace’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I read the synopsis for ‘Without A Trace’ that was it, I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing much else other than reading for the rest of the afternoon. I was drawn into the actual story from the very first word on the very first page. It seemed as though ‘Without A Trace’ developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. This ‘hold’ lasted from the very first word on the very first page until the very last word on the very last page. To say that reading ‘Without A Trace’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two to fill in a spare half hour but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over half a dozen chapters and an hour later. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Without A Trace’ and I had to say farewell to Isabel and her team. I found ‘Without A Trace’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Without A Trace’ is superbly written but that was also true of ‘In Cold Blood’ too. Jane has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. In Isabel Blood, Jane has created one hell of a strong, memorable and feisty young lady. Jane clearly cares about her characters and she describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘Without A Trace’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jane’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Without A Trace’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read more of Jane’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek’s board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As soon as I read the synopsis for ‘Without A Trace’ that was it, I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing much else other than reading for the rest of the afternoon. I was drawn into the actual story from the very first word on the very first page. It seemed as though ‘Without A Trace’ developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. This ‘hold’ lasted from the very first word on the very first page until the very last word on the very last page. To say that reading ‘Without A Trace’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two to fill in a spare half hour but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over half a dozen chapters and an hour later. The more of the book I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Without A Trace’ and I had to say farewell to Isabel and her team. I found ‘Without A Trace’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Without A Trace’ is superbly written but that was also true of ‘In Cold Blood’ too. Jane has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. In Isabel Blood, Jane has created one hell of a strong, memorable and feisty young lady. Jane clearly cares about her characters and she describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘Without A Trace’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jane’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Without A Trace’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read more of Jane’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek’s board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 22, 2021
We are in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge. Recently divorced Ruth Prendergast has finished work for the day, done her shopping, and is keen to be inside her new house in Hollywell Close, warm, snug and out of the icy winter rain. She fancies a night in, with a pizza and a glass or two of wine. What she gets, however, is a ghastly shock. Turning on the bedroom light she finds a man apparently asleep under her duvet. When she plucks up the courage to wake him, she finds she cannot. Because he is dead. Stone dead, with a knife embedded in his body.
WAT coverThe team investigating the murder is led by Detective Inspector Isabel Blood, her Sergeant and a brace of DCs. They soon learn that the dead man is Kevin Spriggs, a middle-aged car mechanic, with a failed marriage behind him, an estranged son – and an argumentative temperament often fueled by drink. The murder raises many questions for Blood and her people. How did Spriggs and the person who killed him gain access to a locked house? Who hated Spriggs – admittedly not one of life’s natural charmers – enough to kill him? After all, he was something of a nobody, tolerated rather than loved by most people who knew him, but why this brutal – and mysterious – death?
The investigation – code named Operation Jackdaw – has achieved precisely three-fifths of five-eighths of diddly-squat, when it is rocked by the discovery that Ruth Prendergast, who discovered the corpse of the unfortunate Spriggs has herself disappeared. She was due to go on a walking trip with a lady friend, but she failed to make the rendezvous and, to borrow from The Bard, she has “melted into air, into thin air ….. leaving not a rack behind.“
There are enough fictional Detective Inspectors out there in the world of crime fiction to run a large county police force, so what makes Isabel Blood – to steal a sporting cliché – achieve a podium finish? Refreshingly, she is middle-aged, comfortable in her skin and appears to have no hidden demons. She is happily married with two teenage daughters, and the only kink in this domestic bliss is that her father was apparently bigamously involved with Isabel’s mother, and now lives in France where he has two grown up sons with his legal wife. Now, Isabel’s father and her half-brother have arrived in Bainbridge for a visit at precisely the time that the unfortunate Kevin Spriggs is discovered in Ruth Prendergast’s bed. Eventually, the team discover how – and why – the man was murdered, and the solution is complex, but it very neatly echoes Isabel’s own difficulties with her double family and half-siblings.
Without A Trace is a well plotted and nuance police procedural with credible coppers and equally convincing villains. It is published by HQ Digital, and will be out in Kindle on 29th October. A paperback edition will be available in January.
WAT coverThe team investigating the murder is led by Detective Inspector Isabel Blood, her Sergeant and a brace of DCs. They soon learn that the dead man is Kevin Spriggs, a middle-aged car mechanic, with a failed marriage behind him, an estranged son – and an argumentative temperament often fueled by drink. The murder raises many questions for Blood and her people. How did Spriggs and the person who killed him gain access to a locked house? Who hated Spriggs – admittedly not one of life’s natural charmers – enough to kill him? After all, he was something of a nobody, tolerated rather than loved by most people who knew him, but why this brutal – and mysterious – death?
The investigation – code named Operation Jackdaw – has achieved precisely three-fifths of five-eighths of diddly-squat, when it is rocked by the discovery that Ruth Prendergast, who discovered the corpse of the unfortunate Spriggs has herself disappeared. She was due to go on a walking trip with a lady friend, but she failed to make the rendezvous and, to borrow from The Bard, she has “melted into air, into thin air ….. leaving not a rack behind.“
There are enough fictional Detective Inspectors out there in the world of crime fiction to run a large county police force, so what makes Isabel Blood – to steal a sporting cliché – achieve a podium finish? Refreshingly, she is middle-aged, comfortable in her skin and appears to have no hidden demons. She is happily married with two teenage daughters, and the only kink in this domestic bliss is that her father was apparently bigamously involved with Isabel’s mother, and now lives in France where he has two grown up sons with his legal wife. Now, Isabel’s father and her half-brother have arrived in Bainbridge for a visit at precisely the time that the unfortunate Kevin Spriggs is discovered in Ruth Prendergast’s bed. Eventually, the team discover how – and why – the man was murdered, and the solution is complex, but it very neatly echoes Isabel’s own difficulties with her double family and half-siblings.
Without A Trace is a well plotted and nuance police procedural with credible coppers and equally convincing villains. It is published by HQ Digital, and will be out in Kindle on 29th October. A paperback edition will be available in January.
October 31, 2021
Without a Trace is the second book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone. I was initially drawn to it as I don’t live very far from Derby, although the town it is fictional.
I can’t think of anything worse than finding a dead body in my house, although, Ruth had just done that. The poor woman had not long moved into the area and had not got a clue who this man was. It was a quiet area that she lived in with a couple of the houses empty and people that were out at work through the day in the others. The police were not going to have a lot to go on.
I liked Detective Isabel Blood straight away, who had taken time off work to enjoy family time. To say that her family was complicated would be like saying that ice wasn’t cold. The added stress of being called in to support the murder investigation did not make life easy.
I enjoyed this book, which had a good balance of work and home for Isobel. It wasn’t gruesome either, with over the top details of the crime. I liked working out the clues as they came up too. A very unusual story. I am looking forward to more books from this author.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
I can’t think of anything worse than finding a dead body in my house, although, Ruth had just done that. The poor woman had not long moved into the area and had not got a clue who this man was. It was a quiet area that she lived in with a couple of the houses empty and people that were out at work through the day in the others. The police were not going to have a lot to go on.
I liked Detective Isabel Blood straight away, who had taken time off work to enjoy family time. To say that her family was complicated would be like saying that ice wasn’t cold. The added stress of being called in to support the murder investigation did not make life easy.
I enjoyed this book, which had a good balance of work and home for Isobel. It wasn’t gruesome either, with over the top details of the crime. I liked working out the clues as they came up too. A very unusual story. I am looking forward to more books from this author.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
December 8, 2021
The second in the DI Blood series, this works perfectly well as a standalone novel as you can pick up on her personal backstory and the plot is self-contained.
I was immediately caught up by the opening when a newly divorced woman heads to the bedroom of her new house only to find a corpse in her bed. Sadly, although it’s a very quick and easy read, none of the characters were developed enough for me to care much about them and there was a bizarre amount of time spent discussing irrelevancies such as someone’s favourite pub starter and whether or not it was still on the menu, the pub snacks, crisp type, etc. There was also a lot of time spent on Blood’s relationship with her father and half-brother, none of which added anything to the novel.
I would love to see the author sideline her protagonist’s personal life and flesh out the police procedural elements and characters if future instalments are planned.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, HQ Stories, Harper Collins, for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately caught up by the opening when a newly divorced woman heads to the bedroom of her new house only to find a corpse in her bed. Sadly, although it’s a very quick and easy read, none of the characters were developed enough for me to care much about them and there was a bizarre amount of time spent discussing irrelevancies such as someone’s favourite pub starter and whether or not it was still on the menu, the pub snacks, crisp type, etc. There was also a lot of time spent on Blood’s relationship with her father and half-brother, none of which added anything to the novel.
I would love to see the author sideline her protagonist’s personal life and flesh out the police procedural elements and characters if future instalments are planned.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, HQ Stories, Harper Collins, for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
A woman returns home to the house where she lives alone and there’s a man on her bed. She doesn’t know him, there’s a knife in his chest and he is dead. How could any reader not be seduced by this. I normally read books in a series strictly in order but I couldn’t resist this despite not having read book one. While it worked as a standalone I did feel it would probably have been better if I had read the first book in terms of the personal story of DI Blood. I thought it made a nice change from the majority of crime books I read that the main character was a female DI in her 50s but on the flip side it will perhaps limit the longevity of the series. This is a good read but I’d recommend reading book 1 first.
November 4, 2021
A solid police procedural mystery with a plot that kept me interested.
I did feel that it was a bit too heavy on the procedural part which resulted in little character development for the large cast of characters. I came away not really connecting to any of them and therefore liking the book rather than loving it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
I did feel that it was a bit too heavy on the procedural part which resulted in little character development for the large cast of characters. I came away not really connecting to any of them and therefore liking the book rather than loving it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
October 19, 2021
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of reviews like that already).
This is apparently the second in the "DI Isabel Blood" series, but the fact that I have not read the previous book did not matter, as this works just fine as a standalone.
I liked the fact that Isabel is "of a certain age" (as am I!) and enjoyed the setting of the book - although the main town is fictional, there are plenty of references to real places in Derbyshire, which added to the authenticity for me.
The main plot is a little outlandish but well thought out - I appreciated the lack of gory detail which so often appears in police procedural novels. The inclusion of Isabel's backstory with her father added another layer to the plot, and made her character more rounded. I felt that some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, but maybe that will happen as the series progresses.
I'm now hoping to read the first book in the series, and will certainly read more by this local author.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is apparently the second in the "DI Isabel Blood" series, but the fact that I have not read the previous book did not matter, as this works just fine as a standalone.
I liked the fact that Isabel is "of a certain age" (as am I!) and enjoyed the setting of the book - although the main town is fictional, there are plenty of references to real places in Derbyshire, which added to the authenticity for me.
The main plot is a little outlandish but well thought out - I appreciated the lack of gory detail which so often appears in police procedural novels. The inclusion of Isabel's backstory with her father added another layer to the plot, and made her character more rounded. I felt that some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, but maybe that will happen as the series progresses.
I'm now hoping to read the first book in the series, and will certainly read more by this local author.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
October 20, 2022
Intriguing investigation with a good balance between Isabel's professional and personal life.
December 23, 2023
Another good read and I certainly didn't expect the results. I like these mild murder suspense books.
March 27, 2024
Absolutely brilliant.
October 17, 2021
Ruth recently moved into a new house following the break-up of her marriage. One day, she arrives home from work to find a stranger dead in her bed. There’s no sign of a break-in, so how did he get there? Does someone have a key to her property?
DI Isabel Blood is supposed to be on leave to spend time with the father she hasn’t seen in over 40 years, but she needs to work on this murder case. It proves even more difficult because someone has been very careful and only left one partial fingerprint. There aren’t any further clues in the house.
Then Ruth herself goes missing, but could that be because she’s guilty? Or is she the next victim?
A brilliant read that I found difficult to put down!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ/HQ Digital for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
DI Isabel Blood is supposed to be on leave to spend time with the father she hasn’t seen in over 40 years, but she needs to work on this murder case. It proves even more difficult because someone has been very careful and only left one partial fingerprint. There aren’t any further clues in the house.
Then Ruth herself goes missing, but could that be because she’s guilty? Or is she the next victim?
A brilliant read that I found difficult to put down!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ/HQ Digital for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2021
Great read
The second book in the DI Blood series.
Ruth Pendergast has just moved to the area for a fresh start after her divorce.
After a hard day at work she returns to find a dead man she's never seen before in her bed with a knife in his chest.
D I Blood is just about to start her 2 weeks leave but she's now under pressure to return to help slove the murder.
She needs to find out who the victim is and catch a killer but with no clues it's a hard job.
I liked the way the team worked together and look forward to reading more about them in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC
The second book in the DI Blood series.
Ruth Pendergast has just moved to the area for a fresh start after her divorce.
After a hard day at work she returns to find a dead man she's never seen before in her bed with a knife in his chest.
D I Blood is just about to start her 2 weeks leave but she's now under pressure to return to help slove the murder.
She needs to find out who the victim is and catch a killer but with no clues it's a hard job.
I liked the way the team worked together and look forward to reading more about them in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the ARC
October 30, 2021
I had only read the first page when I knew that this novel was going to be a joy to read. Sometimes you can just tell when you’ve found a good author can’t you? The plot was intriguing and very well thought out, but for me it was the brilliant writing that made the story so good. All the characters were described so well that I ‘became’ them for a time. It sounds a bit silly, but the way Chapter 1 describes Ruth coming home from a long and vile day at work took me back to my own working days (no longer, thank heavens) and everything she did or felt was exactly what I used to do or feel. I never found a man dead in my bed though (more’s the pity)!
I loved DI Isabel Blood and her team, and the way all the characters were brought to life by the wonderful writing style. Just authentic people that you can relate to and feel connected with. I enjoyed the intriguing little side story about Isabel’s father, and the way it was an aside and did not detract from the main story of solving the murder. There were the usual twists and turns that we’ve come to expect in any crime book, and the police investigation was thorough and very believable. I wouldn’t describe this book as a gripping, stomach clenching, thriller. For me it was a beautifully written and interesting whodunnit, and I’m looking forward very much to the next one. Great stuff!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
I loved DI Isabel Blood and her team, and the way all the characters were brought to life by the wonderful writing style. Just authentic people that you can relate to and feel connected with. I enjoyed the intriguing little side story about Isabel’s father, and the way it was an aside and did not detract from the main story of solving the murder. There were the usual twists and turns that we’ve come to expect in any crime book, and the police investigation was thorough and very believable. I wouldn’t describe this book as a gripping, stomach clenching, thriller. For me it was a beautifully written and interesting whodunnit, and I’m looking forward very much to the next one. Great stuff!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
October 13, 2021
Book two in the DI Blood series, set in Derbyshire. It's filled with detail and well developed characters, as well as plenty tension and an interesting plot. There was no real depth to the story but it's a quick and easy read, with a few twists and a surprise ending. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
October 10, 2021
Balancing a murder enquiry - with no clues or suspects - and a visit from her father who she hasn't seen for 40 years is a difficult thing for DI Isabel Blood. A really good, interesting read with lots of clues and red herrings.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
October 10, 2021
It was an exciting prospect to read Without A Trace, as Jane Bettany is a new author to me. I thought this book was extremely good and very engaging, with good descriptive scenes.
DI Blood has an interesting family background and there is an absorbing murder mystery to be solved.
I now must read her first book: In Cold Blood and eagerly await the next in the series.
DI Blood has an interesting family background and there is an absorbing murder mystery to be solved.
I now must read her first book: In Cold Blood and eagerly await the next in the series.
November 7, 2021
Although I have found out that this was the second in the series of DI Blood, I found that it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.
It was very cleverly written and I had no idea "whodunnit" until it became unravelling towards the end. I enjoyed meeting the characters in the book, especially the police team who had to solve this crime with so little to go on.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
It was very cleverly written and I had no idea "whodunnit" until it became unravelling towards the end. I enjoyed meeting the characters in the book, especially the police team who had to solve this crime with so little to go on.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
October 31, 2021
What a brilliant storyline well written suspense kept me guessing from start to finish.Would recommend this book and author to anyone who likes crime thrillers.Would love to read more from this author,if there as well written as this was.Overall a first class read
October 25, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of Without a Trace, the second novel set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge to feature DI Isabel Blood.
Ruth Prendergast returns home to find a man dead in her bed. She swears she doesn’t recognise him, but when she disappears a few days later Isabel and the team wonder.
I thoroughly enjoyed Without a Trace, which is a straightforward police procedural with a bit of Isabel’s tangled home life thrown in as a bonus. It is not a profound novel but it satisfies my liking for puzzles and attempts to guess along with the detectives. I got a few things right ahead of them, but the perpetrator’s identity and motive had me beaten until all the information was revealed. I loved the final twist as a cautionary tale.
I liked that the novel is told entirely from the investigative point of view, highlighting the efforts the team go to to dredge up small amounts of information and push the investigation forward. Obviously as it is crime lite everything falls into place more readily than is realistic, but I was going with the mystery of who, what, why etc. and I liked what I got. The novel held my attention throughout.
Isabel has a complicated domestic situation. She is 56 with a loving and supportive husband and children, but has been estranged from her father for over 40 years. They have recently got back in touch and it’s been fraught. Again this is not explored in any depth and is there to give a bit of backstory to the rather two dimensional Isabel.
Without a Trace is an easy, undemanding read that I can recommend as such.
Ruth Prendergast returns home to find a man dead in her bed. She swears she doesn’t recognise him, but when she disappears a few days later Isabel and the team wonder.
I thoroughly enjoyed Without a Trace, which is a straightforward police procedural with a bit of Isabel’s tangled home life thrown in as a bonus. It is not a profound novel but it satisfies my liking for puzzles and attempts to guess along with the detectives. I got a few things right ahead of them, but the perpetrator’s identity and motive had me beaten until all the information was revealed. I loved the final twist as a cautionary tale.
I liked that the novel is told entirely from the investigative point of view, highlighting the efforts the team go to to dredge up small amounts of information and push the investigation forward. Obviously as it is crime lite everything falls into place more readily than is realistic, but I was going with the mystery of who, what, why etc. and I liked what I got. The novel held my attention throughout.
Isabel has a complicated domestic situation. She is 56 with a loving and supportive husband and children, but has been estranged from her father for over 40 years. They have recently got back in touch and it’s been fraught. Again this is not explored in any depth and is there to give a bit of backstory to the rather two dimensional Isabel.
Without a Trace is an easy, undemanding read that I can recommend as such.
March 13, 2025
D.I. Isabel Blood has been rocked by the events that occurred at her childhood home and the ensuing secrets that were revealed about her family and the disappearance of her father. But life goes on and D.I. Blood is thrown into another high profile case when a new home owner discovers a dead body in her bed.
This wasn't quite as good as the first book. The easy if slightly awkward dynamic the team had the first book was no where to be found in this one. Instead, they took turns sniping at one another and didn't really seem to like each other at all. It made it rather discomforting to read. On the other hand, I loved the twists and turns of Isabel's personal life. After the discovery that her father
In regards to the case, this was okay - generally a fairly average crime mystery. I picked some of it and missed other bits but I was surprised by the ending. I did find it a bit annoying that every one who was being questioned kept getting angry at the cops. I mean, they were doing their job. It's probably realistic, but it's annoying to read about.
So not quite as good as the first one but it was an alright read, mainly saved by the personal life of Isabel. (Her family life really is fascinating). 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 stars.
This wasn't quite as good as the first book. The easy if slightly awkward dynamic the team had the first book was no where to be found in this one. Instead, they took turns sniping at one another and didn't really seem to like each other at all. It made it rather discomforting to read. On the other hand, I loved the twists and turns of Isabel's personal life. After the discovery that her father
In regards to the case, this was okay - generally a fairly average crime mystery. I picked some of it and missed other bits but I was surprised by the ending. I did find it a bit annoying that every one who was being questioned kept getting angry at the cops. I mean, they were doing their job. It's probably realistic, but it's annoying to read about.
So not quite as good as the first one but it was an alright read, mainly saved by the personal life of Isabel. (Her family life really is fascinating). 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 stars.
December 31, 2021
In this second book in the DI Blood series Isabel is torn in two directions for the majority of the read. Family - career - family - job. Isabel is also balancing or trying to balance her own slightly fractured image of family, whilst solving this mysterious crime. Reconnecting with a father she hasn't seen for many decades and meeting a brother, who clearly isn't interested in gaining a sister. It all takes a toll on her and her own family.
There are perhaps parallels to be drawn between Isabel and the case, which becomes clearer further into the read. The question is whether it will help her to relate and solve the mystery of a dead stranger in a now missing woman's bed.
It's a crime series that delivers a main character who doesn't just live to police. It's also a breath of fresh air to have a female lead way over fifty. It will be interesting to see where Bettany goes with that particular aspect of Isabel's character. Perhaps delve into the lack of equality, the preconceptions and bias in regards to gender in powerful positions. Then on a more personal level has she really dealt with the betrayal and the secrets, which were part of her childhood and helped to form her into the woman she is now.
It's a premise with plenty of potential. It perhaps needs a little more bite and a little less kumbaya, either way it's one to follow.
There are perhaps parallels to be drawn between Isabel and the case, which becomes clearer further into the read. The question is whether it will help her to relate and solve the mystery of a dead stranger in a now missing woman's bed.
It's a crime series that delivers a main character who doesn't just live to police. It's also a breath of fresh air to have a female lead way over fifty. It will be interesting to see where Bettany goes with that particular aspect of Isabel's character. Perhaps delve into the lack of equality, the preconceptions and bias in regards to gender in powerful positions. Then on a more personal level has she really dealt with the betrayal and the secrets, which were part of her childhood and helped to form her into the woman she is now.
It's a premise with plenty of potential. It perhaps needs a little more bite and a little less kumbaya, either way it's one to follow.
January 3, 2024
The humble police procedural seldom gets the critical attention it deserves, sandwiched as it is between the cosy crime story and the grab bag of books described as thrillers. If done well though it can be one of the most enjoyable sub-genres in crime fiction.
An example of a police procedural being done very well indeed is this second novel by Jane Bettany featuring her series character DI Isabel Blood.
Ruth Prendergast returns home one day to find a man lying in her bed with a knife buried in his chest. There is no sign of forced entry and forensic evidence is minimal, the resulting investigation leads Blood and her team through a maze of lies to an old score settled violently.
The plot is clever, providing a satisfying mystery without stretching credibility too far and the setting reassuringly provincial. Blood and her team are an engaging mix of personalities rubbing against each other, not always comfortably, in an entirely believable way.
This isn’t a book that sets out to break new literary ground, or comment on the state of the nation, or do anything much apart from tell a story in a way that grips the reader to the last page. That it does so with quiet efficiency is a testament to Bettany’s skill as a writer and makes the next instalment in the series something to look forward to.
An example of a police procedural being done very well indeed is this second novel by Jane Bettany featuring her series character DI Isabel Blood.
Ruth Prendergast returns home one day to find a man lying in her bed with a knife buried in his chest. There is no sign of forced entry and forensic evidence is minimal, the resulting investigation leads Blood and her team through a maze of lies to an old score settled violently.
The plot is clever, providing a satisfying mystery without stretching credibility too far and the setting reassuringly provincial. Blood and her team are an engaging mix of personalities rubbing against each other, not always comfortably, in an entirely believable way.
This isn’t a book that sets out to break new literary ground, or comment on the state of the nation, or do anything much apart from tell a story in a way that grips the reader to the last page. That it does so with quiet efficiency is a testament to Bettany’s skill as a writer and makes the next instalment in the series something to look forward to.
October 27, 2021
I read the first book in the series, In Cold Blood, last year and absolutely loved it, so I was very excited to pick up the next book in the DI Isabel Blood series.
Without A Trace is another in-depth police procedural centred around strong characters and an interesting crime. While the case itself isn’t as striking as the mystery in the first book, it’s still a complex and well-developed investigation that will keep you guessing throughout.
However, your enjoyment of this book will depend on how you like your thrillers. If you like heavy detail, then you will be impressed by Bettany’s knowledge of how to investigate a murder. Some readers, however, may find the pace a little slow to begin with, but you soon become more and more engaged as the answers begin to emerge.
While I enjoyed getting to learn more about DI Isabel Blood’s life, you don’t get to know her very personally in this book as she’s so focused on the case, so I would recommend that you read the first book before to get to really like the characters. Without A Trace can definitely still be read as a standalone, though, but In Cold Blood is not a book that you want to miss out on.
Without A Trace is another in-depth police procedural centred around strong characters and an interesting crime. While the case itself isn’t as striking as the mystery in the first book, it’s still a complex and well-developed investigation that will keep you guessing throughout.
However, your enjoyment of this book will depend on how you like your thrillers. If you like heavy detail, then you will be impressed by Bettany’s knowledge of how to investigate a murder. Some readers, however, may find the pace a little slow to begin with, but you soon become more and more engaged as the answers begin to emerge.
While I enjoyed getting to learn more about DI Isabel Blood’s life, you don’t get to know her very personally in this book as she’s so focused on the case, so I would recommend that you read the first book before to get to really like the characters. Without A Trace can definitely still be read as a standalone, though, but In Cold Blood is not a book that you want to miss out on.
October 29, 2021
Another new to me author. I loved Without A Trace. It was a refreshing change to read a crime thriller where not only was the lead detective a woman but one with a family and a reasonably happy home life. The well written plot is filled with intricate details that are woven together in a classic whodunnit which centres around something that I’ve thought about on numerous occasions – how many people actually consider changing the locks when they buy a new house? After reading this book it’s definitely the first thing I’d do. The characters are all well developed, each one bringing something to the story and it will be interesting to see the various relationships develop if this series should run. The main thing I loved about this story though was when the murderer was unmasked at the end, everything was explained away satisfactorily. From the smallest clue to the motive behind the crime. My personal pet hate when reading a mystery/thriller is when the culprit turns out to be a character who is only introduced in the last few chapters. Judging by this book there’s not much chance of Jane Bettany doing that in any future novels.
March 2, 2022
This is the second book in the series D I Isabel Blood. I haven't read the first but found this stood well enough on its own.
Ruth Prendergast returns home from work, puts a pizza in the oven and goes upstairs while it cooks. To her shock and her surprise she finds a dead man in her bed. When the police arrive on the scene they find he was killed by a knife - still lodged in his chest. So far so good but Isabel Blood and her team fail to find any connection between Ruth and the dead man and the murderer has been very careful not to leave any trace of his/her presence in Ruth's house.
Tracking the killer takes time and hard work for the team, and when Ruth goes missing as well they have a second problem on their hands.
This is a well written, police procedural, with a likeable main detective who appears unhindered by the usual foibles that fictional detectives have. Indeed she is a happy, family orientated woman, the only blot on her horizon is the visit of her father and his bigamous relationship with her mother.
Easy reading for a wet Sunday afternoon.
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ Stories for an arc copy.
Ruth Prendergast returns home from work, puts a pizza in the oven and goes upstairs while it cooks. To her shock and her surprise she finds a dead man in her bed. When the police arrive on the scene they find he was killed by a knife - still lodged in his chest. So far so good but Isabel Blood and her team fail to find any connection between Ruth and the dead man and the murderer has been very careful not to leave any trace of his/her presence in Ruth's house.
Tracking the killer takes time and hard work for the team, and when Ruth goes missing as well they have a second problem on their hands.
This is a well written, police procedural, with a likeable main detective who appears unhindered by the usual foibles that fictional detectives have. Indeed she is a happy, family orientated woman, the only blot on her horizon is the visit of her father and his bigamous relationship with her mother.
Easy reading for a wet Sunday afternoon.
With thanks to Netgalley and HQ Stories for an arc copy.
December 2, 2021
I am very grateful to HQ Stories at HarperCollins for an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.
Jane Bettany was a new author to me, and I was delighted to receive my copy. The storyline was intriguing, and the cast of characters was beautifully scripted, though not fully complete until a few chapters from the end. I thought that unusual in what was, otherwise, a brilliant whodunnit crime thriller.
The plot was complex, given the wide range of characters, but believable, and, overall, the book was a good read. At times, I found the mundanity of the conversation, particularly between police colleagues, a little tedious. However, I guess that is real life for all of us and well reflected by Jane.
I also think that if you had time on your hands, you could devour this book in one sitting! It is very engaging, and the twists and turns in the storyline will keep you moving at a pace.
Jane also caused me to reflect on one final interesting question: How many people change the locks on their newly-purchased home?
Jane Bettany was a new author to me, and I was delighted to receive my copy. The storyline was intriguing, and the cast of characters was beautifully scripted, though not fully complete until a few chapters from the end. I thought that unusual in what was, otherwise, a brilliant whodunnit crime thriller.
The plot was complex, given the wide range of characters, but believable, and, overall, the book was a good read. At times, I found the mundanity of the conversation, particularly between police colleagues, a little tedious. However, I guess that is real life for all of us and well reflected by Jane.
I also think that if you had time on your hands, you could devour this book in one sitting! It is very engaging, and the twists and turns in the storyline will keep you moving at a pace.
Jane also caused me to reflect on one final interesting question: How many people change the locks on their newly-purchased home?
November 23, 2024
Having contacted her estranged father in France, DI Isabel Blood is looking forward to him meeting her family for the first time, only nothing goes to plan. For a start, Isabel’s half-brother has accompanied their father and he seems taciturn and distrustful of Isabel’s intentions. Frustratingly, her fortnight’s leave to spend time with them is cancelled when a woman who lives on her own comes home to find a murdered man in her bed. Isabel’s hardworking team hits dead end after dead end as they seek to find those related to a man who irritated everyone he met.
Another engrossing but mostly cosy murder mystery where Isabel’s family drama is as gripping as the police investigation. I like the tone of these books—they’re not overly sensational with wall-to-wall action and that makes them feel much more real and relatable. I’m also really enjoying the blend of Isabel’s personal and professional lives throughout the stories—they give a very rounded view of her character. 🎧 Actor Helen Keeley gave another excellent performance on the audiobook!
Another engrossing but mostly cosy murder mystery where Isabel’s family drama is as gripping as the police investigation. I like the tone of these books—they’re not overly sensational with wall-to-wall action and that makes them feel much more real and relatable. I’m also really enjoying the blend of Isabel’s personal and professional lives throughout the stories—they give a very rounded view of her character. 🎧 Actor Helen Keeley gave another excellent performance on the audiobook!
February 13, 2025
This is the second DI Isabel Blood novel set in Derbyshire. After her recent divorce, RuthPrendergast has relocated to a new area, bought a new home and has a new job. One evening she arrives home exhausted, puts the shopping away and puts a pizza in the oven before heading upstairs. When she goes into her bedroom she is horrified to find a dead, unknown man, in her bed.
DI Isabel Blood is on leave and making her way to the airport to meet her father, Donald, who she hasn't seen for decades, when she receives the call to go to the crime scene. So begins the difficult task of finding out who is the victim, why was he in Ruth's house and who murdered him.
It turns out that the victim, Kevin Sprigg, was a well known local man, not very well liked and estranged from his family. Isabel and her team find themselves frustrated in the search for information and then Ruth Prendergast disappears hours before she is due to take a trip with a friend. Is this a link to the murder or a very strange coincidence?
DI Isabel Blood is on leave and making her way to the airport to meet her father, Donald, who she hasn't seen for decades, when she receives the call to go to the crime scene. So begins the difficult task of finding out who is the victim, why was he in Ruth's house and who murdered him.
It turns out that the victim, Kevin Sprigg, was a well known local man, not very well liked and estranged from his family. Isabel and her team find themselves frustrated in the search for information and then Ruth Prendergast disappears hours before she is due to take a trip with a friend. Is this a link to the murder or a very strange coincidence?
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