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P.I. Blake Hollow #2
Down in the Blood
Wealthy heiress Kerenza Trezise was about to marry the man she loved…until she killed herself in front of the entire wedding party.Private investigator Blake Hollow is hired to find out why. Physically and emotionally damaged by a near-death encounter with a serial killer, Blake knows this case is an opportunity to relaunch her struggling P.I. business.But as she attempts to infiltrate one of Cornwall's richest families at their impressive Frenchman's Creek estate, she learns that the Trezises have their own dark secrets to protect, and a shocking legacy of madness, horror, and death.Worse still, they’ll do anything to stop Blake’s private investigation from revealing the truth, including deception, intimidation, and perhaps even murder.They say family is forever. But they have never met the Trezise family...Down in the Blood is a fast-paced and creepy Gothic murder mystery that draws on Cornish folklore and the occult. Fans of British crime fiction will love tenacious private detective Blake Hollow as she delves into another confounding murder case.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Richards
43 books104 followersMalcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 4, 2021
A story steeped in the myths and legends of Cornwall and a fascinating read.
A large estate, a very private family ruled by a controlling father. The children have no friends and visitors are discouraged. Only a husband and wife are employed as housekeeper and groundsman but live in the nearby village and have been working for the family for many years.
After the death of the twins’ mother, the second oldest sister is called back from university to home school the twins and she and the only other employee, an accountant, fall in love.
Despite the farther being totally disapproving of their relationship he eventually agrees to their wedding which is to be a small affair and held in the grounds of the estate.
Everything appears to be fine until the bride to be jumps to her death in front of her fiancé ant the wedding guests.
Her fiancé is devastated and suspects something is amiss so hires Blake Hollow to investigate.
Blake is only permitted access to the house and grounds, family and staff, for a fixed number of days, by the controlling and dower father who insists he is left until last to be questioned and locks himself in his study.
As the investigation progresses, Blake discovers that all is not as it appears on the surface and there are many secrets that this family and their staff are doing their utmost to hide.
Blake needs to delve deeper and harden her resolve to overcome years of superstition, and false truths, whilst being lied to and deceived by this complex and uncooperative family.
As Blake investigates this family she starts to uncover many many secrets, strange superstitions, eve witchcraft and unexplained deaths over the years.
Everything is not as it first appears.
Meanwhile, all is not well in her own life. Strange things are happening and she is concerned for friends and family.
A large estate, a very private family ruled by a controlling father. The children have no friends and visitors are discouraged. Only a husband and wife are employed as housekeeper and groundsman but live in the nearby village and have been working for the family for many years.
After the death of the twins’ mother, the second oldest sister is called back from university to home school the twins and she and the only other employee, an accountant, fall in love.
Despite the farther being totally disapproving of their relationship he eventually agrees to their wedding which is to be a small affair and held in the grounds of the estate.
Everything appears to be fine until the bride to be jumps to her death in front of her fiancé ant the wedding guests.
Her fiancé is devastated and suspects something is amiss so hires Blake Hollow to investigate.
Blake is only permitted access to the house and grounds, family and staff, for a fixed number of days, by the controlling and dower father who insists he is left until last to be questioned and locks himself in his study.
As the investigation progresses, Blake discovers that all is not as it appears on the surface and there are many secrets that this family and their staff are doing their utmost to hide.
Blake needs to delve deeper and harden her resolve to overcome years of superstition, and false truths, whilst being lied to and deceived by this complex and uncooperative family.
As Blake investigates this family she starts to uncover many many secrets, strange superstitions, eve witchcraft and unexplained deaths over the years.
Everything is not as it first appears.
Meanwhile, all is not well in her own life. Strange things are happening and she is concerned for friends and family.
January 1, 2025
Down in the Blood
Malcolm Richards
Once again, Malcolm did a superb job when writing this book!
The pace of the story started extremely slowly, making me as frustrated as Blake with this new case. I do believe that was the intention of the writing style - and it worked. And then, just when I was ready to give up, (I wouldn't really have), a seemingly unrelated chapter followed. Providing a twist I was totally not expecting.
Then, suddenly, I couldn't put the book down. I simply needed to know more!
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Malcolm Richards
Once again, Malcolm did a superb job when writing this book!
The pace of the story started extremely slowly, making me as frustrated as Blake with this new case. I do believe that was the intention of the writing style - and it worked. And then, just when I was ready to give up, (I wouldn't really have), a seemingly unrelated chapter followed. Providing a twist I was totally not expecting.
Then, suddenly, I couldn't put the book down. I simply needed to know more!
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 22, 2021
Riveting until the last word
Malcolm Richards never disappoints his readers. This is by far my favorite of his novels so far. The second book in the Blake Hollow series had me curious at every step. I was so intrigued by the characters. At times, I was peeking around the next page; not knowing what I would find. The conclusion of the story was something I never imagined while reading along. Be prepared to feel every emotion during this novel, and to have your mind blown!
Malcolm Richards never disappoints his readers. This is by far my favorite of his novels so far. The second book in the Blake Hollow series had me curious at every step. I was so intrigued by the characters. At times, I was peeking around the next page; not knowing what I would find. The conclusion of the story was something I never imagined while reading along. Be prepared to feel every emotion during this novel, and to have your mind blown!
December 28, 2025
Jamie and Cersie Lannister meet Flowers in the Attic
Oh man! Creepy!
Jack Nicholson was 37 when he found out his sister was actually his mother.
This kind of stuff does happen but do I need to read about it?
Good pacing. Violent ending.
Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers
In everybody's pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
Oh man! Creepy!
Jack Nicholson was 37 when he found out his sister was actually his mother.
This kind of stuff does happen but do I need to read about it?
Good pacing. Violent ending.
Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers
In everybody's pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
December 29, 2025
Dark, but imaginative
An interesting take on a detective story mixed with a twisted family tale. Enough possibilities to keep the reader guessing who the good guys are, if there are any.
An interesting take on a detective story mixed with a twisted family tale. Enough possibilities to keep the reader guessing who the good guys are, if there are any.
December 4, 2021
Another great story featuring Blake Hollow PI. When he’s called in to solve the case, he’ll definitely get it done. Each page leads you to the truth, but danger lurks at every turn. Outstanding.
January 14, 2022
Another fabulous read. I love Blake’s exploits, even though bad things happen it makes a good read
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October 14, 2023Down In The Blood
Not bad, but I became bored with it. It's definitely not a book I couldn't put down. I probably won't continue with the series.
Not bad, but I became bored with it. It's definitely not a book I couldn't put down. I probably won't continue with the series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews