What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Alex Finn #4
The Blood Line
An ordinary day. An ordinary street. A gruesome delivery waiting on the doorstep that's going to set off an spine-chilling chain of events...
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
51 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Will Shindler
12 books123 followersWill Shindler has been a Broadcast Journalist for the BBC for over twenty-five years, spending a decade working in television drama as a scriptwriter on Born and Bred, The Bill and Doctors.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 26, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Author, Will Shindler, has quickly become a real favourite of mine, and ‘The Blood Line’ merely confirms the reason for that.
Labour MP, Claire Beacham returns home after a busy day to find a parcel on the doorstep - no name, no label. As a politician this usually raises a red flag, a serious warning, but after the day she’s had she decides to just open it. What she discovers is horrific! A severed head rolls across the kitchen floor, the blood still dripping from her hands, not surprisingly it leaves her traumatised. Unfortunately for Claire this won’t be the last delivery of it’s kind!
DI Finn is returning to work following a six month sabbatical after suffering mental health issues after the death of his wife Karin. He was hoping for a uncomplicated case to break him gently back in, but this is going to be just the opposite. It’s grim and gruesome and almost impossible to crack - almost.
This is a multi faceted story which succeeds on every level, and it covers many current topics - including the safety of MP’s, (something that has become more prominent in recent years here in the UK), immigration, police corruption and organised crime on a massive scale. The plot is brilliant, with lots of twists and turns after stalling in many a cul de sac on the way, the characters are multi layered, and vividly drawn on both sides of the law. Well-written, extremely tense, this is a series that just grows and grows! Roll on book 5# in the series, I can’t wait.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Author, Will Shindler, has quickly become a real favourite of mine, and ‘The Blood Line’ merely confirms the reason for that.
Labour MP, Claire Beacham returns home after a busy day to find a parcel on the doorstep - no name, no label. As a politician this usually raises a red flag, a serious warning, but after the day she’s had she decides to just open it. What she discovers is horrific! A severed head rolls across the kitchen floor, the blood still dripping from her hands, not surprisingly it leaves her traumatised. Unfortunately for Claire this won’t be the last delivery of it’s kind!
DI Finn is returning to work following a six month sabbatical after suffering mental health issues after the death of his wife Karin. He was hoping for a uncomplicated case to break him gently back in, but this is going to be just the opposite. It’s grim and gruesome and almost impossible to crack - almost.
This is a multi faceted story which succeeds on every level, and it covers many current topics - including the safety of MP’s, (something that has become more prominent in recent years here in the UK), immigration, police corruption and organised crime on a massive scale. The plot is brilliant, with lots of twists and turns after stalling in many a cul de sac on the way, the characters are multi layered, and vividly drawn on both sides of the law. Well-written, extremely tense, this is a series that just grows and grows! Roll on book 5# in the series, I can’t wait.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 8, 2022
Thank you Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
One sentence review: Painfully boring; if I could give this a middle finger instead of a star, I would
SYNOPSIS
DI Alex Finn returns to work only to be thrown head first (excuse the pun) into a creepy ass case: politician Claire Beacham received a severed head at her doorstep with no name, no note, nothing. As the body part deliveries continue, DI Finn and DS Paulsen are thrust into the underbelly of politics to crack the case.
MY OPINION
I'm no stranger to a DNF; I will pull the trigger 2 pages in if I feel we're not compatible. But recently I've found myself wasting a lot of time getting to 30/40% in a book before calling it in. So when I found myself debating to yeet or keep around 40% in this one, I decided to slog on just so I tell myself I finally finished a book after almost a week of constant DNFs 😢
While I considered book #2 The Killing Choice to be Honda Civic Reliable, this book was more like my husband's 2012 Ford Focus that failed its inspection when we moved provinces.
This book, like several new releases this year tbh, felt like it was slapped together in an afternoon. The writing was purely tell, no show. There were flashes of something respectable, but mostly it was "DI Finn felt sad. He frowned." Then you had one my biggest pet peeves, which I call "clickbait writing." This isn't foreshadowing, it's telling the reader "hey I have a secret but you're going to have to read at least 75% of this book before I tell you" and then the secret is like "I'm not a natural blonde." This is the laziest way to create suspense. Here's an example from the book:
And so she told her. The revelation hung in the air between them.
'So now you know..' said Claire. 'Please say something.
This exchange happened at 43% in the book and the revelation that hung in the air wasn't actually revealed until 95%.... Are you serious???
SPOILERS TO SCROLL AHEAD
The reveal was the nail in the one-star coffin tbh. So miss thang had an ab0rtion that made her infertile (nearly impossible) which turned her into an alcoholic and a domestic abuser??? RIIIIGHHHTTT LOL. This was one of those: keep it in the drafts. It felt like thinly veiled pro-life propaganda: if you have an ab0rtion, you too could become an alcoholic abuser! I understand that infertility may cause women to become more depressed and angry, but linking the infertility to ab0rtion (where the chances are infinitesimal) is what made this icky for me.
Then after this weird pro-life ad, Alex Finn tells Claire no worries about being an abuser, we all have our secrets. Pause sir. Whooping your partner's ass is NOT a harmless secret???? Slap the cuffs on her immediately. And volunteering/championing for a domestic violence shelter afterward does not balance the scales.
The above was even more cringeworthy after I read the author's note where he said he wanted to make Claire relatable. Excuse me? Idk how many people are relating to becoming infertile due to ab0rtion and Bautista Bombing their bf as a result? Have you ever spoken with a woman?
The twisty twist that Emma was Ray's daughter was LOL?? Are you dead ass that nobody put 2+2 together???? They had the intel that he had an estranged daughter and thought hmmm maybe the fact he's going after a prisoner with a girlfriend around his daughter's age could be more than a coincidence?? Nah.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: the case was juicy and the plot was thicc at some points
Cons: weird political messaging, slow as a snail, lacklustre writing, unlikeable characters
One sentence review: Painfully boring; if I could give this a middle finger instead of a star, I would
SYNOPSIS
DI Alex Finn returns to work only to be thrown head first (excuse the pun) into a creepy ass case: politician Claire Beacham received a severed head at her doorstep with no name, no note, nothing. As the body part deliveries continue, DI Finn and DS Paulsen are thrust into the underbelly of politics to crack the case.
MY OPINION
I'm no stranger to a DNF; I will pull the trigger 2 pages in if I feel we're not compatible. But recently I've found myself wasting a lot of time getting to 30/40% in a book before calling it in. So when I found myself debating to yeet or keep around 40% in this one, I decided to slog on just so I tell myself I finally finished a book after almost a week of constant DNFs 😢
While I considered book #2 The Killing Choice to be Honda Civic Reliable, this book was more like my husband's 2012 Ford Focus that failed its inspection when we moved provinces.
This book, like several new releases this year tbh, felt like it was slapped together in an afternoon. The writing was purely tell, no show. There were flashes of something respectable, but mostly it was "DI Finn felt sad. He frowned." Then you had one my biggest pet peeves, which I call "clickbait writing." This isn't foreshadowing, it's telling the reader "hey I have a secret but you're going to have to read at least 75% of this book before I tell you" and then the secret is like "I'm not a natural blonde." This is the laziest way to create suspense. Here's an example from the book:
And so she told her. The revelation hung in the air between them.
'So now you know..' said Claire. 'Please say something.
This exchange happened at 43% in the book and the revelation that hung in the air wasn't actually revealed until 95%.... Are you serious???
SPOILERS TO SCROLL AHEAD
The reveal was the nail in the one-star coffin tbh. So miss thang had an ab0rtion that made her infertile (nearly impossible) which turned her into an alcoholic and a domestic abuser??? RIIIIGHHHTTT LOL. This was one of those: keep it in the drafts. It felt like thinly veiled pro-life propaganda: if you have an ab0rtion, you too could become an alcoholic abuser! I understand that infertility may cause women to become more depressed and angry, but linking the infertility to ab0rtion (where the chances are infinitesimal) is what made this icky for me.
Then after this weird pro-life ad, Alex Finn tells Claire no worries about being an abuser, we all have our secrets. Pause sir. Whooping your partner's ass is NOT a harmless secret???? Slap the cuffs on her immediately. And volunteering/championing for a domestic violence shelter afterward does not balance the scales.
The above was even more cringeworthy after I read the author's note where he said he wanted to make Claire relatable. Excuse me? Idk how many people are relating to becoming infertile due to ab0rtion and Bautista Bombing their bf as a result? Have you ever spoken with a woman?
The twisty twist that Emma was Ray's daughter was LOL?? Are you dead ass that nobody put 2+2 together???? They had the intel that he had an estranged daughter and thought hmmm maybe the fact he's going after a prisoner with a girlfriend around his daughter's age could be more than a coincidence?? Nah.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: the case was juicy and the plot was thicc at some points
Cons: weird political messaging, slow as a snail, lacklustre writing, unlikeable characters
November 3, 2022
Will Shindler's latest addition to his wonderful London based DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen series is a particularly chilling, gruesome, and horrifying blood soaked affair. Finn is returning after a 6 month break addressing the necessary trauma of the grief that swamped him after the loss of his wife, Karin. He is definitely in a better place, and although apprehensive, looking forward to working with his MIT police team, led by Acting DI Jackie Ojo in his absence. However, he finds himself immediately plunged into a case that is to test him to his limits, professionally and personally, and have him questioning his abilities. After a long, tough and exhausting day, Claire Beacham, Labour MP for Wimbledon South, returns home to find a parcel on her doorstep, opening it up only for the shocking sight of a bloody severed head to roll out onto her kitchen floor.
As Finn arrives on the scene, his team are keen to identify the victim, and find the rest of his body. It is to be first of a series of killings with body parts delivered to a shattered Beacham, who has no idea why or who might be targeting her in this terrifying manner. However, despite the pressures she is under, she is determined to do all that she can to prevent the deportation of 22 year old Benjamin Ngomo, currently in prison. In the meantime, wanted ruthless OCG boss, Ray Spinney, known as the 'Handyman', has returned to Britain from Switzerland with plans of carrying out a big well organised heist and laundering the proceeds. The police delve into Beacham's life, their task made more difficult with the high number of trolls spewing their hatred online, as they desperately search for connections between her and the dead victim, a social worker.
This is a gritty crime series that goes from strength to strength, one of the highlights for me is the stellar character development that takes place, here we see Finn becoming a more relaxed and caring boss, improving his relationships with his team, slowly moving through his grief, although the horrors of the ending threaten to derail his recovery. Paulsen's relationship with her partner, social worker Nancy Deen is helping to anchor her, and she is looking for promotion to DS, a step that will involve her moving on from Finn's team. This is a dark, gripping and macabre crime read with a high body count, with police corruption, mental health issues, trauma, and a focus on families, parents and children. MP Claire Beacham is a revelation, who in the face of challenges from all corners of her life and her past, still has the remarkable resilience to do all that she can for her constituents, like Ngomo, a man sceptical of her good intentions. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
As Finn arrives on the scene, his team are keen to identify the victim, and find the rest of his body. It is to be first of a series of killings with body parts delivered to a shattered Beacham, who has no idea why or who might be targeting her in this terrifying manner. However, despite the pressures she is under, she is determined to do all that she can to prevent the deportation of 22 year old Benjamin Ngomo, currently in prison. In the meantime, wanted ruthless OCG boss, Ray Spinney, known as the 'Handyman', has returned to Britain from Switzerland with plans of carrying out a big well organised heist and laundering the proceeds. The police delve into Beacham's life, their task made more difficult with the high number of trolls spewing their hatred online, as they desperately search for connections between her and the dead victim, a social worker.
This is a gritty crime series that goes from strength to strength, one of the highlights for me is the stellar character development that takes place, here we see Finn becoming a more relaxed and caring boss, improving his relationships with his team, slowly moving through his grief, although the horrors of the ending threaten to derail his recovery. Paulsen's relationship with her partner, social worker Nancy Deen is helping to anchor her, and she is looking for promotion to DS, a step that will involve her moving on from Finn's team. This is a dark, gripping and macabre crime read with a high body count, with police corruption, mental health issues, trauma, and a focus on families, parents and children. MP Claire Beacham is a revelation, who in the face of challenges from all corners of her life and her past, still has the remarkable resilience to do all that she can for her constituents, like Ngomo, a man sceptical of her good intentions. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
October 24, 2022
4-5 rounded up
DI Alex Finn #4
What a good title and most appropriate!
This is another well crafted addition to an excellent series. Central to the plot of this one is labour MP Claire Beacham who is sent a parcel whose contents shock everyone to the core. DI Alex Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and has a baptism of fire as the ensuing murder enquiry has far-reaching consequences. A huge sense of doom seems to overhang all as Will Shindler yet again keeps you super glued to the pages.
First of all, the issues covered here are extremely topical and pertinent encompassing themes such as the insidious far reach of OCG’s, there’s corruption and issues surrounding immigration. I really enjoy that an MP is central to the plot and the character of Claire is a good one and it would be great to read about her in future books. The police team are so well crafted too, Finn has many issues but he’s working hard on them and I really like Mattie Paulsen. DCI John Stegman is an interesting boss!! I’ll leave it there!
This multilayered, well thought out fast paced gritty plot keeps you on your toes although I do figure out a couple of things it doesn’t in anyway spoil the enjoyment as things unfold. There are lies by the truckload, huge betrayal that has terrible consequences and there is some horrifying violence though this is never over played but yet you are left in no doubt. The plot contains some very sinister characters who have precious little or no morality so outcomes are never going to be pretty. If becomes more and more chilling, the end of the shocker that freezes your blood and which leaves you impatient for number five! I can’t wait!!
Overall, this is another belter of a novel and is certainly a strap yourself in, twisty, ‘turny’ rollercoaster that is chock full of tension.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DI Alex Finn #4
What a good title and most appropriate!
This is another well crafted addition to an excellent series. Central to the plot of this one is labour MP Claire Beacham who is sent a parcel whose contents shock everyone to the core. DI Alex Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and has a baptism of fire as the ensuing murder enquiry has far-reaching consequences. A huge sense of doom seems to overhang all as Will Shindler yet again keeps you super glued to the pages.
First of all, the issues covered here are extremely topical and pertinent encompassing themes such as the insidious far reach of OCG’s, there’s corruption and issues surrounding immigration. I really enjoy that an MP is central to the plot and the character of Claire is a good one and it would be great to read about her in future books. The police team are so well crafted too, Finn has many issues but he’s working hard on them and I really like Mattie Paulsen. DCI John Stegman is an interesting boss!! I’ll leave it there!
This multilayered, well thought out fast paced gritty plot keeps you on your toes although I do figure out a couple of things it doesn’t in anyway spoil the enjoyment as things unfold. There are lies by the truckload, huge betrayal that has terrible consequences and there is some horrifying violence though this is never over played but yet you are left in no doubt. The plot contains some very sinister characters who have precious little or no morality so outcomes are never going to be pretty. If becomes more and more chilling, the end of the shocker that freezes your blood and which leaves you impatient for number five! I can’t wait!!
Overall, this is another belter of a novel and is certainly a strap yourself in, twisty, ‘turny’ rollercoaster that is chock full of tension.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2025
Will Shindler remains determined to capture the attention of the reader with this gritty series. DI Alex Finn returns to help with an odd case that is making headlines. When an MP returns home to find a package on the doorstep, it is nothing that she could have expected, though the gift-giver is unknown. While DI Finn and his team work to find out why Claire Beacham was targeted, they must also crack the case related to the 'gift' itself. Shindler delivers a stunning addition to the series with this piece.
It's been a busy few weeks for Claire Beacham, a local Member of Parliament. When she arrives home one night, she is confused to find a parcel sitting on the doorstep. Unsure if it might be from a friendly neighbour or a constituent, Claire brings it to the attention of her husband, Michael. With no note or label, Michael is also baffled and takes a look inside. It's then that the blood-dripping head of a man stares back up at them.
Enter Di Alex Finn and his team. They work the scene as best they can, trying to find a clue or something that will help point out who left this on MP Beacham's step. However, while it might be an odd message to deliver, it is something that must be curtailed. Working alongside his well-established team, DI Finn works every angle and tries to at least establish a reason for the delivery. However, there is more to the crime than this!
DI Finn must also work to determine who might have targeted the man whose head is now on display. Was it an act to highlight the man's immigration to the UK? Might his death be a warning to stop allowing lenient rules to take over the British Government? DI Finn cannot wait for more clues to fall from the sky, as time is of the essence and he's not sure the killer will wait much longer before striking again.When more violence follows, DI Finn and the rest of the Met Team learn that this killer takes no prisoners, only victims. The stakes are high and the sense of determination is even more so with this fourth novel in the series. Shindler has what it takes and pulls out all the stops with this piece.
I enjoy all types of police procedurals, particularly those with approaches I might not have considered previously. Will Shindler presents a solid narrative that proves intense from the outset. The story leaves the reader flipping pages for answers well into the night, as questions become plentiful. Shindler concocts characters who fit perfectly into the story and its nuances. DI Finn has a sordid past that makes appearances on occasion, though he is more peaceful than in previous novels. DC Mattie Paulsen’s development is also on offer as she is making a play to walk out from Finn's shadow. Plot points keep the story unpredictable at times, yet on a straight pathway for success. Shindler did well creating this piece and has me reaching out for the next.
Kudos, Mr. Shindler, for a piece like none other in this series to date!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
It's been a busy few weeks for Claire Beacham, a local Member of Parliament. When she arrives home one night, she is confused to find a parcel sitting on the doorstep. Unsure if it might be from a friendly neighbour or a constituent, Claire brings it to the attention of her husband, Michael. With no note or label, Michael is also baffled and takes a look inside. It's then that the blood-dripping head of a man stares back up at them.
Enter Di Alex Finn and his team. They work the scene as best they can, trying to find a clue or something that will help point out who left this on MP Beacham's step. However, while it might be an odd message to deliver, it is something that must be curtailed. Working alongside his well-established team, DI Finn works every angle and tries to at least establish a reason for the delivery. However, there is more to the crime than this!
DI Finn must also work to determine who might have targeted the man whose head is now on display. Was it an act to highlight the man's immigration to the UK? Might his death be a warning to stop allowing lenient rules to take over the British Government? DI Finn cannot wait for more clues to fall from the sky, as time is of the essence and he's not sure the killer will wait much longer before striking again.When more violence follows, DI Finn and the rest of the Met Team learn that this killer takes no prisoners, only victims. The stakes are high and the sense of determination is even more so with this fourth novel in the series. Shindler has what it takes and pulls out all the stops with this piece.
I enjoy all types of police procedurals, particularly those with approaches I might not have considered previously. Will Shindler presents a solid narrative that proves intense from the outset. The story leaves the reader flipping pages for answers well into the night, as questions become plentiful. Shindler concocts characters who fit perfectly into the story and its nuances. DI Finn has a sordid past that makes appearances on occasion, though he is more peaceful than in previous novels. DC Mattie Paulsen’s development is also on offer as she is making a play to walk out from Finn's shadow. Plot points keep the story unpredictable at times, yet on a straight pathway for success. Shindler did well creating this piece and has me reaching out for the next.
Kudos, Mr. Shindler, for a piece like none other in this series to date!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 3, 2023
Think of a book caught somewhere between the tv drama Line of Duty and a taut well written detective story and you have an idea of the very clear and highy charged emotional story that is "The Blood Line" After a forced 6 months leave of absence DI Alex Finn is back behind the desk of the job he loves. If he was hoping for a gradual and easy return Finn very soon finds himself at the heart of a murder investigation when a somewhat unpleasant and bloody parcel is delivered to the home of a local MP. Just as Finn is trying to analyse if there is a connection with the disappearance of a social worker, a second incident occurs just as bloody and mindless as the first. Why is this local MP being targeted and is there a connection with her ongoing high profile case, seeking justice for asylum seeker Benjamin Ngomo? This is a first rate detective story with a notorious criminal Ray Spinney who seems to have informers at the very heart of the police investigation that will have prove to have long reaching repercussions. A great read and highly recommended.
June 24, 2023
3.25 / 5
I hated that ending, everything was going smoothly but that ending was like the opposite of a cherry on top. It looked pointless, and seemed unnecessary. I don’t know if I missed something but the ending right at the end didn’t make any sense, which has left me feeling disappointed.
The book is your bog standard police procedure, detective crime solving book with graphic depictions of death. That’s all, there wasn’t any special or anything that makes it stand out. The plot seemed too bland and typical. I just felt as though the book didn’t have any suspense build up, it was one thing happening after the other and no time for the plot to build up like a pressure cooker. The murder of a social worker, GP and policemen linked to a political figure, the whole premise sounds good but when you breakdown what happens and how it happened it was impossible to figure out. It just felt kinda of like what’s the point on this book, I was kind of expecting something with abit more action, suspense build up but this wasn’t it. Whilst reading this book, I found out that am not a fan of politics in books, feels like it’s a whole different conversation involved and takes away from the story line.
Another thing that irritated me the most was the constant dangling and hiding of information almost like a carrot to a donkey that’s revealed at the start and it’s not until the right end of the book you’re told what the information is like really?? I read all this way to find out it was that.
It’s almost like getting a steak to under cooking it to what you wanted it, but absolutely no seasoning whatsoever is the only way to describe this disappointment.
I hated that ending, everything was going smoothly but that ending was like the opposite of a cherry on top. It looked pointless, and seemed unnecessary. I don’t know if I missed something but the ending right at the end didn’t make any sense, which has left me feeling disappointed.
The book is your bog standard police procedure, detective crime solving book with graphic depictions of death. That’s all, there wasn’t any special or anything that makes it stand out. The plot seemed too bland and typical. I just felt as though the book didn’t have any suspense build up, it was one thing happening after the other and no time for the plot to build up like a pressure cooker. The murder of a social worker, GP and policemen linked to a political figure, the whole premise sounds good but when you breakdown what happens and how it happened it was impossible to figure out. It just felt kinda of like what’s the point on this book, I was kind of expecting something with abit more action, suspense build up but this wasn’t it. Whilst reading this book, I found out that am not a fan of politics in books, feels like it’s a whole different conversation involved and takes away from the story line.
Another thing that irritated me the most was the constant dangling and hiding of information almost like a carrot to a donkey that’s revealed at the start and it’s not until the right end of the book you’re told what the information is like really?? I read all this way to find out it was that.
It’s almost like getting a steak to under cooking it to what you wanted it, but absolutely no seasoning whatsoever is the only way to describe this disappointment.
March 19, 2025
(2.5 rounded up)
Idiotically, I picked up this book not knowing it was in the middle of a series, lol, making it extremely confusing and hard to follow at points. Along with it being very focused on politics, which I don't really care for. All the murders and deaths are pretty cool and gruesome, though. Tbh, I didn't read the last 30 pages and just skipped to the final chapter, but I wasn't a fan of the ending and don't intend on picking up another book from this series.
Idiotically, I picked up this book not knowing it was in the middle of a series, lol, making it extremely confusing and hard to follow at points. Along with it being very focused on politics, which I don't really care for. All the murders and deaths are pretty cool and gruesome, though. Tbh, I didn't read the last 30 pages and just skipped to the final chapter, but I wasn't a fan of the ending and don't intend on picking up another book from this series.
January 17, 2023
Book 4 in the fantastic DI Alex Finn series. And the best one so far.
When MP Claire Beacham picks up a parcel from her doorstep little does she know how much her life will implode. For inside is the severed head of a man. And that's just the beginning.
Do Alex Finn was hoping to ease back into things after taking some time off. But there's no chance of that happening.
This is a dark, gritty police thriller with an intriguing storyline. I was hooked from the start right until that heart stopping ending.
This is a brilliant book that I won't hesitate to recommend
When MP Claire Beacham picks up a parcel from her doorstep little does she know how much her life will implode. For inside is the severed head of a man. And that's just the beginning.
Do Alex Finn was hoping to ease back into things after taking some time off. But there's no chance of that happening.
This is a dark, gritty police thriller with an intriguing storyline. I was hooked from the start right until that heart stopping ending.
This is a brilliant book that I won't hesitate to recommend
January 31, 2023
DI Alex Finn is back to his job after a six-month sabbatical. He’s finally dealing with his grief over his wife’s death and he is ready for work. His first case is high-profile as it involves a MP fighting against women’s abuse and for the rights of immigrants. One night, Claire Beacham arrives home to find a package on her doorstep. There is no label, but inside there is a severed head. While the police investigates, Claire receives other packages containing body parts. If DI Alex Finn hoped for a simple case to ease his way in, he is out of luck. The crimes are gruesome and atrocious and DI Finn and his team can’t find a connection between the victims. And a killer on the loose is not the only trouble awaiting the team…
The Blood Line is a wonderful addition to this fantastic series by Will Shindler. The story is told from different perspectives and it addresses timely themes like police corruption, organised crime, immigration, mental health, and the protection of MPs. The suspense is high from the very first page and the twists and surprises just keep coming.
This series features a fantastic cast of characters and I loved how the two protagonists have developed in this fourth book. DI Alex Finn seems to have found some kind of peace after a rough and struggling couple of years following the death of his wife. In this book, he seems more relaxed and attentive and his relationship with his team develops. DC Mattie Paulsen is more self-assured and she is looking for a promotion to DS, even if it would mean leaving Finn’s team.
The story is macabre, dark, and thrilling and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end with a shocking final twist that you won’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
The Blood Line is a wonderful addition to this fantastic series by Will Shindler. The story is told from different perspectives and it addresses timely themes like police corruption, organised crime, immigration, mental health, and the protection of MPs. The suspense is high from the very first page and the twists and surprises just keep coming.
This series features a fantastic cast of characters and I loved how the two protagonists have developed in this fourth book. DI Alex Finn seems to have found some kind of peace after a rough and struggling couple of years following the death of his wife. In this book, he seems more relaxed and attentive and his relationship with his team develops. DC Mattie Paulsen is more self-assured and she is looking for a promotion to DS, even if it would mean leaving Finn’s team.
The story is macabre, dark, and thrilling and it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end with a shocking final twist that you won’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
September 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Okay, let me explain:
When I saw that book for the first time, I was like: Oh hell yeh. Bc look at the cover and the description!
But sadly I must say that it was a disappointment. When I see the word 'gripping' on the cover, I do expect it to be so. But the plot was so boring, and as the book went on and on, Finn and Paulsen both had no damn clue, and then BEAM suddenly one info and they knew everything.
If my name wasn't Haras Matthias, this would've been definitely a DNF.
⭐️ writing style
⭐️ different povs (I liked that the reader already knew parts of it from the pov of the villain)
0.5⭐️ the idea (Switzerland part gives bonus)
Okay, let me explain:
When I saw that book for the first time, I was like: Oh hell yeh. Bc look at the cover and the description!
But sadly I must say that it was a disappointment. When I see the word 'gripping' on the cover, I do expect it to be so. But the plot was so boring, and as the book went on and on, Finn and Paulsen both had no damn clue, and then BEAM suddenly one info and they knew everything.
If my name wasn't Haras Matthias, this would've been definitely a DNF.
⭐️ writing style
⭐️ different povs (I liked that the reader already knew parts of it from the pov of the villain)
0.5⭐️ the idea (Switzerland part gives bonus)
December 18, 2025
Will Shindler delivers again in this brilliant series. An intricate, multi layered storyline that is gripping, shocking and full of twists. This one has it all - politics, corrupt police officers, organised crime and horrific murders - the author is spinning a lot of plates but at no time do you lose sense of the storyline. A solid narrative that is well written, well paced and expertly plotted. A very good police procedural in a series that keeps on giving
February 24, 2023
I cant recommend Wills books enough, they are brilliant. I stayed up until 1am to finish this one as I just couldn't wait until the next day. The relationships between the characters is so believable and the way it all comes together at the end was so clever. Excellent!
May 31, 2024
I really want to know what happens next!
January 4, 2024
this was such a great one to start the year off with, fast paced and easy to read with some good twists i didn’t see coming. i’ve read a DI Finn before and I really really enjoy his character. if you’re looking for an easy read this is definitely the one for you!
January 3, 2023
Oh. My. Life. This book ... It's one of those 'what did you just do' reads with a 'why did you do that' moment, and it's one for which I think the impact will be felt for quite some time, both on an off the page I mean ... I'm delighted that Finn and Paulsen are back, I just wasn't expecting to read that. This is a book packed with tension, uncertainty and danger, and one that really taps into themes that could, sadly, have been ripped form the headlines. Corruption, negligence, revenge, immigration and family are all very key themes in a story which packs a real emotional impact on so many levels.
I won't delve too far into the plot - the blurb tells you all you really need to know. It's DI Finn's first day back at work and what a rude awakening it is too. Not as distressing perhaps as it is for MP Claire Beacham, but not exactly a day of light duties and paperwork either. Understandably, colleagues are concerned about the impact such a horrific case might have on Finn but, for once, he really does seem like he has gained some semblance of control over his grief, and is fuelled by a determination to find justice for the victims in this case, I like Finn as a character, like his vulnerability, and like the way in which Will Shindler has built an element of self doubt into his return to work. It would be strange if he came back firing on all cylinders, and so that hesitancy is understandable and relatable on many levels. You can't keep a good man down though, and alongside his old partner in crime Mattie Paulsen, and temporary replacement Jackie Ojo, you have a wonderful team that it is a pleasure to spend time with, even if it is often also in the company of corpses.
The Blood Line sees the return of a fafe from Finn's past, and a name that will be somewhat familiar to people who have read the first book in the series, The Burning Men. That adds tension, uncertainty and conflict to an already messy case, the victims bearing similar hallmarks to this particular villains M.O. And their return does tie into the main case, in a way which remains hidden for some time but will ultimately lead to some of the most unforgettable and impactful moments in the book. There are scenes of action which get the pulse racing, but none more so than the one towards the end of the book, the shockwaves of which will be felt for some time to come. It's one of those watershed moments that feels like it might be a bit of a turning point for the characters too, and I'm intrigued to see how Finn will handle it.
I love the feeling of these books. That edge of darkness which is lessened to some degree by the simple humanity infused in the main characters. The author keeps the mystery flowing until just the perfect moment, the implications of what is revealed leading to an element of sympathy, if not forgiveness, for the perpetrator of the crimes. It's another really gripping case, full of twists and turns, that kept me completely hooked until the very last page. if you love this series you will love, and hate, this.
I won't delve too far into the plot - the blurb tells you all you really need to know. It's DI Finn's first day back at work and what a rude awakening it is too. Not as distressing perhaps as it is for MP Claire Beacham, but not exactly a day of light duties and paperwork either. Understandably, colleagues are concerned about the impact such a horrific case might have on Finn but, for once, he really does seem like he has gained some semblance of control over his grief, and is fuelled by a determination to find justice for the victims in this case, I like Finn as a character, like his vulnerability, and like the way in which Will Shindler has built an element of self doubt into his return to work. It would be strange if he came back firing on all cylinders, and so that hesitancy is understandable and relatable on many levels. You can't keep a good man down though, and alongside his old partner in crime Mattie Paulsen, and temporary replacement Jackie Ojo, you have a wonderful team that it is a pleasure to spend time with, even if it is often also in the company of corpses.
The Blood Line sees the return of a fafe from Finn's past, and a name that will be somewhat familiar to people who have read the first book in the series, The Burning Men. That adds tension, uncertainty and conflict to an already messy case, the victims bearing similar hallmarks to this particular villains M.O. And their return does tie into the main case, in a way which remains hidden for some time but will ultimately lead to some of the most unforgettable and impactful moments in the book. There are scenes of action which get the pulse racing, but none more so than the one towards the end of the book, the shockwaves of which will be felt for some time to come. It's one of those watershed moments that feels like it might be a bit of a turning point for the characters too, and I'm intrigued to see how Finn will handle it.
I love the feeling of these books. That edge of darkness which is lessened to some degree by the simple humanity infused in the main characters. The author keeps the mystery flowing until just the perfect moment, the implications of what is revealed leading to an element of sympathy, if not forgiveness, for the perpetrator of the crimes. It's another really gripping case, full of twists and turns, that kept me completely hooked until the very last page. if you love this series you will love, and hate, this.
September 30, 2024
The Blood Line is the fourth book in the DI Alex Finn series, and he is just returning to work after an extended leave of absence. Di Finn finds himself back in the thick of a very puzzling case when the head of an unknown man is sent to the home of a local politician. With no easy connection between the victim and Claire Beacham he is under a lot of pressure to solve the case and quickly. When further murders occur which results in further packages being sent to Claire it is clear the killer is trying to send a message, but what that message is has the whole team stumped.
The murder investigation is not the only thing going on in this book as someone from Finn’s past makes an appearance and he has a vested interest in both the murder case and Claire Beacham, and he uses everything in his power to get the information he needs and is not above using blackmail and threats to get what he wants. Only time will tell if his actions put paid to Finn solving the case and keeping everyone safe.
There is a change to Finn in this book as the time away has helped him but at the same time you can sense he is not sure how his return will be received, after all they have managed quite well in his absence and Jackie Ojo has been doing a good job as temporary boss. He is happy for Jackie and Mattie Paulsen to take the lead on various elements of the investigation although you get the sense that he is trying to avoid conflict where possible when he is contradicted by any of them.
I loved following the clues in the case and slowly making the connection between the victims, although the reason for Claire Beacham being targeted was not made obvious until the end. For me the secondary thread to this book was interesting and added an extra element of uncertainty for Finn’s team as certain actions by Finn and others could have consequences that no one would see coming and will have you wondering what this means for the team in the future.
For anyone who has not read any of the series I would recommend you start with book 1 as although you can read this as a stand alone there is something about the natural flow of events over all the books that makes them more enjoyable if you know what has happened from the start.
The murder investigation is not the only thing going on in this book as someone from Finn’s past makes an appearance and he has a vested interest in both the murder case and Claire Beacham, and he uses everything in his power to get the information he needs and is not above using blackmail and threats to get what he wants. Only time will tell if his actions put paid to Finn solving the case and keeping everyone safe.
There is a change to Finn in this book as the time away has helped him but at the same time you can sense he is not sure how his return will be received, after all they have managed quite well in his absence and Jackie Ojo has been doing a good job as temporary boss. He is happy for Jackie and Mattie Paulsen to take the lead on various elements of the investigation although you get the sense that he is trying to avoid conflict where possible when he is contradicted by any of them.
I loved following the clues in the case and slowly making the connection between the victims, although the reason for Claire Beacham being targeted was not made obvious until the end. For me the secondary thread to this book was interesting and added an extra element of uncertainty for Finn’s team as certain actions by Finn and others could have consequences that no one would see coming and will have you wondering what this means for the team in the future.
For anyone who has not read any of the series I would recommend you start with book 1 as although you can read this as a stand alone there is something about the natural flow of events over all the books that makes them more enjoyable if you know what has happened from the start.
February 1, 2023
Detective Alex Finn is back in Will Shindler’s latest book, The Blood Line. What I’ve come to expect from Will Shindler’s novels is an absolutely gripping opening, and he has delivered that again with this book. We see the murder of a young immigrant in the opening pages, which raises the questions, what has this man done to deserve this fate, who is the person who’s killed him? Then in another shocking twist, the man’s severed head is delivered to the house of MP Claire Beacham, who becomes the central focus point of the plot.
Will Shindler creates suspense really well in his book. I wanted to know what connection, if any, Claire Beacham had to the murdered man. Claire Beacham is just beginning to make a name for herself, due to her work supporting domestic abuse victims. Claire comes across as a character who will fight for you, if you came to her with a problem, so it was intriguing to see what she had done to make herself a target in this way, and this made her such a fascinating person to get to the bottom of. This novel explores some tough themes, which, sadly, have become a real reality in today’s world, particularly with recent news stories here in the UK.
As the investigation into the death of the young man, and any connection to Claire progresses, Will Shindler introduces us to some shady individuals, and one of them has Alex Finn in his sights. I won’t say much more here, but this was such a tense part of the story, as I wanted to know what this man wanted from Alex. You can quite clearly see how much danger Alex is in which adds to the tension, especially when he is unware of it.
I can’t end this review without briefly mentioning that ending. This book really has left me wondering what is to come for Alex and his team next. As things take a darker turn for Alex, it made me wonder what exactly was going to happen, and the final result is devastating.
The Blood Line is another excellent book in this series that continues to keep me invested. Crime fiction fans, you definitely need to be reading this series if you haven’t picked it up already.
Will Shindler creates suspense really well in his book. I wanted to know what connection, if any, Claire Beacham had to the murdered man. Claire Beacham is just beginning to make a name for herself, due to her work supporting domestic abuse victims. Claire comes across as a character who will fight for you, if you came to her with a problem, so it was intriguing to see what she had done to make herself a target in this way, and this made her such a fascinating person to get to the bottom of. This novel explores some tough themes, which, sadly, have become a real reality in today’s world, particularly with recent news stories here in the UK.
As the investigation into the death of the young man, and any connection to Claire progresses, Will Shindler introduces us to some shady individuals, and one of them has Alex Finn in his sights. I won’t say much more here, but this was such a tense part of the story, as I wanted to know what this man wanted from Alex. You can quite clearly see how much danger Alex is in which adds to the tension, especially when he is unware of it.
I can’t end this review without briefly mentioning that ending. This book really has left me wondering what is to come for Alex and his team next. As things take a darker turn for Alex, it made me wonder what exactly was going to happen, and the final result is devastating.
The Blood Line is another excellent book in this series that continues to keep me invested. Crime fiction fans, you definitely need to be reading this series if you haven’t picked it up already.
October 18, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.
Wow, this series of books featuring DI Alex Finn is really shaping up to be really, really good and this latest book is a great addition. I love the two main characters, Finn and Paulson, and loved being back in their world as they investigate a murder. The author has tackled topical issues here and dealt with them very well - safety of MPs, immigration, crime gangs and police corruption. I was immediately drawn into the story with the prologue - talk about getting off to a great start - and from there on in I was hooked. Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and hits the ground running when he is thrown into a high profile investigation straight away. I absolutely loved this read and everything about it - the author grabbed my attention right from the start and never let it go until the last page. It is beautifully written, engaging, flows well. and has a great plot line that is all too believable and realistic in todays society. I loved all the different story threads here which all slowly come together as the book progresses and the last quarter was, in my opinion, just brilliant - very tense with lots of action and wow moments. And lastly the author has dealt with Finns grief very sensitively and with much care - I had so much empathy for him as a character and could resonate with his feelings, thoughts and emotions. For me, I think this is the best book yet. Seriously this series is just going from strength to strength. If you’ve not heard of Will Shindler then you are in for a treat. I’d highly recommend this book and series although I would say if start with the first book The Burning Men if he is a new author to you, Definitely looking forward to the next book and this one has to be one of my best reads this year.
Wow, this series of books featuring DI Alex Finn is really shaping up to be really, really good and this latest book is a great addition. I love the two main characters, Finn and Paulson, and loved being back in their world as they investigate a murder. The author has tackled topical issues here and dealt with them very well - safety of MPs, immigration, crime gangs and police corruption. I was immediately drawn into the story with the prologue - talk about getting off to a great start - and from there on in I was hooked. Finn returns to work after a six month sabbatical and hits the ground running when he is thrown into a high profile investigation straight away. I absolutely loved this read and everything about it - the author grabbed my attention right from the start and never let it go until the last page. It is beautifully written, engaging, flows well. and has a great plot line that is all too believable and realistic in todays society. I loved all the different story threads here which all slowly come together as the book progresses and the last quarter was, in my opinion, just brilliant - very tense with lots of action and wow moments. And lastly the author has dealt with Finns grief very sensitively and with much care - I had so much empathy for him as a character and could resonate with his feelings, thoughts and emotions. For me, I think this is the best book yet. Seriously this series is just going from strength to strength. If you’ve not heard of Will Shindler then you are in for a treat. I’d highly recommend this book and series although I would say if start with the first book The Burning Men if he is a new author to you, Definitely looking forward to the next book and this one has to be one of my best reads this year.
November 26, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of The Blood Line, the fourth novel to feature DI Alex Finn of The Met.
On the evening before Finn’s return to work after a six month sabbatical he is asked to visit MP Claire Beecham, who came home from work to find a parcel on her doorstep and on opening it found a severed head. It is not the last “present” she will receive and trying to find a motive and a culprit taxes the team’s abilities.
I enjoyed The Blood Line, which is a multi stranded novel with several interlocking layers and a very interesting subplot, although calling it a subplot is perhaps selling it short as it almost takes over the novel by supplying the bigger developments and twists, and, no, I’m not going to give away its substance.
I have too many things going on just now to really devote myself to my reading, so I had to dip in and out of this novel rather than settle down for a long session. I think this slightly distorted my view of the novel and it didn’t have the impact on me that it should have had, hence 4 rather than my more customary 5 with this series. Still, I found all the links between the characters clever and the ending quite a jolt, not just for events, but for the hint of unfinished business.
The plot is well executed with various twists and turns and strategic reveals to keep the reader turning the pages. As I said I like the way it slots together eventually although it’s not obvious at the start. I also like the way it incorporates contemporary themes, although I was less enthusiastic about the way some of Claire’s secrets were brushed aside as understandable.
The Blood Line is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
On the evening before Finn’s return to work after a six month sabbatical he is asked to visit MP Claire Beecham, who came home from work to find a parcel on her doorstep and on opening it found a severed head. It is not the last “present” she will receive and trying to find a motive and a culprit taxes the team’s abilities.
I enjoyed The Blood Line, which is a multi stranded novel with several interlocking layers and a very interesting subplot, although calling it a subplot is perhaps selling it short as it almost takes over the novel by supplying the bigger developments and twists, and, no, I’m not going to give away its substance.
I have too many things going on just now to really devote myself to my reading, so I had to dip in and out of this novel rather than settle down for a long session. I think this slightly distorted my view of the novel and it didn’t have the impact on me that it should have had, hence 4 rather than my more customary 5 with this series. Still, I found all the links between the characters clever and the ending quite a jolt, not just for events, but for the hint of unfinished business.
The plot is well executed with various twists and turns and strategic reveals to keep the reader turning the pages. As I said I like the way it slots together eventually although it’s not obvious at the start. I also like the way it incorporates contemporary themes, although I was less enthusiastic about the way some of Claire’s secrets were brushed aside as understandable.
The Blood Line is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 18, 2023
This is book 4 in this rather cracking series and, well, you know the script... Honestly, the previous three books have all been cracking reads so, why wouldn't you?!
So, in this book we follow Finn's return to duty after a 6 month breather to address some personal issues. He'd have preferred it to be a bit more gentle than a severed head delivered to a politician's home but, we can't always get what we want!
Teaming up again with Mattie Paulson, they not only need to identify the victim, and probably find the rest of the body, they also need to figure out why someone is targeting the MP, Claire Beacham. Meanwhile said MP is also embroiled in a tricky immigration case trying to prevent a young man being deported. Are the two things linked?
And then more body parts arrive with Beacham and the stakes get higher...
I love this series. I love the characters - Finn and Paulson rub together in a cracking way and then there's Jackie Ojo who has been acting boss in Finn's absence. Finn is a bit changed - well his 6 month hiatus was so he could move on from things so you'd expect that - but is still a formidable cop, maybe just a bit calmer, and definitely more together!
The crimes depicted herein really did get my juices flowing. I tried to second guess but eventually just gave up and watched (read) in awe as it all flowed before me, the plot thickening and then all coming together nicely at the end.
This is another author who doesn't subscribe to waffle or padding so again the story gets on with itself very well indeed. Making it a hard one to put down.
All in all a cracking addition to an already solid series. Here's to the next one. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, in this book we follow Finn's return to duty after a 6 month breather to address some personal issues. He'd have preferred it to be a bit more gentle than a severed head delivered to a politician's home but, we can't always get what we want!
Teaming up again with Mattie Paulson, they not only need to identify the victim, and probably find the rest of the body, they also need to figure out why someone is targeting the MP, Claire Beacham. Meanwhile said MP is also embroiled in a tricky immigration case trying to prevent a young man being deported. Are the two things linked?
And then more body parts arrive with Beacham and the stakes get higher...
I love this series. I love the characters - Finn and Paulson rub together in a cracking way and then there's Jackie Ojo who has been acting boss in Finn's absence. Finn is a bit changed - well his 6 month hiatus was so he could move on from things so you'd expect that - but is still a formidable cop, maybe just a bit calmer, and definitely more together!
The crimes depicted herein really did get my juices flowing. I tried to second guess but eventually just gave up and watched (read) in awe as it all flowed before me, the plot thickening and then all coming together nicely at the end.
This is another author who doesn't subscribe to waffle or padding so again the story gets on with itself very well indeed. Making it a hard one to put down.
All in all a cracking addition to an already solid series. Here's to the next one. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 6, 2023
The shocking opening immediately pulls us into this tangled and violent world – it’s a chilling and thought-provoking look at how politics and law enforcement operate in the modern world, which makes for a compulsive read. The Blood Line is a brilliant, gritty crime thriller exploring police corruption, immigration, trauma and family. The multiple points of view make it feel as though the reader is following events as they unfold and the different threads drive the momentum at a good pace making it hard to put down!
We follow DI Alex Finn as he returns to work following a life changing loss. He’s straight back into a gruesome murder case that pushes him to his limits and has him questioning everything. Mental health issues are portrayed in a realistic way and we see a vulnerability to Alex as he dives back in whilst still tackling his grief. I loved his team at Cedar House – their fascinating interactions, how they lean on each other, and the glimpses into their personal lives making them real characters we feel we know.
Claire Beacham is an MP who’s being targeted in a terrifying way whilst trying to fight for justice on different fronts. She shows resilience in the face of such horror and is a character I enjoyed getting to know. It’s puzzling as to the who and why, and we wonder if Claire’s holding something back.
As the investigation progresses more questions arise than answers. Secrets and betrayal have far-reaching impact. It’s so well researched, the whole investigation feels true to life. The story is high stakes, extremely tense and a sense of impending danger infiltrates the pages. We see the search for connections take the team to dark depths as choices and consequences play out.
The humanity of the characters shines through and there were conflicting feelings for some. This is a multi-layered, twisty story that keeps us guessing. There’s intense action and heart in your mouth moments as this gripping case escalates. I’m still not recovered from that ending! I was glad to see it’s “to be continued” as I need to see what’s next for these characters.
The Blood Line is well-written, emotionally complex and leaves a lasting impression. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction or police procedurals, you will love this book/series.
With thanks to @AlainnaGeorgiou, @HodderBooks and @WillShindler for the gifted copy and place on the Tour.
We follow DI Alex Finn as he returns to work following a life changing loss. He’s straight back into a gruesome murder case that pushes him to his limits and has him questioning everything. Mental health issues are portrayed in a realistic way and we see a vulnerability to Alex as he dives back in whilst still tackling his grief. I loved his team at Cedar House – their fascinating interactions, how they lean on each other, and the glimpses into their personal lives making them real characters we feel we know.
Claire Beacham is an MP who’s being targeted in a terrifying way whilst trying to fight for justice on different fronts. She shows resilience in the face of such horror and is a character I enjoyed getting to know. It’s puzzling as to the who and why, and we wonder if Claire’s holding something back.
As the investigation progresses more questions arise than answers. Secrets and betrayal have far-reaching impact. It’s so well researched, the whole investigation feels true to life. The story is high stakes, extremely tense and a sense of impending danger infiltrates the pages. We see the search for connections take the team to dark depths as choices and consequences play out.
The humanity of the characters shines through and there were conflicting feelings for some. This is a multi-layered, twisty story that keeps us guessing. There’s intense action and heart in your mouth moments as this gripping case escalates. I’m still not recovered from that ending! I was glad to see it’s “to be continued” as I need to see what’s next for these characters.
The Blood Line is well-written, emotionally complex and leaves a lasting impression. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction or police procedurals, you will love this book/series.
With thanks to @AlainnaGeorgiou, @HodderBooks and @WillShindler for the gifted copy and place on the Tour.
January 30, 2023
An MP returns home from a busy day to discover an unmarked package on her doorstep. Without thinking much of it Claire Beacham takes it into her kitchen and is shocked when a head falls out dripping blood everywhere and rolls across her floor. This is the first of a few body parts she will be delivered.
DI Alex Finn was hoping for a quiet return to work after having 6 months off following the death of his wife and falling into a deep depression. However Finn and his team are tasked with discovering who is behind the brutal murders.
For a while it seems as though the case is going to be impossible to solve. Finn and his team have very little to go on. Any finger prints or DNA that have been found have no match to anyone in their system.
Things get even more difficult for Finn and his team when it is revealed they they have a bent copper in their team and everything they have been working on, any progress with any investigations is being leaked to a dangerous criminal Ray Spinney who will use people and stop at nothing to find his estranged daughter Emma. He is determined to use Finn and his team to find his daughter and will go to extreme measures to get what he wants.
The blood line was packed full of twists and turns around just about every corner. I loved every single word I read of this book. The one thing I will say is that this is book 4 of the series and although i managed to read it without reading the second and third books I’d definitely advise on reading the whole series before reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I’m looking forward to going back and reading books 2&3 of the DI Alex Finn series.
DI Alex Finn was hoping for a quiet return to work after having 6 months off following the death of his wife and falling into a deep depression. However Finn and his team are tasked with discovering who is behind the brutal murders.
For a while it seems as though the case is going to be impossible to solve. Finn and his team have very little to go on. Any finger prints or DNA that have been found have no match to anyone in their system.
Things get even more difficult for Finn and his team when it is revealed they they have a bent copper in their team and everything they have been working on, any progress with any investigations is being leaked to a dangerous criminal Ray Spinney who will use people and stop at nothing to find his estranged daughter Emma. He is determined to use Finn and his team to find his daughter and will go to extreme measures to get what he wants.
The blood line was packed full of twists and turns around just about every corner. I loved every single word I read of this book. The one thing I will say is that this is book 4 of the series and although i managed to read it without reading the second and third books I’d definitely advise on reading the whole series before reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I’m looking forward to going back and reading books 2&3 of the DI Alex Finn series.
June 12, 2023
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
An ordinary day. An ordinary street. A gruesome delivery waiting on the doorstep that's going to set off an spine-chilling chain of events...
MP Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician, she's used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she's too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands.
It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why? It's Claire's first delivery - but it won't be her last.
DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up.
This gritty police procedural has a bit of everything, murder, politics, shady business deals and compromised police officers all interlinked by a clever, twisting plot.
Whilst it’s the fourth in the DI Alex Finn series it works really well as a stand-alone. The author cleverly provides enough detail about the recurring characters to make you invest without rehashing the previous books, but if you’ve not read them there’s plenty to pique your interest to go and read the back collection.
The ending packs a big, shocking punch and I eagerly await Shindler’s next Alex Finn outing, because this story isn’t over….
Many thanks to Alainna Georgiou and Hodderbooks for my advanced copy for hosting this book tour and my honest review.
An ordinary day. An ordinary street. A gruesome delivery waiting on the doorstep that's going to set off an spine-chilling chain of events...
MP Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician, she's used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she's too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands.
It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why? It's Claire's first delivery - but it won't be her last.
DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up.
This gritty police procedural has a bit of everything, murder, politics, shady business deals and compromised police officers all interlinked by a clever, twisting plot.
Whilst it’s the fourth in the DI Alex Finn series it works really well as a stand-alone. The author cleverly provides enough detail about the recurring characters to make you invest without rehashing the previous books, but if you’ve not read them there’s plenty to pique your interest to go and read the back collection.
The ending packs a big, shocking punch and I eagerly await Shindler’s next Alex Finn outing, because this story isn’t over….
Many thanks to Alainna Georgiou and Hodderbooks for my advanced copy for hosting this book tour and my honest review.
December 31, 2022
I’ve read the earlier books in this excellent crime series featuring DI Alex Finn and his DC Mattie Paulsen so I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to review this latest one which is certainly up to date in its subject matter.
Alex has been on a 6 month sabbatical recovering from the death of his wife but is now returning to work feeling a lot better and more able to cope.
When a social worker is murdered Alex and his team are asked to investigate. There is a subsequent connection to a local MP who is trying to stop a young jailed gangster, Ben, being deported and Alex decides to look into a link.
Meanwhile in another plot strand the leader of the gangsters is trying to get to Ben in jail using all means available. Bribery and threats to members of the police seem to be his method of choice. However even he does not know why MP, Claire is being stalked by a murderer.
This is a plot which is easy to believe. Unfortunately an MP being the target of a killer is not a new scenario, particularly if we look at events over the last few years and it really made me think how I would feel if I worked in a high profile job serving the public. There would always be that fear in the background and it would almost be impossible to be completely protected by the police.
I really enjoyed catching up with Alex and Mattie- they are great characters and the ending when it came was totally unexpected and definitely left me wanting to read more. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend The Blood Line and the earlier books to all crime thriller fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
Alex has been on a 6 month sabbatical recovering from the death of his wife but is now returning to work feeling a lot better and more able to cope.
When a social worker is murdered Alex and his team are asked to investigate. There is a subsequent connection to a local MP who is trying to stop a young jailed gangster, Ben, being deported and Alex decides to look into a link.
Meanwhile in another plot strand the leader of the gangsters is trying to get to Ben in jail using all means available. Bribery and threats to members of the police seem to be his method of choice. However even he does not know why MP, Claire is being stalked by a murderer.
This is a plot which is easy to believe. Unfortunately an MP being the target of a killer is not a new scenario, particularly if we look at events over the last few years and it really made me think how I would feel if I worked in a high profile job serving the public. There would always be that fear in the background and it would almost be impossible to be completely protected by the police.
I really enjoyed catching up with Alex and Mattie- they are great characters and the ending when it came was totally unexpected and definitely left me wanting to read more. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend The Blood Line and the earlier books to all crime thriller fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
December 31, 2022
I’ve read the earlier books in this excellent crime series featuring DI Alex Finn and his DC Mattie Paulsen so I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to review this latest one which is certainly up to date in its subject matter.
Alex has been on a 6 month sabbatical recovering from the death of his wife but is now returning to work feeling a lot better and more able to cope.
When a social worker is murdered Alex and his team are asked to investigate. There is a subsequent connection to a local MP who is trying to stop a young jailed gangster, Ben, being deported and Alex decides to look into a link.
Meanwhile in another plot strand the leader of the gangsters is trying to get to Ben in jail using all means available. Bribery and threats to members of the police seem to be his method of choice. However even he does not know why MP, Claire is being stalked by a murderer.
This is a plot which is easy to believe. Unfortunately an MP being the target of a killer is not a new scenario, particularly if we look at events over the last few years and it really made me think how I would feel if I worked in a high profile job serving the public. There would always be that fear in the background and it would almost be impossible to be completely protected by the police.
I really enjoyed catching up with Alex and Mattie- they are great characters and the ending when it came was totally unexpected and definitely left me wanting to read more. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend The Blood Line and the earlier books to all crime thriller fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
Alex has been on a 6 month sabbatical recovering from the death of his wife but is now returning to work feeling a lot better and more able to cope.
When a social worker is murdered Alex and his team are asked to investigate. There is a subsequent connection to a local MP who is trying to stop a young jailed gangster, Ben, being deported and Alex decides to look into a link.
Meanwhile in another plot strand the leader of the gangsters is trying to get to Ben in jail using all means available. Bribery and threats to members of the police seem to be his method of choice. However even he does not know why MP, Claire is being stalked by a murderer.
This is a plot which is easy to believe. Unfortunately an MP being the target of a killer is not a new scenario, particularly if we look at events over the last few years and it really made me think how I would feel if I worked in a high profile job serving the public. There would always be that fear in the background and it would almost be impossible to be completely protected by the police.
I really enjoyed catching up with Alex and Mattie- they are great characters and the ending when it came was totally unexpected and definitely left me wanting to read more. I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend The Blood Line and the earlier books to all crime thriller fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my review copy.
December 21, 2022
Yay we are back again with DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulson and this is a book that is non stop action from beginning to end. After an absence of 6 months Alex Finn returns to work and is immediately thrown into a case both gruesome and puzzling. So many different things are happening in the book and non seem to be connected as the team struggle to find a connection to a series of brutal murders and MP Claire Beacham who is being targeted by the killer and receiving a number of very disturbing body parts.
This is one heck of a brilliant read and as the series has progressed the characters are all becoming like old friends and this is all down to the excellent crafting by Will Shindler. I found the story to be very emotional at times and the ending was a surprise and now I am desperately hoping that we won’t have to wait too long for the next instalment. So I loved the read I and I love the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone but I would advise anyone to read the whole series to get a full understanding of all the characters and I no hesitation in giving this a full 5 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is one heck of a brilliant read and as the series has progressed the characters are all becoming like old friends and this is all down to the excellent crafting by Will Shindler. I found the story to be very emotional at times and the ending was a surprise and now I am desperately hoping that we won’t have to wait too long for the next instalment. So I loved the read I and I love the series, this book can be read as a stand-alone but I would advise anyone to read the whole series to get a full understanding of all the characters and I no hesitation in giving this a full 5 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 10, 2025
The Blood Line by Will Shindler
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician, she's used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she's too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands.
It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why?
It's Claire's first delivery - and won't be her last.
DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up.
My Opinion
The Blood Line is the fourth book in the series but I have read it as a standalone. Will Shindler has written a fast-paced novel with a detailed plot. A great read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Claire Beacham returns from a busy day at work to a parcel on her doorstep - no note, no label. As a politician, she's used to being suspicious of anonymous hate mail but today she's too tired to worry. She opens it, finding a gruesome surprise inside. A severed head falls to her kitchen floor; the rich, red drip of blood on her hands.
It is clear to Claire and those around her that this terrifying package is a message. But who sent it, and why?
It's Claire's first delivery - and won't be her last.
DI Finn cannot enjoy the gentle return to his role in the Murder Investigation Team of the Metropolitan Police that he planned. Someone is targeting Claire and with every message comes another casualty. With the clock ticking, DI Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen must wade through the depths of the murky political sphere before the bodies start piling up.
My Opinion
The Blood Line is the fourth book in the series but I have read it as a standalone. Will Shindler has written a fast-paced novel with a detailed plot. A great read.
Rating 4/5
February 5, 2023
Why have I not discovered Will Shindler sooner? He is an author new to me but it turns out this is the fourth in the DI Alex Finn series. And as a crime fiction lover I can confirm that it can happily be read as a standalone, though rest assured I will be picking up the previous books very soon!
DI Alex Finn is returning to work after a sabbatical following his wife’s death. He is thrown straight back in when MP Claire Beacham finds a severed head on her doorstep and Finn finds himself investigating a series of brutal murders.
This feels like a very topical book, covering the safety of MPs, police corruption, organised crime and immigration. But at the same time it is just a really good read - multilayered, it is a book that keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out how the strands all come together. The tension builds and with some strong characterisation that ensured even as a newbie to the series I was fully engaged, this is a book thatas I ended it with a lump in my throat, made me want to read more - so I was delighted to see the words “To be continued’ at the end of the author’s note!
DI Alex Finn is returning to work after a sabbatical following his wife’s death. He is thrown straight back in when MP Claire Beacham finds a severed head on her doorstep and Finn finds himself investigating a series of brutal murders.
This feels like a very topical book, covering the safety of MPs, police corruption, organised crime and immigration. But at the same time it is just a really good read - multilayered, it is a book that keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out how the strands all come together. The tension builds and with some strong characterisation that ensured even as a newbie to the series I was fully engaged, this is a book thatas I ended it with a lump in my throat, made me want to read more - so I was delighted to see the words “To be continued’ at the end of the author’s note!
May 12, 2023
This intelligently written and compulsive novel from the hugely talented Will Shindler is fourth in the series featuring DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen and is a superb continuation.
When DI Finn returns to duty his first case back concerns a severed head which was sent to a prominent politician. Then follows a narrative linking various themes, politics, immigration, corruption, gangsters and the Met police.
This is a terrific crime series which just gets better and better and I would thoroughly recommend it to fellow crime fiction fans. This novel has everything I look for in a gripping police procedural: a tense, pacey and multi-layered plot with twists and turns, threats and violence, together with moments of heartbreaking sadness.
Every character in this book is well fleshed out and the setting is richly described and realistic. However, for me, the standout features are the superbly crafted characters of Alex Finn and Mattie Paulsen and their relationship.
Overall, this is a terrific read and another triumph for Will Shindler. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
When DI Finn returns to duty his first case back concerns a severed head which was sent to a prominent politician. Then follows a narrative linking various themes, politics, immigration, corruption, gangsters and the Met police.
This is a terrific crime series which just gets better and better and I would thoroughly recommend it to fellow crime fiction fans. This novel has everything I look for in a gripping police procedural: a tense, pacey and multi-layered plot with twists and turns, threats and violence, together with moments of heartbreaking sadness.
Every character in this book is well fleshed out and the setting is richly described and realistic. However, for me, the standout features are the superbly crafted characters of Alex Finn and Mattie Paulsen and their relationship.
Overall, this is a terrific read and another triumph for Will Shindler. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews