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Silas Quinn #1
Summon Up the Blood
London in 1914 is a city gripped by fear and pushed to the breaking point as a killer stalks the streets. Fortunately, Scotland Yard's Detective Inspector Silas Quinn is on the case.
A killer is at large in the dark alleyways of early 20th century London. All of his victims have one thing in the blood has been drained from their bodies. Who could do such a thing—and why would he want his victims’ blood? As the killer’s reign of terror continues, Detective Inspector Silas Quinn of Scotland Yard’s Special Crimes department realizes that, in order to catch his prey, he must learn to think like the killer.
First in an absolutely gripping historical mystery series, Summon Up the Blood is perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee and Rory Clements.
A killer is at large in the dark alleyways of early 20th century London. All of his victims have one thing in the blood has been drained from their bodies. Who could do such a thing—and why would he want his victims’ blood? As the killer’s reign of terror continues, Detective Inspector Silas Quinn of Scotland Yard’s Special Crimes department realizes that, in order to catch his prey, he must learn to think like the killer.
First in an absolutely gripping historical mystery series, Summon Up the Blood is perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee and Rory Clements.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
51 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
R.N. Morris
27 books44 followersR. N. Morris's most recent book is the historical novel, Fortune's Hand.
He is the author of the St Petersburg Mysteries Series featuring Porfiry Petrovich, the detective from Dostoevsky's masterpiece Crime and Punishment: A Gentle Axe, A Vengeful Longing, A Razor Wrapped in Silk and The Cleansing Flames.
He also wrote the Silas Quinn series, set in London in 1914: Summon Up The Blood, The Mannequin House, The Dark Palace, The Red Hand of Fury, The White Feather Killer and The Music Box Enigma.
He has written a standalone dystopian thriller, Psychotopia and, writing as Roger Morris, the contemporary thriller Taking Comfort.
He is the author of the St Petersburg Mysteries Series featuring Porfiry Petrovich, the detective from Dostoevsky's masterpiece Crime and Punishment: A Gentle Axe, A Vengeful Longing, A Razor Wrapped in Silk and The Cleansing Flames.
He also wrote the Silas Quinn series, set in London in 1914: Summon Up The Blood, The Mannequin House, The Dark Palace, The Red Hand of Fury, The White Feather Killer and The Music Box Enigma.
He has written a standalone dystopian thriller, Psychotopia and, writing as Roger Morris, the contemporary thriller Taking Comfort.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 6, 2020
The author R. N. Morris is best known for his historical crime series featuring Porfiry Petrovich as his fictional hero, the detective from Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment, first book A Gentle Axe: St Petersburg Mystery (St. Petersburg Mystery) . Having really enjoyed these books, I was intrigued to try this new series, set in London and with Silas Quinn as the main character. It is 1914 and Silas Quinn runs the Special Crimes Department from an attic room in New Scotland Yard, aided by, the delightfully named, Sergeants Inchball and Macadam.
Quinn is a strange character - partly sensitive and kind, partly almost as criminal in his methods as those he is investigates. In fact, when we meet him, he is in trouble for killing too many of his suspects, and only his good results mean that he retains his position. As the previous reviewer has so rightly pointed out, some of the dialogue does sound a little modern and attitudes and sensibilities seem often out of place in the period the author is writing about. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the mystery, as Quinn sets out to find who killed a young rent boy, found viciously murdered and with all his blood drained. His undercover investigations lead him to an exclusive gentlemen's club, but there will be further murders before the case is solved. I look forward to reading more adventures featuring Silas Quinn.
Quinn is a strange character - partly sensitive and kind, partly almost as criminal in his methods as those he is investigates. In fact, when we meet him, he is in trouble for killing too many of his suspects, and only his good results mean that he retains his position. As the previous reviewer has so rightly pointed out, some of the dialogue does sound a little modern and attitudes and sensibilities seem often out of place in the period the author is writing about. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the mystery, as Quinn sets out to find who killed a young rent boy, found viciously murdered and with all his blood drained. His undercover investigations lead him to an exclusive gentlemen's club, but there will be further murders before the case is solved. I look forward to reading more adventures featuring Silas Quinn.
December 7, 2022
I've read and enjoyed a couple of the Porfiry Petrovich series by R.N. Morris, but I struggled with this, the 1st of the Silas Quinn series. The atmosphere and language of London, 1914 seems perfect for the time, but I felt the story dragged with chapters where the action was far too detailed while Silas Quinn character's domestic life intruded far too much into the main story.
The most surprising part of the book was the final page and made me think that, despite my low rating of this book, it might be worth checking out more of Silas Quinn's detective work. Maybe it should be 2.5 stars - a 50/50 book.
The most surprising part of the book was the final page and made me think that, despite my low rating of this book, it might be worth checking out more of Silas Quinn's detective work. Maybe it should be 2.5 stars - a 50/50 book.
June 14, 2018
The ending was a little abrupt, but the writing is wonderful, dry wit and perfect pacing - and I adore Inspector Quinn and his sidekicks, Macadam and Inchball (those names!). Definitely reading the next one.
June 13, 2013
I'm still trying to decide whether I liked this novel or not - the reason for its 2 stars - but I reserve the right to change my mind.
It's slightly slower-paced, which normally doesn't bother me as long as the end result was worth it (I'm not sure it is). The premise is initially interesting - someone is not just killing young men, but draining them of their blood - but, by the time Morris gets around to revealing the killer, I was no longer in the mood to care. The main detective is not hapless and not too intelligent, but he probably wouldn't have pieced it together without significant help from other sources (I only wished the secondary characters had been drawn with more depth). I suppose I didn't get why Quinn was considered so good at his job.
Still, the look at Victorian/Edwardian police detective work is appreciated (though I've been enjoying Lynn Shepherd and Alex Grecian a bit more). I may give the second in the series a look - I've heard good reviews - but I won't feel obligated to finish if it's too much like this one.
It's slightly slower-paced, which normally doesn't bother me as long as the end result was worth it (I'm not sure it is). The premise is initially interesting - someone is not just killing young men, but draining them of their blood - but, by the time Morris gets around to revealing the killer, I was no longer in the mood to care. The main detective is not hapless and not too intelligent, but he probably wouldn't have pieced it together without significant help from other sources (I only wished the secondary characters had been drawn with more depth). I suppose I didn't get why Quinn was considered so good at his job.
Still, the look at Victorian/Edwardian police detective work is appreciated (though I've been enjoying Lynn Shepherd and Alex Grecian a bit more). I may give the second in the series a look - I've heard good reviews - but I won't feel obligated to finish if it's too much like this one.
September 21, 2014
I rather enjoyed this book and so far, the series. I unfortunately started with book 2 as it was available - and had previously read Morris' St. Petersburg series which I also really liked until the last book. I find his writing quick, descriptive, mysterious, and fun. I also feel the dismissive reviews of this books ending or confused main character are missing a lot of the point. So many readers always want all the answers...and while that can bring closure - it also seems very false to how things really go in life - if we are to believe that art mirrors life. If you want pure escapism - read someone else. If you want both entertaining historical thrillers with characters that seem real because they are complex, confused, rude, terrible and wonderful at the same time...read these. Can't wait for the 3rd one.
July 9, 2025
honestly, I wish it delved more into the main characters questioning of his sexual identity. But it only gave glimpses into him questioning about his identity, which I think may be bisexual.
queerness is a very big part of this book, and the fact that the main character only got a few moments of questioning written in the book felt pretty odd. As for the actual killer, we didn’t really have an attachment to there weren’t very many moments where I was sucked in and genuinely scared or confused about what’s gonna happen , in other words, I guess it was predictable. It didn’t tell a lot about Quinn‘s past, but it alludes to it, but the fact that we didn’t learn about anything it was alluding to except for once was kinda annoying. there were a lot of moments I had to skip through a paragraph because it was useless, comma, and really there was only one scene that I felt I could see feel in touch.
queerness is a very big part of this book, and the fact that the main character only got a few moments of questioning written in the book felt pretty odd. As for the actual killer, we didn’t really have an attachment to there weren’t very many moments where I was sucked in and genuinely scared or confused about what’s gonna happen , in other words, I guess it was predictable. It didn’t tell a lot about Quinn‘s past, but it alludes to it, but the fact that we didn’t learn about anything it was alluding to except for once was kinda annoying. there were a lot of moments I had to skip through a paragraph because it was useless, comma, and really there was only one scene that I felt I could see feel in touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
Started off well but the style of writing started to irritate after a while
September 5, 2020
I would not call this book a mystery. While there were murders and someone trying to solve them, the book takes a strange turn into a sort of hallucinogenic dream sequence of repressed feelings of the main character. I doubt I read any more of this series.
October 15, 2015
Odd enough to get me going with the rest of the series! And I must go back and read Morris' St. Petersburg detective series!
May 18, 2021
Summon Up the Blood is the first in R.N. Morris’s Silas Quinn Mysteries. Quinn is a wonderful depiction of a conflicted detective. Vulnerable and inept in his personal life, he is skilled and dedicated in his professional life. Quinn also has a ruthless killer instinct, that has led to the press dubbing him ‘Quick-fire Quinn’.Tantalisingly, the complexities of Quinn’s personality are not fully explored in this novel, but will undoubtedly be explored through the series. Quinn leads the ‘Special Crimes’ team, as they investigate the grisly murder of a rent boy, whose body has been drained of blood and left in the docks - the life blood of the British Empire. A metaphor that is not lost on Quinn’s superiors who, fearing the unrest this could cause, need the murder solved quickly. The main clue that Quinn and his team have is a silver cigarette case, left on the body by the killer, with a short cryptic inscription that leads them into the heart of darkness. The novel richly evokes the atmosphere of London in 1914, cleverly blending the wit and insight of Oscar Wild with vampires and Ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology. This creates a classic Gothic tale that exposes the hypocrisy and entitlement of upper class British society on the eve of the Great War.
April 21, 2021
This book takes you right back to the heart of the true crime detective roaming the streets to catch his killer. Gritty, raw, dark. I particularly like the fact that 1914 is chosen as the year its set as too many go for the cliché Victorian Jack the Ripper era but also doesn't touch on wartime.
Tackles the difficult subject of the time of homosexuality, its perceptions, homophobia, and how male prostitutes were treated at that time.
The pace of this book is spot on. Writing and plot are sharp and kept me wanting to read on and on whilst not wanting to rush and miss any potential clues. I was eager to discover where Inspector Quinn was headed next.
Characters in this are complicated, enigmatic, challenging and yet so engaging whether you love or hate them.
This is not for the faint hearted. Its graphic, gory and doesn't protect the reader from how the victim looks. If that isn't for you, then I expect for most this is an opportunity to learn a new word- exsanguination. I'll be honest, I hope its a word you didn't know, and that we don't have to use it in the future (unless talking about this excellent read.)
Tackles the difficult subject of the time of homosexuality, its perceptions, homophobia, and how male prostitutes were treated at that time.
The pace of this book is spot on. Writing and plot are sharp and kept me wanting to read on and on whilst not wanting to rush and miss any potential clues. I was eager to discover where Inspector Quinn was headed next.
Characters in this are complicated, enigmatic, challenging and yet so engaging whether you love or hate them.
This is not for the faint hearted. Its graphic, gory and doesn't protect the reader from how the victim looks. If that isn't for you, then I expect for most this is an opportunity to learn a new word- exsanguination. I'll be honest, I hope its a word you didn't know, and that we don't have to use it in the future (unless talking about this excellent read.)
June 23, 2023
Spoilers ahead. Promising start but ultimately too slow for me. I dnf'd at 40%.
I like character based plots and in this case I liked Quinn the Detective Inspector of Special Branch and his two sergeants. However Quinn is kind of diffident and not a strong character which makes him hard to like. He seems to get pushed around as well by everyone around him.
What is worse is the slowness of the investigation and the way it proceeded. I thought Quinn could have been more direct or used better techniques to move the case along. It's like when you look at someone do a job and they're doing it wrong ir too slowly.
The final straw for me was when a chapter changed POV. I heartily dislike changing POVs because it requires my mind to reset when I'm happily following a story along. In a way I was glad because it allowed me to dnf without much guilt, which consciously told me I wasn't enjoying the book anyway.
I like character based plots and in this case I liked Quinn the Detective Inspector of Special Branch and his two sergeants. However Quinn is kind of diffident and not a strong character which makes him hard to like. He seems to get pushed around as well by everyone around him.
What is worse is the slowness of the investigation and the way it proceeded. I thought Quinn could have been more direct or used better techniques to move the case along. It's like when you look at someone do a job and they're doing it wrong ir too slowly.
The final straw for me was when a chapter changed POV. I heartily dislike changing POVs because it requires my mind to reset when I'm happily following a story along. In a way I was glad because it allowed me to dnf without much guilt, which consciously told me I wasn't enjoying the book anyway.
December 8, 2025
3.5 *
The plot was interesting and it was definitely difficult to know who the kill might be. The police investigation was, for the most part, usual and thorough. I'm not sure how I feel about the feelings, thoughts, reactions of Silas Quinn coming to the forefront of the investigation and, possibly, taking over. He said he wanted to understand the killer in order to find him but I was slightly uncomfortable with how understanding he became. My feelings are not disapproval of the "queers" but of the way in which Quinn seemed to lose his objectivity. I'm going to have to read at least one more to see if he has developed his subjectivity more.
The ending was cut short, I think in order to open the door to more development of the rage in Quinn.
The plot was interesting and it was definitely difficult to know who the kill might be. The police investigation was, for the most part, usual and thorough. I'm not sure how I feel about the feelings, thoughts, reactions of Silas Quinn coming to the forefront of the investigation and, possibly, taking over. He said he wanted to understand the killer in order to find him but I was slightly uncomfortable with how understanding he became. My feelings are not disapproval of the "queers" but of the way in which Quinn seemed to lose his objectivity. I'm going to have to read at least one more to see if he has developed his subjectivity more.
The ending was cut short, I think in order to open the door to more development of the rage in Quinn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
This is a solid intriguing thriller that will leave you stunned at times. There is a killer about targeting male prostitutes on the streets of London. DI Quinn is hot on the heels of the twisted killer with help from his colleagues (Macadam and Inchball) who are interesting characters. As set in 1914 homosexuality was not accepted in society but the author has captured the topic sensitively.
I read this book in one sitting, the pace was spot on and I was intrigued by the characters and the plot and look forward to reading more in the series. If you like your thrillers dark and historical (as the author signed my book) you will enjoy this, it is twisted, creepy and gory and best read at night!!
August 5, 2018
This, having been stated as a favourite author by a writer I admire, and the first few pages appearing very promising, I gave it a go.
Final verdict, 'good in parts'. Which is not to say bad, at all, but I found the characters less than absorbing (though suspect they'd grow on one) and the evoking of the period somewhat lumpy - too often it felt more Regency than 1914 (a favourite period of mine). Overall, however, my judgement is subjective - this wasn't one I totally enjoyed.
Final verdict, 'good in parts'. Which is not to say bad, at all, but I found the characters less than absorbing (though suspect they'd grow on one) and the evoking of the period somewhat lumpy - too often it felt more Regency than 1914 (a favourite period of mine). Overall, however, my judgement is subjective - this wasn't one I totally enjoyed.
February 14, 2025
I’m frustrated that the buildup for suggestions at Quinn’s latent tendencies never reached its conclusion. Also, the ending made me feel like there was supposed to be a bigger reveal or a consequence for Quinn’s actions. There were parts in it that showed some glimpses of brilliance into the mind of a deeply disturbed person, though. It was eerie to be able to relate so strongly, and I give credit to the author for that.
May 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I’m obsessed with R. N. Morris and their writing! From unique, strange, complex characters to the setting and mystery around this book, I was completely captivated into the author’s version of London 1914.
The ending was really abrupt but I think it adds to the story in a way that we get a clearer understanding of our MC, Silas Quinn.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and read more about Quinn and his “sidekicks” Macadam and Inchball.
I’m obsessed with R. N. Morris and their writing! From unique, strange, complex characters to the setting and mystery around this book, I was completely captivated into the author’s version of London 1914.
The ending was really abrupt but I think it adds to the story in a way that we get a clearer understanding of our MC, Silas Quinn.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and read more about Quinn and his “sidekicks” Macadam and Inchball.
May 2, 2020
1914 London. D.I. Silas Quinn of the Special Crimes Department is told by his superior Sir Edward Henry to investigate the case of the murdered man found in the London Docks area. A young man had been exsanguinated. Is the dead man's orientation the motive for his death, will there be more murders.
An enjoyable historical mystery, a good start to the series
An enjoyable historical mystery, a good start to the series
April 9, 2023
Graphic descriptions of sex and violence.
Main character is both pathetic and repellent. The other characters are shallow and forgettable.
This book confirms my belief that most male authors are incapable of writing books I might enjoy - books with engaging characters, intelligent plotting, and subtlety.
Main character is both pathetic and repellent. The other characters are shallow and forgettable.
This book confirms my belief that most male authors are incapable of writing books I might enjoy - books with engaging characters, intelligent plotting, and subtlety.
November 16, 2024
very creepy
Not for the faint hearted. I wanted to find out who and why these terrible murders were carried out so I kept reading. The ending a real surprise - did Quinn really do that??????
Not for the faint hearted. I wanted to find out who and why these terrible murders were carried out so I kept reading. The ending a real surprise - did Quinn really do that??????
January 4, 2023
a little too sexually graphic for my taste...
September 29, 2025
It’s in the garbage. Terrible book.
December 17, 2025
Was not my cup of tea. Too much explanation of things I didn't want explained. To each their own but I didn't need to know.
December 3, 2023
Silas Quinn works for the Special Crimes Department at Scotland Yard. His work ethic/character is that of a rogue and his boss; Sir Edward Henri reminds him of the reason why the Special Crimes Department exists and that it works best when it is noticed less.
Quinn’s attitude is that of the Clint Eastwood character in the film ‘The Enforcer’ and Quinn on his defense says this “the decision to shoot or not to shoot; one cannot afford to think about it for too long. It’s a split-second decision… and my primary concern, always, is to minimize the danger to the public. Inevitably that requires me to close down the criminal’s opportunity for violence.”
He means kill or be killed and Silas Quinn would like to remain alive for as long as possible; as he is dubbed ‘Quick-fire’ by the newspapers and his boss would like for him to stop killing these criminals… “Just try not to kill anyone.” For a while, until the investigation into the Special Crimes Department dies down…or they might assign another head to this Special Crimes Department, and would Silas like having another above him and his men?
Quinn’s attitude is that of the Clint Eastwood character in the film ‘The Enforcer’ and Quinn on his defense says this “the decision to shoot or not to shoot; one cannot afford to think about it for too long. It’s a split-second decision… and my primary concern, always, is to minimize the danger to the public. Inevitably that requires me to close down the criminal’s opportunity for violence.”
He means kill or be killed and Silas Quinn would like to remain alive for as long as possible; as he is dubbed ‘Quick-fire’ by the newspapers and his boss would like for him to stop killing these criminals… “Just try not to kill anyone.” For a while, until the investigation into the Special Crimes Department dies down…or they might assign another head to this Special Crimes Department, and would Silas like having another above him and his men?
July 16, 2013
Not a bad book. I think it showed a great deal of the kind of attitude there was in the early 20th Century towards homosexuality and in many ways probably still is with quite a few in the population. The levels that the Detective Quinn would go to in order to understand the killer he's going after surprised me a bit; they seemed to even go a ways beyond what a character such as Sherlock Holmes would have done.
All in all the book was pretty good and I'll give the author a great deal of credit for creating his characters with many layers of personality; they each had their good and bad qualities to them and they didn't seem to be paper-thin like you sometimes find in books. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses and the main character- Quinn wrestled with his quite a bit throughout the book.
All in all the book was pretty good and I'll give the author a great deal of credit for creating his characters with many layers of personality; they each had their good and bad qualities to them and they didn't seem to be paper-thin like you sometimes find in books. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses and the main character- Quinn wrestled with his quite a bit throughout the book.
June 11, 2016
Atmospheric, but ultimately lacking
First, let me say that the psychological tension in the story is very well done. To discuss further would be a spoiler, so I won't elaborate. The sense of place is atmospheric and dramatic, but ultimately feels theatrical, neither historical nor a fully developed imaginary universe. Perhaps that is intentional, having to do with the unreality of madness. There is definitely writing talent and imagination here, but the potential is unrealized because of the nearly nonexistent plot. It is as lacking in narrative and development as a disjointed opium dream. Again, perhaps, this might be intentional to the atmospheric creative experience of the writer, but is unsatisfying for the reader.
First, let me say that the psychological tension in the story is very well done. To discuss further would be a spoiler, so I won't elaborate. The sense of place is atmospheric and dramatic, but ultimately feels theatrical, neither historical nor a fully developed imaginary universe. Perhaps that is intentional, having to do with the unreality of madness. There is definitely writing talent and imagination here, but the potential is unrealized because of the nearly nonexistent plot. It is as lacking in narrative and development as a disjointed opium dream. Again, perhaps, this might be intentional to the atmospheric creative experience of the writer, but is unsatisfying for the reader.
August 3, 2021
I have enjoyed this book; it is one that I read again and again and always finding new nuances from it. It is a strange read; Jack the Ripper like excepts there is not blood found on victims as they are drained of all their blood and it is unsure who the killer is since it could be Silas Quinn but since he is the detective than he can't be the killer or he is and too smart for the likes of I.
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I am still thinking that it is the investigating magistrate who is the killer but how can he be so very cruel and smartly uncapturing?
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I am still thinking that it is the investigating magistrate who is the killer but how can he be so very cruel and smartly uncapturing?
January 26, 2013
It was really difficult to get a handle on the protagonist, Detective Inspector Silas Quinn. Just when I thought I understood him he did or said something that made me change my mind. Questions were raised that were not really answered. I did enjoy the book overall, although I was a little disappointed in the resolution to the mystery. I do plan to read the next book in the series. I may also try the author's other books.
February 15, 2016
A detective investigates when the bloodless body of a young man is discovered.
I found this a gripping (and unusual) read - the characters were fully developed and conflicted (in particular the main detective). The writing and plot were all sharp. The one thing that let the story down was the final few chapters which were simply too convenient (for example the detective suddenly knowing the complete histories of the main suspects).
I found this a gripping (and unusual) read - the characters were fully developed and conflicted (in particular the main detective). The writing and plot were all sharp. The one thing that let the story down was the final few chapters which were simply too convenient (for example the detective suddenly knowing the complete histories of the main suspects).
April 22, 2013
Set just before World War I, but doesn't seem terribly specific to 1914. The tone is somewhat darker than many historical mysteries and it's not quite clear whether we're supposed to see Quinn as a good guy or a just-on-the-edge-of-control vigilante. Still, promising enough that I went ahead and bought the e-book of the 2nd entry in the series instead of waiting for my turn on a library book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews