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Bloodroot
The brilliantly ambitious thriller- frightening, twisted, and filled with secrets and heartbreak-from the author of Fresh Kills .
Kevin Curran wants to unite his family, but he's ready to give up on his younger brother, Danny-three years lost to heroin addiction and hard, desperate living on the streets of New York. When Danny shows up on Kevin's Staten Island doorstep, looking clean, fit, and prosperous, Kevin can't help but be overjoyed that his brother has escaped his past life. But at what price? Not even Kevin's worst nightmares could have prepared him for the horrors he'll discover about his brother's dark history.
After a brief reunion, Danny offers Kevin a role in an underworld plot revolving around the Bloodroot Children's Hospital, an abandoned juvenile asylum with a nefarious past. Hoping to rescue Danny from his criminal life after years ago failing to save him from his addiction, Kevin accepts.
While Danny's plan unfolds, Kevin is drawn into a world of murder, Mafia hit men and dangerous espionage. The halls of Bloodroot reveal one horrifying secret after another: about the building's history, about Danny's life of addiction and crime, and about the true roots of the Curran family. At the end of the maze of monsters, the brothers make a discovery so horrific it may force them to destroy each other.
Kevin Curran wants to unite his family, but he's ready to give up on his younger brother, Danny-three years lost to heroin addiction and hard, desperate living on the streets of New York. When Danny shows up on Kevin's Staten Island doorstep, looking clean, fit, and prosperous, Kevin can't help but be overjoyed that his brother has escaped his past life. But at what price? Not even Kevin's worst nightmares could have prepared him for the horrors he'll discover about his brother's dark history.
After a brief reunion, Danny offers Kevin a role in an underworld plot revolving around the Bloodroot Children's Hospital, an abandoned juvenile asylum with a nefarious past. Hoping to rescue Danny from his criminal life after years ago failing to save him from his addiction, Kevin accepts.
While Danny's plan unfolds, Kevin is drawn into a world of murder, Mafia hit men and dangerous espionage. The halls of Bloodroot reveal one horrifying secret after another: about the building's history, about Danny's life of addiction and crime, and about the true roots of the Curran family. At the end of the maze of monsters, the brothers make a discovery so horrific it may force them to destroy each other.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2009
5 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Bill Loehfelm
18 books101 followersPraise for the Maureen Coughlin series:
“Not only has Loehfelm created the most compelling, complex patrol cop in the genre—part take-no-prisoners badass, part too-sensitive-for-the street rookie—he has also re-energized New Orleans as a setting for the best in crime fiction, going well beyond the clichés … —edgy, dangerous, but pulsing with life. Maureen Coughlin is as good as it gets.” - BOOKLIST
“After being warned about falling in love with the power of the job, [Maureen Coughlin] finds herself wrestling with ethical issues that fictional cops, especially fictional female ones, rarely talk about, leaving that stuff to real-life cops--and smart guys like Bill Loehfelm.” —The New York Times.
"Our heroine has both a strong will and a finely tuned moral compass… Loehfelm has created a wonderfully flawed heroine in Coughlin… [Loehfelm’s] love for New Orleans is evident in his descriptions, from the greasy spoon the cops favor for gumbo to the rollicking frat bars of the French Quarter. Dialogue doesn't get much snappier, and the complicated plot ... is deftly handled. This series just keeps getting better." —Kirkus
Bill is the author of seven novels, most recently, THE DEVIL'S MUSE, the new Maureen Coughlin novel, from Sarah Crichton Books/FSG.
Bill's other novels are the stand-alone thrillers, FRESH KILLS (2008), and BLOODROOT (2009).
Loehfelm lives in New Orleans with his wife, the writer AC Lambeth, where in addition to writing he plays drums in a band and practices yoga, both with mixed results.
“Not only has Loehfelm created the most compelling, complex patrol cop in the genre—part take-no-prisoners badass, part too-sensitive-for-the street rookie—he has also re-energized New Orleans as a setting for the best in crime fiction, going well beyond the clichés … —edgy, dangerous, but pulsing with life. Maureen Coughlin is as good as it gets.” - BOOKLIST
“After being warned about falling in love with the power of the job, [Maureen Coughlin] finds herself wrestling with ethical issues that fictional cops, especially fictional female ones, rarely talk about, leaving that stuff to real-life cops--and smart guys like Bill Loehfelm.” —The New York Times.
"Our heroine has both a strong will and a finely tuned moral compass… Loehfelm has created a wonderfully flawed heroine in Coughlin… [Loehfelm’s] love for New Orleans is evident in his descriptions, from the greasy spoon the cops favor for gumbo to the rollicking frat bars of the French Quarter. Dialogue doesn't get much snappier, and the complicated plot ... is deftly handled. This series just keeps getting better." —Kirkus
Bill is the author of seven novels, most recently, THE DEVIL'S MUSE, the new Maureen Coughlin novel, from Sarah Crichton Books/FSG.
Bill's other novels are the stand-alone thrillers, FRESH KILLS (2008), and BLOODROOT (2009).
Loehfelm lives in New Orleans with his wife, the writer AC Lambeth, where in addition to writing he plays drums in a band and practices yoga, both with mixed results.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 8, 2023
I did nit like this in the least, the main character kevin, seems to be an utter moron. So blinded by a familial bond of is previously drug addled brother danny, that he allowed him to drag him into illegal activities.
Danny manipulated him so easily, its as if kevin was under a spell, he could not refuse danny anything for the sake of saving danny, yet he did nothing to actually save him from himself.
Its been a while i actually hated a xharacter so much. The entire book for me at least made no sense whatsoever. I only pushed through it with the hope of kevin losing all his limbs, my hopes were dashed. And please don't say this book reflected brotherly devotion, the only thing it reflected was a poorly thought out plot.
It was a waste of time.
Danny manipulated him so easily, its as if kevin was under a spell, he could not refuse danny anything for the sake of saving danny, yet he did nothing to actually save him from himself.
Its been a while i actually hated a xharacter so much. The entire book for me at least made no sense whatsoever. I only pushed through it with the hope of kevin losing all his limbs, my hopes were dashed. And please don't say this book reflected brotherly devotion, the only thing it reflected was a poorly thought out plot.
It was a waste of time.
August 29, 2009
Bloodroot caught my attention immediately, and held it to the end. I really liked the psychological aspects of the story, how decisions that might seem wrong on a typical day may not seem wrong at all in the context of what is most important.
My only negative critique of this story is of the character of the protagonist, Kevin. Particulary in the first half of the book, it was hard to connect with him based on some of the decisions he made (or didn't make), like his decisions were forced on him by the story, as opposed to being made by the character. Getting into a car he knew he shouldn't and didn't want to get into, for instance, and a handful of other decisions (or non-decisions), felt a little forced at times, like the character I understood as Kevin wouldn't have done those things. However, by the end of the book it made a bit more sense, and his character felt more natural. I also recognize that Kevin's character develops and changes as a part and function of the story, which also helped overcome my initial feeling.
I highly recommend this book, and really enjoyed it.
My only negative critique of this story is of the character of the protagonist, Kevin. Particulary in the first half of the book, it was hard to connect with him based on some of the decisions he made (or didn't make), like his decisions were forced on him by the story, as opposed to being made by the character. Getting into a car he knew he shouldn't and didn't want to get into, for instance, and a handful of other decisions (or non-decisions), felt a little forced at times, like the character I understood as Kevin wouldn't have done those things. However, by the end of the book it made a bit more sense, and his character felt more natural. I also recognize that Kevin's character develops and changes as a part and function of the story, which also helped overcome my initial feeling.
I highly recommend this book, and really enjoyed it.
October 17, 2011
There wasn't really anything wrong with this book, my rating may be misleading. I just can't get into thrillers. I tried, but I can't get into the characters, I don't like immersing myself in the dark gritty worlds these authors portray. This book had good writing and the plot moved along nicely, I just felt bad the entire time reading it. Kind of like the feeling you get one day after puking your guts out. You don't feel necessarily sick, but you definitely don't want to eat. Your body feels like your blood has turned to pudding and your tongue feels wooden and fuzzy. That's the feeling books like this leave me with. I think I'm done trying to embrace them.
If you DO like dark thrillers, then have at it! You might really like this one.
If you DO like dark thrillers, then have at it! You might really like this one.
November 17, 2009
I had real problems with the narrator of this book whose devotion to his destructive younger brother strains all crediblity. The plot is melodramatic and also contains elements that complete shatter the willing suspension of disbelief necessary for this reader to enjoy a book.
July 28, 2021
Sometimes one gets the feeling that an author's second effort, after a successful debut, may in reality come first. Certainly that was the case with "The Hunt for Red October". Not so certain is the case here, but it is a thought.
Preceding the Maureen Coughlin series, Mr. Loehfelm gave us two well-done books. This was the second published and it is satisfying, if maybe not quite as polished as his first or the later books. In any event the geography jibes with Loehfelm's personal travels. As is his approach, the protagonist is a bit overwrought and a bit wishy-washy, but we know he will come through. It is, after all, his job. Riding along during his trials is our pleasure.
Recommended
Preceding the Maureen Coughlin series, Mr. Loehfelm gave us two well-done books. This was the second published and it is satisfying, if maybe not quite as polished as his first or the later books. In any event the geography jibes with Loehfelm's personal travels. As is his approach, the protagonist is a bit overwrought and a bit wishy-washy, but we know he will come through. It is, after all, his job. Riding along during his trials is our pleasure.
Recommended
November 26, 2010
First thing I have to say is that the book really didn't come across to me as the thriller that the book's blurb promised. For that matter, I also expected the nightmarish institution of Bloodroot to come more into play than it did. Second thing is that there's spoilers in this review, but I'm listing them at the bottom.
The book's main character is, for lack of a better description, a somewhat whiny and washed up professor (Kevin) who spends most of his nights barely existing. He's not happy in his job but does nothing about it. He desires a beautiful coworker but is too afraid to pursue her. He broods over how he could have done more to save his junkie brother Danny but fails to see that there really wasn't much more he could have done. It's not until his suddenly clean brother returns that his life begins to change & Kevin finds himself entangled in much more than he should be when he agrees to help his brother with his new line of "work".
To be honest, I didn't really like the character of Kevin. He was a bit drab & I found him to be a bit whiny. The whiny part I can deal with because it really emphasized how much of a rut he was in. I did enjoy the character of Danny for the most part & I really wished that the book had followed him more so I could become more familiar with his overall character. I also wish that the titular Bloodroot had been further explored & explained. We're told that all of these horrible things happened in it, but for something that's affected so many & is such a drive for Danny & others' motivations it is woefully underdone. There's also another thing- the whole "truth about Danny" thing. It's never resolved & I found that a little irritating. Like another reviewer said, there's just too many coincidences in this book- Danny's past, his sudden appearance in his brother's life after so long a time... Heck, I also wondered where Danny got the education in advanced computers & hacking. The last time his brother had seen him he'd been a junkie & that was 3 years before he reappears. It would have been nice learning a little bit more about what Danny had been doing in that time & where he'd learned all of these things.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible read. I just really wasn't as in love with it as I'd hoped I would be. The ending was fine enough, although I agree with others when I say that it was a teensy bit disappointing. This would make for a great beach read or for something to casually read. It's just not really the "edge of your seat thriller" that I thought it was going to be. Still, it's not bad. I did enjoy it for the most part, but it's not something I would recommend people running out & buying straight away.
----
I'm posting this here because this part concerns spoilers for the plot. So yeah, spoilers follow & all that good stuff. This includes end spoilers.
So why does Kevin's parents deny the whole thing with Danny? What purpose does that really serve? There's sort of a resolution but it's not nearly as good as I'd hoped it would be.
The whole thing with Whitefield also bugged me. It just sort of jumped out of left field. One moment he's just a jerky boss who is trying to open up Bloodroot as a museum, the next he's turning into a bad guy. There just wasn't enough of a buildup for that & that was the main reason I couldn't really enjoy the ending as much as I'd like to. Heck, the whole "Danny being from Bloodroot" thing could have been tossed out, to be honest. There was already a reason to have Bloodroot as part of the setting & with Danny being a junkie it would make sense for him to have crept in there to do drugs. There was even a reason for Danny to kill Whitefield- he was a predator & Danny didn't want anyone feeling used or going through a bad childhood. Heck, the book could have cut out the mob influence in the book & had Danny stalking Whitefield because he was the doc that was tormenting him while he was in Bloodroot. It'd be an old horror/thriller cliche, but it would've had more punch than the ending in the book.
There just wasn't a really big feeling of resolution to this book. I enjoyed it & all, but it's not really enough to inspire me to pick up the guy's next book straight away. (Maybe when it gets to paperback, but not when it's just released.)
(this part came a week or so after the original review) I finally realized what really bugged me about Kevin. It's that he never really has to work for anything until maybe the very end & he never really changes his personality. Everyone is always throwing things his way- Danny drags Kevin out each time he shows up. Kevin's gal pal is the first one who made the move: despite going out for a meal with her, Kevin wasn't going to make a move on her. Heck, in the end of the book he can't even make the decision to at least attempt to save his own life- his girlfriend has to go into the building & drag his butt out of there. Otherwise he'd have just laid down & died.
I think that's why I liked Danny so much more. Despite being a junkie, Danny still made moves to better himself. Ok, so I don't see how he was able to get into the computers so quickly (and the book doesn't mention him being in computers before that part), but he carved out his own existence. It would have been nice if the author had made more of the comparison between the two brothers- that Danny was wasting away because he was a junkie, but Kevin was wasting away because he lacked the courage to make any real choices or decisions in his life.
The book's main character is, for lack of a better description, a somewhat whiny and washed up professor (Kevin) who spends most of his nights barely existing. He's not happy in his job but does nothing about it. He desires a beautiful coworker but is too afraid to pursue her. He broods over how he could have done more to save his junkie brother Danny but fails to see that there really wasn't much more he could have done. It's not until his suddenly clean brother returns that his life begins to change & Kevin finds himself entangled in much more than he should be when he agrees to help his brother with his new line of "work".
To be honest, I didn't really like the character of Kevin. He was a bit drab & I found him to be a bit whiny. The whiny part I can deal with because it really emphasized how much of a rut he was in. I did enjoy the character of Danny for the most part & I really wished that the book had followed him more so I could become more familiar with his overall character. I also wish that the titular Bloodroot had been further explored & explained. We're told that all of these horrible things happened in it, but for something that's affected so many & is such a drive for Danny & others' motivations it is woefully underdone. There's also another thing- the whole "truth about Danny" thing. It's never resolved & I found that a little irritating. Like another reviewer said, there's just too many coincidences in this book- Danny's past, his sudden appearance in his brother's life after so long a time... Heck, I also wondered where Danny got the education in advanced computers & hacking. The last time his brother had seen him he'd been a junkie & that was 3 years before he reappears. It would have been nice learning a little bit more about what Danny had been doing in that time & where he'd learned all of these things.
Overall, this wasn't a terrible read. I just really wasn't as in love with it as I'd hoped I would be. The ending was fine enough, although I agree with others when I say that it was a teensy bit disappointing. This would make for a great beach read or for something to casually read. It's just not really the "edge of your seat thriller" that I thought it was going to be. Still, it's not bad. I did enjoy it for the most part, but it's not something I would recommend people running out & buying straight away.
----
I'm posting this here because this part concerns spoilers for the plot. So yeah, spoilers follow & all that good stuff. This includes end spoilers.
So why does Kevin's parents deny the whole thing with Danny? What purpose does that really serve? There's sort of a resolution but it's not nearly as good as I'd hoped it would be.
The whole thing with Whitefield also bugged me. It just sort of jumped out of left field. One moment he's just a jerky boss who is trying to open up Bloodroot as a museum, the next he's turning into a bad guy. There just wasn't enough of a buildup for that & that was the main reason I couldn't really enjoy the ending as much as I'd like to. Heck, the whole "Danny being from Bloodroot" thing could have been tossed out, to be honest. There was already a reason to have Bloodroot as part of the setting & with Danny being a junkie it would make sense for him to have crept in there to do drugs. There was even a reason for Danny to kill Whitefield- he was a predator & Danny didn't want anyone feeling used or going through a bad childhood. Heck, the book could have cut out the mob influence in the book & had Danny stalking Whitefield because he was the doc that was tormenting him while he was in Bloodroot. It'd be an old horror/thriller cliche, but it would've had more punch than the ending in the book.
There just wasn't a really big feeling of resolution to this book. I enjoyed it & all, but it's not really enough to inspire me to pick up the guy's next book straight away. (Maybe when it gets to paperback, but not when it's just released.)
(this part came a week or so after the original review) I finally realized what really bugged me about Kevin. It's that he never really has to work for anything until maybe the very end & he never really changes his personality. Everyone is always throwing things his way- Danny drags Kevin out each time he shows up. Kevin's gal pal is the first one who made the move: despite going out for a meal with her, Kevin wasn't going to make a move on her. Heck, in the end of the book he can't even make the decision to at least attempt to save his own life- his girlfriend has to go into the building & drag his butt out of there. Otherwise he'd have just laid down & died.
I think that's why I liked Danny so much more. Despite being a junkie, Danny still made moves to better himself. Ok, so I don't see how he was able to get into the computers so quickly (and the book doesn't mention him being in computers before that part), but he carved out his own existence. It would have been nice if the author had made more of the comparison between the two brothers- that Danny was wasting away because he was a junkie, but Kevin was wasting away because he lacked the courage to make any real choices or decisions in his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
Unlogisch.
January 9, 2018
Bill Loehfelm may have been best-known so far as a contributor to a book of reporting and one of fiction from post-Katrina New Orleans, and his debut novel Fresh Kills won the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for 2008. Bloodroot uses the same Staten Island location of Kills, Loehfelm's hometown.
Kevin Curran is a history instructor at a Staten Island college more or less stuck in a rut in life. His mother's developing Alzheimer's and his own growing professional burnout don't make anything easier. One day, he reunites with his brother Danny, a heroin user who had dropped out of sight several years earlier. Now clean, Danny would like to try to make amends with Kevin and their parents. But Kevin learns that "clean" doesn't necessarily mean Danny is living his life on the right side of the law, and is drawn into his brother's borderline activities, as well as several that cross that border.
Looming around the caper into which Danny enlists Kevin is the abandoned Bloodroot Children's Hospital, loosely based on the Willowbrook State School closed by authorities in 1987. Bloodroot is choppy and unfocused, kind of like listening to a song you like on a car radio at the edge of a station's range, when the signal "picket fences," or drops in and out very quickly. Kevin is alternately paralyzingly wistful, stupidly macho, street-savvy or clueless, depending on what the situation calls for. Other characters yo-yo similarly and don't maintain distinct personae long enough to establish themselves, and the ending relies on a series of coincidences that thrust minor characters into suddenly major roles with little or no warning or buildup. Maybe Bloodroot suffers from a sophomore slump, but it's definitely a step down from Fresh Kills.
Original available here.
Kevin Curran is a history instructor at a Staten Island college more or less stuck in a rut in life. His mother's developing Alzheimer's and his own growing professional burnout don't make anything easier. One day, he reunites with his brother Danny, a heroin user who had dropped out of sight several years earlier. Now clean, Danny would like to try to make amends with Kevin and their parents. But Kevin learns that "clean" doesn't necessarily mean Danny is living his life on the right side of the law, and is drawn into his brother's borderline activities, as well as several that cross that border.
Looming around the caper into which Danny enlists Kevin is the abandoned Bloodroot Children's Hospital, loosely based on the Willowbrook State School closed by authorities in 1987. Bloodroot is choppy and unfocused, kind of like listening to a song you like on a car radio at the edge of a station's range, when the signal "picket fences," or drops in and out very quickly. Kevin is alternately paralyzingly wistful, stupidly macho, street-savvy or clueless, depending on what the situation calls for. Other characters yo-yo similarly and don't maintain distinct personae long enough to establish themselves, and the ending relies on a series of coincidences that thrust minor characters into suddenly major roles with little or no warning or buildup. Maybe Bloodroot suffers from a sophomore slump, but it's definitely a step down from Fresh Kills.
Original available here.
August 1, 2009
Couldn't Put it Down - a book review
I just adopted a puppy, so my reading time has been significantly less (read: none). However, Bloodroot really got me back in the fold and I could not stop reading it. For those of you who know how time consuming a puppy is this should mean a lot.
Bloodroot examines the idea of brotherhood and what people would go through in order to save those closest to us. Bloodroot follows Kevin who has recently come back in contact with his recovering heroin addicted brother, Danny. All seems well until Kevin gets involved in some of Danny's "business ventures" which begin to unravel the past to the harrowing end. How far will Kevin go to help his brother and his family? Does he have it in him to do what is necessary, no matter how right or how wrong it seems to him?
Bill Loehfelm has crafted a magnificent tale of family and brotherhood, with darkness around every corner. The plot may seem to some to move slowly at times, but in these moments are the most significant in terms of character development and personal insight. Following Kevin and Danny is a journey into the heart of family values, brotherhood, and sacrifice with stops in the darkest corners of their souls. The way Loehfelm unravels these characters is nothing short of perfect, weaving a tale that is impossible to resist.
If you liked Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley then you will most certainly enjoy Bloodroot.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog for More Reviews and Commentary
I just adopted a puppy, so my reading time has been significantly less (read: none). However, Bloodroot really got me back in the fold and I could not stop reading it. For those of you who know how time consuming a puppy is this should mean a lot.
Bloodroot examines the idea of brotherhood and what people would go through in order to save those closest to us. Bloodroot follows Kevin who has recently come back in contact with his recovering heroin addicted brother, Danny. All seems well until Kevin gets involved in some of Danny's "business ventures" which begin to unravel the past to the harrowing end. How far will Kevin go to help his brother and his family? Does he have it in him to do what is necessary, no matter how right or how wrong it seems to him?
Bill Loehfelm has crafted a magnificent tale of family and brotherhood, with darkness around every corner. The plot may seem to some to move slowly at times, but in these moments are the most significant in terms of character development and personal insight. Following Kevin and Danny is a journey into the heart of family values, brotherhood, and sacrifice with stops in the darkest corners of their souls. The way Loehfelm unravels these characters is nothing short of perfect, weaving a tale that is impossible to resist.
If you liked Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley then you will most certainly enjoy Bloodroot.
Good reading,
Plants and Books
Visit My Blog for More Reviews and Commentary
September 14, 2009
Okie so lately I’d been reading thrillers and mysteries but this one is by far my favorite, it has all of the elements a good thriller needs to have. A good storyline, unforgettable characters, and last but not least some romance. The storyline was very interesting, throughout the entire novel, I could see why certain things were written a specific way. I also enjoyed a quote Danny said while speaking to his brother Kevin on page 66, “He murders because he’s afraid of the future, of worlds and people he’ll never understand and never be a part of. We call them terrorist because they cause terror but it oughta be because that’s all they feel”. That quote literally game me chills, because I feel the same way concerning terrorist. Moving on to characters, we have Kevin, the “scardy cat” a teacher who lost the fun of it all and lives a boring life, Danny, the ex drug user who comes back clean and sober without much explanation, and last but not least Kelsey, the strong female character who gets Kevin out of his shell. The characters were totally unforgettable. My favorite was definitely Danny. He was a tough kid who’s determined to turn his life back around regardless of the consequences. Ah now it gets good, the love. Okie I’m a sucker for some good loving in a book, I was rooting for those two since day one. The romance didn’t interfere with the main point of the book, which I found so refreshing. It didn’t consume every page but there was enough in there that made me very happy. Bill is also the author of Fresh Kills, which I noticed was mentioned briefly in this novel. I can not wait to read the Fresh Kills!
November 22, 2023
For the life of me, I will never understand why Bill Loehfelm isn’t a bigger name in crime fiction.
I first came across his Staten Island trilogy by accident, having seen The Devil She Knows on some random list or another. There aren’t many crime novels set on the Island so I figured I’d try it. It was one of my favorite reads of the year. I didn’t know at the time that it was his third Staten Island-set book featuring characters that were loosely connected a la Pelecanos. It’s not a series you read in order.
Loehfelm took the protagonist of that one and created her own series, moving her to New Orleans and making her a cop. The first book was fine, good enough, if not as exciting as its prequel. But when I discovered he had written two other Staten Island novels prior to that series, I had to go back and read them.
Fresh Kills was good, a bumpy ride but a quality debut effort. Bloodroot, the follow up is excellent. A real moving tale of family, mental health, Staten Island history. It’s suspenseful in its own right but it never loses sight of the central relationship between Kevin and Danny, two brothers from this random spit of land tied together by forces they cannot possibly see or understand.
I loved everything about it except for the relationship angle (clunky and contrived) and the end (rushed and predictable). But I didn’t dislike these things enough to dock them a star. Loehfelm’s great and while I will continue with the Maureen Coughlin series, I hope he returns to his native Staten Island some day.
I first came across his Staten Island trilogy by accident, having seen The Devil She Knows on some random list or another. There aren’t many crime novels set on the Island so I figured I’d try it. It was one of my favorite reads of the year. I didn’t know at the time that it was his third Staten Island-set book featuring characters that were loosely connected a la Pelecanos. It’s not a series you read in order.
Loehfelm took the protagonist of that one and created her own series, moving her to New Orleans and making her a cop. The first book was fine, good enough, if not as exciting as its prequel. But when I discovered he had written two other Staten Island novels prior to that series, I had to go back and read them.
Fresh Kills was good, a bumpy ride but a quality debut effort. Bloodroot, the follow up is excellent. A real moving tale of family, mental health, Staten Island history. It’s suspenseful in its own right but it never loses sight of the central relationship between Kevin and Danny, two brothers from this random spit of land tied together by forces they cannot possibly see or understand.
I loved everything about it except for the relationship angle (clunky and contrived) and the end (rushed and predictable). But I didn’t dislike these things enough to dock them a star. Loehfelm’s great and while I will continue with the Maureen Coughlin series, I hope he returns to his native Staten Island some day.
June 18, 2011
Between 3 and 4 stars, worthy of rounding up to 4 stars.
This is less thriller-ish and more emotionally gripping than the cover might indicate. Bloodroot is the story of two Staten Island brothers and their troubled relationship. Yes, there is a heavy crime and suspense angle but it was the relationship between Kevin and Danny that drew me in and sustained the story. Kevin’s constant rescuing of Danny does get a bit tiresome after awhile. I found myself wanting the guy to cut his losses and be done already but this dynamic is necessary to the plot.
Many reviewers complained that Kevin is a hard guy to like because he is basically in a rut, washed up, and completely unable to move forward in his life (see e.g a total loser). And while this is all true, it makes sense in the context of the brothers’ relationship. He constantly has to be there, always in the same place, if/when Danny comes back.
If there’s a negative it’s that I had a hard time accepting that Kevin would go along the things he goes along with in Danny’s most recent appearance. But he loves his brother more than anything, more than himself even, so I suppose it makes sense. It was just hard to see him go from point a to b given what this entailed.
The Bloodroot hospital angle is creepy and brilliantly portrayed and I enjoyed the writing throughout. The relationship with their parents is also well-done. Overall a really engaging read. Glad I picked this one up!
This is less thriller-ish and more emotionally gripping than the cover might indicate. Bloodroot is the story of two Staten Island brothers and their troubled relationship. Yes, there is a heavy crime and suspense angle but it was the relationship between Kevin and Danny that drew me in and sustained the story. Kevin’s constant rescuing of Danny does get a bit tiresome after awhile. I found myself wanting the guy to cut his losses and be done already but this dynamic is necessary to the plot.
Many reviewers complained that Kevin is a hard guy to like because he is basically in a rut, washed up, and completely unable to move forward in his life (see e.g a total loser). And while this is all true, it makes sense in the context of the brothers’ relationship. He constantly has to be there, always in the same place, if/when Danny comes back.
If there’s a negative it’s that I had a hard time accepting that Kevin would go along the things he goes along with in Danny’s most recent appearance. But he loves his brother more than anything, more than himself even, so I suppose it makes sense. It was just hard to see him go from point a to b given what this entailed.
The Bloodroot hospital angle is creepy and brilliantly portrayed and I enjoyed the writing throughout. The relationship with their parents is also well-done. Overall a really engaging read. Glad I picked this one up!
September 1, 2009
"I taste like the dreams of mad children," the quote an eerie preface to Leohfelm's Bloodroot. And as one reads the thriller, Leohfelm is able to evoke exactly what the dreams might taste like.
Kevin Curran, the novel's protagonist, seems only to have one occupation, that of saving his junkie younger brother Danny from himself. It is made apparent that Kevin will do anything to accomplish this, including burning bodies in the New York City dump, compromising his job as a professor at a local college and losing the woman for which he has fallen head over heals. This book brims with suspense. However, the suspense is not relegated to that of the typical thriller. Yes, the reader, as he/she turns the pages, is lead on a wild goose chase through the intricacies of the Mafia’s dirty dealings in NYC and its connections to a vacant asylum for children with a horrifying history. However, the reader is left to wonder if a family, haunted by its past and present, can reconcile its history and become one again. Filled with love of parents, children and siblings, as well as Kevin’s burgeoning love for one of his colleagues, the novel addresses the issues of loyalty and trust. It’s a compelling story that is impossible to put down. With each page, one wonders if blood really is thicker than water, even if that blood does not run in the family.
Kevin Curran, the novel's protagonist, seems only to have one occupation, that of saving his junkie younger brother Danny from himself. It is made apparent that Kevin will do anything to accomplish this, including burning bodies in the New York City dump, compromising his job as a professor at a local college and losing the woman for which he has fallen head over heals. This book brims with suspense. However, the suspense is not relegated to that of the typical thriller. Yes, the reader, as he/she turns the pages, is lead on a wild goose chase through the intricacies of the Mafia’s dirty dealings in NYC and its connections to a vacant asylum for children with a horrifying history. However, the reader is left to wonder if a family, haunted by its past and present, can reconcile its history and become one again. Filled with love of parents, children and siblings, as well as Kevin’s burgeoning love for one of his colleagues, the novel addresses the issues of loyalty and trust. It’s a compelling story that is impossible to put down. With each page, one wonders if blood really is thicker than water, even if that blood does not run in the family.
October 31, 2011
Kevin Curran, the protagonist, is a community college professor living and working in Staten Island in the Tri-state area. He leads a pretty inconsequential life until his long lost brother, Danny, shows up at his doorsteps one day after three years of complete absence. Danny convinces Kevin that he finally kicked his heroin habit and that he is here to stay this time. Being the forever forgiving big brother that he's always been, Kevin agrees to give Danny another chance. What follows is a series of events so disturbing and so twisted that they eventually pit Kevin against Danny in this thriller by Bill Loehfelm.
The book is definitely fast-paced and as close to a page-turner as they get. Surprisingly, the only character I felt for was Kevin's dad. He was the most "believable" character in the whole book. Having said that, if you're looking for an entertaining thriller to read on the beach, this book is great. It has mafia, family secrets, betrayal, disturbing images of tortured children, and of course, a bit of romance. You really can't go wrong with that.
If you're looking for well-developed, fleshed-out and complicated (sympathetic or otherwise) characters, you might want to look elsewhere.
I enjoyed this book nevertheless. It made for a quick, entertaining read.
The book is definitely fast-paced and as close to a page-turner as they get. Surprisingly, the only character I felt for was Kevin's dad. He was the most "believable" character in the whole book. Having said that, if you're looking for an entertaining thriller to read on the beach, this book is great. It has mafia, family secrets, betrayal, disturbing images of tortured children, and of course, a bit of romance. You really can't go wrong with that.
If you're looking for well-developed, fleshed-out and complicated (sympathetic or otherwise) characters, you might want to look elsewhere.
I enjoyed this book nevertheless. It made for a quick, entertaining read.
September 1, 2009
Captivating tale from beginning to end.
Once again I find myself wishing for ½ stars in Goodreads rating options because I would love to give this book a 4 ½ stars.
How far would you go for family? Would actions that today seem outside your capabilities become possible to save a loved one? These are some of the questions that Kevin faces head on in this very gripping psychological thriller. Kevin struggles with survivors guilt over “losing” his brother to drug-addiction. When Danny resurfaces years later clean, sober and asking for help, Kevin feels he is given a second chance with his brother.
I was pulled in by the author’s uncanny insight into a family dealing with drug addiction, from both brothers feeling guilt at failing a sibling (for very different reasons) to the father protecting his wife from their son’s heart-breaking actions. It was that insight that made it easier to me to go along with Kevin’s continuously self-destructive decisions. As you get deeper and deeper into the story, it snowballs and the many storylines seamlessly converge at the end – in a direction that I didn’t totally see coming.
I couldn’t put it down.
Once again I find myself wishing for ½ stars in Goodreads rating options because I would love to give this book a 4 ½ stars.
How far would you go for family? Would actions that today seem outside your capabilities become possible to save a loved one? These are some of the questions that Kevin faces head on in this very gripping psychological thriller. Kevin struggles with survivors guilt over “losing” his brother to drug-addiction. When Danny resurfaces years later clean, sober and asking for help, Kevin feels he is given a second chance with his brother.
I was pulled in by the author’s uncanny insight into a family dealing with drug addiction, from both brothers feeling guilt at failing a sibling (for very different reasons) to the father protecting his wife from their son’s heart-breaking actions. It was that insight that made it easier to me to go along with Kevin’s continuously self-destructive decisions. As you get deeper and deeper into the story, it snowballs and the many storylines seamlessly converge at the end – in a direction that I didn’t totally see coming.
I couldn’t put it down.
September 9, 2009
Bloodroot is the story of two brothers - one Kevin, a teacher and the other, Danny, an on and off heroin addict. The basic storyline centers around just how far you would go to protect and hold your family together. Kevin finds himself doing things he never would've htought himself capable of to try and protect his brother.
I thought the opening of the book was written beautifully - where Kevin is talking about how wehn he and his brother were younger and Danny told him he could stop his own heart...it just got me interested in the story right away, but after anohter chapter or two I wasn't as impressed. It wasn't that the beginning was bad, it was just a little slow - a little hard to get into. I did find myself staying up til about midnight to finish it last night though, so it definitely picked up at the end.
I wouldn't call this book a thriller - i never felt very nervous for the characters or that they were in too much danger, but it does have a good story line that keeps the book moving.
I thought the opening of the book was written beautifully - where Kevin is talking about how wehn he and his brother were younger and Danny told him he could stop his own heart...it just got me interested in the story right away, but after anohter chapter or two I wasn't as impressed. It wasn't that the beginning was bad, it was just a little slow - a little hard to get into. I did find myself staying up til about midnight to finish it last night though, so it definitely picked up at the end.
I wouldn't call this book a thriller - i never felt very nervous for the characters or that they were in too much danger, but it does have a good story line that keeps the book moving.
October 26, 2009
I will preface this with the fact that my one boss is the author's brother but, that being said, this was a very good book. Much, much better, in my humble opinion, then his first book: Fresh Kills (i.e. I didn't feel the need to kill the main character with my bare hands in this one). This book keeps you interested with interesting characters and plot. It's told from one brother's perspective but I think that if told from the other brother's, it would have been even better. While I have no doubt that I will read all of his books (gotta make sure I get good reviews at work...lol), I definately see Mr. Loehfelm's story storytelling abilities improving as he continues to write. Keep up the good work!
September 1, 2014
I picked this novel up because it was recommended by another author I enjoy-John Sandford.
This book is mainly about two brothers and their complicated relationship. One is a bored college teacher who feels guilty that he did not protect his brother from drugs. As the story develops, you realize that their are many "dirty" secrets in the town this takes place in. How far would you go for a "blood" relative who needs you? Lies and deception? Vigilante justice?
There are some very poignant parts to this thriller novel----how couples get together and may stay together, how Alzheimer's affects the person with the diagnosis and the caregiver too, along with the damage drug use brings not to just the users but their relationships and communities. A great read!
This book is mainly about two brothers and their complicated relationship. One is a bored college teacher who feels guilty that he did not protect his brother from drugs. As the story develops, you realize that their are many "dirty" secrets in the town this takes place in. How far would you go for a "blood" relative who needs you? Lies and deception? Vigilante justice?
There are some very poignant parts to this thriller novel----how couples get together and may stay together, how Alzheimer's affects the person with the diagnosis and the caregiver too, along with the damage drug use brings not to just the users but their relationships and communities. A great read!
November 25, 2009
A First Read winner for me me me!!! I am so excited . . . keep checking for my review. Anxiously awaiting the book. :)
Just started reading. I like the author's style and description so far, but I'm having a trouble connecting to the characters. What seems cliched so far will hopefully become more engaging. . .
I honestly couldn't finish it. I tried. Got almost halfway through, but just didn't feel connected to the characters at all. I felt like trying to tell the story through the brother's point of view when it focused so much more on HIS brother made me feel separated from the real heart of the tale.
Just started reading. I like the author's style and description so far, but I'm having a trouble connecting to the characters. What seems cliched so far will hopefully become more engaging. . .
I honestly couldn't finish it. I tried. Got almost halfway through, but just didn't feel connected to the characters at all. I felt like trying to tell the story through the brother's point of view when it focused so much more on HIS brother made me feel separated from the real heart of the tale.
August 26, 2009
This book is based on two brothers, one a former heroin addict and the other a teacher. The main theme of the novel is how far would you go to protect a member in your family, even if it is illegal. To me the story was kind of slow at the start then gradually picked up momentum. I did not like some of the curse words in the novel though it was needed in showing a particular character's personality. I would recommend anyone to read this book,it is a good story.
April 30, 2010
The story was actually pretty good. However, the editing team really screwed up this one. I believe that phrases like "I could care less" should read-"I couldn't care less". This is a mistake that is repeated many times throughout the novel. The flow of the story was disrupted by this for me. It drove me nuts and weighed heavily toward swaying my opinion of with the book. This author is notable for delving into the lives of this family and their deep, dark secrets.
May 21, 2015
2.5 stars
There are too many sketchy and unbelievable elements in this book, starting with the brother Danny. How did he get so educated while he was a junkie on the streets? So we're not to believe that he gets back on heroin at the end?
The ending is cute and clever but also not believable.
I did read it to the end. As many have said, Kevin is a lackluster character. I pushed through and can't wait to start another book.
There are too many sketchy and unbelievable elements in this book, starting with the brother Danny. How did he get so educated while he was a junkie on the streets? So we're not to believe that he gets back on heroin at the end?
The ending is cute and clever but also not believable.
I did read it to the end. As many have said, Kevin is a lackluster character. I pushed through and can't wait to start another book.
August 15, 2011
I'm always excited when I win a book. Can't wait to receive it.
I was disappointed in this book. The writing just didn't have depth. I felt as if I was skimming the surface of the plot. Because of this, I just couldn't get emotionally connected to the characters. The main character was depressing. The plot was depressing. Unfortunately this wasn't a "GoodRead".
I was disappointed in this book. The writing just didn't have depth. I felt as if I was skimming the surface of the plot. Because of this, I just couldn't get emotionally connected to the characters. The main character was depressing. The plot was depressing. Unfortunately this wasn't a "GoodRead".
Read
December 10, 2009Ever have one of those days when you're completely out of worthwhile reading materials? Barnes & Noble has nothing of interest? The local library? Ditto. So I picked up this book, never having heard of it or its author.
Guess what? In a word, it sucked. Cardboard characters, implausible situations. Put this one on your "don't read" list.
Guess what? In a word, it sucked. Cardboard characters, implausible situations. Put this one on your "don't read" list.
June 23, 2010
I'm a sucker for books where I know the neighborhoods, but I never figured someone could write a book that takes place in Staten Island where I'm riveted. Bloodroot mixes poigancy of sibling love w/brutality of a seedy life and delivers a thrilling page turner w/just enough romance, family bonding and mystery to touch soften your heart for the end-of-the chapter blows.
December 9, 2011
The very twisted tale of Kevin and Danny, two brothers living on Staten Island. Kevin is a teacher at a community college, Danny a recovering drug addict with some very dark secrets and questionable employment. The first chapter, which is a flashback to Danny's drug days, is one of the most harrowing openings to a novel I've read in years. If you're a fan of Dennis Lehane, then check this out.
September 4, 2009
I liked this book but I wasn't overly impressed or excited about it. At first I found it hard to care about the main character, but once I started to like him, I started to like the book. I'm not disappointed I read it. I am interested in Bill Loehfelm's other book now.
March 11, 2013
This is the first book from Loehfelm that I've read. It was pretty good, but I was disappointed by the unanswered questions, overdone foreshadowing of a particular thing, and the ending. I think he's written one other novel and I don't know if I'll read it or not.
June 21, 2011
Liked it well enough and will read his later books, but he overdid the explanations of the lead character's relationship to his brother and the romantic relationship felt like it was stuck in there because some editor thought it would make the story more appealing.
October 3, 2012
Started out slowly, characters kind of grow on you, plot was interesting, but the writing style was so so. Took awhile to get into the story and characters. If you see it in the Library, it's worth a read on a rainy day.
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