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Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #12
Blood Ties
A series of grisly murders has left a trail of blood across three states, bringing the Special Crimes Unit to a small Tennessee town. There, two more brutal killings lure Noah Bishop and the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap, and lead Special Agent Hollis Templeton into a dangerous attraction—and a serial murder investigation that turns very, very personal. In her time with the SCU, Hollis has shown an uncanny ability to survive even the deadliest attacks. But what she can’t know is that this killer intends to destroy the team from within. As the body count climbs, and Bishop and his agents race to uncover the true identity of their enemy, not even their special senses can warn them just how bloody, and how terrifyingly close, the truth will be.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2010
283 people are currently reading
3475 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
97 books2,447 followersKay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College — where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats — Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel — of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
July 29, 2016
This is the conclusion of the Blood series trilogy and I enjoyed this book more than the others in this series.
It is set in a small town Serenade , Tennessee where bodies are piling up and SCU team is led by Miranda Bishop . But the team might be hunting more than one killer as there is a sniper targeting the team too .Will the SCU team be able to catch up with the killers before they take out one of them ?
I would suggest reading the books in order in this series as there a lot of characters introduced from the other books and it can be confusing . I was glad to see Hollis Templeton get her own happy ending as I really like her and cannot wait to read more about her romantic interest .
So if you like paranormal mystery this series is definitely for you
It is set in a small town Serenade , Tennessee where bodies are piling up and SCU team is led by Miranda Bishop . But the team might be hunting more than one killer as there is a sniper targeting the team too .Will the SCU team be able to catch up with the killers before they take out one of them ?
I would suggest reading the books in order in this series as there a lot of characters introduced from the other books and it can be confusing . I was glad to see Hollis Templeton get her own happy ending as I really like her and cannot wait to read more about her romantic interest .
So if you like paranormal mystery this series is definitely for you
March 5, 2017
Oh my, what a conclusion!
The Blood trilogy has been somewhat unique from the start, focusing on an unusual amount of SCU agents in one book and having a plot that ties all three books really closely together. Which, in my opinion, is the absolute best. And Blood Ties takes that to the next level. Rather than bringing in new characters that would end up being unnecessary (see: Blood Sins), it takes on old ones and lays the perfect trap for them. It was kinda like watching an episode of Criminal Minds, with all these dear old faces teaming up with the local police to catch a vicious serial killer. While being targeted by a sniper. And hiding from something very dark and evil lurking in the shadows. That threatens to destroy them from within. While also battling an unknown enemy who has a personal vendetta against Bishop and his unit. And being aware of it all being one giant deadly trap. Because, apparently, there is a traitor in their ranks.
How. Awesome. I mean, seriously. So many plots, all of them connected. It was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed every moment of it.
And my gosh, the relationships! Because this book doesn't introduce any new couples, it instead dangles the shiny treat of revisiting old ones. And man, man!
One of the things I adore most about the Bishop series and Kay Hooper's writing is that her women usually take the centre stage and all the action, while the men provide a (much needed) emotional support. It's a role reversal that Hooper truly makes work and that I appreciate and love. Especially since it's such quality stuff. Seeing Quentin and Diana, Maggie and John... It was something I never thought I needed until it happened. Seeing how far they've come... Sniff. I'm so emotional right now.
And then there's Bishop and Miranda. The foundation of everything. That one solid thing in which I lay all my trust. This book had me screaming at every plot twist because WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THEM. I love all SCU characters, all of them, but Bishop and Miranda... They're special. They're the origin. They're everything. And if something was to happen to them... Such as THIS BOOK FULL OF TRAPS designed specifically for one of them. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know. And boy did the end rip me apart. Super glue won't be enough to keep my heart whole.
Thankfully, Hollis and Reese were there to make it better. As in, keep me laughing. What a couple, those two. I cannot wait to see more because surely, surely there is going to be more. Especially with all these recent Hollis developments... And may this world never forget really tired Hollis with no filter on her mouth. What a beautiful, beautiful thing that was to witness. Never forget.
Long story short: Blood Ties is an amazingly mysterious, multi-layered, just the right shade of creepy, and truly heart-breaking conclusion to the Blood trilogy. It ties all the ends with a neat bow, yet has the kind of epilogue that makes you wanna scream. While picking up the next book. Definitely one of the best instalments in the series so far. (Out of the Shadows being THE BEST, of course, because Bishop and Miranda and feelings.)
The Blood trilogy has been somewhat unique from the start, focusing on an unusual amount of SCU agents in one book and having a plot that ties all three books really closely together. Which, in my opinion, is the absolute best. And Blood Ties takes that to the next level. Rather than bringing in new characters that would end up being unnecessary (see: Blood Sins), it takes on old ones and lays the perfect trap for them. It was kinda like watching an episode of Criminal Minds, with all these dear old faces teaming up with the local police to catch a vicious serial killer. While being targeted by a sniper. And hiding from something very dark and evil lurking in the shadows. That threatens to destroy them from within. While also battling an unknown enemy who has a personal vendetta against Bishop and his unit. And being aware of it all being one giant deadly trap. Because, apparently, there is a traitor in their ranks.
How. Awesome. I mean, seriously. So many plots, all of them connected. It was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed every moment of it.
And my gosh, the relationships! Because this book doesn't introduce any new couples, it instead dangles the shiny treat of revisiting old ones. And man, man!
One of the things I adore most about the Bishop series and Kay Hooper's writing is that her women usually take the centre stage and all the action, while the men provide a (much needed) emotional support. It's a role reversal that Hooper truly makes work and that I appreciate and love. Especially since it's such quality stuff. Seeing Quentin and Diana, Maggie and John... It was something I never thought I needed until it happened. Seeing how far they've come... Sniff. I'm so emotional right now.
And then there's Bishop and Miranda. The foundation of everything. That one solid thing in which I lay all my trust. This book had me screaming at every plot twist because WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THEM. I love all SCU characters, all of them, but Bishop and Miranda... They're special. They're the origin. They're everything. And if something was to happen to them... Such as THIS BOOK FULL OF TRAPS designed specifically for one of them. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know. And boy did the end rip me apart. Super glue won't be enough to keep my heart whole.
Thankfully, Hollis and Reese were there to make it better. As in, keep me laughing. What a couple, those two. I cannot wait to see more because surely, surely there is going to be more. Especially with all these recent Hollis developments... And may this world never forget really tired Hollis with no filter on her mouth. What a beautiful, beautiful thing that was to witness. Never forget.
Long story short: Blood Ties is an amazingly mysterious, multi-layered, just the right shade of creepy, and truly heart-breaking conclusion to the Blood trilogy. It ties all the ends with a neat bow, yet has the kind of epilogue that makes you wanna scream. While picking up the next book. Definitely one of the best instalments in the series so far. (Out of the Shadows being THE BEST, of course, because Bishop and Miranda and feelings.)
June 21, 2019
This author seems to be a solid 3 stars for me. So far this month, I've read three books by Kay Hooper and I think I need to space these out because it seemed like so much of the same. The story was interesting, but it contains the same tricks.
This one started off strong with the discovery of two murders. Then the story shifts and becomes more about the people solving the crime and less about the crime itself. The story eventually comes back to the crime, but not until the end. One other thing.....because this team is "gifted" there was too much "What Lassie? Timmy's in the well?" kind of events which I didn't mind so much with the first one, but it caused eye rolling with this one. But nonetheless, it was still 3 stars.
This one started off strong with the discovery of two murders. Then the story shifts and becomes more about the people solving the crime and less about the crime itself. The story eventually comes back to the crime, but not until the end. One other thing.....because this team is "gifted" there was too much "What Lassie? Timmy's in the well?" kind of events which I didn't mind so much with the first one, but it caused eye rolling with this one. But nonetheless, it was still 3 stars.
August 24, 2023
Blood Ties
3.5 Stars
On the trail of a killer wreaking havoc across several states, the SCU is called in when human remains are found outside Serenade, Tennessee bearing the hallmarks of the same killer. However, it soon becomes clear that the brutal slaying are a trap for the agents who are now in the crosshairs of a dangerous foe. Who will make it out alive?
Series note: This installment continues the arc from Blood Dreams and Blood Sins. It cannot be read as a standalone.
The suspense plot has potential although it is slow going at times with several parallel perspectives. It does eventually pick up and the twists and turns ultimately make for gripping reading. That said, there are a couple of unanswered questions, such as .
In terms of the romance, I was looking forward to Hollis's book, especially as she and her love interest, , have excellent chemistry. Unfortunately, their relationship is completely overshadowed by the Diana Brisco show, which is disappointing as Diana and Quentin have already had their book, which was only OK. Hooper missed an opportunity here.
All in all, a good conclusion to this trilogy and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
3.5 Stars
On the trail of a killer wreaking havoc across several states, the SCU is called in when human remains are found outside Serenade, Tennessee bearing the hallmarks of the same killer. However, it soon becomes clear that the brutal slaying are a trap for the agents who are now in the crosshairs of a dangerous foe. Who will make it out alive?
Series note: This installment continues the arc from Blood Dreams and Blood Sins. It cannot be read as a standalone.
The suspense plot has potential although it is slow going at times with several parallel perspectives. It does eventually pick up and the twists and turns ultimately make for gripping reading. That said, there are a couple of unanswered questions, such as .
In terms of the romance, I was looking forward to Hollis's book, especially as she and her love interest, , have excellent chemistry. Unfortunately, their relationship is completely overshadowed by the Diana Brisco show, which is disappointing as Diana and Quentin have already had their book, which was only OK. Hooper missed an opportunity here.
All in all, a good conclusion to this trilogy and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
April 12, 2020
Blood Ties is book twelve in the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit and Book three in Blood series by Kay Hooper. A body found in the woods near Serenade FBI Special Crimes Unit brought Bishop and his team to the team. However, on the first day, two of the group was shot at and nearly died. Bishop and his team started to investigate not only the death of the young woman but the killer who wants to destroy the SCU. The readers will continue to follow Bishop's team investigation into finding who wants then dead.
I enjoyed reading Blood Ties. I love Kay Hooper portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines then with each other throughout this book. I like Kay Hooper description of the settings and the way they complement the plot of this book. Blood Ties is well written and researched by Kay Hooper. Kay Hooper always ensures that I engaged with her books and Blood Ties was no different. Like all of Kay Hooper's book, I had trouble putting the book down until the last page.
The readers of Blood Ties will understand what can happen when parents are processive with their children. Also, the readers of Blood Ties will learn about law enforcement corruption.
I recommend reading this book.
I enjoyed reading Blood Ties. I love Kay Hooper portrayal of her characters and the way she intertwines then with each other throughout this book. I like Kay Hooper description of the settings and the way they complement the plot of this book. Blood Ties is well written and researched by Kay Hooper. Kay Hooper always ensures that I engaged with her books and Blood Ties was no different. Like all of Kay Hooper's book, I had trouble putting the book down until the last page.
The readers of Blood Ties will understand what can happen when parents are processive with their children. Also, the readers of Blood Ties will learn about law enforcement corruption.
I recommend reading this book.
November 4, 2017
I liked the whole paranormal section of the FBI figuring out the murders and some of the suspense. The middle of the book was just way too much of talking on the same thing and not moving forward. The end was quite interesting and it led to the idea of another book coming.
September 21, 2019
Quite a few agents from the SCU are in the town of Serenade, looking for a serial killer. While there, they are shot at by a sniper who, the agents guess, is either the killer or trying to cover up for the killer. When the killer sets off a bomb in the middle of town and shoots one of the SCU agents, the game is on. They'll have to unearth the evil that is lurking, one that clues suggest are connected somehow to previous cases, including the events involving Reverend Samuel, but nobody knows quite how. Meanwhile, Bishop is working to track down the traitor to the SCU - the one who is trying to shut them down and betraying them.
Wow. This definitely read like the end of a series. It wrapped up all the plot holes (although some of these probably needed to be better explained. I'm looking at you Galen!) and it pulled no punches. It was an awesome read. I did kinda guess who the major baddie was. But the minor ones were complete mysteries to me . This was also a roll call of most of our previous stories, pulling in as many SCU agents as possible, as well as Haven operatives. Everyone works together to get to the bottom of the mystery, including Diana and Hollis working their mediumistic abilities.
One of the reason I didn't give this 5 stars, is because I was disappointed that this wasn't Hollis's book alone. This was definitely more of an ensemble cast with Diana and Hollis's storylines fairly equally represented. So my favorite character, Hollis, didn't actually get her own book. Also, this isn't exactly a happy ending...maybe to varying degrees for different people, but for some it was a very tragic ending (and the epilogue suggests some danger looming ahead). I wanted to cry over at least two of these tragic endings. For me, they overshadowed the fact that two couples find a future happiness together. This is the kind of wild ride that you're glad is over. It's thrilling and exciting while it's happening but it's also exhausting you and working at your mind. I constantly wanted to skip to the end to see what happened (I love spoilers) because it all seemed so mysterious and impossible. But then, if I'd seen the end, I might have gotten depressed about it, and I wouldn't really have wanted to finish...because I always want an HEA. I get why this wasn't - it's not always possible, but it still depresses me that it wasn't butterflies and rainbows for everyone.
Wow. This definitely read like the end of a series. It wrapped up all the plot holes (although some of these probably needed to be better explained. I'm looking at you Galen!) and it pulled no punches. It was an awesome read. I did kinda guess who the major baddie was. But the minor ones were complete mysteries to me . This was also a roll call of most of our previous stories, pulling in as many SCU agents as possible, as well as Haven operatives. Everyone works together to get to the bottom of the mystery, including Diana and Hollis working their mediumistic abilities.
One of the reason I didn't give this 5 stars, is because I was disappointed that this wasn't Hollis's book alone. This was definitely more of an ensemble cast with Diana and Hollis's storylines fairly equally represented. So my favorite character, Hollis, didn't actually get her own book. Also, this isn't exactly a happy ending...maybe to varying degrees for different people, but for some it was a very tragic ending (and the epilogue suggests some danger looming ahead). I wanted to cry over at least two of these tragic endings. For me, they overshadowed the fact that two couples find a future happiness together. This is the kind of wild ride that you're glad is over. It's thrilling and exciting while it's happening but it's also exhausting you and working at your mind. I constantly wanted to skip to the end to see what happened (I love spoilers) because it all seemed so mysterious and impossible. But then, if I'd seen the end, I might have gotten depressed about it, and I wouldn't really have wanted to finish...because I always want an HEA. I get why this wasn't - it's not always possible, but it still depresses me that it wasn't butterflies and rainbows for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2014
I snagged this one from the library right before I left for vacation, and while I realized it was part of a series, what I didn't realize was that it was book 12.. Unfortunately this meant that it was a little hard to keep up despite the author's best efforts, and it left me floundering at times trying to keep the vast number of characters and their powers and their relationships straight while still trying to keep up with the main storyline.
That said, the mystery and suspense was beautifully paced, and while I of course was disappointed to the lack of smut (heh), there were two rather satisfying romances on an emotional level.
I DID like that there were notes at the end of each chapter marking references from previous books. An author's note indicated that this was something new with this installment, and it did seem like it would be helpful, were I to want to go back and read up on a particular incident, or refresh my memory had I read some of the series up to that point.
3.5/5 Stars -- would probably been higher were I more familiar with the series going in.
That said, the mystery and suspense was beautifully paced, and while I of course was disappointed to the lack of smut (heh), there were two rather satisfying romances on an emotional level.
I DID like that there were notes at the end of each chapter marking references from previous books. An author's note indicated that this was something new with this installment, and it did seem like it would be helpful, were I to want to go back and read up on a particular incident, or refresh my memory had I read some of the series up to that point.
3.5/5 Stars -- would probably been higher were I more familiar with the series going in.
September 11, 2021
Hard to stay interested, it was mostly just conversation between other members of the team, and a lot of conjecture and not much action. Also a lot ot things discussed were repeated too much for my taste. But I saw it through to the end.
July 8, 2020
Wow! Now that's some unpredictable turn of events. Really wonderful plot. An unpredictable suspense filled thriller.
February 8, 2022
Even though this is the fourth trilogy in the Bishop universe, it's the first that actually reads like a trilogy - and the end (at least to me) was almost totally heartbreaking! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book - just to make sure that they all recovered from it (as much as they could, obviously!) At the end of book six (Sence of Evil) Isabel points out that "Evil leaves so much destruction behind it that it's like a train wreck. You don't think about what was saved ahead on the tracks, just the devastation of the crash.” - and nothing in this series felt like it as much as the end of the Blood trilogy...as always, there was way too much time dedicated to the killers, and too many people killed (yeah, as always, I know that I can write my own story, but it always feels like we already know what is going on, so, please, no more tortured bodies needed to demonstrate that)...but the portrayals of the killers were superb in their demonstration of what absolute evil looks and feels like...
Was glad to finally see Tony make an appearance, but still missing other characters: Kendra, Isabel, Rafe, Nell, Riley, etc - where are they?!
Reece and Galen are a fantastic example of true male camaraderie, and they both are great and enjoyable characters. Also, happy to see Hollis continue to make progress in some many interesting ways...
A man loving and caring for a strong, but damaged woman, is rarely used, but most poignant of the romance tropes - and Hooper's portrayal of that, using not one, but two couples in this book, is simply superb! Very little is dedicated to that side story, but it leaves one clutching one's heart none-the-less
And, once again, we can appreciate what a truly wonderful and dedicated leader Bishop is - because he is convinced, deep down, that none of his people can betray the unit!
As always, there were some questions that remained unanswered - bummer! But we finally found out who was behind the whole witch hunt - and that angle, coupled with being yanked out of Heavens, is beyond disturbing and heartbreaking...
Was glad to finally see Tony make an appearance, but still missing other characters: Kendra, Isabel, Rafe, Nell, Riley, etc - where are they?!
Reece and Galen are a fantastic example of true male camaraderie, and they both are great and enjoyable characters. Also, happy to see Hollis continue to make progress in some many interesting ways...
A man loving and caring for a strong, but damaged woman, is rarely used, but most poignant of the romance tropes - and Hooper's portrayal of that, using not one, but two couples in this book, is simply superb! Very little is dedicated to that side story, but it leaves one clutching one's heart none-the-less
And, once again, we can appreciate what a truly wonderful and dedicated leader Bishop is - because he is convinced, deep down, that none of his people can betray the unit!
As always, there were some questions that remained unanswered - bummer! But we finally found out who was behind the whole witch hunt - and that angle, coupled with being yanked out of Heavens, is beyond disturbing and heartbreaking...
February 10, 2018
seven forty pee em the 9th of february 2018, friday...finished. good read, three stars, i liked it, kindle, library loaner. truth be told, i almost put it down...was a bit hard to get into...didn't really look at any syllabus, description before taking it on loan at the digital library, liked the cover, it was available, none of that "hold" stuff this time...and
...the cast of characters is like a dream team of...i guess...no, not f.b.i. they're s.c.u. most if not all of them have some sort of other-world ability, telepaths, mediums, this, that, the other. so i let the ole, who was it? coleridge, the willing suspension of disbelief? yeah, went with it...told my self, well sheesh, wally, you like the koontz stories that also have elements somewhat like herein...yeah, but in those cases it seems usually limited to either the main character, or two...or something.
at any rate...got more into the story as it went along. seemed like an extended section of story that is mainly dialogue at one point, the cast speculating. there's some good action, setting, dialogue scenes, but this one had an extended section of nothing but dialogue. seemed, i dunno...wonky.
but..this is #12? heh! not like me to start at the first and go on, but maybe that would best be the case with these. this kindle version does have a cast of characters...at the end! sheesh, thanks! and their abilities. this kindle version also has a kind of footnote, blue asterisks...that designated other stories in the series...
can't say there was a lot in the way of, okay, that's what was happening, at/near the end as things began to wrap up...i'm still not clear exactly on who the "bad" guys were/are...where they came from, this, that, the other. and that might be due in part because there's info in an earlier story? to an extent, for sure...the footnotes says as much...but i don't believe that explains it in full. so...
don't know what gives with that "read two times" as it is only the once...go figure.
...the cast of characters is like a dream team of...i guess...no, not f.b.i. they're s.c.u. most if not all of them have some sort of other-world ability, telepaths, mediums, this, that, the other. so i let the ole, who was it? coleridge, the willing suspension of disbelief? yeah, went with it...told my self, well sheesh, wally, you like the koontz stories that also have elements somewhat like herein...yeah, but in those cases it seems usually limited to either the main character, or two...or something.
at any rate...got more into the story as it went along. seemed like an extended section of story that is mainly dialogue at one point, the cast speculating. there's some good action, setting, dialogue scenes, but this one had an extended section of nothing but dialogue. seemed, i dunno...wonky.
but..this is #12? heh! not like me to start at the first and go on, but maybe that would best be the case with these. this kindle version does have a cast of characters...at the end! sheesh, thanks! and their abilities. this kindle version also has a kind of footnote, blue asterisks...that designated other stories in the series...
can't say there was a lot in the way of, okay, that's what was happening, at/near the end as things began to wrap up...i'm still not clear exactly on who the "bad" guys were/are...where they came from, this, that, the other. and that might be due in part because there's info in an earlier story? to an extent, for sure...the footnotes says as much...but i don't believe that explains it in full. so...
don't know what gives with that "read two times" as it is only the once...go figure.
December 31, 2017
Sorry but Blood Ties sounded too monotone and rambling. I felt like there were too many characters and no main characters to focus on. I've read some of previous books from this series but I still felt very confused by the storyline and all those characters. Every capable author of continuing series should be able to write books that a new reader can pick up even in the middle of the series, and enjoy. Perhaps enjoy so much that she/he wants to go back and read the series right from the beginning.
January 28, 2019
Wow I love it! So many interwoven characters and storyline.
May 5, 2011
To those of you that really, really don't like change, I apologise. (something expert bloggers say I should never do - but it feels right) For this month only, as we focus on 'chick lit', the reviews will follow the 'chick lit check list'.
1. fiction that, often humourously, explores issues of modern womanhood There is some, rather dark, humour from time to time in the novel. It is a tricky thing to insert humour into a story about a serial killer torturing and ... well ... killing people to taunt the SCU (a special, psychic unit of the FBI ). Not a laugh out loud kind of humour - more of a 'I can't believe he said that but I still have to chuckle' humour. Does Kay Hooper explore issues of modern womanhood in Blood Ties? It's a reach but, if we consider one issue of modern womanhood to be how to use your psychic powers to capture the bad guy without being killed in the process, then yes. (Not buying that one, eh? Ya - me neither)
2. features young adult women who are primarily career driven YES!! The women in this novel are all in their 20's or maybe 30's but no older. They are also all gorgeous and fit and psychic. The females in the SCU focus all of their energy on using their various psychic powers to be the best FBI agents they can be.
3. protagonist is addicted to shopping and how she looks NO. Although Hollis is gorgeous without trying, not once during the entire investigation does she go shopping or stop to do her hair. She does look in the mirror once or twice and cringe at how tired she looks. Does that count?
4. may or may not involve a romantic plot line Blood Ties has sub-plots that are the most romantic of plot lines. (Back me up on this, girls.) Greek god like men, amazing looking and totally ripped, who can read the minds of the women they are 'connected' to. So they always know what their women are thinking and feeling and what they need from their men. And the men are there to support the women, in every instance, without criticism, and jump in if they need to play the rescuer. When Hollis over uses her powers to the point of collapse, Reese DeMarco is right there to carry her to bed and protect her with his shield until she is rested. (and no, that is not a euphemism)
5. written by women for women Despite the violence and action involved, this is not a 'man's book'.
6. post-feminist The women in Kay Hooper's novels are not bra-burners but they are strong, likable and can take care of themselves and those around them.
Although this book is not the first in the series, it can easily stand alone. I like that Ms Hooper has started adding footnotes and an afterword that help the reader to keep up with who's who, what they can do and which book in the series features them in a 'starring' role.
So is it chick-lit. I say yes. And it's a fun read besides.
1. fiction that, often humourously, explores issues of modern womanhood There is some, rather dark, humour from time to time in the novel. It is a tricky thing to insert humour into a story about a serial killer torturing and ... well ... killing people to taunt the SCU (a special, psychic unit of the FBI ). Not a laugh out loud kind of humour - more of a 'I can't believe he said that but I still have to chuckle' humour. Does Kay Hooper explore issues of modern womanhood in Blood Ties? It's a reach but, if we consider one issue of modern womanhood to be how to use your psychic powers to capture the bad guy without being killed in the process, then yes. (Not buying that one, eh? Ya - me neither)
2. features young adult women who are primarily career driven YES!! The women in this novel are all in their 20's or maybe 30's but no older. They are also all gorgeous and fit and psychic. The females in the SCU focus all of their energy on using their various psychic powers to be the best FBI agents they can be.
3. protagonist is addicted to shopping and how she looks NO. Although Hollis is gorgeous without trying, not once during the entire investigation does she go shopping or stop to do her hair. She does look in the mirror once or twice and cringe at how tired she looks. Does that count?
4. may or may not involve a romantic plot line Blood Ties has sub-plots that are the most romantic of plot lines. (Back me up on this, girls.) Greek god like men, amazing looking and totally ripped, who can read the minds of the women they are 'connected' to. So they always know what their women are thinking and feeling and what they need from their men. And the men are there to support the women, in every instance, without criticism, and jump in if they need to play the rescuer. When Hollis over uses her powers to the point of collapse, Reese DeMarco is right there to carry her to bed and protect her with his shield until she is rested. (and no, that is not a euphemism)
5. written by women for women Despite the violence and action involved, this is not a 'man's book'.
6. post-feminist The women in Kay Hooper's novels are not bra-burners but they are strong, likable and can take care of themselves and those around them.
Although this book is not the first in the series, it can easily stand alone. I like that Ms Hooper has started adding footnotes and an afterword that help the reader to keep up with who's who, what they can do and which book in the series features them in a 'starring' role.
So is it chick-lit. I say yes. And it's a fun read besides.
October 19, 2012
I picked this up randomly at the library for my commute, popped in a CD, and ... just couldn't do it.
I'm generally pretty good at getting used to the narrator's voices, for one thing, but this was just not good. The women (from the FBI's Special Crimes Unit) all spoke like they were ten-year-old girls with these breathy, high-pitched voices that instantly grated on my nerves.
In the opening scene, a grotesquely mistreated corpse is discovered, and then, a few pages later, another grotesquely mistreated corpse is discovered. Which is all good. But the FBI agents on hand seem not so concerned with any of the forensic details; they are more worried with the "visions" and "sightings" of a psychic on the team.
At one point, this psychic is staring at a team member and realizing that -- although it was previously mentioned several times that she had trouble reading his aura -- she was now seeing a distinct "indigo" surrounding him. Indigo, for people who don't know (like me) is apparently very bad. While she's pondering this, the team member pulls her to the ground and out of the way of a bullet.
I had to eject the CD at this point. I was interested in a good-old-fashioned murder mystery, I guess, and didn't realize I had stumbled into the world of the paranormal.
Also, frankly, I expect my FBI agents to be alert to shots fired, not distracted by reading auras.
I'm generally pretty good at getting used to the narrator's voices, for one thing, but this was just not good. The women (from the FBI's Special Crimes Unit) all spoke like they were ten-year-old girls with these breathy, high-pitched voices that instantly grated on my nerves.
In the opening scene, a grotesquely mistreated corpse is discovered, and then, a few pages later, another grotesquely mistreated corpse is discovered. Which is all good. But the FBI agents on hand seem not so concerned with any of the forensic details; they are more worried with the "visions" and "sightings" of a psychic on the team.
At one point, this psychic is staring at a team member and realizing that -- although it was previously mentioned several times that she had trouble reading his aura -- she was now seeing a distinct "indigo" surrounding him. Indigo, for people who don't know (like me) is apparently very bad. While she's pondering this, the team member pulls her to the ground and out of the way of a bullet.
I had to eject the CD at this point. I was interested in a good-old-fashioned murder mystery, I guess, and didn't realize I had stumbled into the world of the paranormal.
Also, frankly, I expect my FBI agents to be alert to shots fired, not distracted by reading auras.
April 14, 2014
Another Kay Hooper book, another installment in the Bishop series. I think her latest books have all been connected to one another and I wouldn't suggest reading this one without reading the others. Although the back blurb only mentions Holly I felt Diana was as much a main character here. And since they are both recurring characters I really enjoyed seeing them find center stage in this story.
Hooper does manage to keep the suspense going on two fronts. Who has been trying to harm Bishop and his work and who is the serial killer at work in a small town, that seems connected with the main villain they have been searching for.
I did like the story as a whole and indeed I read it almost in one sitting but I think Hollis love interest came about a bit too sudden and I would have liked to see more interaction between them. I was very much surprised by the "who wants to discredit Bishop?" twist and I found the final twist a bit worrisome - Although I enjoyed this trilogy I am ready to move to the next one.
By the way has anyone read the next book in the series? Haven? What I have been reading about it hasn't exactly thrilled me but I'll give it a go one of these days.
Grade: 4/5
Hooper does manage to keep the suspense going on two fronts. Who has been trying to harm Bishop and his work and who is the serial killer at work in a small town, that seems connected with the main villain they have been searching for.
I did like the story as a whole and indeed I read it almost in one sitting but I think Hollis love interest came about a bit too sudden and I would have liked to see more interaction between them. I was very much surprised by the "who wants to discredit Bishop?" twist and I found the final twist a bit worrisome - Although I enjoyed this trilogy I am ready to move to the next one.
By the way has anyone read the next book in the series? Haven? What I have been reading about it hasn't exactly thrilled me but I'll give it a go one of these days.
Grade: 4/5
February 26, 2023
Kay Hooper has been one of my favourite authors from her first category romance - and I still have all her books and still re-read them (especially the Hagen series). I have just re-read the whole Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series up to "Blood Sins" so I could remember all the characters before I read the last two books of the series - currently.
Kay Hooper just gets better and better. "Blood Sins" and "Blood Ties" are probably the best of the series, although they are all good reads if you like suspense mixed with romance and paranormal talents tossed into the mix - and can handle some descriptions of violence and occasionally torture. I am a bit squeamish about some of the latter but I love all the characters and their world so much that I deal with it.
Perhaps the reason I enjoyed the last two books so much is because it brought together so many of the characters whose stories were central in previous books. Watching how they worked together with their various talents was a very satisfying conclusion to both books and the series so far, although the door was left wide open for further adventures - and I can't wait.
Reread February 2019.
Reread February 2023.
Kay Hooper just gets better and better. "Blood Sins" and "Blood Ties" are probably the best of the series, although they are all good reads if you like suspense mixed with romance and paranormal talents tossed into the mix - and can handle some descriptions of violence and occasionally torture. I am a bit squeamish about some of the latter but I love all the characters and their world so much that I deal with it.
Perhaps the reason I enjoyed the last two books so much is because it brought together so many of the characters whose stories were central in previous books. Watching how they worked together with their various talents was a very satisfying conclusion to both books and the series so far, although the door was left wide open for further adventures - and I can't wait.
Reread February 2019.
Reread February 2023.
May 24, 2022
Blood #3
Bishop SCU #12
Romantic/paranormal/suspense
Light on the romance, heavy on the paranormal, good suspense.
This one did not have as much gruesome/gory as others but a little bit still.
At this point, though many in this overall Bishop series did not have to be read in order, having read previous bishop books is a must. There has been character, and the units (FBI SCU and Haven) built from previous books.
This one was very enjoyable, trying to get to the truth and figure out who is doing what. Wondering who will make it through the story. It was interesting to see the growth in characters and delve into different psychic abilities. I also loved seeing the progression of the writing and series identity at this point. It did start to read more like an fbi story with focus on the paranormal aspects. The romance aspects felt like it was okay that they were not in the priority and didn't feel as forced to be there and couple up to me as some others have.
Bishop SCU #12
Romantic/paranormal/suspense
Light on the romance, heavy on the paranormal, good suspense.
This one did not have as much gruesome/gory as others but a little bit still.
At this point, though many in this overall Bishop series did not have to be read in order, having read previous bishop books is a must. There has been character, and the units (FBI SCU and Haven) built from previous books.
This one was very enjoyable, trying to get to the truth and figure out who is doing what. Wondering who will make it through the story. It was interesting to see the growth in characters and delve into different psychic abilities. I also loved seeing the progression of the writing and series identity at this point. It did start to read more like an fbi story with focus on the paranormal aspects. The romance aspects felt like it was okay that they were not in the priority and didn't feel as forced to be there and couple up to me as some others have.
February 12, 2010
In her twelfth edition to the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series, Kay Hooper continues to mesmerize readers with explosive conflicts and gripping characters. Bishop’s well-trained unit of misfits work frantically to stop the escalating body count in “Blood Ties”, as an unknown assailant targets the SCU and ultimately takes a small town hostage through fear.
Fans will be captivated—at every turn—as much loved players from previous volumes arrive on scene to pitch in using their unique and extraordinary abilities. As the team searches for answers, Hooper’s astonishing talent for creating and juggling circling storylines—from past and present—is put to the test. I don’t believe she could fail if she tried. Her creative blend of the paranormal and suspense are truly distinctive and with ingenious settings, “Blood Ties” will undoubtedly be a success.
www.suspensemagazine.com
Fans will be captivated—at every turn—as much loved players from previous volumes arrive on scene to pitch in using their unique and extraordinary abilities. As the team searches for answers, Hooper’s astonishing talent for creating and juggling circling storylines—from past and present—is put to the test. I don’t believe she could fail if she tried. Her creative blend of the paranormal and suspense are truly distinctive and with ingenious settings, “Blood Ties” will undoubtedly be a success.
www.suspensemagazine.com
July 27, 2010
3 of 3. Better than Blood Dreams. About the same level as Blood Sins. However, I'm putting paid to this series. The ending puts the whole kibosh on this series. I like to read suspense/thriller fiction; but I'd like a little less reality with it please. I don't want to walk away from a book feeling like I just watched a couple days worth of local and national news -- depressing, violent stories with tragedy and little hope.
So, yeah. Blood Ties was a good story. Just a really sad chapter in the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series. Oh, and if you don't like self-aggrandizing footnotes, you may not want to read this book. I don't care what the author's note says, this reader is annoyed to stumble upon footnotes referencing previous books.
So, yeah. Blood Ties was a good story. Just a really sad chapter in the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series. Oh, and if you don't like self-aggrandizing footnotes, you may not want to read this book. I don't care what the author's note says, this reader is annoyed to stumble upon footnotes referencing previous books.
February 19, 2010
This was not one of the better books in this series, mostly because it tried to do something I normally love, pulling in previous characters and events, and didn't succeed. I don't consider it a good sign when the author has to put in foot notes relating to the book where the previous action or people first appeared, I did like the appendix in the end where it was more spelled out.
This book was both a filler and one that cleared up a lot of major story lines, but with the large cast of characters and everything related back to a previous crime it was hard to keep track and made for a very slow read.
I am hoping this book is just a fluke and the next one will be back to normal.
This book was both a filler and one that cleared up a lot of major story lines, but with the large cast of characters and everything related back to a previous crime it was hard to keep track and made for a very slow read.
I am hoping this book is just a fluke and the next one will be back to normal.
October 22, 2010
This in the end turned out to be a pretty good book. I felt there was alot of info dump at first. This book was more about the team as a whole. We did get resolution to two couple's relationship which was light, light romance.
This also isn't a book you can pick up and read. On some of these past references even I felt lost and had to struggle to remember these books. There are footnotes of the books these references came from. I has a sad though about one event in the book and wish KH could have handled it differently. Not sure why she did that....bummer.
ETA: This is good tie up to this trilogy and brings quiet a few team members together. In that respect it was a very strong book.
This also isn't a book you can pick up and read. On some of these past references even I felt lost and had to struggle to remember these books. There are footnotes of the books these references came from. I has a sad though about one event in the book and wish KH could have handled it differently. Not sure why she did that....bummer.
ETA: This is good tie up to this trilogy and brings quiet a few team members together. In that respect it was a very strong book.
April 20, 2010
It took me a week to finish a 300 page book...enough said.
This might be another author I'll have to officially give up on after reading her for many many years. The supernatural element has gone way too far where it's just stupid and totally unbelievable. That was what I use to like about this series, there was just enough to make things interesting and believable, not anymore. This series has just become ridiculously awful to the point that it is painful to read. Too many good books in the world to waste my time on such drivel!
This might be another author I'll have to officially give up on after reading her for many many years. The supernatural element has gone way too far where it's just stupid and totally unbelievable. That was what I use to like about this series, there was just enough to make things interesting and believable, not anymore. This series has just become ridiculously awful to the point that it is painful to read. Too many good books in the world to waste my time on such drivel!
May 10, 2017
I really enjoy following the FBI paranormal team as they solve murders and Blood Ties would have been a four star book for me if it wasn’t so long.
Someone is out to kill the team and those surviving must find out whom before there is no one left.
5 stars to Joyce Bean for the great storytelling.
Someone is out to kill the team and those surviving must find out whom before there is no one left.
5 stars to Joyce Bean for the great storytelling.
February 26, 2010
Wow. WAAAAAAAY too much exposition in this book. Wish we had seen more of the relationship between Reese and Hollis. After watching. Hollis go through everything, I think we earned at least that much. It was also good to see Miranda, and we even got a little Miranda-And-Bishop.
March 22, 2015
I want to like Kay Hooper's SCU series, but I cannot. Too many characters: too little development--I just felt no tie to any character, and I couldn't tell them apart. I don't think I'll be back to this series.
October 4, 2011
Can't wait for the next Bishop book!
November 2, 2011
geat book, didnt know about series...
February 7, 2017
Having special abilities isn't always a positive thing.
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