The Lightning Rod

DI Bliss #10

by Tony J. Forder

DI Bliss attends the aftermath of an apparent murder-suicide – but the scene tells him and his colleagues something very different occurred. Now the Peterborough Major Crimes Unit face an adversary like no other.

They have no idea why his victims had to die. They have no idea who he is. They have no idea where he might strike next – only that he will.

But while the killer is cunning, leaving no evidence for them to find, his biggest mistake might be in underestimating the team now hunting him. Because when Jimmy Bliss is on the case, all bets are off.

Reviews for other works in the DI Bliss
“The author is hugely talented and ranks, in my opinion, with the likes of Peter James and Val McDermid.” Maggie James – bestselling author

“Just a word of warning - prepare to be in tears, on the edge of your seat and gobsmacked in equal measure. A triumph!” Liz Mistry – bestselling author

"Brilliantly written and a fascinating read that, in my opinion, could happily stand shoulder to shoulder with works from the likes of Rankin and Connelly." Steve Robb – BookieWookie blogsite

Genres: Fiction

374 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2022

About the author

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, Slow Slicing, The Autumn Tree, Darker Days to Come, The Lightning Rod, What Dies Inside Us, Something More to Say, and The Honourable Rogue. There is also a prequel novella available called Bliss Uncovered.

Tony’s other books include two action-adventure thrillers, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun, featuring reluctant hero Mike Lynch. Also, The Huntsmen and The Predators, feature DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May, both police procedural novels set in Wiltshire. In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. His first love was music, and he is currently gobbling up as many remastered vinyl albums as he can. Tony has played guitar since his early childhood, and despite selling off his collection at one point he has somehow managed to reacquire a new range and is up to 5 without knowing how.

Tony is currently working on Jimmy Bliss books #14, The Stonemason’s Song.

Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is well into the Bliss series, and I admit to not having read all the preceding books yet (hopefully will get to them when my schedule lightens in the new year), however this just made me more excited and eager to get to them.
Forder is quite the crime writer, and this is a stellar read- an example of how to write police procedurals.
The plot is completely gripping, as you come to expect from the author, and wonderfully intriguing to try and solve the clues as you read. The opening scenes are fascinating, throwing the reader straight into the crimes the book centres around.
The characters? Well Bliss is becoming like an old friend! I haven't had the luxury of seeing his full character development, but this in no way hampered my enjoyment of this book.
Loved it.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it, Tony Forder you have done it again!

You have brought us another brilliant book, now book 10 in the Bliss series. After ten books you may think that the series may be losing its wow factor but in my opinion it just keeps getting better and better. Bliss and his team are called to what looks like a murder-suicide but as the case progresses it seems there maybe a connection to a cold case. A family is found dead, all seated at a dining table, a very dark and obscure scene. Is it really this straight forward? nothing generally is, so all of Bliss's instincts are already working overtime and again he finds himself in the position of trying to ascertain what really happened so he can get justice for the victims.

But now another scene presents itself and there are definite similarities. What secrets are being held here that can deliver leads so desperately needed? Bliss and his team are going to be extremely challenged to uncover the truth. Once again the team is here to assist Bliss and they give their all, he is being scrutinised by his superiors above but in his usual manner he is not one to back away when he feels he is on the right path. Then the team hear of The Lightning Rod, a killer so removed from sight and so highly trained that he is considered one of the best, and even those that hire him really have no idea who he is. He does a job, is paid and then disappears off anyone's radar.

Bliss is now nearing retirement age and I am sure I was not the only fan of these books with my heart in my mouth wondering how his career would be moving forward...no spoilers you will need to read the book to find out where Bliss is headed.

I have to say what a wonderful and clever idea to bring Frank Rogers back into the investigation. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship build between Bliss and Frank and really think this took the book to a whole other level. Two great investigators working together, both with incredible skill sets that enhance the whole feel of the investigation and really are not who you would want to be up against. Once again Penny is there to support Bliss, not only professionally but also personally. They really do have a special relationship, one that has grown over the years and there is so much respect between the two as well as a lot of humorous banter that makes for great reading. This is one of the best things about this series, characters that are so real you do feel like you know them and it is always wonderful to spend time with them again.

So if you are looking for a fast paced book full of excitement, tension, suspence, twists and turns an an excellent plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat this is the one. As always, I do recommend reading the series from the beginning, this will allow you to get to know these great characters and understand the background behind the books. Tony Forder, in my opinion, is one of the leading authors around today. He may not be as well known as some of the big names but the quality of his work is definitely in the same category and he is someone I promote to all of my book friends.

Thank you to Tony for an advanced copy of the book, one I cannot recommend highly enough.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story:
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice…

But when a family is found dead in the exact same circumstances as a case that was closed as a murder-suicide in 2017, DI Jimmy Bliss and his team in the Peterborough Major Crimes team are forced to reconsider their findings. And if the new killings were carried out by the same person, how many other crimes have they committed without being detected?

With their investigations leading them to the murky world of organised crime, fixers and hired hitmen, will DI Bliss and his team be able to find a killer who leaves no trace of himself behind? And will they be able to prove their guilt when they do?

My thoughts:
This is the tenth book in the DI Jimmy Bliss series, but having not read the preceding novels I was easily able to pick up with these characters — the author filling in enough of the back story to connect with DI Bliss — and found this an enjoyable standalone read.

This was an interesting case for the team to work on, as the usual tactic of looking for the killer’s connection to the victims was less important than would usually be the case. As DI Bliss says himself, “Know your victims to understand your killer”, and it’s the connection between the different victims that proves essential here.

DI Bliss himself is a dedicated and forthright cop — not afraid to stand up for what he thinks or to champion his team (especially when their work is brought into question over the 2017 case). He has great rapport with partner DS Penny Chandler and the rest of the unit, but he also has his own demons and doubts, making him a likeable lead and one you’re not quite sure what he’s going to do next.

With more and more deaths found to be linked to the same killer, this is a complex case, and as it progresses there appear to be some personal connections for DI Blliss. The conclusion of the story is edge-of-your-seat stuff, and I read it in one breathless sitting.

I look forward to exploring the previous cases of Bliss and the team, and highly recommend this instalment whether you’re already a fan or discovering him for the first time!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 10 in the DI Bliss Series and it’s another cracking police procedural in one of my favourite crime series. This time the team have a shocking crime to solve which seems to have similarities to other unsolved and cold crimes - do they have a serial killer to find? As usual Bliss is partnered with the wonderful DS Penny Chandler and the banter between them is always one of the highlights of Forder’s books. So well written and compulsive I couldn’t put it down (I know it’s an overused cliché) but in this case it was true. I read it from cover to cover only stopping for food and sleep.

Briefly, as his retirement looms Bliss has a decision to make but he won’t be taking the easy option at the expense of his principles. But before that there’s a crime to solve. A family of five are found dead, initially looking like a murder suicide, doubts are raised when similarities are found to another scene of crime. Similarities that cannot be written off as coincidence. The more the team dig the more potential links to organised crime come to light.

Bliss is a character I’ve come to love. Despite the often gruff exterior and the occasional un PC remark he is a caring person, dedicated to his job and very good at it too. And I’m loving his relationship with his new live in partner - who doesn’t love a labrador! But back to the plot; a complex case, made more so by other forces interests, this one will have your brain ticking over. With twists and turns and a shocking conclusion this is another winner. Next!

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique storyline. Brilliant read!

Detective Sergeants Penny Chandler and Olly Bishop ask DI Jimmy Bliss to join them at a murder site. He’s annoyed about this interruption of his off weekend. However, when he arrives at the scene and is confronted by the evidence of a homicide/suicide, which looks very similar to a case that Olly Bishop and DC Gul Ansari had worked on previously, Jimmy understands why the leading forensics investigator, Neil Abbott insisted that the team not be allowed to see the bodies, because the scene is too similar to the previous murder/suicide.

The team led by DI Jimmy Bliss must try to unravel what really happened and how this horror of a man slaughtering his wife and children could be linked to the previous case. The team have their backs to the wall trying to unravel this present case and any other crimes which may have been perpetrated by the same killer.

This truly was a horror case for the team to unravel. However, as usual, they all have each other’s welfare at heart, supporting each other through the worst of times.

I must make special mention of the ending. It is the most dramatic and disturbing ending I’ve come across! Tony Forder has pulled a rabbit out of the hat in this novel!

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page I knew I was going to be in for a roller coaster ride when a family are found dead, the victims of what seems to be a murder-suicide. But when Jimmy Bliss and his team begin to investigate, they realise that they’re up against a highly skilled and intelligent killer who leaves no clue.
Although Jimmy does show his softer side, I’m pleased to say his attitude can swiftly change and temper explode when he and his team are wronged. You can see how much he loves his team even if he doesn’t say it. And Penny, she puts up with so much from him but is such a strong character that I do love her.
I’ll finish now by saying that once again Tony has produced an amazing book that had me gripped from the very first page, but to find out the answer to the question will Jimmy accept the offer or not, you do need to read the book. And if you’ve never met Jimmy, Penny or the rest of the team, just what are you waiting for?

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspected murder/suicide throws doubt on a similar case five years ago, worked on by two of Bliss’s team. Doggedly, they begin to find possible connections – and to many other ‘accidental deaths’. Bliss suspects The Lightning Rod is an arm’s-length fixer for some untouchable crime bosses. The high-ups are investigation the five year-old case and one has an agenda. Add to the mix someone from Bliss’s past and we have a complex and gripping case. There are some great interactions between Bliss and Chandler who become like an old married couple at times.
I was pleased to see a couple of possible futures for Bliss as his retirement age looms.
A case is in safe hands with Jimmy Bliss. Likewise, a story is in safe hands with Tony Forder. Readers won’t be disappointed.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have been involved in a series from the beginning you become aware of the changes, for Jimmy Bliss, it is his age. He is coming to retirement and there are tentative conversations about what he wants to do next. He has been a copper for years, it's what keeps him going, that and the team he works with. With all his years on the job, it is inevitable that there will be a blast from the past at some point. Then there is the current case, it is one that could have repercussions for some of the other officers in his team. It appears an old case is not what they initially thought it was.

Once again the author has put DI Jimmy Bliss right in the thick of things, he does have a habit of this, but then this is exactly what Bliss would do himself. Letting the main character of Bliss at the lead of an investigation and getting his hands dirty is what Bliss is all about. While he may lead, he also listens, well maybe not all the time, but when it is an idea from his team he does. He will need his team and other officers from around the country to help work this case out.

There is no indication that an old case may have been wrong until a similarity is spotted. This then goes through the chain of command and there are procedures in place that must be followed. Where there is one similarity there must be another somewhere surely! Where has this person been, how has he honed his skills and more importantly where is he going to strike next?

This is such an intriguing story as there is not much in the way of clues, there are very few red herrings either. This makes this story a huge mystery, but one that is still evolving as more is learnt. This will have a huge impact on several areas and when I mention The Met and Firearms Officers being involved then you know this one is serious.

While the author has kept on track with the investigation, he has allowed for some personal time for Bliss. It is something that the author knows his character needs as it is at this time his brain cells start to work a little better. But thinking a crime through does not mean it is right.

This is a tough one for the Peterborough team. Is it a suicide murder, murder or something else? It is an intense story and in the first few chapters, I was a bit worried as it wasn't as easy to get the flow of the story as I normally would. This one took a few chapters to grow on me but when it did it was a belter. It does have a different feel to it, while there is violence, the odd beating up and chase, it also has something else lurking. What is Bliss going to do next, he can get an extension for another couple of years, and he could walk away and retire or is there something else?

A fabulous 10th book in the series and one that is addictive as the first one. This is a series that I am obviously going to recommend that you read in order, but I do think this one would work well as a standalone.

An intense, dangerous and life-threatening time is on the cards for Bliss. If you are a fan of police procedural and crime thrillers then this os definitely one for you. It is one I would also definitely recommend.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never make any secret of the fact I am a huge Bliss fan. I wait eagerly for each new book, looking forward to catching up with Penny and Bliss, and so well written are the characters, Gul, Ansari, and the rest of the team.
What followed is like a bunch of excited children telling you an exciting story, as quickly as they are able to spit the words out, another character popping in to say don't forget to tell them that bit.
Tony has stuck with the procedural style of Darker Days to Come, so the truth is unravelling like layers being peeled back from an onion. You as the reader learn at the same time the team does.
This story is fast paced, all searching for a "fixer" who deals with problems with anything from a word in their ear, to murder.
There are still the moments of humour particularly between Bliss and Penny, that are often laugh out loud. It's one of, if not my favourite duos in crime fiction.
Anyone looking at this thinking, oh no its book ten, I can't start it here, you absolutely can, it reads perfectly as a standalone.
Thank you Tony, for inventing Bliss and continuing to entertain us so brilliantly.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lightning Rod by Tony Forder is book 10 in the DI Jimmy Bliss series. It is well worth a read. Such an excellent series and this one raises the bar a bit higher. This book is a real page turner, an edge of the seat read and I loved it. Quite a few belly laughs too at some of the things Jimmy comes out with. A case Bliss is called to appears to be a murder-suicide but their investigation throws doubt on this. Jimmy and Chandler’s very strong friendship is wonderful to read about and it is also great to see the development of the other members of his team, particularly Bish and Gul. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Tony's work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that he has written. I must admit that I have a particular fondness for the series featuring Detective Inspector Jimmy Bliss. I have been (im)patiently waiting for the new Jimmy Bliss book ever since I finished the last one, which is called 'Darker Days To Come'. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over because the tenth book in the series is called 'The Lightning Rod' and it was released on 7th December 2022. It's another smashing read from Tony. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Lightning Rod' but more about that in a bit.

What can I say about Detective Inspector Jimmy Bliss? First of all, I absolutely love him! He's a very experienced police officer who has seen it all and done it all. There's very little that he hasn't come across in his career. Jimmy has built a solid team around him and he has a particularly close friendship with his work partner, Detective Sergeant Penny Chandler. Jimmy is one of those who ruffles feathers and he's at a stage in his life that he just doesn't care. He has often found himself in conflict with his superiors although for the most part he still maintains a level of respect for them. There are a few though that Bliss cannot stand to be anywhere near and Bliss isn't somebody who keeps his feelings to himself.

As soon as I started reading 'The Lightning Rod' I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was spot on on both fronts. I started reading and found that I just couldn't stop. Part of the reason why I became so addicted to the story was the fact that I viewed Bliss and his team as friends and I cared about what happened to them. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I developed my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Lightning Rod' and I had to say goodbye to Bliss and his team. I found 'The Lightning Rod' to be a gripping, gritty, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me kept me guessing on the edge of my seat throughout.

'The Lightning Rod' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from the superb Tony J. Forder. Tony certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Tony clearly cares about his characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which he describes them. He describes them so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading 'The Lightning Rod' felt like being on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' Board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts and catch your breath then off the action would go again. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the hear to the action. The 'Jimmy Bliss' series is going from strength to strength and just gets better and better. 'The Lightning Rod' is my favourite book in the series so far.

In short, I ADORED reading 'The Lightning Rod' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. 'The Lightning Rod' is one of my most favourite books of 2022. I will definitely be reading more of Tony's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are certain writers who are auto-reads for me and I don't need to read the blurb for their latest novel before reading it. Tony J. Forder has been one of those authors for a long time now and a new Bliss book in particular could almost be considered a comfort read for me. However, I think this risks doing this series a disservice; it's true that the quality of writing never dips but Tony Forder doesn't rest on his laurels and each instalment is as engrossing and tautly plotted as ever.
The Lightning Rod is the tenth full-length novel in the series but even now, new readers can easily start here if they so wish; the ongoing character development and storylines are seamlessly woven into the narrative without ever slowing the pace of the plot. Nevertheless, I do think that missing out on the previous books is a shame and I would recommend reading them in order to truly appreciate how these characters have evolved over time. Detective Inspector Jimmy Bliss is so astutely brought to life and is undoubtedly one of my favourite characters in crime fiction. He has cleverly been allowed to change over the course of the series – this Bliss is far more measured than the hot-tempered man of a few years ago who constantly butted heads with his superiors – without ever losing the essence of who he is. He still refuses to suffer fools gladly and his loyalty to his team here underlines the principles which continue to drive him, even at this late point in his career.
As always, his relationships with his colleagues is a highpoint of the novel and there's a real sense of the Thorpe Wood Major Crimes Unit being a tightly-knit team, so when an apparent murder-suicide means an earlier investigation is to be put under the spotlight, it's not surprising that a cloud descends over them. Bliss's concern for his officers reinforces that he isn't just an excellent detective, he's also a first-rate boss. There's humour here too, of course, with the rapport between Jimmy and Penny Chandler a beautifully observed reflection of how colleagues who become friends interact with one another. It's also rather poignant to be reminded that Bliss is nearing the time when he must make decisions about his future and that he may not be able to continue working with these people for very much longer.
The investigation itself is absolutely intriguing and I loved the crossover element with another Tony Forder book. Bringing Frank Rogers from Degrees of Darkness into the plot is inspired and works brilliantly, I hope we see more of him in the future. As the team try to figure out who is behind a series of murders with very little to connect them, there are also scenes which reveal chilling insights into the mind of the killer. I don't want to give too much away but I can say that while the twists and turns of the case are gripping, the painstaking, often frustrating nature of police work is realistically depicted too. While there are definitely reasons to be cautious about the use of increasing surveillance, there are benefits too. Bliss himself is an old-school detective but even he has to acknowledge that they would struggle to crack the case without the technological advancements employed throughout.
As the net closes in on the killer, the complexity of the investigation ensures the conclusion is never obvious and there's a further complication which means the final chapters are especially dramatic. The actions of the cold-hearted killer becomes increasingly disturbing and I raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth. Tense, shocking and utterly compelling from start to finish, The Lightning Rod is another superb thriller from Tony J. Forder. A striking read and very highly recommended!

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book ten featuring DI Jimmy Bliss of the Major Crimes Unit in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough. Present as usual are the regular team of DS Olly Bishop, DS Penny Chandler, DC Gul Ansari, DC Phil Gratton and newest addition DC Alan Virgil. Bliss, Chandler and Bishop attend a horrific crime scene where a father has killed his wife and three children before turning a gun on himself. It is every detective’s nightmare, thinking they made a wrong call on an investigation but when their crime scene manager points out the glaring likeness to the 2017 murder-suicide of another family, they soon realise that both are cases of pure murder. A review of the earlier case is called by the top brass, including the self-serving pompous Police and Crime Commissioner who causes problems with an ill-judged press conference. HOLMES 2 proves invaluable as it starts to highlight similar cases of suicides and accidents across the country and the team, baffled and struggling for a motive, wonder if a very clever and savvy killer has been at work, disguising the murder scenes. A contact in the NCA mentions a shadowy entity called the Lightning Rod, a fixer/hitman for organised crime but does he even exist? With more possible linked cases coming in, and the original team from 2017 under investigation, will this killer ever be identified and caught by any of the many police teams involved in a massive case spanning the country?
During the first part of book, I was wondering how long this sanguine Bliss would last, and true to form it’s not long till he is butting heads with authority again and finding himself in danger. Like the previous story this is definitely much more of a traditional police procedural rather than a fast-moving story featuring Bliss and his inimitable style of doing things his way, for better or for worse. Mirroring the calmer and more content Bliss who has finally found acceptance of his lot in life, the story is much slower in pace than some others, as the team battle with all the routine and mundane investigative work. The action and suspense comes in spades at the end as the team finally make a breakthrough and their two cases open up into something completely unforeseeable. As always, the plot is clever and very complex and the story superbly written and engrossing. Lovers of the series may find this story a little slower and more staid than the rest of Bliss’ adventures but I can assure them it is just as good, just in a different way. Bliss may be a little calmer but the great witty banter between him and Chandler still continues, and Bliss, a little more battered by life, continues to fight another day. And with the hints at what is to come for Bliss in his working life the good news is it looks like there is more to come in this excellent series! 5*

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author certainly knows how to grab his readers attention from the start! A murder suicide which throws doubt on a previous case as to whether it was in fact an unlawful killing. Bliss and his team are on the case and uncertain of what or who they are dealing with.

Even though Bliss is getting close, or for the police force even past, retirement age, he certainly is a bit of a hit with the ladies. Whilst he many not be the most sociable of people, he isn’t lacking when it comes to female attention. I still haven’t quite decided in my head yet what he looks like and whilst I don’t get the impression that he is anything like a silver haired fox, he has a definite charm about him and I’ve grown very fond of him myself over this series.

Don’t worry, it is very far from hearts and roses. The author has penned yet another dark and gritty story that will commandeer his readers, not letting them go for even a minute. There is the trademark banter that we have come to love between Bliss and some of his team. He is still very much a battle axe and not bothered in the slightest if he upsets the powers that be. His heart though lies in solving cases even if that means bending the rules occasionally.

The Lightening Rod will have readers racing through it’s pages to uncover the truth. For Bliss the case becomes one of a more personal nature that often leaves him in a bit of a dilemma due to his job. One thing you are always guaranteed with Bliss though is a thrilling chase and encounters with highly unlikeable characters that will make the hairs on the back of your next stand up. An engrossing crime thriller that set my heart racing!

My thanks to Donna Morfett for an invite to be part of the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the DI Bliss books and have been from the moment I read Bad To The Bone. Catching up with Jimmy and the team is like getting to spend time with old friends ~ that is if your friends hang out at crime scenes and are faced with, what a first inspection, seems like a murder-suicide.

This is the tenth book in the series, and to be honest, they just keep getting better. I struggle when reviewing Tony Forder's books, mainly because I struggle to find enough superlatives to adequately describe the quality of the writing. I love everything about this book from the exceptional attention to detail to the interaction and banter between the characters.

Jimmy and his team are faced with of their most difficult challenges, coming up against the almost mythical Lightning Rod, a man used when the criminal underworld needs a fixer ~ to get rid of problems without appearing to be involved. How do they go about finding someone who is to all intents and purposes a ghost? What follows has the reader learning along with the team, so you become an extension of it, which increases your investment in their success. Even more than previous books, you celebrate the triumphs and despair when frustration stymies the investigation. But the MCU aren't the only ones involved in the case, or should I say cases, as more come to light ~ enter the NCA in the form of Frank Rogers and add in the Met for good measure. Along with the current case, the author also lays possibilities for where the future might take Jimmy as retirement looms.

The Lightning Rod is brilliant, pure and simple. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would ~ in a heartbeat.

I received an ARC copy of this novel from the author, the opinion is my own.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don't think there are enough superlatives to use when describing this book. We have now gotten to book 10 in the series and I've enjoyed the journey with them to get to this point.

Bliss is nearing retirement age so his fear and uncertainty about what happens at that point jumps off the page. In the meantime, the discovery of a murdered family has links to an old case that was written off as a murder-suicide. When it becomes clear that this is not the case and there are more linked cases, Bliss and the team are a bit sidelined when other regional forces and the NCA now get involved. Great to see the return of Frank Rogers in this one. Fans of the author will remember him from the excellent Degrees of Darkness book. On top of all this, there is a review of the team's handling of the previous case but although Jimmy was not involved at the time, you can feel his loyalty and belief in his team and their methods. That makes me like him even more.

While the book is a terrific police procedural, for me it's the characters and their interactions and banter that make the book. You can feel the emotions of each one and it makes me feel so invested in the team and the investigation. It's amazing how involved you can get in a work of fiction.

As we get nearer to Bliss's retirement, I am feeling quite scared of what will happen. It can't be the end. What will I do without Penny and Jimmy and Bish and Gul?

The standard of this series is top notch and with each book, I wonder if there will be a dip from what has gone before. Safe to say, definitely not. A brilliant read and I feel sad now that I've finished it so soon.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always delightful when you have the next addition to a well-loved series lined up on your kindle, ready to read and I have to say, the dilemma between diving right in or slowly opening it and savouring the entire process is always a big one for me. On this occasion, with Bliss no 10 to tempt me, I dove straight in and was immediately lulled into a pleasantly familiar meeting with friends.
As ever, the cameraderie between Bliss and his team is joyful to behold and in The Lightning Rod his loyalty to his team has never been more apparent.
With a cold case linked to a current investigation of a quite brutal family murder, Bliss and his team have their work cut out as they try to make plausible links between the two cases.
The cameo appearance of Frank Rogers (a character from a standalone book called Degrees of Darkness) was welcome (a great character whom I always wanted to see again, so that was a great hook for me). It also added an alternate dimension to the plot as Bliss, not for the fisrst time, is forced to play nicely with other organisations.
The Lightning Rod is a police procedural that manages to balance the 'procedure' with action, taut plotting and good humour - three of the most necessary elements of a good ploice procedural.The characters as ever are three dimensionaland belivable. Bliss has mellowed over the series, which I think adds to the characterisation and belivability of him as a character.
The different strands of the investigation are far-reaching and the balance between intuition and good policing is razor sharp.
I loved reading this book and am on tenterhooks to find out where Forder will take Bliss in his next outing.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the tenth book in this series! Tony J. Forder goes from strength to strength with the Bliss series. Be it book one or this book you pick up you can expect a tale that is just as fresh and intriguing. This is a series that's one of my favourites. I could not wait to see what was next for Jimmy Bliss and just hoped it wouldn't be retirement!
As always it's a proper belter of a read. What begins as a 'simple'(?!) Call out to a murder turns into the team finding themselves under investigation, and under so much pressure to discover the answers to two cases. One from the past and this present day case. They soon discover they are dealing with a 'fixer'. One that is scrupulous and skilled. The team have to find out who hired them and why?
Tony J. Forder has done it again. I almost gave myself R.S.I! The speed in which I was turning pages just because I couldn't wait to see how everything was going to go for Jimmy and his team. The suspense was there right away, from the very first chapter and it just increases throughout the book. With a Fixer that knows exactly what he's doing, has Bliss found a case thats going to beat him?
It's a complex tale from an exceptional storyteller. Tony J.Forder has made sure that there are enough twists, turns and dead ends to make it such a gripping, captivating read yet again.
These characters make it feel like I have come back to be with my friends. Then there are the new characters to meet. These will no doubt be old friends, if this series keeps going long enough, I do hope so! Another excellent chapter in Jimmy Bliss's career.
Thanks to DLM Tours and Tony J.Forder for the copy of the books.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Bliss has got his hands full. There has been what initially looks like a murder-suicide however the SOCO manager remembers one only too well that wasn’t just similar - it was identical so great care has to be taken that no-one is likely to lead where they really shouldn’t be going. The higher-ups take great interest and Jimmy soon finds that despite his boss’s boss placating the team he is out to find mistakes from the first time and blame the original crew- some of whom are in Jimmy’s team. Jimmy being Jimmy is livid but thankfully finds support in those around him. What is the connection between the two scenes, is there much more than meets the eye, and can justice finally be served - not only to those behind the tragedies but in serving officers as well?

OMG. I'm in awe of Tony and his mindset. The initial scenes are so well thought out and written so the reader can understand them easily. The thinking behind them however is mind blowing and it's as if Tony was sitting in on several meetings taking notes as to who thought and said what. This isn't a straightforward case as you can tell from above, but so meticulously told and crafted it has taken a special sort of brain to even think of it, let alone put it down on paper!
A truly wonderful story that I didn’t want to end. I’d love to hug Jimmy (and Tony if he’d let me) for the warmth that shines through every one of these books. A stunning, gripping, real page turner. 10* if I could.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lightning Rod by Tony J. Forder
D.I. Bliss #10

Every book in this series that I have read has been a tour de force and worth every moment spent reading it. Once again Bliss has shown his strength, led his team, and solved the original case that opens the story…what a WILD ride this one was!

What I liked:
* D.I. Jimmy Bliss: widow, owner of Max – a golden retriever rescue dog, leader of a homicide team, intrepid, older, and considering his future
* Reconnecting with the team and finding out how they are doing
* Learning what an ‘urgent case review’ is, when it is done, by whom, and why it might be carried out
* The murder-suicide scene that proved to be more…and what it led to
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* Getting glimpses into the personal lives of some of the characters
* Being able to hate the bad guys and wondering what makes them tick
* Knowing I would NOT like to have been in the shoes of some who met up with the ‘fixer’
* The last chapter and wondering about the impact it had on the characters in that chapter as well as perhaps others
* Hoping that there will be another book in the series and wondering what will happen in it.

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that the crimes and evil in this book is all too common in real life

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author and DLM Book Tours for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars – A Gripping and Gritty Thriller That Hits Hard!

Tony J Forder delivers another masterclass in crime fiction with The Lightning Rod. From the first page, I was hooked. This is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the very last line.

The story centers on DI Jimmy Bliss, a deeply layered and compelling lead whose experience and emotional depth make him one of the most authentic detectives in modern crime fiction. In this installment, Bliss is faced with a series of murders that appear random—until connections begin to unravel in the most chilling ways. The investigation leads him into a dark web of secrets, vengeance, and moral ambiguity that kept me guessing at every turn.

Forder's writing is razor-sharp. He masterfully balances gritty realism with emotional depth, and his dialogue is spot-on—natural, smart, and often laced with subtle humor. The pacing is relentless, yet never rushed. Each twist feels earned, and every character, no matter how minor, is given a sense of purpose and believability.

One of the standout aspects of The Lightning Rod is how well Forder explores the psychological toll of police work. Bliss isn’t just solving crimes—he’s battling his own inner demons, and that dual struggle adds a powerful layer to the narrative.

Fans of intelligent, character-driven crime thrillers will not be disappointed. If you're already a follower of the Bliss series, this book is an absolute must-read. If you're new to Tony J Forder, this is a perfect (and addictive) place to start.

Highly recommended!

[Sallie Greenhalgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to read the latest instalment of DI Bliss from Tony Forder. Bliss is an old school DI who will rest at nothing to solve the crime but has the back of his team no matter what. He needs both skills sets in abundance in this latest book. A probable murder suicide reminds Bish & Gul of a similar crime committed when Bliss was not working at Peterborough - but how could the same person be involved in both? Further investigation brings in a detective from another force to review the initial crime on the assumption that the team missed something. Incensed Bliss stands up for his team trusting that there was no evidence missed. In solving his current case Bliss discovers similar crimes up and down the country. In a rare moment of downtime Bliss ‘randomly’ runs into an old flame from his teenage years and they hit it off very well. But is this just a distraction for Bliss? Then Bliss goes missing for a few hours and tongues start wagging.
This is Tony Forder at his best - the twists and turns are incredible, the writing awesome and you continue to learn more about not only Bliss but his long-suffering colleagues. Whilst Chandler still has a key role to play its great to see Bish and Gul growing in their roles, and you can see Bliss’ succession planning happening.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough - and if you haven’t read the previous ones, you must.
I was given this book in exchange for a review, but all views are my own.

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
This book is another DI Bliss book. And as you would expect he is still ruffling a few feathers to get the job done.
Although in this book we see the return of a familiar face from one of Tony's earlier books Degrees of Darkness, Frank Rogers, where his daughter was kidnapped by a serial killer, another great book, if you haven't read it I'd recommend it. Now back to this book, it's a multi agency effort to try to bring down an exceptionally good fixer.
Tony has an amazing imagination to be able to write these books, either that or he is a secret psychopath and he's trying to tell us through his writing 😆
This book had me gripped from the first chapter and has left me wanting more.
The way that Bliss and Chandler bounce off each other like an old married couple is fantastic, because I'd imagine that a partnership that has lasted as long as theirs has would breed that kind of familiarity, and they work so well together, even when they disagree.
All of the characters are well written and you believe their stories.
I for one believe that there is a team of detectives working for major crimes in Peterborough, because Tony makes them that believable.
This is why Tony is my unicorn author and so special to me, because he makes me believe.

[Jon Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars all the way, Tony J. Forder has done it again with the continuation of his excellent D.I. Bliss series.
Jimmy Bliss is called to the scene of an apparent murder suicide, but the crime scene manager has already decided that it’s the murder of a complete family by the same perpetrator of a previous murder/suicide several years ago and before Jimmy’s time in Peterborough. What’s the connection apart from the near identical circumstances? This leads to a review involving part of his team who were on the original investigation, what if anything did they miss? It also means that Jimmy’s hands are tied as to the scope of how to proceed, but proceed they must.
A fast paste adrenaline pumping story line with lots of twists and turns, nothing is what it seems.
Jimmy Bliss and his partner in crime D.S. Penny Chandler are such brilliantly crafted characters full of quirks and banter, that you are there with them every step of the way, along with the rest of the serious crime squad.
It was also great that Tony bought back a brilliant character from one of his earlier books Frank Rogers from Degrees of darkness.
Every part of this book is an adrenaline rush from one of the best story tellers today and I’ve said it before up there with the greats, in fact he is surely one of them now

[Jennifer Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time spent in the company of Bliss is time well spent and this latest adventure is no different. In the 9th book of the series I felt the main character developed and overcame many demons so I was excited to see where this went to in book 10. I wasn't disappointed. Bliss and his team create the perfect police series. I genuinely care about them and want to follow their journey and Tony Forder has the ability to make me laugh and cry which I did with this book. The pace is fast and there is a lot to the story line which in some ways I felt could have plunged deeper at times but it certainly kept me guessing and at times nervously on the edge of my seat. In this story we find Bliss trying to find a serial killer whilst protecting the reputations of some of his team. He becomes personally involved in the case via links to his past and as the story twists and turns at great speed it covers so much ground. There is so much going on to keep you engrossed. I can't wait to see where bliss goes next. His career is at a crossroad now and there are several ways he can go. They will all offer brilliant future story lines but I know I will miss some of the great characters that this series has created if we move away from them. Such is the power of a great series and a great author, both of which you have here.

[Books 'n' All Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Bliss is back in this stunning addition to the series.

The story starts with the scene of a murder that is very similar to a suicide/murder case a few years ago. Did the team get it wrong with the earlier case? Was something missed? As the team find themselves being investigated the pressure is on to find answers to both cases.

It soon becomes clear that they are dealing with a very meticulous and talented fixer. But the question on everyone's mind is who is hiring this fixer and why.

As with all Tony's books the suspense starts at the beginning and continues to ramp up all the way through. It is a complex story with many threads. False trails lead to dead ends and this fixer is good, very good and also forensically aware. Will this be the case that Bliss can't crack?

I loved catching up with familiar characters and meeting new ones. The story is unique and complex it really got the adrenaline pumping.

A brilliant read as always. 5 stars from me. Thank you to the author for the ARC in return for my honest, unbiased review.

[Kathryn sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I was excited to receive my ARC of the latest in the Bliss series “The Lightning Rod “. Reading the latest from Tony Forder was like making a visit to family. All the familiar characters were present; there was the wonderful banter between colleagues and of course there was the Patriarch, the engaging DI Bliss who leads us through this latest case. The Lightning Rod is another gripping story which has you eagerly turning the pages to discover the twists and turns as the team investigate another case . At first view it looks straightforward but inevitably it becomes dark and complex as cases from other areas become interlinked.
As usual the story is fast paced, the characters brilliantly created and the police procedure detailed.
As Bliss is nearing inevitable retirement let’s hope Tony finds him a new role that will enable him to carry on his investigations into books 11, 12, 13 …………..

[Mrs Claire L Troote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Outstanding

Here we are with the 10th Bliss book and they just seem to get better and better.

This book has Bliss and the team searching for this vicious killer across the length and breadth of the UK. Ultimately a multi agency task force is created which reunites Bliss with faces from his past. What makes this killer so dangerous and difficult to catch is they seem to change their M.O. with each kill, but often make the murders appear like accidents or murder/suicides. Not everyone is even convinced that there is a single killer behind these seemingly unrelated cases

If the task force is correct, this killer had been killing for years, sometimes wiping out entire families and they need to be stopped but how can they do that when they have no idea who is responsible or why they kill. When but when the killer makes an easily overlooked misstep, the team spots a connection and the hunt is on. Can they stop this killer before they take any more lives?

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When DI Jimmy Bliss is called out to a crime scene it looks like a murder suicide ..But something doesn't sit right with him , and when the crime scene manager points out similarities to a past crime scene from 2017 ..Superintendent Haskel is sent to Thorpe Wood to review the first case immediately...putting the reputation of some of Bliss's team at risk ...When Frank Rogers, who now leads up the New Serious Crimes Team appears at the station, , Bliss is grateful for his help .. and so begins 'Operation Insulate ' ...As connections to similar crimes surface from other areas it begins to look like they have a dark and dangerous killer on the loose .. Bliss , Chandler and the whole of the team soon find they are dealing with a killer with a heart of stone ...This case is perhaps the most complex Bliss has ever encountered ...but for Bliss Integrity is more than words it's in his actions , his soul and his blood ...Fast , Gritty a story with a pulse 5 stars .....Another Brilliant read from Tony Forder

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blissettes assemble! Ok, not just Blissettes,but I defy anyone who enjoys the crime genre not to love this book. I know this is the tenth in the series but they just get better & this is my favourite so far.

Bliss & Chandler find themselves investigating a particularly brutal crime which on the surface looks like a murder-suicide, but is it? Similarities with another case start to ring bells & then other forces cases come to light too.

I love this authors’ writing style, so easy to read & the conversations are written in such a way that you are involved in them. Bliss is a fantastic character. Rough around the edges & not always PC but he has a heart of gold, & as if you couldn’t love him enough - he now has added dog power.

A complex case with added decisions to be made on Bliss’ future. A brilliant read & I'm ready for number 11. No pressure Mr Forder!